Yet Another Step

Got a sprinkling of snow here in Ottawa ... not even enough to warrant shovelling! What a bizarre winter!

On Friday, Conor and I went to see the orthopaedic surgeon. He's a lovely man ... and God forbid you should need one ... but I'd highly recommend him. No nonsense ... hail and hearty ... Dr O'Neill is his name. He has allowed Conor 30% weight bearing on his leg. This isn't much ... and the physio has ordered him a special set of crutches given that he cannot bear weight on his right wrist. He can bend his knee 90 degrees which certainly makes moving him around much easier. He is taking only Celebrex for inflammation ... and Tylenol before physio appointments and at night. Extraordinary!

The cast came off the wrist and we're scheduled for a CT scan tomorrow morning. Dr O'Neill is concerned that it is 1-2 mm out of alignment and wants the CT scan to confirm. Talk about precision .... but as Dr O'Neill says ... he's young and we want him to have the best wrist possible for as long as possible ... before the arthritis sets in.

We were able to wash Conor's hand for the first time in seven weeks --- the dead skin that came off was unbelievable. He has some movement, but very little rotation. The physio was able to see him on Friday afternoon and give him a few exercises to promote blood flow and begin the healing process. It will take some time, of course, but fingers crossed he'll be playing Eric Clapton in no time!

This week we have therapists in every day, and an appointment with the Trauma Specialist on Friday. I am fitting in a dental appointment ... and Ciaran has gone back to school. Conor will miss Ciaran desperately ... as he is a source of much laughter ... and normalcy.

On normalcy ... Conor mentioned to me on Friday that a great many people are treating him differently. He wants everyone to know ... and this includes his internet buddies --- that he really is whole --- and very much Conor. Those of you that have seen him personally, can bear witness to this. While I must confess to treating him with kid gloves at times and being ever vigilant for change (however minuscule) ... Ciaran has never treated him any different than pre-accident. He concedes nothing to Conor ... "no quarter asked; no quarter given" .. and truthfully ... Conor prefers that kind of treatment. Those of you that only know him from cyberspace ... I know it's difficult to reconcile the extent of the injuries (and they are extremely serious), but let me assure you that the brain injury has not taken away the core of his personality (the sarcasm, the impatience, the humour, the kindness). In his own words ... I couldn't "problem solve" before the accident (his high school math marks can attest to that!)! He is all there, thank God ... that prayer has clearly been answered!

Since making it down to the basement ... he has changed considerably. He has a modicum of independence --- which he loves. He has gotten rid of the commode chair and rarely uses the wheelchair in the house (preferring to hop). His good leg .. his right leg .. is going to be pretty impressive from all the extra work. He has sorted out his musical library on his iPod and reconnected with all his buds online. He gets himself to bed and falls asleep when he wants. He entertains his guests downstairs now, and I think he's more comfortable without Mum and little brother being around. He is eating much better now and his appetite has truly returned ... so good to see!

I am so glad to be able to report such good news. I look back at the early posts on this blog ... and it's incredible to think that we have come so far in such a seemingly short time. He is thriving ... and I am so very grateful. Thank you all for you continued support ... your prayers ... they are invaluable.