Things are never what you expect...

OK this one is going to be REALLY long: ☺

Took Matt to the ortho doc for the pain in his elbow and shoulders from using the w/c and we needed forms filled out to get the state to pay for the power chair etc etc etc. So Matt DOES have tendinitis of his elbow and shoulders, he has to wear this steroid patch with an electrode attached to the elbow and a brace to the elbow to help with pain. HOWEVER if he does not stop doing the repetitious motion causing the inflammation, he will eventually need surgery to correct the tendon in the shoulder. That said, he needs a power w/c over a manual and the MD is writing the letter to the state to get that taken care of. OK that is the good news we may get the power chair yet! YAY

The bad news: while we were there we had him look at Matt's feet. He has HORRID bunions b/c of the spacticity in the muscles of his feet. So his big toe is literally pulled all the way under his pointer toe. Now its on both feet but rt is worse then lt. Normally not a big issue, except the bunion has doubled in size in less then a month, is red, has an abrasion, and very swollen. bleh. Not only that the muscles in his feet are so spastic they are literally pulling his foot outward, like walking on the outer sides of your feet? so when he puts his braces on, it is pulling so vigorously on his legs to align them its causing increased spasm and pain. (He had the increased pain, but we didn't know why. Now we do)

The MD is very concerned and states we need to repair the bunion and foot abnormalities ASAP b/c the bunion is close to rupturing through the skin. IF THAT HAPPENS all the skin will be gone from that part of the bone and he will have exposed bone, susceptible to infection and possible amputation. OBVIOUSLY don't want that to happen....So he actually needs THREE surgeries to his foot/achilles heel and bunion. but the MD will do them all at the same time. OK here is some TMI: The other surgeries are easy but the bunion surgery requires removal of the big toe (yes removal) filing down the joint, repositioning the foot, and fusing the toe to the foot. Lots of breaking and ouchie for Matt!!!! The other surgeries (heel cord release and muscle lengthening) Matt has had before and they hurt, but not horrible and will be very beneficial in the end.

He can only have ONE FOOT done at a time b/c he needs to have an OK foot to be able to transfer and hobble to the potty and shower, so we will have to repeat this NEXT year as well! ACK!...But we HAVE to get this done in the next 6-8 weeks. So we are scheduling it for the week after school gets out in June. EEK...He will be in the hospital about 3-4 days and out of work 2-4 weeks. He will be casted for 12 weeks. Luckily b/c he is in the w/c anyway, it won't effect his "walking ability" b/c there really isn't any. HOWEVER , unless I find a job, or a FLEXIBLE job we are going to be WITHOUT a pay check for a month from either of us, but now I'm going to need to be available for him and his care b/c he will be quite dependent at first until the bone starts to heal. He will not be allowed to bare weight on the foot for 6 weeks, and him walking w/ crutches with only ONE working foot is not only difficult but dangerous (probably a bit funny to watch too! Hee hee).

I have NO IDEA what we are going to do with a month w/o pay! Maybe I’ll get a job doing the home visit stuff and that will bring on some pay. WHO KNOWS! I know our God is in control and all will be OK. This truly will be for the best!!!

Sorry so long winded. We go in to get forms for a w/c, and come out needing surgery on both feet. ICK. my poor guy, he's so bummed and frustrated at his body and is really not thrilled with all this (do ya blame him? Bleh). This will be surgery #10 for him and #3 just in our marriage alone! Well this summer should be interesting. Did I bore you to death yet with all the rambling?? ☺

Please keep us in your prayers and future weeks in prayer. We will keep you posted on dates and times and such. Have a blessed day in the Lord! ♥