MEDICAL UPDATE 5/1/08

This morning was the critical "3-months out" appointment with the surgeon.

First, the infection. He says it's looking "good" so far. It still hurts and it looks kinda ugly, but apparently it's doing what it's supposed to do. Also, he said he was surprised at the results. He was expecting things to be worse. As it turns out all tests indicate that the bug did NOT attach itself to the metal and that it appears to be a completely localized situation.

Back to the original purpose for the visit. He looked at the x-rays and decided it's time for the physical therapy to begin. He says everything in both heels looks good and I can go start learning how to walk again and he was absolutely giddy. I take that as a good sign. It should take about a year before I am able to just walk normally like walking with "J" through the grocery store. I can also start weaning off the boots under direction from the therapists. Getting those off and starting to use a walker are the next big milestones.

So we are continuing on the antibiotics for another couple of weeks, we can go visit the physical therapists and decide where to go and then get that started, then go back to see the surgeon in 2 weeks to check on the status of the infection.

Beyond that, it's all physical therapy and working towards walking again.

Here we go!