Update:
This morning I had a doctor’s appointment in Rochester, MN (a little
over 2 hours away). [The picture is of
me sitting with the Mayo brothers outside one of the numerous buildings of this
‘little’ clinic they started.] Today I
had a specialized ultrasound to look at the nerve in my leg that has been
causing me pain. This extreme pain is
why I haven’t been able to wear my prosthesis for the last eight months or
so. The doctor found that my nerve was
“extremely abnormal” in several places and “abnormal” in numerous places all
the way from the end of my limb up to the mid-thigh. He injected a temporary nerve block (lasts 4-8
hours) just above the back of my knee to see if this nerve is what is actually
causing my pain. After the medication
took affect, I was 99% pain free in the leg.
So that is pretty conclusive.
Unfortunately, because of the abnormalities and how far up the leg they
go, further evaluation is necessary. I
will probably be referred to a neurosurgeon for his treatment recommendation
(surgery).
My doctor today told me I’d probably be referred to “a world renown
neurosurgeon” here in Rochester. I’m
thankful to get the best care possible; but for once I’d really like to have
something wrong with me that even the guy who graduated from med school at the
bottom of his class could easily fix.
LOL. And it is funny how the leg
feels when it is numbed. Very
strange! If you’ve ever had your lower
lip numb after going to the dentist, it feels a lot like that except that my
leg isn’t drooling. J
These abnormalities have several potential consequences. For instance, my left leg has obviously
atrophied since last year. It may have
been the result of it not being exercised since I have not walked with it for
months, or it may be because the damaged nerve is not functioning properly and
the muscle mass is withering away. At least there were no signs of tumors, etc. There are no clear answers as to why this
nerve is so damaged. It may be yet another
consequence of diabetes. I would guess
that the diabetes weakened the nerve and then my prosthesis kept pounding that
nerve until it was damaged. Since we don’t
know exactly what caused the damage, it’s possible that it could continue unchecked
for some time. Nerves control the use of the muscles, so it’s
possible that I might lose even more functionality in my leg. Yep, the possibilities are really sobering.
This appointment didn’t go as I had imagined. I had hoped that a simple permanent nerve
block was all that it would take and I would be back walking within a month or
so. If we are really talking surgery,
then it will add additional time to schedule and then to allow the wounds to
heal before I can strap a leg on again. Now
I’m guessing that it will be Christmas at the earliest before I’d be walking
again.
After all the things that have gone wrong for me over the last couple
of years, I was hoping that I’d get a break and this time all I would have to
do is hit “the Easy Button” and my
problem would be fixed. Apparently no
such luck.
After the appointment, I’ve got to admit that I got a little teared up
and had the shakes for a moment as the reality of what I’m probably facing sunk
in. After taking a few deep breathes and
turning my mind from possibilities to what I do know, I settled down again. Because in the long run, I know that it will
be alright. Whatever happens, I’m at
peace with where this all leads. I may
not like it; but then again my anger isn’t going to change a thing. AND I have confidence in God’s leading. I don’t understand why things like this keep
happening to me; but I do know God is constantly watching over me. I have to believe that He has a purpose in
allowing these things. Whether I ever
understand what it is accomplishing is beyond the point. My goal is to keep my focus upon Him and just
do the best that I can under circumstances.
So it appears that I’ll be making a number more trips to Rochester in
the coming months. It’s a pretty drive
and the Mississippi river bluffs will be beautiful as the leaves change colors.
I appreciate your prayers and well wishes. Thanks for your support!
