Questions answered ....

I heard back from the Texas surgeon and he answered all my questions. We have not known him for that long, but he has been so caring and positive (despite the circumstances). I am so thankful that he continues to be willing to communicate via e-mail … this would never work any other way & it is a huge blessing. It is really hard to ever speak to a doctor on the phone and he has taken time to type out long explanations.

More details about the Texas surgery from the surgeon….
The forearm flap comes from the palmar surface (underside) of the forearm, complete with its own artery, which is why it does better than your skin in another area (i.e. the foot). Success rates are 95% in the Hand Surgery literature, and in the last 15 years, he has only one forearm flap fail in a diabetic patient. (He has done over 100 flaps) The odds are good that it will work.

I will need to do complete bed rest for 5-7 days post-op to ensure flap survivability, because it is technically a "tissue transplant". After the first week, crutches are fine, but a short leg (below the knee) cast will follow for four weeks from surgery. The first week in bed with a bulky splint, then into a cast, non-weight bearing for three more weeks.

The forearm flap surgery is a "bigger deal" this time, and that is why we tried the "easier" surgery first. It is clear that your foot's healing capacity is impaired, and the flap from the forearm is the next option to promote healthy healing. The surgeon is more than happy to "stick with you" through this rough road. He ended with telling me that he has seen worse, if that is any consolation....

I am scrambling at work to get things ready and will be off Tues.-Thursday next week. No surgery time yet for next Tuesday, but I know it will be in the morning. I realize the next eight weeks will be long, but I am at peace with our decision and at least know what is ahead. There is some comfort in just having a “plan” and having made a treatment decision.

I’ve shared with my office what is happening and they continue to be very supportive, encouraging and amazing. We are preparing several part-time staff to divide responsibilities for work that I normally assume.

• We would love to borrow DVDs from friends to take with us to Texas (hospital room entertainment), so please let me know if you have anything we could use for a few weeks in May.

I also realized today how phenomenal it is that the three doctors we are working with (MO, TX, IL) all know each other & are willing to communicate about my medical needs among themselves. It is not a coincidence that they all know each other, but the fact that we started out with one and the two others have been willing to “join the team” is for sure a God happening.

Next week this time, we’ll be one step closer to recovery ….

Hope you are enjoying the sunny weather!

je