Walking Spirit

Yes, it's true. We made the decision on Friday that the pain caused by the extra bone growing at the end of my left leg was not going to go away. It's bearable for a while but not enough for me to wear the prostheses for long periods of time. This is preventing me from moving forward. So, it's time to take a step back.

On Monday morning I'll be admitted for surgery at Wishard. The surgery should be at about 11:30 am as long as no emergencies get in the way. On the bright side, I'm no longer considered an emergency! They'll be removing the extra bone only, so I won't be losing any length. The way that it's been described to me, normal bone is like a tree branch while this new growth is more like coral. It's growing off the end, to the inside, and up. Due to the consistency of the bone Dr. Stewart says that she can cut the bone off without bothering my femur. While she's in there she's going to cut the ends off of a couple screws that are apparently too long.

I'll be staying at Wishard Monday night and then on Tuesday morning I'll be going to IU Med where they will irradiate (is that the right word?) the end of my leg. The purpose of this is to stop the cells from multiplying. This should prevent any further growth. It's not guaranteed but what really is anymore? If I haven't mentioned it before there is a chance that the bone could grow back. In fact, the bone could grow anywhere in my body. It's not a result of the amputations, but rather the burn trauma. It occurs with Burn, Spinal, and Brain trauma.

Once I have healed, which may be another 4 to 6 weeks, I'll get another fitting on my left leg and a new socket will be made for my prostheses (sp?). Hopefully then the legs will become more practical for me to wear everyday instead of being a novelty.

It's difficult for me to stay positive right now because of the step back, and because of a rather nasty cold that has crept up on me. But, I have to look at it like this. If I were trying to push a boulder out of my way and it wouldn't move I could waste the rest of my life trying to force it or I could step back, rethink the problem, and find another way around the boulder. With any luck this surgery will make it possible for me to walk most places as opposed to pushing myself around in a wheelchair. I promise, someone will let you know how the surgery goes on Monday. Till then have a great weekend!