Cast Coming Off!
Yesterday Nyel’s cast came off and after ten full weeks of immobility he’s free at last, free at last! Freedom, of course, in any sense of the word is relative. He has been fitted out with a rather complicated brace on his leg with a knee hinge which is set to move only 20°. So, although he can now put weight on both legs, getting into a standing position is a major proposition and once standing, just the act of balancing (never mind trying to take a step) is next to impossible.
Cast Off!
None of this comes as a surprise but, still, the reality is at once scary and discouraging,. Scary for me because I know that if he starts to fall there is no way I can help. Discouraging for Nyel because even though he knew intellectually that his muscles had atrophied, facing up (or make that standing up) to that awful truth is daunting in the extreme.
We have no doubt that Victoria at the Ocean Beach Physical Therapy Services can work miracles. The difficulty is that everyone else knows that, too, and Nyel can’t get in to see her for two weeks. Once he begins to work with her, he will have two weeks until his next doctor’s appointment when he will be expected to be able to bend his knee to 45°. That’s a full 25° more than now and is a tall order.
But the good news is that his new quadriceps implant is still fully attached and his bone graft is exactly where it should be. So far, so good. Let the clapping and cheering begin!!!
From Jack:
Clapping and cheering is the order of the day here in Healdsburg!! Can you hear us?
Amazing photo as the cast comes off, looks like the the leg is aflame with Ice!
Not to worry; when Nyel gets to my age, the difficulty with standing and balance will return, every morning, so now it’s just practice time. Very good news for you both, though.
I’m clapping. Gradually he will be allowed more bend. Let me know when you are able to leave Nyel with Victoria and come have lavender tea!
From Nan: Yes! Yes! What great news and just in time for next Thursday and our expressions of gratitude as we sit around the house, feeling grateful for all that is given, EVEN the all that we might not like, appreciate or enjoy.
So happy for Nyel that he could say goodbye to that big cast and now get used to his brace & prepare for physical therapy. Bet he feels like he has been let out of his cage. We wish him the very best in his continued healing and give you a big pat on the back for all of your care and support. A job well done you two!
Thanks, Marion. We aren’t out of the woods yet but your kind words are encouraging!