An Update on Benjamin (After Orthopedic Surgeon Visit)

This morning at 9:45 am Benjamin had a visit with his orthopedic surgeon in Lafayette.  This was an important visit as we were praying for a good report and one that would result in him telling us that Benjamin could now be 'load-bearing' on his right foot.  With that news, he could begin immediately to learn to walk again, and that would mark another milestone and move forward in his recovery.

It was not to be.  As much as we wanted, the surgeon reported that there was bone loss and the tibia is a slow healing bone.  He wants Benjamin to remain off of the RT leg until November 13th.  He instructed us to give him Vitamin D and plenty of protein to encourage healing.  The x-rays show all the hardware in his right lower leg and ankle.  This is the first time we'd seen x-rays of the work done on his legs.

The surgeon mentioned that there is a 50-50 chance that things will heal without resorting to other measures, such as bone-growth stimulation and additional surgery.  He did give Benjamin a boot to wear on the right foot that encourages the foot to be pulled up at a right angle.  He also wrote new physical therapy orders.  Benjamin will continue out-patient rehab three times a week.

So it wasn't exactly the news that we were praying for.  I would not be truthful with you if I told you we weren't disappointed.  However, we progress forward.  We continue to work hard in rehab and doing everything we can to heal.  We remain optimistic and continue praying and having faith that our Lord will answer our prayers in His time.  On a good note, his incisions/scarring has healed remarkably well.  He has also been told by the surgeon that he is now able to put weight on his left foot, not merely using it to pivot.  That is a move in the right direction.  We also don't lose sight of the fact that he is alive, he is not brain-injured, and he is not paralyzed.  To God be the Glory!

Continued specific prayer requests:

1. Healing of the bones in the right lower leg,

2. A return of feeling and strength in his right (dominant) hand,

3. A diminishment in the nerve pain in his right foot, along with return of feeling.

Thank you all for your concern, your prayers, and your friendship!