October – The news is out…

Some of you have probably been wondering what stressful situation lead me to start walking like a maniac… and since it is now facebook knowledge I can blog about it too.  A month ago… we went to see the specialist who did the surgery on Matthew’s arm back in August when he spent 22 days in the hospital with an infection.  The day of the surgery he told me that he thought the best option for Matthew was an amputation… but I didn't really understand the seriousness of the matter at the time.  At the follow-up appointment he informed us that because nothing was done for his arm sooner it has come to a point in which it will most likely never return to normal. 

The lymphatic system in his left arm is destroyed and his arm has become a liability.  What does that mean?  It means that even if they can get the pain under control he will continue to get infections… these infections become life-threatening because they don’t just affect his left arm but his vital organs as well such as his liver and kidneys.  The only way to prevent these infections is to amputate his arm. 

The news was definitely a shock to us since it was always a worst case scenario but since he has been fighting L&I for over three years we have come to the point that it needs to done.  We don’t really know the time frame.  The surgeon and his Dr. would like him to see an infectious disease specialist but L&I won’t approve it until after his next IME (Independent Medical Exam – Otherwise known as State biased exam).  The exam isn't until Mid-November and by the time they get the report back it will already be into December. 

The surgeon does not want him to wait that long though because the openings in his hand are not closing up which makes him more prone to continued infections.  In fact, last Monday he had to open up another area to drain another infection. 

We have finally come to terms that Matthew will be losing his arm and now we would like you to pray that things can get done as quickly as possible.  Shane seems to be handling the news pretty well since to him it means his father won’t be in so much pain anymore.  I personally am ready for it all to be done and over with so we can go on with our lives.  Matthew is on a roller coaster of emotions but is now at the point that he too just wants to move on. 

We don’t know what the months ahead look like for us but please keep us in your prayers. We are trusting in God during this situation and know that He will use it for our good and His glory but that doesn't make it any easier in the midst of the trial.