SURGERY REPORT -- MIKE'S FOOT

Mike is home and "resting comfortably" after surgery on his left foot. Because his bones are hard and in such great shape, the doctor was able to do a different procedure than expected and Mike was provided a walking boot. We had been told repeatedly that this surgery would require him to stay off the foot for six weeks and over the last month we have planned for that eventuality. We are so grateful that he can walk and in fact is walking now. Of course, he's not supposed to go anywhere or do anything -- no strenuous activity -- but just knowing he can put weight on his foot, move through the house, and walk from the car to house or business is such a relief! It means he can feed the dog, make his muffins, stand in the shower -- all those little things that one takes for granted. And, if all goes well, in three weeks he will be fitted with a walking shoe, the doctor said.

There was a little glitch with surgery. He evidently had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia which caused heart arrhythmia. He is never to have that anesthetic again.

I enjoyed several hours of productive shopping while Mike was indisposed. I arrived at Wal-Mart before daybreak and cashiers were waiting to serve me when I was ready to check out an hour and a half later. (KW)