As promised, I've got an update on Dad's progress. Unfortunately, the news isn't what we hoped for. More on that in a minute.
To recap, due to complications with what was supposed to be a minor surgery, my father had his right leg amputated below the knee in July. He amazed doctors with his positive attitude and ability to demonstrate mobility just days after the surgery. Since August, he's been living at home where he's kept to a strict regimen that includes core strengthening.
This week, he was expecting to receive a definitive timeline from his prothsetist and orthopedic surgeon about when he would receive a temporary prosthetic, get fitted for a custom one and begin out-patient therapy. It's been nine longs weeks since Dad was moved out of in-patient therapy and he's eager to, well, get back on his feet.
However, at his most recent appointment, he learned that the residual limb is not healing as it should. The skin around the incision is folding in and to correct the problem, the doctor had to create an additional incision. Dad has been given specialized wound dressing material, called TheraBond, which he will use until his next medical appointment in approximately two weeks.
Before any amputee can receive a prosthetic, the residual limb must be completely healed. This means no bleeding, no open sores and no use of products like TheraBond. This setback could delay Dad's timeline for a prosthetic by anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. He's disappointed to say the least, but I know my dad get through this. He's strong and determined. It helps so much that friends and family from all over the country have been so supportive of him as he tackles this new journey in life.
If you'd like to leave a message for my dad, please place it in the comments below. I'll package them together as individual mini scrolls and send them as a care package in a few days. I know he would really appreciate hearing from you. xoxo
To recap, due to complications with what was supposed to be a minor surgery, my father had his right leg amputated below the knee in July. He amazed doctors with his positive attitude and ability to demonstrate mobility just days after the surgery. Since August, he's been living at home where he's kept to a strict regimen that includes core strengthening.
This week, he was expecting to receive a definitive timeline from his prothsetist and orthopedic surgeon about when he would receive a temporary prosthetic, get fitted for a custom one and begin out-patient therapy. It's been nine longs weeks since Dad was moved out of in-patient therapy and he's eager to, well, get back on his feet.
However, at his most recent appointment, he learned that the residual limb is not healing as it should. The skin around the incision is folding in and to correct the problem, the doctor had to create an additional incision. Dad has been given specialized wound dressing material, called TheraBond, which he will use until his next medical appointment in approximately two weeks.
Before any amputee can receive a prosthetic, the residual limb must be completely healed. This means no bleeding, no open sores and no use of products like TheraBond. This setback could delay Dad's timeline for a prosthetic by anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. He's disappointed to say the least, but I know my dad get through this. He's strong and determined. It helps so much that friends and family from all over the country have been so supportive of him as he tackles this new journey in life.
If you'd like to leave a message for my dad, please place it in the comments below. I'll package them together as individual mini scrolls and send them as a care package in a few days. I know he would really appreciate hearing from you. xoxo
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