Last week, Nathan had the 6-week post-operative follow-up with Dr Tompkins. Nathan first met with the PA to check his range of motion and incision and had some X-rays to show how the bones were healing. They did so much grinding and repositioning that they were looking for whiteness in the picture to see if the bone had died. No blaring white was the goal and we didn't see any. That was huge. It will still take six to nine months to tell if the blood supply into the hip is going to make it.
When they brought the x-rays up on the computer screen, I was very surprised. It looks like someone unloaded a screw gun into his body. But each screw was strategically placed to help the hip continue to survive and grow. The screw on the lower part of his femur is to help stabilize the bone. Getting the cap off the upper bone was so horrendous, that the health of the leg would have been compromised if the fifth pin hadn't been put in. The hip cap normally pops off in a cup-shape, but of course, not Nathan's! It split downwards, like a staff. They found some crystallization in the muscle above the joint, and so the doctor ordered some aquatic physical therapy and exercises to get the hip moving without too much stress. After 6 weeks of non-load bearing activity, he is finally able to put half of his weight on his left side, with the aid of a walker. He's not running yet, but we are making progress towards movement. He started the physical therapy the day after our appointment with the doctor, and loved the pool. He did so well that we took him to the YMCA on Saturday as well. I guess that membership will pay off over the next few weeks for supplemental time in the water for exercise. We are scheduled for pool therapy three times a week at Shriner's till we see the surgeon again in March. I'm so thankful for the Shriner's hospital with their skilled physicians, unending kindness, and complete generosity. We have private insurance that covers 90% of our charges with a 10% patient-paid responsibility and co-pay. Shriner's has started to bill insurance companies if patients have it, but they don't bill you the difference--it's free. What an incredible blessing. We still haven't seen the charges for 8 days in the hospital, 2 surgeons, and all the other things we've taken for granted--like the wheelchair, physical therapy, x-rays, and so forth. We had the option of getting a script to do the aquatic therapy closer to home, but by the time you figure the co-pay and insurance residual for 3 times a week--it would put us in the poor house...actually, poorer house. So I count this availability to Shriner's as a complete and utter miracle in the scheme of things. Doctors and staff who serve without concern for financial compensation has been a new experience for us.
***I have a feeling that Nathan may need to remember Shriner's generosity when it comes time to do his Eagle scout project in a few years. And that wouldn't even begin to pay back the amount they have invested in him. But my deep-felt gratitude and admiration goes to the hospital and their contributors for what they have done for our family and my boy.
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