Another Step

Hope everyone out there has enjoyed their Christmas break. We had a lovely Christmas ... on so many levels.

We just returned from the hospital .... and the external fixation device (the pins) on Conor's wrist has been removed. Truth be told ... he was quite anxious about the whole procedure.

As some of you may be aware, Conor has been suffering from anxiety attacks over the past couple of weeks. He has spoken to some of us old timers who get them ... and some not so old timers ... and is reasonably comfortable with the fact that they're real ... and that he cannot really control their onset. All he can control is how long they last. He is getting remarkably good at recognizing them and not feeding into the panic part of the disorder. To those of you out there who've had them ... you know exactly what I am talking about ... This is one of the manifestations of Post Traumatic Stress ... and just something else that Conor will have to handle in the months ahead.

Back to the pins ... I watched the whole procedure and the technician was a little shocked. I haven't shied away from anything yet ... not about to start now. The pins holding the "rice krispies" were taken out with pliers ... and the four pins supporting the device were drilled out. Conor gushed a bit of blood ... but overall, he was mightily relieved. It was not anywhere near as bad as he thought. They put some light dressings on the open pin sights, Conor moved his wrist to a more comfortable position and they casted him up. They x-rayed and were pleased with the healing that has taken place. As mentioned previously, there is a small mal-alignment of the joint ... that may require surgery down the road ... but all in all ... once the cast comes off....guitar playing begins!

Next week, we have another appointment with the ortho, preceded by a nerve conduction test. Uncle Tommy terrified Conor with his description of what's involved in that test ... thin needles in the nerve and electric current ... but we've got to be sure that there is no nerve damage. So in Ciaran's inimitable words: "Suck it up princess".

Hard to believe that all of this has happened in just 6 short weeks! Next, I think they'll be giving him the go ahead for weight-bearing on the leg! Already, he's been asking about when he can drive! When I first started this site ... Conor's Journey ... I was living minute by minute. Each breath Conor took was all I would allow myself to think about. A mere six weeks later and we're talking about walking, playing guitar and driving! Due, my friends, in no small part to your prayers, your positive energy and your incredible love. You have been integral parts of something rare ... a real life miracle. This journey has been nothing short of miraculous ... and I am proud (and blessed) to have had your company!