Yesterday Richard had his 3rd, and hopefully final, foot/leg/ankle surgery. Everything went well. He now has internal plates and screws in both legs. He has large, fashionable splints on right now. Looking forward and with the best case scenario, in 2 weeks, they will take off Richards leg splints and remove the “staples.” Which sounds just lovely. At this time (in 2 weeks) they will put casts on his legs which will be on for 2 more weeks. After these 4 weeks they hope to be able to fit him for “boot casts” which can be removed for “in bed physical therapy.” He would have these boots for 6 additional weeks. Although he will not be able to bear weight at all with the boots. So, in a nutshell, he will not be able to start to get up on his legs/feet for about 3 more months. However, they said within a few days he will be ready for some passive in-bed physical therapy and that he can start to sit up. (which he did for a little bit today) Next they hope to get him to sit up with his hanging legs down. They say he will probably pass out when they do this the first time. I will be sure to video-tape. Just kidding. I’m not that mean…
Also, some more great news is that Shepherds Center came and evaluated Richard this morning, now that all his major surgeries are completed. They said that he will be moving to Shepherds this week, and it could be as early as tomorrow. YAY! Although, at this time, Shepherds is only accepting him for a two week stay. They said he needs to be bearing weight on his legs for them to really work with him. And after two weeks, will probably send him home till he can bear weight. However, the doctors all say he is not a candidate to be at home. This issue will be something that only time will tell and that will be evaluated again after he has been there 2 weeks. Please pray that whatever happens in this instance will be the very best for Richard.
Another update: Richard got a new arm splint today. I have only seen pics of it, but my mom assures me that it looks “pretty cool.” I don’t take this to mean it is actually cool, as I think our “cool-meter” has been significantly altered in the last 2.5 weeks. I think the new gear is just to stabilize his arm a little more and make it so he can begin to move it. Adding to all this, my mom is not cool. …So, take this 411 with a grain of salt. :) Love ya mom.
Please pray that Richards pain will be diminished. He is in so much pain from his leg surgery, more than he has probably been in thus far. Also, pray that he will not have too much difficulty moving off of morphine. At Shepherds Center he will not be able to have his morphine pump. Also pray for the situation regarding his stay at Shepherds…That whatever happens will be the very best for Richard. Thank God for the fast transfer to Shepherds and for the open door to go there!
And lastly, for the first two weeks Richard will be at Shepherd, he will not be able to have visitors, except family. I know I had indicated on here that his friends would be able to visit at such time, but these first two weeks will be different than when he is there as a resident. Thanks for understanding.
…And I’m out.
