I have had a new cast since last Friday and it is much more tolerable. I was able to put lotion on the leg last Friday also and this has helped significantly with the itching! The incision on the inside of the foot has continued to have a burning and painful feeling, which I've never had before, so there could easily be an infection beginning or something else happening. The feeling is not there continually but when it does hurt, it is pretty strong. I will be able to see it again next Monday, so hopefully nothing big has developed by then. Physical therapy will likely begin about two weeks after the final cast is removed on March 12th. I e-mailed my surgeon in Chicago recently and updated her, but have not heard back from her yet. I am trying to eat lots of protein to aid in healing.
As for getting he bone stimulator to help with bone healing, I am still working with my insurance company on this. It doesn't look like it is going to happen, but we are still trying. We have started an "appeal" process to make the case of it being a medical necessity, but the process is slow and long. The device would work after the cast is removed also, but the idea was to use it early on. It is not something that I will not pay for on my own. It would be great to have, but it is not the end of the world if it doesn't get approved.
I was able to hire four new employees last week and all begin tomorrow, so this will help significantly in the Village. We have kids (100+ each day) four days this week, so our busy season has started! My mom will continue to take me to work each day & pick up - likely until mid-March. The scooter continues to be a lifesaver at work and allows me to move around our building without needing to use the crutches.
Keep praying that the incision that was still open last week will close naturally and that no infection will develop. I have done stitches in this incision in the past and they have not been successful. Skin grafting could be used in the worst case, but this means more surgery and I'd like to avoid this if at all possible. Once I begin to put weight on the foot it becomes very difficult for it to close, so if it is going to happen naturally this needs to occur soon. My artificial hip is also "done" with the entire ordeal, so hopefully the pain in this area will improve after the other leg/foot can be used. Thanks for your continued prayers!
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Three Weeks and Counting ....
Happy Friday! I returned to the surgeon this afternoon for a quick appointment to have the cast checked inside. I have had significant leg pain over the past week and the incision on the left of the foot has not felt right. Sure enough, the leg had swollen so much inside the cast that some of the casting material became compressed and started to cut off circulation. A large area had become bruised and didn't look good. Needless to say, the cast needed to be loosened significantly. I now have a pink cast and with the pressure relieved, it already feels somewhat better.
March 5 - Incision Check & Cast Change
March 12 - Final Cast Off (hopefully!)
The incision on the left of the foot is about 7-8 inches long and part of it is from the original incision. This area has now been opened and closed nine times and the skin is no longer healing like it should. The surgeon doesn't think an infection has started, but it should look much better than it does. Part of the skin is still open and it has not closed (like it should) as of yet. I've had this problem in the past and we never did get it to close, so I am not sure what we will do if it continues the way it is now.
Since the incision appears to be an "issue," I am going back to the surgeon on Monday, March 5th to see if anything has improved. My insurance company is not cooperating with the approval of the "bone stimulator," so I am not sure if this will happen. My Chicago doctor spoke with the insurance company yesterday and now we are beginning an appeal process, which will likely take another 2-3 weeks. The insurance company wants to wait 90 days and if the bones don't heal (called nonunion), then they will pay for the device. Crazy thinking .... they are not into being proactive.
Keep praying for no infection to begin and that the incision will heal itself ... the open incision has been a major struggle in the past and it looks like we are beginning to go down the same path. The foot still looks straight on appearance, but no weight on it yet still.
Thinking a pedicure is somewhere in the future ..... Have a great weekend!
March 5 - Incision Check & Cast Change
March 12 - Final Cast Off (hopefully!)
The incision on the left of the foot is about 7-8 inches long and part of it is from the original incision. This area has now been opened and closed nine times and the skin is no longer healing like it should. The surgeon doesn't think an infection has started, but it should look much better than it does. Part of the skin is still open and it has not closed (like it should) as of yet. I've had this problem in the past and we never did get it to close, so I am not sure what we will do if it continues the way it is now.
Since the incision appears to be an "issue," I am going back to the surgeon on Monday, March 5th to see if anything has improved. My insurance company is not cooperating with the approval of the "bone stimulator," so I am not sure if this will happen. My Chicago doctor spoke with the insurance company yesterday and now we are beginning an appeal process, which will likely take another 2-3 weeks. The insurance company wants to wait 90 days and if the bones don't heal (called nonunion), then they will pay for the device. Crazy thinking .... they are not into being proactive.
Keep praying for no infection to begin and that the incision will heal itself ... the open incision has been a major struggle in the past and it looks like we are beginning to go down the same path. The foot still looks straight on appearance, but no weight on it yet still.
Thinking a pedicure is somewhere in the future ..... Have a great weekend!
Friday, February 16, 2007
Two weeks down ....
Two weeks post-op .... yahoo! All continues to be well and hopefully the foot is healing away inside the cast. I no longer need any pain medication, so that is a big improvement. No fever or any signs of infection - knock on wood. I am sleeping through the night and appetite is back. I worked three half days this week and a friend came and picked me up early - thanks Carol! I didn't work with kids in the Village this week, so it was nice to get caught up on e-mails, phone calls, and paperwork that piled up on me over the past two weeks. Due to some staffing changes at work, I suddenly need to hire an additional two part-time individuals to help me in the Village. Pray that I find two people quickly ... I see almost 1,000 kids during the first two weeks in March & this is a bit overwhelming considering I am not a walking. It will work out, but I need to find two energetic individuals who are ready to "hit the ground running."
Today my doctor ordered something called a "bone stimulator," which will aid in the healing of bones. It is an electrical device that I would wear on the outside of the cast and small electric impulses go through the cast and it promotes bone healing. It operates on a battery & you wear it several hours a day. Amazing technology! I have used it before and do believe that it helps, although it feels like you are tethered to a line with the cord. The bones that were broken during the surgery need to fuse back together and we want them to be solidly fused. I am all for anything that aids in the process of this happening!
I made a paper chain yesterday with one link for each day left in the cast (until March 12th). I am taking off 1 link each day as my "cast countdown!" It is silly, but I am very visual and it helps to see how much time is left. It helps significantly that it is cooler outisde now, so the cast is not nearly as itchy as it was in the summer months.
Generally I am feeling well . . . still loving all your cards and inspirational notes. Praying for patience, and am trying to think postively. Ready for spring . . . Have a great weekend!
Today my doctor ordered something called a "bone stimulator," which will aid in the healing of bones. It is an electrical device that I would wear on the outside of the cast and small electric impulses go through the cast and it promotes bone healing. It operates on a battery & you wear it several hours a day. Amazing technology! I have used it before and do believe that it helps, although it feels like you are tethered to a line with the cord. The bones that were broken during the surgery need to fuse back together and we want them to be solidly fused. I am all for anything that aids in the process of this happening!
I made a paper chain yesterday with one link for each day left in the cast (until March 12th). I am taking off 1 link each day as my "cast countdown!" It is silly, but I am very visual and it helps to see how much time is left. It helps significantly that it is cooler outisde now, so the cast is not nearly as itchy as it was in the summer months.
Generally I am feeling well . . . still loving all your cards and inspirational notes. Praying for patience, and am trying to think postively. Ready for spring . . . Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Thank-you, thank-you to all of you who have demonstrated love to either myself or our family over the past two years in the midst of a challenging and long medical situation. We are very blessed to special and supportive friends. My employer continues to be extremely supportive and continues to demonstrate care and concern in mighty ways. Encouraging and humorous "get well" cards continue to be in our mailbox each day and it is fun to see what arrives! People ask me all the time how I keep going and a substantial part of it is simply from the love and support of friends and family.
A sincere thanks for your love and support. God continues to be good and all of this will work to His glory in the end. Make sure you hug someone that you love today!
Big hug,
Jenny
Thank-you, thank-you to all of you who have demonstrated love to either myself or our family over the past two years in the midst of a challenging and long medical situation. We are very blessed to special and supportive friends. My employer continues to be extremely supportive and continues to demonstrate care and concern in mighty ways. Encouraging and humorous "get well" cards continue to be in our mailbox each day and it is fun to see what arrives! People ask me all the time how I keep going and a substantial part of it is simply from the love and support of friends and family.
A sincere thanks for your love and support. God continues to be good and all of this will work to His glory in the end. Make sure you hug someone that you love today!
Big hug,
Jenny
Monday, February 12, 2007
Hardware-R-Us
Look at all the hardware inside my foot?! The four large screws at the back of the foot are the "latest" pieces to be added to the foot masterpiece.
All went well at the surgeons office this morning. We removed the stitches over three incision areas and took x-rays. There are two new incisions near the heel area and toward the back of the foot. I lathered on the lotion after the stitches were removed, before the new cast was put on. Skin without water gets so itchy! The purple cast is much lighter and not nearly as bulky.
The foot looked good on the x-ray for beginning our second week and it looked straight to physically see it. It is too early to tell, if it will stay down and will remain flat. We are trying to think positive and I'd guess you'd say we are cautiously optimistic about it being corrected. In the past we thought everything looked good previously and then it wasn't, so we are trying to remain hopeful and still be realistic - fine line. It is definitely one of those, "I'll believe it when I see it" things. I worked at JA for about three hours this morning, which was fine. It was fun to see friends and co-workers & the scooter was charged up and ready to ride.
I sent a thank-you e-mail to the Chicago doctor over the weekend. She wrote back and told me that she enjoyed working with me, our family and the challenging aspect of the case. Yes, .... she will definitely win the "Doctor of the Year" award if her work solves the problem.
I will remain in the non-weight bearing cast for the next five weeks and will return to the St. Louis surgeon on Monday, March 12th. Just a waiting game from here on out .... March 12th sounds like a long ways off. Assuming all is healed at that time, we will then do the "walking boot" for several more weeks and I'll begin to put weight on the foot. March 12th will be a happy, happy day!
Keeping the faith . . .
Jenny
Friday, February 9, 2007
One week down . . .
I am at the "one week" mark today . . . glad the last week is behind us and we can now move forward. I have spent the past two days resting at home and enjoying being away from all the hospital hustle. It has been fun to receive encouraging e-mails and cards from friends. My appetite is slowly improving and I have slept well the past two nights. Looking forward to possibly trying a shower on Saturday with my leg covered in a plastic shower cover (made specifically for casts). The pain continues to be minimal and I hope to taper off the stronger pain medication over the weekend.
I continue to feel very blessed that my St. Louis surgeon was able to coordinate details with the Chicago doctor and they have a strong working relationship. The Chicago doctor told me the day before surgery that she was doing the operation to save my foot in hopes that one day I could return to a normal life and wear a shoe. She was very confident and proud of how well things went during surgery, so I was thankful for her personal satisfaction feeling (at least initially). She does want to be involved in follow-up care after I come out of the cast, so that is good. I will travel to see her as many times as needed. I may need to buy all new shoes early Spring . . . not all a bad thing! It is very likely that I will end up having feet which need two different sized shoes - Nordstroms here we come.
My office and work team has continued to be very supportive of this lengthy medical journey. I talked with them yesterday on the phone and they strongly advised me to only work half days next week and to not worry about kids in the Village. I will follow their suggestions and will work on getting a few rides home for the afternoons. The scooter arrived at JA yesterday, so that is in place and ready for me to ride! Looking forward to getting a lighter cast on Monday morning . . . the one I came home with feels like I am walking around with a bowling ball attached to my foot.
Hope you are staying warm . . . Wishing you a joyous weekend!
Jenny
I continue to feel very blessed that my St. Louis surgeon was able to coordinate details with the Chicago doctor and they have a strong working relationship. The Chicago doctor told me the day before surgery that she was doing the operation to save my foot in hopes that one day I could return to a normal life and wear a shoe. She was very confident and proud of how well things went during surgery, so I was thankful for her personal satisfaction feeling (at least initially). She does want to be involved in follow-up care after I come out of the cast, so that is good. I will travel to see her as many times as needed. I may need to buy all new shoes early Spring . . . not all a bad thing! It is very likely that I will end up having feet which need two different sized shoes - Nordstroms here we come.
My office and work team has continued to be very supportive of this lengthy medical journey. I talked with them yesterday on the phone and they strongly advised me to only work half days next week and to not worry about kids in the Village. I will follow their suggestions and will work on getting a few rides home for the afternoons. The scooter arrived at JA yesterday, so that is in place and ready for me to ride! Looking forward to getting a lighter cast on Monday morning . . . the one I came home with feels like I am walking around with a bowling ball attached to my foot.
Hope you are staying warm . . . Wishing you a joyous weekend!
Jenny
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
We Are Home!
We are home!! Yeah! Yeah! We left Chicago about 9:45am this morning (Wednesday) and arrived in St. Louis about 4:30pm. Needless to say everyone is tired, but the trip home went very smoothly and all are safe. Six days in the hospital ended up being a lot, but overall things went well. My pain is still manageable and I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed (finally) tonight - nothing like your own pillow! My appetite is still pretty minimal, but that should improve with time.
Mom will return to work tomorrow. I will spend the next few days resting at home. Stitches come out on Monday morning at my first post-op appointment with the St. Louis surgeon. (Came home in a white cast that goes almost to the knee.)
Will write more in the days ahead .... many thanks for your prayers!
Jenny
Mom will return to work tomorrow. I will spend the next few days resting at home. Stitches come out on Monday morning at my first post-op appointment with the St. Louis surgeon. (Came home in a white cast that goes almost to the knee.)
Will write more in the days ahead .... many thanks for your prayers!
Jenny
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Going Home!
Tuesday was a much better day for Jenny. . .she was able to get up more and even put on a warm-up outfit. It snowed here from 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with about 3-4" of fluffy dry snow. Since we heard it would be considerably more snow south of here, we decided to stay put for another day. It also helped her test the new medication, and it's working without nausea. It was a good quiet day of being together before we're back to the work routine.
We feel like Dorothy returning to Kansas in "The Wizard of Oz" - we just want to get home to St. Louis! We'll stop in Bloomington-Normal for a quick lunch break, then continue on south (about 3+ hours) and will be back by 4:00 p.m.
We have truly felt the positive impact of prayer through the entire 6 days here - the surgery went better than expected; the hospital and nursing care was outstanding; the hotel was very close; the doctor and physician's assistant were excellent; it was great that Twila could join us for the weekend; Jenny met a new Christian friend from Canada; and so many have shared their love and support in some other very special ways!
We thank you all for being there when we often needed an extra measure of hope and encouragement. We praise God for the healing thus far and for leading us through this.
Jenny will continue to update the blog from here on. She will be at our home recuperating for the next 6-7 weeks and will return to work as soon as possible next week. She would love to hear from you at j.eickhorst@sbcglobal.net or 636-939-9151.
Abundant blessings,
Gretchen Eickhorst
We feel like Dorothy returning to Kansas in "The Wizard of Oz" - we just want to get home to St. Louis! We'll stop in Bloomington-Normal for a quick lunch break, then continue on south (about 3+ hours) and will be back by 4:00 p.m.
We have truly felt the positive impact of prayer through the entire 6 days here - the surgery went better than expected; the hospital and nursing care was outstanding; the hotel was very close; the doctor and physician's assistant were excellent; it was great that Twila could join us for the weekend; Jenny met a new Christian friend from Canada; and so many have shared their love and support in some other very special ways!
We thank you all for being there when we often needed an extra measure of hope and encouragement. We praise God for the healing thus far and for leading us through this.
Jenny will continue to update the blog from here on. She will be at our home recuperating for the next 6-7 weeks and will return to work as soon as possible next week. She would love to hear from you at j.eickhorst@sbcglobal.net or 636-939-9151.
Abundant blessings,
Gretchen Eickhorst
Monday, February 5, 2007
Small Steps of Progress
Greetings from Chicago!
Jenny had a rocky day dealing with considerable pain and nausea, but the day ended with significant improvements. The physician's assistant prescribed a higher dose in her IV and a stronger oral medicine. This along with nausea medicine allowed her to be comfortable and begin to eat again by evening. (The pain meds stifle the appetite.)
The plan for Tuesday is to see how she's doing and attempt to discontinue the IV gradually. We're also watching the weather as a couple inches of snow are predicted for here and 2-4 inches in central Illinois. We'll make a decision by mid-day but won't take any chances after all of this!
We're both anxious to go home (especially me!) whenever the time is right.
We know your prayers made a difference today. . . to see Jenny move from misery to smiling again. She also had wonderful nurses today, and the food is exceptionally good! The cafeteria offered fresh blueberries and raspberries this morning, and everything is very reasonable.
Thank you all, and please continue to lift us up as we make the decision about leaving the safety of the hospital for the long drive back on Wed. or Thursday.
Trusting in the Great Healer,
Gretchen & Jenny
Jenny had a rocky day dealing with considerable pain and nausea, but the day ended with significant improvements. The physician's assistant prescribed a higher dose in her IV and a stronger oral medicine. This along with nausea medicine allowed her to be comfortable and begin to eat again by evening. (The pain meds stifle the appetite.)
The plan for Tuesday is to see how she's doing and attempt to discontinue the IV gradually. We're also watching the weather as a couple inches of snow are predicted for here and 2-4 inches in central Illinois. We'll make a decision by mid-day but won't take any chances after all of this!
We're both anxious to go home (especially me!) whenever the time is right.
We know your prayers made a difference today. . . to see Jenny move from misery to smiling again. She also had wonderful nurses today, and the food is exceptionally good! The cafeteria offered fresh blueberries and raspberries this morning, and everything is very reasonable.
Thank you all, and please continue to lift us up as we make the decision about leaving the safety of the hospital for the long drive back on Wed. or Thursday.
Trusting in the Great Healer,
Gretchen & Jenny
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Prayer Request
Dear Family & Friends,
Just a quick note on Sunday evening. . . today was more challenging as the two main pain control units for Jenny failed, and this became a significant issue to manage. She continues to have an IV drip, plus oral medication, but this will need to be regulated for a while before she can be released. We don't want to have a significant pain problem driving or at the Eickhorst farm before returning home.
We did watch most of the Super Bowl, and she got up a couple of times today. . .baby steps of progress. Please pray for patience and healing for Jenny, and that an effective medication can be determined and used without nausea or extreme drowsiness. The pain meds also take away her appetite. She needs to keep eating, even if it's sweets. She's anxious to have her hair washed now.
Mom is concerned about getting her into the car to return, with the subzero temps and wind. The drive-up area is still some distance from the door. She'll need to be propped up with pillows, etc. for the drive back in the backseat of the SUV. Lord, just calm the winds! :) When we get to her grandmother's home, she will need to use the crutches to go in and up several stairs.
We're taking one day at a time, and trusting in God's continued faithfulness.
Almost forgot, the caption on the "high heel picture" (mentioned in the previous blog) read: "Opportunity dances for those who are on the dance floor!"
We send our love...we miss you all!
Blessings,Gretchen
Just a quick note on Sunday evening. . . today was more challenging as the two main pain control units for Jenny failed, and this became a significant issue to manage. She continues to have an IV drip, plus oral medication, but this will need to be regulated for a while before she can be released. We don't want to have a significant pain problem driving or at the Eickhorst farm before returning home.
We did watch most of the Super Bowl, and she got up a couple of times today. . .baby steps of progress. Please pray for patience and healing for Jenny, and that an effective medication can be determined and used without nausea or extreme drowsiness. The pain meds also take away her appetite. She needs to keep eating, even if it's sweets. She's anxious to have her hair washed now.
Mom is concerned about getting her into the car to return, with the subzero temps and wind. The drive-up area is still some distance from the door. She'll need to be propped up with pillows, etc. for the drive back in the backseat of the SUV. Lord, just calm the winds! :) When we get to her grandmother's home, she will need to use the crutches to go in and up several stairs.
We're taking one day at a time, and trusting in God's continued faithfulness.
Almost forgot, the caption on the "high heel picture" (mentioned in the previous blog) read: "Opportunity dances for those who are on the dance floor!"
We send our love...we miss you all!
Blessings,Gretchen
If the Shoe Fits. . .
It's a beautiful, sunny day in Chicago with temps of -16 to -25 degrees today. Although it is bone-chilling outdoors, our hearts are warm with a good feeling about Jenny's progress. Her doctor said the same on Saturday as she stopped by her room. Jenny has been confined to the bed with her leg propped on pillows since Friday afternoon. Her toes look pink and warm, so that means the blood is flowing OK, and they are not swollen. There was a glitch with the pain pump having a blockage, but they went to plan B, and that worked for pain control. She had two strong pain pills for Saturday night to help her sleep.
Jenny also had the tight stocking on her left leg, to prevent blot clots, and this was removed on Sunday morning. They are gradually preparing her to get up and use the crutches to walk.
Her Aunt Twila will leave later this morning, and we will stay until early Monday afternoon, if all goes well. We will return to the Eickhorst farm in central Illinois and travel back to St. Louis on Tuesday.
I'll share a special story here that again reflects how God has marvelously surprised us in creative and meaningful ways! Jenny wanted to purchase some type of "foot artwork" for Twila and me, as a remembrance of this time. She got on the Internet and googled this term. The name "If the Shoe Fits.ca" came up with the name Bett Lees McBride. Jenny sent her an e-mail and began corresponding about the type of artwork she does. Whimsical best describes it, and that's exactly what Jenny wanted. She ordered two pieces, each with a whimsical high heel with a name on each one.
In the process of doing this, Bett asked if she could pray for Jenny's upcoming surgery. Jenny was so surprised and said she would really appreciate that. Bett also offered to have her church pray for Jenny. The artwork arrived in the mail, and Jenny was again surprised to learn Bett lives in Hamilton, Ontario. Jen thought it was CAlifornia! Soon Bett's pastor called Jenny, and two cards arrived from their church. Needless to say, it was a powerful witness to how God works through people in marvelous ways!
Jenny matted and framed both pieces and surprised Twila and me with these on Thursday night before the surgery. They are absolutely darling, and we'll treasure them always. Bett also mentioned that their e-mail connections are not very good where she lives, so she was surprised that Jenny even found her. She did not have credit card capabilities, so she told Jenny to "just mail a check."
Bett is presently working on a book - a collection of narratives by family and friends recounting a particular pair of shoes in their lives and details surrounding them. So if you have a story, or if you would like some delightful artwork for a special occasion, please contact her at:
www.iftheshoefits.ca or (905) 548-0801
We would love to meet Bett and plan to talk with her after Jenny feels better.
Jenny may never wear high heels again, but she's on the road to recovery and hopefully back in to other shoes . Thank you all for your many prayers and support that continue to encourage us dialy. We praise God for his faithfulness and the hope that comes from trusting in Him.
Jenny also had the tight stocking on her left leg, to prevent blot clots, and this was removed on Sunday morning. They are gradually preparing her to get up and use the crutches to walk.
Her Aunt Twila will leave later this morning, and we will stay until early Monday afternoon, if all goes well. We will return to the Eickhorst farm in central Illinois and travel back to St. Louis on Tuesday.
I'll share a special story here that again reflects how God has marvelously surprised us in creative and meaningful ways! Jenny wanted to purchase some type of "foot artwork" for Twila and me, as a remembrance of this time. She got on the Internet and googled this term. The name "If the Shoe Fits.ca" came up with the name Bett Lees McBride. Jenny sent her an e-mail and began corresponding about the type of artwork she does. Whimsical best describes it, and that's exactly what Jenny wanted. She ordered two pieces, each with a whimsical high heel with a name on each one.
In the process of doing this, Bett asked if she could pray for Jenny's upcoming surgery. Jenny was so surprised and said she would really appreciate that. Bett also offered to have her church pray for Jenny. The artwork arrived in the mail, and Jenny was again surprised to learn Bett lives in Hamilton, Ontario. Jen thought it was CAlifornia! Soon Bett's pastor called Jenny, and two cards arrived from their church. Needless to say, it was a powerful witness to how God works through people in marvelous ways!
Jenny matted and framed both pieces and surprised Twila and me with these on Thursday night before the surgery. They are absolutely darling, and we'll treasure them always. Bett also mentioned that their e-mail connections are not very good where she lives, so she was surprised that Jenny even found her. She did not have credit card capabilities, so she told Jenny to "just mail a check."
Bett is presently working on a book - a collection of narratives by family and friends recounting a particular pair of shoes in their lives and details surrounding them. So if you have a story, or if you would like some delightful artwork for a special occasion, please contact her at:
www.iftheshoefits.ca or (905) 548-0801
We would love to meet Bett and plan to talk with her after Jenny feels better.
Jenny may never wear high heels again, but she's on the road to recovery and hopefully back in to other shoes . Thank you all for your many prayers and support that continue to encourage us dialy. We praise God for his faithfulness and the hope that comes from trusting in Him.
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Good News - The Singing Has Started!
God is so good, and the power of prayer and loving friends and family are amazing! Thursday and Friday were remarkable days here in Chicago (except for the subzero windchill!). Jenny came through her surgery fine, and we are extremely pleased with the surgeon, Dr. Amy Jo Ptaszek, and Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview. This is a satellite hospital that Northwestern University uses as a teaching facility, and only orthopedic surgeries are done here. It is a beautiful facility, and Jen has a private room that is very large and brand new.
Her surgery was 2 1/2 hours on Friday morning, followed by 3 hours in recovery. Some of the previous hardware was removed in order to fuse to joints. Her top foot bones were derotated down, and the main joint at the top of the joint fused to hold them down. Then the heel joint was tipped inward slightly and also fused as an extra measure to hold the foot down. Women orthopedic doctors are rare, and when it came to removing the metal plate, there was only one tool made to do this. The surgical supply company was out of it, so she said "I had to be real creative, but I got it out."
Dr. Ptaszek also said this was a good week, as she was well-rested, and Jenny would have an A+ team doing the surgery. Later yesterday Jenny said, "I think this was a bigger deal than I thought going into it!" She had a spinal block, instead of a general anesthetic, so that helped considerably with recovery. Jenny also has a pain pump that will continue until we leave, probably on Monday, and another calibrated pain relief tube to self-administer.
Jenny had a good first night, but on Saturday morning determined that the pain pump may not be working as effectively as needed. An anesthesiologist is coming in to make some adjustments. She has very good nursing care, so we have been very blessed by the excellent medical care and facility.
Her Aunt Twila and I are staying at a Marriott just 5 minutes away, so that has worked very well also. She will return home to Carlock, IL on Sunday.
Jenny surprised us with two special gifts, in her delightful creative fashion. One involves an amazing story about meeting a new friend in Canada, but I'll save that wonderful story until the next blog. The second was a Princess teddy bear with a pink boa, jean skirt and pink T-shirt. On the thank-you note, she wrote,
"Today is the start of a new beginning. I will one day walk, dance, and wear shoes
that make me feel like a princess. Thanks for being a glittering gem on the road to
the shoe castle." The card was decorated with a crown, high heels, and a fairy wand.
Our "verse for the weekend" has been Psalm 32:7: "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance," shared in a note to us from Pastor Bill Jones. We truly feel the blessings from the prayers of so many of you! The singing has started! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Her surgery was 2 1/2 hours on Friday morning, followed by 3 hours in recovery. Some of the previous hardware was removed in order to fuse to joints. Her top foot bones were derotated down, and the main joint at the top of the joint fused to hold them down. Then the heel joint was tipped inward slightly and also fused as an extra measure to hold the foot down. Women orthopedic doctors are rare, and when it came to removing the metal plate, there was only one tool made to do this. The surgical supply company was out of it, so she said "I had to be real creative, but I got it out."
Dr. Ptaszek also said this was a good week, as she was well-rested, and Jenny would have an A+ team doing the surgery. Later yesterday Jenny said, "I think this was a bigger deal than I thought going into it!" She had a spinal block, instead of a general anesthetic, so that helped considerably with recovery. Jenny also has a pain pump that will continue until we leave, probably on Monday, and another calibrated pain relief tube to self-administer.
Jenny had a good first night, but on Saturday morning determined that the pain pump may not be working as effectively as needed. An anesthesiologist is coming in to make some adjustments. She has very good nursing care, so we have been very blessed by the excellent medical care and facility.
Her Aunt Twila and I are staying at a Marriott just 5 minutes away, so that has worked very well also. She will return home to Carlock, IL on Sunday.
Jenny surprised us with two special gifts, in her delightful creative fashion. One involves an amazing story about meeting a new friend in Canada, but I'll save that wonderful story until the next blog. The second was a Princess teddy bear with a pink boa, jean skirt and pink T-shirt. On the thank-you note, she wrote,
"Today is the start of a new beginning. I will one day walk, dance, and wear shoes
that make me feel like a princess. Thanks for being a glittering gem on the road to
the shoe castle." The card was decorated with a crown, high heels, and a fairy wand.
Our "verse for the weekend" has been Psalm 32:7: "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance," shared in a note to us from Pastor Bill Jones. We truly feel the blessings from the prayers of so many of you! The singing has started! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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