Reply...
Good evening,
I wanted to pass along an update to all of you. For the time being, my leg continues to be stable, if not improving somewhat. The wounds are shallowing, and look as well as they have in months. I continue to see a nutritionist in Boston, and am still working on losing weight.
Because the risk of severe complications is very high, including a high likelihood of failure and/or additional surgery, the thought of amputation has been tabled for now. I want to be aggressive treating this, but certainly not reckless or foolish. We are working on contacting research hospitals throughout the United States (The Cleveland Clinic, the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, etc.) to see what options there are that may not have been considered, or could be attempted, given the complicated set of issues I have.
Despite this uncertainty on how to improve my condition, I am adapting fairly well to teaching in a wheelchair, and my wife, children, mother, and my faith continue to be a major source of strength, as well as levity. I am also now seeing a therapist who has training and expertise in working with people who suffer with chronic pain. This has also been very helpful.
Easter was very pleasant and pretty low-key...lots of leftovers to enjoy. My kids loved their Easter baskets we made for them and the egg hunt in the backyard. No real "downers" on this post...I am simply enjoying the crest of this wave for as long as it lasts.
