Update #102

Today was a crazy day. When we prayed for new and exciting things to keep away from the monotony, I don't think this is what we had in mind. The day started early with a breakfast of dye (you know you are jealous) that was supposed to help trace the location of the fistula in Dave's body, a process that included two x-rays this morning and another three this afternoon.

After "breakfast" and the first two x-rays, the Wound Care Team came by and changed Dave's dressing for the first time in a week. Although the vacuum wasn't leaking, it was losing some of its suction whenever Dave sat up, so it seemed that the Team preferred being safe rather than sorry. Fortunately, the dressing change was not nearly as painful as it had been during previous changes, and his wound is showing even more signs of healing! Overall, a positive process.

Break for lunch (real lunch, not dye), then three more x-rays, followed by a test called an EMG that was supposed to help determine how much (if any) nerve damage Dave sustained to his legs during the accident. The test came because Dave was showing signs of a condition called drop foot, which basically means that he is incapable of pulling his toes up toward his face (flexing his feet). After two hours of being hooked up to electrodes and poked with needles, the doctors determined that he does have nerve damage in both legs.

On the positive side, the nerves in Dave's right leg are regenerating, and even the muscles on the tops of his legs that assist in pulling up his toes are showing "baby nerves" that will grow stronger with time.

On the negative side, oddly enough, the nerves on the top of Dave's left shin that would cause that foot to flex showed no reaction at all. If the damage is permanent, Dave may have to wear a brace on his left leg in order to avoid tripping over his toes, but the doctor said that three months may be too early to tell if or when the nerves will grow back. Thinking very positively, if the nerve damage is as a result of Dave's blood clot (which is possible), the nerves have had only seven or eight weeks (not three months) to heal, which makes it even more likely that they will regenerate.

Even with all of the uncertainty and potential for progress that the doctor communicated, the news was still hard to hear, and Dave does seem to be struggling with the possibility of needing a brace to walk, especially since the nerve damage is on the side of his body that wasn't injured. Tonight, please be praying that the damage is temporary and that Dave is able to start flexing his foot soon. Also be praying for his spirits as he processes the potentially frustrating results.