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Ertl Amputation Day 3 Part III

Thursday, June 12 2008 - health

Part II of today is here.

Today didn't start out that promising, but I'm happy to say that by the time we left the hospital tonight Carol was doing much better. Her fever, which had come and gone all day long finally broke. We got her changed into some new clothes, she ate a decent meal, and stayed awake for over 2 hours.

She also regained her really strong sense of humor.

The nurse tonight asked us if she was always this "tough". Carol took it to mean she was being a pain, but he quickly corrected her. What he meant was that: "if I had a 104 fever I would be in convulsions... she said 'maybe I'll read a book'" He couldn't believe how calm and collected she was. In fact all the nurses have said essentially the same thing. No matter how much pain she is in or how miserable she is feeling she always has a smile and a warm comment. That quality about her is one of the things that makes me love her so much!

Carol told me tonight that she was surprised that she wasn't freaked out by the fact that her foot was gone. She said it didn't bother her at all. She was also surprised at how scared she is of getting up on crutches. The thought of falling really terrifies her. I can hardly blame her. A fall would probably cause serious problems.

When she extends her leg the bone bridge pops. She said it was a really odd feeling. I laid my hand on her leg and felt it and I was surprised at how strong the sensation was. It doesn't hurt and Dr. Ertl said it was normal. Basically the bone bridge is just held in place by the soft bone tissue that he spread over the bridge. It isn't meant to be screwed in place. Over time the bridge will actually calcify away while the soft tissue creates new bone in its place.

I'm leaving in the morning for work. Monday and Tuesday I will be in NH with my wonderful kids while Carol's mom stays here with her. Assuming all goes well she should be released on Wednesday. I will be back here to pick them both up and take them to my place. Carol's mom will be staying with us for a little while to help her get up and about so when I go to work she won't be alone.