9/25 update

Carl said as he laid on his bed to go to sleep last night, "Oh this is so comfortable..." and then as almost an afterthought, he added, "if it wasn't for the pain." We chuckled but the reality is that this is what he lives with everyday. On one hand, something can feel good for a short while but underneath is always the constant, aching pain. He does not complain though--I am amazed at my husband's attitude and how brave he is. A man named Brother Lawrence writes, "Be courageous. Offer your pains to God. Pray for the strength to endure. Above all, develop a habit of conversing often with God. Adore Him in your infirmities. At the very height of your suffering, ask Him humbly and affectionately (as a child to a good parent) to help you accept His will." I see my husband striving to do this and I am very proud of him. Many times a day though, I wish there was something I could do to make the pain go away.

We had a doctor appointment again yesterday with Carl's surgeon, Dr. Essis. He is very matter-of-fact and told Carl that he needs to see himself as a trauma patient for about 6 months. He will live with soreness and discomfort for quite awhile. The doctor said many patients recognize the severity of their injuries in the hospital but often feel like things will quickly get back to normal when they get back home. The thing is, "normal" simply has to happen one...day...at...a...time.

Carl's left leg is doing so much better, basically it is broken bones--and those heal. His right leg continues to be a challenge. Dr. Essis says that the human's thigh bone is so strong that there has to be significant trauma to break it. And when it breaks, there are usually other problems associated with the tendons, muscles, nerves, etc. Also of concern is a condition called "foot drop", which is a loss of the ability to raise the foot at the ankle. This leads to difficulty in walking and a floppy-appearing foot. Injury to the peroneal nerve (the one that is responsible for lifting the foot) often causes foot drop. Also the fact that Carl did not have blood flow to his right foot for 4-6 hours after the accident. We still believe that the nerve will rejuvenate itself with time. The doctor gave a foot brace for him to wear as much as he can tolerate it. It is uncomfortable but necessary.

Today we had lunch with some of Carl's family. They are some really wonderful people and such a support system for us! Thank you all.