Tricia took Benjamin by the Medical Office at the refinery that he works at and he was cleared to go back to work (light duty) part-time. Benjamin completed his first full week back at work. He works M-F 7AM -1PM. Because he hasn't been cleared to drive, I drop him off in the morning and Tricia picks him up in the afternoon. It is a 45 minute commute to his work from our home in Jennings. I drop him off by the front gate and he walks in. He's very happy to be back at work. Even though he's limited to office work only, sitting at a desk behind a computer, he says it feels good to be useful and part of his work team once again.
His right leg (the one that has the non-union) hurts him while walking. He walks with a limp and since he is spending more time upright, he's noticing swelling coming back in his right ankle and foot. He's a little discouraged with that, but doesn't spend a lot of time worrying or complaining about it - at least not out loud. On Monday and Wednesday, he has rehab in Jennings from 1:30 - 3:30 or so, where they work on improving his strength and his gait. He's still working hard with that.
We did receive a call today from a nurse who will be bringing by a bone stimulator on Thursday that he is to wear for 20 minutes each day on the right leg. The hope is that it will stimulate bone growth where it hasn't healed yet. After 3 months of this, we'll return for x-rays or MRI and consultation. If it hasn't healed, another surgery will become necessary where they will go back in and remove hardware. We are praying that this is not necessary.
Benjamin tells me that he tries real hard to walk as normally as possible at work so people don't stare at him, and he thinks that's why his leg is hurting so bad. All things considered, we feel absolutely blessed by Benjamin's healing up to this point and the progress he has made. The fact that he is back at work just blows my mind. I watched him as he walked into work this morning as the sun was rising. It hasn't been an easy road and no doubt he may have rough days ahead, especially if another surgery is needed, but God has been so good to him and so good to us. Thank you for being so faithful in praying for Benjamin. He's so appreciative and can't believe how kind people are to him.
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