a trauma patient no more

Awhile back, when we visited our orthopedic surgeon, he told Carl that he must see himself as a trauma patient for 6 months. Well, we visited Dr. Essis again yesterday and because next week it will be 6 months since the accident happened, Carl asked him how he should see himself now. The doctor's response was, "Just see yourself as a guy who injured his legs." In other words, the bones are completely healed (yeah!!) and even though Carl's legs get incredibly tired from walking, there is nothing he could do in his daily routine that would damage the bone structure.

At this point Carl goes to the New Holland Rec Center three mornings a week before he heads in to work. He does some of the same type exercises that he did in rehab and then swims in the pool to strengthen his legs. Time will be his best friend, as he slowly gains strength and muscle tone.

As for the right knee, there has actually been a bit more bend in these past 6 weeks since he has been allowed to bear weight on his legs. The doctor does not want to do a manipulation surgery as long as there is even a slight improvement in that area. So we will give it three more months before we go back to the surgeon to see what he thinks.

Our prayer is that with hard work and perseverance, Carl will be able to get 90 degrees of bend in that knee. Would you ask the Lord specifically for that every time you pray for him? 90 degrees (that's when you're sitting on a chair and your knee bends so that your foot rests directly on the floor) is considered functional and would allow him to go up and down stairs more easily, what a blessing that would be!

We have witnessed God's gracious answers to prayer in Jonas Beiler's life this past week, and we know that He is continuing the healing in Carl's life as well. God is good!