Hospital Again

[BruceB]

A bit over a year ago, complications from diabetes led to the amputation of my left leg just below the knee. I have a new prosthetic leg , but the very poor condition of my right foot has made it impossible to "practice" with the new limb and regain some mobility.

On this coming Monday, amputation of the front third or so of the right foot will get rid of all the toes and possibly leave me with a sort of "club foot" and allow, with proper healing, for some use of the foot without too much pain.... meaning that MAYBE I will be able to use the prosthetic leg on the left side and thus get out of this (expletive deleted) wheelchair.

Right now that area of the foot is very painful, and the Doctor's stated "Reason for Surgery" on one of the forms is "relief of gangrene". Gangrene.... even after all the difficulties to date, that is a frightening and sobering word to see in actual print. Still, after many months of constant pain, it will be a great relief to get rid of the source.

So.... Monday at 0600 I will check in at the hospital in Elko, and the surgery will take place the same morning. Then a couple days or so as an in-patient and thence home for (hopefully) healing. Stitches are to be removed at "four to six weeks". Diabetes can make healing a long and difficult process, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

The medical troubles have effectively halted my casting/loading/shooting for 18 months. In that time period, I haven't even SEEN the inside of my shop, let alone done any loading activity. YES, I sure do miss it.

NVCurmudgeon visited-and-babysat me for a few days this week as my wife went to a re-union in Canada. He got me out to the range on Wednesday and I actually was able to fire a few-dozen rounds of 5.56(Mini 14) and 7.62 NATO (FAL).

Over these months of surgery and recovery, NVC has been a literal tower of strength to me... his assistance in all things as well as his great moral support have helped me immeasurably.

It's when things are NOT going well, that the true value of a FRIEND becomes most evident. Let it be noted that I am deeply grateful.

[Matt_G]

Bruce, prayers are inbound.
Hopefully this is the last time and you can start concentrating on getting mobile again.

[onceabull]

Bruce: Count us among the crowd wishing you all success with this venture..with that will come self mobility... Onceabull and Mrs.SWMBO

[LIMPINGJ]

Wishing you a speedy recovery Bruce.

[Catshooter]

I read once that a man is as rich as he has friends. I've found that very true. I hope you have a full recovery.


Cat

[skeet1]

Bruce,
I wish you all the best and hope for a quick recovery. Prayers sent.

Ken

[Jim]

You're a tough guy, Bruce. Thinkin' about ya', buddy.

[daniel lawecki]

Found out a month ago wish you all the luck in the world. With that said prayers sent.

[Char-Gar]

My prayers and thoughts will be in that hospital with you. Never doubt this fact.

Charles

[smokeywolf]

Saw my father through your difficulties some 18 years ago. Not an easy row to hoe, but you have to do whatever it takes to stay mobile.
Wish I could be of more than just moral support to you.
You will certainly be on my mind on Monday. Looking forward to an "all went well" from you.

smokeywolf

[waksupi]

Hang in there Bruce. You kind of remind me of the one guy in Little Big Man. He kept loosing parts, but he kept on going. You will too.

[Nickle]

You're in our thoughts friend. I see you've got a friend that came to visit, and took you shooting. THise kind of folks are priceless to have around.

Now, you've just made my troubles seem small in comparison, but, if you ever need to chat with an understanding soul, contact me. I know all too well the pain of being laid up, and the complications of diabetes.

[MakeMineA10mm]

Very sorry to hear of your struggle, Bruce. Will definitely be praying for you. So wonderful to hear about NVC's support and here's hoping your surgery is as solid of a success as NVC's friendship!

[smoked turkey]

Bruce I feel your resolve in your post to get yourself up and going again! That is an indication that the battle is all but won for you. I will be praying for you over this weekend and especially as Monday rolls around. I pray that all goes perfectly and the outcome is the best it possibly can be. I agree with Jim, you are tough.

[Recluse]

Incoming PM.

[2HighSpeed]

You got my prayers. My pawpaw had diabetes and lost his right leg just below the knee and then a year later his leg leg at just below mid thigh. He was up walking about 8 weeks later on his prosthetics. He didn't let it slow him down. The body is a amazing thing, the ability we have at healing ourselves just amazes me. Do your best to eat right and drink a lot of water, it will speed up healing. And once the stitches come out, mederma the site 3 times a day, it will soften the scarring and make the area much less dry and irritated.

[RugerFan]

God Speed Bruce. Praying for a successful recovery.

[Wayne Smith]

Continuing to pray for you, Bruce, and your MD's too.

[WILCO]

Bruce, prayers are inbound.

Ditto for me Bruce.

[Brad Phillips]

I pray for a fast recovery and the ability to do what makes you happy. I'll be thinking of you on Monday.