Before I get into the matters at hand, I must preface this post with a note. I wasn't sure if this blog was the space for a deeply personal story -- a story that isn't exactly my own. After much thought and some debate, I decided to go ahead and tell the world about my dad. For starters, I'm just so flipping proud of him, and I hope readers will be able to share in his triumphs. Second, if my dad's story helps just one person or family going through similar circumstances, then I've done my job.
For those of you who already know what you're about to read, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love and support. My family and I would not have been able to get through this without you.
For those of you who already know what you're about to read, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love and support. My family and I would not have been able to get through this without you.
About two months ago, my dad experienced abnormal pain in his right foot and opted to have surgery to remove some bone spurs. The procedure went well, and my dad was sent on his way with instructions to not drive, put no weight on his foot and have regular visits with the orthopedic surgeon.
Things seemed to be going well. The common phrase we heard nearly every week was that "the wound was healing nicely." Well, most of it was. A small section near the bone in his foot just wasn't filling in, but medical professionals didn't seem terribly concerned. They'd seen this kind of thing before.
Turns out, it wasn't normal. My father began experiencing more pain in his foot and developed a low-grade fever that wouldn't go away. One thing led to another and Dad was rushed to the hospital Wednesday afternoon. The bone had become infected and the condition was life-threatening. Early Friday morning, just over 24 hours after being admitted to the hospital, the decision was made to amputate a portion of my dad's leg.
Terrified, shocked and a little overwhelmed, I rushed home. I had no idea what to expect and no idea what I might find. I quickly learned I had no reason to worry. To my surprise and delight, my dad isn't just doing great -- he's doing awesome! I found him upbeat, alert and determined to get through this. So determined that Saturday morning, the day after having his leg amputated, he walked from the bed in his room to a chair with a little help from a walker and his new physical therapist. It was astonishing. I have never met a stronger, more determined person, and I'm so proud to call this guy Dad!
Things seemed to be going well. The common phrase we heard nearly every week was that "the wound was healing nicely." Well, most of it was. A small section near the bone in his foot just wasn't filling in, but medical professionals didn't seem terribly concerned. They'd seen this kind of thing before.
Turns out, it wasn't normal. My father began experiencing more pain in his foot and developed a low-grade fever that wouldn't go away. One thing led to another and Dad was rushed to the hospital Wednesday afternoon. The bone had become infected and the condition was life-threatening. Early Friday morning, just over 24 hours after being admitted to the hospital, the decision was made to amputate a portion of my dad's leg.
Terrified, shocked and a little overwhelmed, I rushed home. I had no idea what to expect and no idea what I might find. I quickly learned I had no reason to worry. To my surprise and delight, my dad isn't just doing great -- he's doing awesome! I found him upbeat, alert and determined to get through this. So determined that Saturday morning, the day after having his leg amputated, he walked from the bed in his room to a chair with a little help from a walker and his new physical therapist. It was astonishing. I have never met a stronger, more determined person, and I'm so proud to call this guy Dad!
Dad was up and walking just a day after surgery! The medical staff at the hospital said he is one of the best patients they've ever had. I'm so proud of you, Dad!
There are so many people my family and I have to give special thanks to. In no particular order, we express deep and sincere gratitude to:
The nursing staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital
Dad calls these folks angels of mercy and there is just no other way to describe what they do. Dad has received excellent round-the-clock care from courteous, professional, cheerful nurses, aides and assistants who give 110% every day. You have made this so much easier on all of us, and we cannot thank you enough for what you've done. I have to give a special shout out to Jason, the night nurse. I didn't get a chance to meet Jason, but my parents can't stop talking about "what a cool guy" he is :)
TJ Brooks
This wounded warrior who lost his leg three years ago dropped everything to take an emergency call with my dad the night before dad's surgery. Because of their conversation, my dad went into surgery with calm nerves and strong confidence knowing he had made the right decision. TJ, you'll always be our hero.
Hospital Chaplains
Dad is a devout Catholic and I know it made him feel so much better to go to confession and receive Communion before going into surgery. Thank you for offering peace and love in a place so full of uncertainty.
My coworkers at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
As soon as news came in that Dad was in the hospital, I was told to "do what I need to do" and "don't worry about work." I'm so lucky to work at a fantastic organization with people who are so supportive and kind. You guys rock my socks!
Friends and Family
You know who you are. Words cannot express how much your phone calls, hospital visits and little favors mean to us.
The nursing staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital
Dad calls these folks angels of mercy and there is just no other way to describe what they do. Dad has received excellent round-the-clock care from courteous, professional, cheerful nurses, aides and assistants who give 110% every day. You have made this so much easier on all of us, and we cannot thank you enough for what you've done. I have to give a special shout out to Jason, the night nurse. I didn't get a chance to meet Jason, but my parents can't stop talking about "what a cool guy" he is :)
TJ Brooks
This wounded warrior who lost his leg three years ago dropped everything to take an emergency call with my dad the night before dad's surgery. Because of their conversation, my dad went into surgery with calm nerves and strong confidence knowing he had made the right decision. TJ, you'll always be our hero.
Hospital Chaplains
Dad is a devout Catholic and I know it made him feel so much better to go to confession and receive Communion before going into surgery. Thank you for offering peace and love in a place so full of uncertainty.
My coworkers at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
As soon as news came in that Dad was in the hospital, I was told to "do what I need to do" and "don't worry about work." I'm so lucky to work at a fantastic organization with people who are so supportive and kind. You guys rock my socks!
Friends and Family
You know who you are. Words cannot express how much your phone calls, hospital visits and little favors mean to us.
My dad is expected to be transferred to an in-patient physical therapy center on Monday. He'll get fitted for a prosthetic somewhere between 3 and 4 months down the road. Recovery will be a long and potentially difficult process, but I know my dad is going to do great. Of course I will keep you all updated on dad's progress and his triumphs as he enters this new chapter in life.
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