Walking Spirit

Well, at long last I've finished reading all the wonderful things you've all had to say while I was either napping or standing in as a pin cushion for many nurses and doctor's. Yes, it's me typing this one! Sarah and Colleen have done a wonderful job (for which I am truly thankful), but now it's time for them to get some rest (if a mother can truly get any rest). The point is they shouldn't have to worry about keeping everyone updated anymore. I'm alive and I'm recovering; I'll continue to update the blog on a weekly basis as my sister has done so vigilantly.

I want to thank you all for the love, prayers, and support that you have given me throughout this ordeal. If not for you, I truly believe that I wouldn't have made the recovery that I have to date. Unfortunately the road is long and, though I feel stronger everyday, there will continue to be set backs and I will need you now more than ever. Please understand that my focus is completely on recovery at this point. Do not take it personal if I haven't returned a message or have not contacted you yet. As I become more independent and adjust to my new way of life I will also rejoin society bit by bit. Right now I'm more focused on healing, both physical and emotional, which tends to be fairly internal for me. I will reach out to each of you (those that I know how to reach) in time.

So, that said, here's the update for the week! Our prayers for my right leg to finish healing were answered! Unfortunately the doctors didn't agree with the therapists and felt that the grafts on my right leg need a couple more months to toughen up before we put a prosthetic on them. So, now our focus turns toward the left leg, which has more abrasions that need to heal, but also has more of my original skin intact. The doctors feel that we will be ready to measure for a temporary prosthetic on the left leg at the end of February! I don't really mind the set back on the legs because I know the doctors have my best interests at heart. It will also give my right wrist more time to heal as it has been determined that yet another surgery will be necessary.

I have been experiencing a sort of numbness in my thumb, index, and middle finger on my right hand. The hope was that this would improve in time but it has not. Also, the muscle at the base of my thumb has begun to atrophy which, if left unchecked, could lead to the loss of the use of my thumb. The doctors pointed out to me that the thumb is what makes us human. (I knew this already but lets allow them to have their moment in the sun.) So, as I do not want to become sub-human I will be going back under the knife either next week or the week after.

The surgery will be a 30 minute outpatient surgery with a local anesthetic. Not so tough compared to the others. What they are doing is called a carpal (sp?) tunnel release. This surgery will also allow me to have an easier time adjusting to crutches and canes and other equipment that I will have to use to be mobile. The bad news is that I will not be able to put full weight on my right wrist for 2 - 6 weeks! This will slow down my return to my own house but it should not affect the timing on the legs. I'm not to upset about that either because Mom, and many of you, are keeping me well fed!

That's the update for now. Thanks again for all of your comments, prayers, and support. Also, thanks for reading this book. I had no idea that I would be able to type this much the first time. The rest won't be as long, I promise. Have a great week!

Love to all,
Jeremy