Wrist Update

It's been over a week since I posted ... sorry to all you guys who check this site everyday.

A little news to impart ....

Last week saw the last visit to the house for Conor's physiotherapist, Julie. On her last day, she had Conor play guitar for her. He played a couple of songs, and though he struggled with some picking, he was able to play remarkably well. For all you fellow weepers out there ... he played Tears in Heaven by Clapton ... and there was not a dry eye in the room! Julie looked at me and smiled and said that this is what makes her job worthwhile. A motivated 20 year old ... with nothing on their mind but healing. She gave Conor a hug and asked if it would be okay if she followed up with him from time to time. She has now passed him off to the Canadian Back Institute on Greenbank Road for further treatment. He has his initial assessment on Friday ...

As you know ... the Superbowl was played this weekend. Conor's team ... the Colts ... were victorious. Although I was secretly cheering for Chicago (and Ciaran not so secretly) ... I knew that Indianapolis would win. It was pre-ordained. Conor was ecstatic. You may recall in a previous post ... that the PR people for the team sent Conor some "stuff" and a lovely personalized letter wishing him well in his rehab. After the victory ... Ciaran wondered out loud whether the Colts would point out that they had dedicated their win to that kid in Ottawa, Canada who had hit a bus. Needless to the say ... the room exploded. I don't know how that kid's mind works ...

Today, we went to the big wrist specialist. He was very nice and was thrilled that we were so aware of the problem with Conor's wrist and were willing to be aggressive with treatment. He concurred with the other specialist, and Conor's surgeon, that surgery would probably be the best option, given his youth. He advised that if he was over 50, there would be no need for the surgery --- that Conor's current range of motion is more than a lot of older people have.

They will make an incision behind Conor's knee and remove a pancake-shaped piece of bone (with cartilage attached) that they will transplant into the wrist. This will give a nice smooth surface within the joint ... and provide some much needed cartilage. I asked how long he would be off his leg ... and the doctor claimed not even a day. He is scheduling the surgery for 8-10 weeks ... and we are scheduled to see him again on 3 April. Conor will be in a cast after the surgery for about 6 weeks ...(no pins) ... then the real rehab (strengthening and mobility) can begin in earnest. Till then ... it's strengthen the leg and the rest of that skinny wee body ... and get as supple a wrist as possible.

Conor is truly doing well ... sometimes too well. This weekend we had to hold back on the walking a bit as he was irritating the tissue covering the screws. However, by holding back ... the knee stiffened. So we are currently trying to find the right balance between too much and not enough exercise. The sooner the screws can come out ... the less this will be an issue.

Well, my friends, that is about all I have in the way of updates. Ciaran and I are still doing well ... and are less at Conor's beck and call. I can leave him alone for longer periods (I still call to check up ... I know, I know) and I think we've seen the last of the panic attacks. I can't wait for the weather to cooperate a little bit so Conor can get outside to do a few laps around the block ... but -30 is just not conducive to that kind of exercise. Soon ... very soon! Have a great week everyone . . .