My first appointment since my surgery

I saw Dr. D today. This was my first appointment since my surgery. There isn't too much to report. I have had a cast on my leg, and that was removed today. It was stuck to my leg!! It hurt when the cast guy took it off. He had to tug pretty hard. Then he called Dr. D into the room. Dr. D asked me if it bothered me to look at my stump, and I said "No, not at all." Then he said I was a rock, and that I'm not human. =) Then he said if Luke (the cast guy) rubbed his hands together and said "Bwaaa-ha-ha-haaaaaa" that I should tell him. But Luke didn't do that. ;) ... A guy named Isaac helped him put a new cast on my leg. He usually is the one to help. He's phsycotic! Actually, he's just really weird. In a funny sort of way.

Dr. D told us that I will go back in two weeks and then I'll get the staples removed. Then I will see the people in prosthetics, and they will give me a sort of sock that will shrink my stump. I don't know if they will put a cast back on, or just leave it alone.

I have been getting shooting pains in my stump. They really hurt. I don't know if these are phantom pains or not, but they feel very real to me! Dr. D told me once I get into my prosthesesis, I shouldn't get them anymore.

I can still feel my toes, even though they aren't there. Right now it feels like the pinky toenail is being pried off! Ouch!

I have been getting a lot of visitors, and have gotten some cards. That is very nice! My mom's family pitched in together to get me and my brothers and sister an X-Box! It was such a surprise! We have been playing on it a lot.

That's all for now~

John

My thoughts....

I just wanted to share what has been on my heart through all of this. I'd like to share a scripture that has always been one of my favorite:

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11

I have always felt that God has had a specific plan for John's life. When he was a baby, and he was diagnosed with his medical problems; God gave us a promise.

Read in John 9 vs. 1-3

As Jesus was walking along, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. "Teacher," his disciples asked Him, "why was this man born blind? Was it a result of his own sins or those of his parents?"

"It was not because of his sins or his parents' sins," Jesus answered. "He was born blind so the power of God could be seen in him."

It was then that I knew that God had a very special plan for John's life. I knew that God would be so very faithful to him...whatever came his way. I have seen this come to pass. I have seen God's grace upon him in a way that cannot be denied. I have been so thankful for this. If John had not been so accepting of everything he's gone through, and handled it all so well, I am sure I would have been a basket case! I know that is evidence of God's grace and faithfulness.

As I have said in all of my emails, the decision to amputate was years in the making, and it actually was an easy one to make. John has said he is somewhat surprised by some peoples' strong reaction to the news of the amputation. He's wondered what the big deal is. That in itself tells me how well he has accepted this.

We have had such peace concerning this. After the surgery, Dr. D told us that had we decided upon the fixator, he would have had to remove 2-3" of bone and that the whole process would have taken 1-2 years. When John learned this, he said "I am SO glad I got the amputation! No way would I have wanted to be in a fixator for 1-2 years!" For me, even though I already felt this was the right choice for us, learning this just confirmed all the more, that it indeed WAS the right choice.

I suppose part of this is just parental bragging, but I really have been so proud of John. He has had such a positive attitude all throughout the years. I am amazed by his acceptance of everything he has gone through. He has shown such courage and maturity in the face of some very difficult things. He is an inspiration to me, and I am so proud and thankful to be his mom!

Kathy

I've had my surgery!

Today is Thursday, August 18th and I had my amputation this past Monday. Right after the surgery I was in terrible pain. But later in the day it got a lot better. I came home from the hospital yesterday. I am very glad to be home. I have not had too much pain! I think maybe one reason for that, is due to so many people praying for me!

My doctor told my mom and dad that if I had gotten a fixator brace instead, it turns out he would have had to remove 2-3" of my bone, and then I would have had to stay in the fixator for 1-2 years, because it would have taken that long to lengthen my leg. But it could have taken longer than that, because I have always had poor healing and bone growth. Plus I have always had so many infections with the fixator brace. I really am so glad I had my leg amputated instead! NO WAY would I have wanted to be in a fixator for that long!

The day of my surgery, my mom asked me if I was ready to see my leg. I said yes. It was all wrapped up, but I thought it was pretty cool. It didn't bother me at all. Two days later, they took the bandages off, so I got to see it bare. I still thought it was pretty cool. Instead of using stitches, Dr. D used staples. I don't know when they will get taken out though.

I have gotten some cards from my aunts and from my grandma. My mom goes onto these forums, and she told people about my surgery. A lot of people from there are praying for me, and some of them are even sending me cards in the mail. I think that is so nice! it makes me feel good to know that so many people, even strangers, are praying for me.

I know that God is with me, and will help me in the months ahead as I get my new leg. I can't wait!

3 more days until the big "A"

I have decided to take Nana's advice and keep a journal during the process of getting my leg amputated, and getting a prosthesis and everything I will learn along the way. I have decided to create a blog, that way, I am able to keep all of you updated on my progress. You will be able to post comments to my blog too.

Today is Friday, August 12, 2005. There are 3 days until my surgery. Today was my pre-op appt. I am feeling just fine about my surgery. A lot of people are surprised by that. But since I have been living with this for so many years, it has not been that hard of a decision to make. I know that God will be with me. He has been with me the whole time.

I will keep all of you updated on how things are going.

John