Update - August 19, 2010
Bethel and I traveled to Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital on Wednesday, August 18, 2010. It has been seven weeks since our last visit. Our first appointment was with the neck/spine doctor. This was a follow-up visit for the fracture in the neck, but it has healed without any complications. I have had a "shocking/tingling" sensation in my neck when I lean my head down/forward. Dr. Hee Haw said, "Don't lean your head forward!" (Just Kidding). He reviewed the CAT scans and said it would be a good idea to have an MRI. It is possible that there is a bulging disc in my neck. However, this is uncertain - thus, the MRI. We'll see.
Our next visit that afternoon was with the orthopedic doctor. Technology can be a bummer sometimes, but when it is working correctly, it saves time and guesswork. The last time we went to hospital/comp rehab center a portion of their computer system network had been down for three days. This time, everything was up and running. Did you know that the x-ray technician can do a series of x-rays and the doctor has immediate access to those x-rays on his/her computer? So, after I reclined in various and sundry positions on the “solid” x-ray table, the doctor was able to review these before coming in to examine me. He also pulled them up and reviewed them with us on a computer in the room. He was thrilled that the hip was healing properly and did not appear to show any signs of complications. I have pain/soreness associated with the incisions and where the screws were put in, but no pain in the hip itself. Of course, that may change a little bit as I apply more weight. The doctor was also pleased with the way the leg was healing. He pointed out where the lower section of the break was healing well. The middle and upper section are also healing, but again, because the bone was so fragmented in the leg it is going to take more time to heal. He mentioned "six months" for the first time. He feels it will probably take that long before I can put my full weight on my leg. He did increase my weight bearing status to 50% and is allowing me to use a cane in the house. This is a big improvement, I think? I have not road tested my new cane yet!!
I have follow-up appointments scheduled for six weeks and he still has me on "light duty" for work. I have also been moved from in-home physical therapy to outpatient physical and aquatic therapy. I can tell that I am making good progress and am aiming for a full recovery. I may not run a marathon this year, but who knows about the years to come? Watch out Boston and New York!
Our spiritual lives are like that as followers of Christ ... one day at a time, one step at a time. We are in an endurance race. I take great comfort from the inspiring words found in the book of Hebrews. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:1-3). I have no reason to complain (although I do at times) when I consider what Christ endured. Thanks for remembering us in your prayers.
Joyfully Healing,
Keith and Bethel
