Pink cast rocks ....

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!