E-mail update sent on April 8, 2002:

Hey, there,

It’s about time for another update on my progress and there has been some exciting progress lately.  As you recall, I have been wearing a splint on my leg since the amputation surgery in February.  For the last few weeks, I’ve been seeing a prosthetist (that’s the name for the person who fits the artificial leg) each week.   Last week she measured me for the socket that will secure the artificial leg to my residual limb (That’s what my favorite physical therapist tells me to call it instead of “my stump”. *grin* Thanks, Diane.)  Today I was able to put on the test socket and she made the last few adjustments to that socket before they cast a permanent socket for me.  I’m amazed at the technology and the process of measuring and casting the socket.  But that’s another story.

The main excitement for me today was that I got to take a few steps with a leg attached to the test socket after we got it fitted.  It wasn’t pretty.  I wasn’t graceful and have a lot to learn about how to walk with a prosthesis, but it was wonderful to be on two feet again even if one of them wasn’t mine!  Of course,  since I didn’t felt much in the real foot (now not there) for the last two years, not feeling anything is this one didn’t seem all that different.  I was not ready to take the leg off when the prosthetist told me I should do so.  But, the cool thing is that I’ll have a leg to bring home next week.  Starting then, I’ll be getting some gait therapy to assist me in learning to walk smoothly.  After seven weeks of using only a walker or wheelchair, I’m really anxious to have this new prosthesis.

Another nice event today was the news that the Social Security Administration has approved my disability status.  That is key to my continued ability to feed myself (something I’m quite partial to doing) and pay all these medical bills.  With this status, the disability insurance will provide a source of income until I’m 65.  I’m very pleased and thankful to get that approval behind me.

Overall, things for me are looking very good and I continue to be thankful for the way I’ve been blessed.  God has been very good to me throughout this entire segment of my life.  Actually, it’s more correct to say He’s been very good to me throughout my entire life, but my appreciation of His kindness and love have deepened as a result of the last three years.  Life, for all of us, changes as we get older and I am very pleased to say the quality of mine has improved immensely.  I know that must sound unreal coming from someone blind in one eye and missing a foot, but give me a little time and I’ll tell you why it’s true.

I’ll probably send a few more updates, but it would seem that the recovery phase of my life is nearing an end.  As I said last time, I suspect these updates to be farther apart even though I love sharing these exciting times with you.

Love,

John