Update:
I just received my “definitive” leg from my prosthetist, Rob, this
afternoon. There is one issue to fix on
Wednesday and then I’ll be headed home to Wisconsin. I cannot be more pleased with my new
prosthesis. Rob did a great job
designing and building it! What a
tremendous difference in how it feels, the energy return that I get, and how
easy it makes walking on inclines and uneven terrain. It’s awesome!!! And it looks really cool too!!! Comparatively, the new leg is so much better
than my old one! The couple of times
that I’ve had to switch back to my old leg, it felt like trying to walk with a
solid log. Combined with the changes
I’ve had from Dr. Ertl doing my revision surgery in September 2016 (no back
pain, no sciatic nerve pain, no residual limb pain), this will drastically change
my life for the better!!!
I still have a long road ahead of me.
It’s going to take some time for my limb to toughen up so the prosthesis
is totally comfortable. My muscles and
joints need to be strengthened so I can take advantage of what I’ve gained (I
lost a lot of muscle mass over the last two years). I’ve also got to rebuild my energy levels and
stamina. But I believe that the pieces
are finally in place for it to begin to happen.
That is a great feeling and gives me hope!
A few of notable moments on this trip:
1) I found out my ERTL bone bridge was broken when I fell on January
4. Dr. Ertl said that since I was able
to walk on it that it would heal fine, most likely even stronger. On Monday (1/23) I had a standing weight
bearing test done. I was able to put 193
lbs. of pressure on the end of my residual limb (over 85% of my total body
weight). That’s an amazing indication
that things are going well! 2) Over the weekend I was able to meet up with a
high school buddy that I haven’t seen in 39 years (yes, I am that old). Tim Kunzwieler and I got to catch up over a
long dinner. And I got to meet his wife
as well! It was an enjoyable
evening. 3) I’ve been able to walk
about 4-5 miles each day on my new prosthesis.
The only thing really holding me back is how sore the rest of my body is
since it’s not used to that level of activity.
4) I was able to walk on a hilly trail in a wooded park area. That was
so enjoyable! I’ve missed being out in
the woods!!! With my new prosthesis I’ll
easily be able to do that again on a regular basis.
I’m hoping that the winter weather that Wisconsin is currently
experiencing won’t slow me down or cause any trouble getting home. I’ve been gone eleven days and I’m ready to
be home with my family. Praying for a
safe and uneventful trip home.
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