M*A*S*H

As I mentioned in the previous post, we're learning the rules of home ownership. Just two weeks ago, Jay learned the hard way to "cut away from your body." He had just returned home from work and was using a large pocket knife to cut the box containing our new microwave, when he stabbed himself behind the right shin. He immediately applied pressure and quickly felt numbness in his leg.

I promptly transported Jay to the  ER only after first spotting the blood stains on our new carpet! After internal and external stitches we headed to the pharmacy for bandages only after getting directions from family and friends since we're new to the area! Later that evening Jay's leg REALLY swelled up. I called the ER, but instead of returning we decided to sleep and get into his primary care physician's office the following day.

Next day the physician seemed to believe he had an infection and prescribed antibiotics. After no improvement Jay returned to the physician a week later. He continued to ooze from the wound, have a cold leg, inability to bear weight and walk, and increased swelling and bruising. He was then put on stronger antibiotics and given a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon.

Last week we saw the orthopedic surgeon who felt the infection has gone, and didn't appear concerned with the symptoms of his injury. It appears that Jay DID cut a vein and nerve and the numbness in his leg is permanent. When touching the wound, Jay experiences a "zinger"(an electrical shock feeling) in his ankle/foot. The surgeon says this is common, and if remains bothersome, Jay can elect to have surgery to place the nerve deeper into the soft tissue. He took the external stitches out and Jay had a follow up appointment scheduled for next week.

Going into Tuesday's follow up appointment with the orthopedic surgeon (exactly two weeks from his date of injury), we were very concerned as there had been no real signs of improvement. Jay continued to have oozing from his wound, problems with gait and weight bearing, and continued problems with swelling and bruising.

The surgeon continues to not be concerned with what we feel is Jay's lack of progress and that all our concerns are common with this type of injury. He says Jay is past the point of real concern for complications. He has made a referral for physical therapy, prescribed compression stockings, and wants Jay to decrease his use of crutches and try walking more around the house. He believes the recovery can take up to an additional four weeks before Jay can return to work (since his job is all on his feet), but it could be sooner. We've been in communication with HR and will be filing the necessary paperwork for Jay to go on medical leave for short term disability.

Here's Jay's leg (six days after injury). I've been kind to those with weak stomachs not to show the first pictures at the time of injury, although some of you got the gross text. For those who enjoy that sort of thing, just let me know. We'd be happy to send you a gross picture for Halloween!

I too learned a few lessons after trying to carry the laundry down the stairs last week. My feet came out from under me and I landed right on my back and slid down a few stairs before grabbing the rail. My back is still quite score. That day our parents were over to help put in our new microwave. They did the work while Jay and I were on the couch with ice, feeling quite pathetic. My dad called our house a M*A*S*H unit.

On the flip side of all of this, the transition of ownership at work has gone well. Erin, Silvia, and I took our bosses out for lunch the last day (my birthday) and we presented them with a shadow box full of memories of our years together. Dan and Julie I believe felt our gratitude. Since their leave, we have met the new owners and are looking forward to the future of the business.

 

I've been enjoying my birthday celebrations. Girls night out with my friend for dinner and a movie on my birthday, then a few days later brunch with my parents and Jay, and a week later lunch with my mom and cousin. We're now enjoying free time with Jay's Uncle Bill and Aunt Cathy from Canada. It's been nice to have some fun after all the recent stresses.

Thank you all for the birthday and get well wishes of texts, messages, emails, and calls. We appreciate the prayers of healing and the transition at work and the grace for being late at posting once again.