Getting back to work yesterday (particularly the great welcome) was, no doubt, a great moment but it is a little shy of mission accomplished. I won't be able to put in a full day until "the stump" does a lot more healing, the still fragile new graft skin matures and medical care gets transferred closer to home. My work stamina will slowly get back to normal as I work toward walking on a shiny new prosthetic leg.

Today I met Pat (the Prosthetist) from Hanger Prosthetics. He will be the point man on the next leg of my recovery. He gave the names of some more than capable local Physiatrists (non-surgical stump doctors). One will get the referral from his Cleveland Metro counterpart to get my medical care transferred to southern Ohio. The local Physiatrists will set me up with a local PT program, then we'll be off and running (figuratively speaking). (How many puns did you find in this paragraph?)

P.S. Bonnie's sister, Jean left for her North Carolina home today. Thank you so much for everything, Jean. We both love and miss you already.

Dad called this evening to ask if I could please put up a blog entry for him because a) it has pictures and he couldn't get them working quite right, and b) he wasn't at all happy with the little bit he did manage to write, and he wanted me to be verbose about it..

Last night and this morning, Dad, Aunt Marsha, and GiGi went about the business of packing things up for Dad's return to Maineville. There were some moist eyes here and there as bandages and luggage all got packed up and loaded into Dad's wagon. He managed to amass quite a pile of stuff over his stay (not even counting the piles we all sent him), between the new bandaging and its associated tools, new toys like walkers, wheelchairs, and crutches with their fun cushions and accessories.. This must have been like moving a kid out for their first semester of college (who knew you could pack that much crap in a room, anyway?). This is all my imagining, of course, as I was nowhere near the actual packing event. I get a little wistful picturing that room, though: The hospital bed with its trapeze bar will be returning to its home until someone else needs it, the closet that was holding mounds of bandages will soon be hoarding toys again...

Anyway, they did manage to get everything loaded into the car, and after a good night's sleep, Dad and Aunt Marsha did "a really top notch stump dressing" (by the way Dad, or Aunt Marsha-- I'd really love a better description of what this new light elastic-y bandage thing is about-- I've heard some descriptions of something like bike shorts? I'm sure I'm not the only one dying to know..). They had an excellent omelet breakfast (GiGi's cooking, I'm sure), and then got him, his wheelchair, his walker, and the bandage kit all into the car, and off he went.

First stop was at Overload for "another ass-kicking workout", which of course takes only 20 minutes (I still have trouble believing that..), so by 9:30a or so he was on the highway headed south. He stopped off at home (around lunchtime) to unload the car and "change into my almost long pants for work".

He arrived at work, his home away from home, around 2 in the afternoon. He didn't tell me what happened for the next hour (though I can see him getting up to his office, probably talking to everyone he met on the way, puttering around figuring out how to maneuver in his old environment with his new gear..), but at 3pm, he was called out of engineering to find every person in the plant gathered at the foot of the steps to welcome him back. He told me the whole plant was shut down, they were all there ("the only one not at the foot of the stairs was the guy standing next to me..."). He couldn't figure out how they got everyone there, because he would have heard them if they used the PA...

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Mike, Ruthie and Dave came down to visit us in Medina yesterday and it was great having them here! Ruthie and I decided that she hasn't been to our house since before her Mom died, so it's been about 12 years. It was good to spend more time with Dave since we've only met him in situations like his wedding (and he was a little busy and distracted that day, hmmmmm...).

It was great to see how well Mike can negotiate any situation with his walker. Apparently he's even more impressive when he has his crutches! We had some Coronas and wine here (we gave Mike a couple of glasses of a Pinot Noir labled "Pinot Evil" ! How apt is that??). Mike, you're looking pretty trim....Overload is working.

Our older son Seth and his fiancee Brittany had to leave earlier in the day for their Wisconsin move, so it was sad they couldn't be here. Our younger son Zach hasn't seen Mike since his tow motor "adventure," so it was very good for him to get to hang out with Mike, since he's had to hear everything long distance. Perfect would have been if Erin and Chris could have been here, too (we were seriously singing your praises, Erin, in case your ears were burning).

Mike treated us all to a delicious dinner at The House of Hunan on Medina Square (thank you, Mike!!). It was the second time Mike's been out in a restaurant since getting out of the hospital and he managed to clean his plate (Orange Chicken?). I was glad to see the restaurant gave us the VIP treatment since I had called ahead to say one of our party would be in a wheelchair. We plunked Mike's handicap tag on our mirror, pulled right up to the restaurant, they had the doors open and the table ready, even though we were a little early.

After dinner we took a walk around Medina Square and I got to talk to BonnieG for a minute on the phone. She's really looking forward to having Mike home much more often and when I told her she'd soon be sick of him, her comment was, "Never!" Then we came home and sat on the deck with a fire going in the chiminea while drinking coffee. Mike seems able to adapt to whatever situation he finds himself in, and finds creative ways to do what he wants to do.

It was a really really great evening! I loved seeing you, Ruthie!!!! Good luck as you start back at work in Deerfield this week, Mike!! And Happy Father's Day! You have two daughters who are going to appreciate you more than ever on this day.

Thursday (14th) - The 8:00am PT came really early for me and traffic on I-77 was like pissing putty. Therapist, Joyce is focusing mostly on the flexibility and strength of the stump. Did a little stair work and stopped at 16 steps again due to the 5:00pm "Overload" workout.

Went to "Overload", still a little sore from Tuesday's workout. A little mercy? Not a chance. Trainer, Jeff added more weight and pushed even harder for that deep muscle burn. Got the wheel chair into the car after the workout and had to sit and relax my leg for a minute before I could hop my to the drives seat.

Today (Friday) - PT was at 9:00am and traffic was light (what a difference an hour makes). No "Overload" until next Tuesday, so we went after the stairs with a vengeance. Started the session with 32 steps in sets of 4 (went down the last set 2 at a time just show off). One of the residual effects an extend amount of time in bed and scar shrinkage is a limited range of stump motion in backward direction. My starting range was measured at 1 degree, barely functional is 5 degrees, and after 3 weeks of PT measured the highly functional target of 15 degrees. Finished the session with another 32 steps (did all the down hills two at a time, just to expedite things).
Does it look like I'm ready to go back to work? For those of you, who read this at Deerfield - see ya' next Thursday.

No news does not necessarily mean no good news. The weekend at home (Maineville) went well as we shift our focus to Bonnie G.'s battle with breast cancer. She came thru her outpatient surgery well, as expected but continues to struggle with the severe emotional trauma. She'll need at least one week (probably a little more) of home recovery aided by her sister; Jean who will be staying with her until Bonnie is feeling better. Thanks again for everything, Jeanie.

Tuesday morning (12th) a few of my co-workers (Mat, Phil, Mike M, Roger, Dave) stopped in to say a quick hello (and swap some CAD files). The additional railing that will allow me to get up the stairs to the engineering office has been installed. Deerfield is ready and I'm getting anxious.

The (now routine) trip from Maineville got me to Valley View on time meet Jenny K and off to the Tuesday evening "Overload" workout. This was actually my first real session - 4 machines that kicked my butt. Making monster strength gains.

Wednesday (13th) - more good news from Dr. McDonald and Tammie. The "stump" is progress as it should but continues to take its own sweet time about it. I'll be seeing Tammie again next Tuesday to be measured for custom crafted shrink garment for the "stump". Our next scheduled appointment will be a few months from now so the goodbyes are getting more emotional. Tammie is a great lady and I'll miss her.

The next stop was Dr. Kelly (artificial limb Dr.). I now have in my possession, a "release" to return to work. Need another week to close up some northern lose ends then I'll be climbing those stairs.

P.S. Let's keep Bonnie in our thoughts, she really needs our love and support right now.

Nothing too exciting today. Learned how to "transition" (that's a rehab word for a mobility change) from the wheel chair to floor and back. That allowed me to rearrange things under the computer desk so that my docking station can be used with the wheelchair. I also had to get down on hands and knee to the install the rail gadget onto the toilet (we bought it for Gigi, we'll get her another one when I get back).

Bonnie G. and I took a 1/3-mile walk around Adena Pond. I was on crutches and she pushed along side the wheel chair just in case, but of course, it wasn't necessary. It's no AT, but it has been the longest walk I've been on during the recovery and really glad Bonnie was there.

Around 2:00 pm, Mike was anxious to get on the road to begin his 4 day weekend. . Mike and GiGi were left on their own to load all the supplies, duffle bags, boxes, etc. When I arrived home from work, it was just in time to send Mike off to home.... The car was loaded!! We're all excited to see him so close to his "return-to-work (and home)" goal. We're sitting arond now (about 4:30) watching all the weather problems...hopefully he's ahead of all the bad weather...

Watch for Mike's blog about his time at home. I think Rodney (from work) will be getting Mike's condo outfitted with safety rails and any other items to make the transitonto home safe and imminent.

While we are all praying for Mike's speedy recovery, we need to keep Mike's lady in our prayers as well. Bonnie G., in spite of her favorable prognosis, is still in the midst of chemo and facing surgery for breast cancer. They're really having a year!

Good PT session today. Climbed 16 stair steps non-stop and could'a done more but Joyce (physical therapist) didn't want over work my leg the day after an "Overload" workout. The "back to work goal" is up and down 32 non-stop flights of step; but she said I'm ok to take on the stairs going up to engineering at Deerfield.

Not released to return to work just yet, but I'm getting really close.

When I arrive at GiGi's at noon, I found Uncle Mike in his usual spot; the recliner banging away on his laptop. To be honest, I was a little worried about a solo trip to Overload, but all went well. I put the backseat down in my SUV to accommodate his chair and walker. I did, however, manage to forget the chair cushion behind. (By the end of the outing, he complained of his tush being sore. The facility was wheel chair friendly, with the exception of uneven cement by the front door. Have no fear; logic-man was able to conquer it...even if he looked like a cartoon character. We arrived with ten minutes to spare: just enough time to fill out a questionnaire. He seemed a little intimidated by the trophies and pictures of the trainers/body builders: "Is that what they do to their clients?" he asked. Hmmm? Expectations a little high, huh? Too funny. Well, we all know Mike is an over achiever!

A few other chuckles while completing the questionnaire:
List injuries or broken bones: "Hey Jen, is a missing leg considered a broken bone?" The man always has to be so technical?

Josh, trainer/owner, went over the equipment with him. Initially, only an assessment would be completed today, but it turned into a work-out. Mike tried three machines today. Josh's only concern: the transition from the chair to the equipment; even provided him with a belt. Needless to say, the belt wasn't needed and Uncle Mike performed beautifully!! He hopped onto the machine, huge smile across his face!! What's next? Almost like a child who climbs on a merry-go-round. No fear!

Overload will also put him on an intense dieting program to help him lose weight. They request a day in between work-outs so the body can rest. (This applies to all clients.) With his calendar booked with Dr. and PT appointments, it may cause a conflict with four day weekends home with Bonnie. Next two sessions will take place next Tuesday and Thursday.

After the grueling work-out, we were starving. We stopped at Bravo on Chagrin Blvd. While the service wasn"t the best, the food hit the spot. Mike had the Chicken Marsala and I had Spaghetti...mmmm!

We returned to GiGi's a little after 4pm. Marsha had to 'touch up' his dressing. I said my good-byes and headed west to pick Tyler up from school.

And Uncle Mike: It was great to spend the day with you. Oh, by the way, when you had asked why I had a grin on my face? I'm in complete "Awe" over your determination, willpower, and strength. I'm so proud of you! Love ya!

Mike had an enjoyable day as he visited with Gary (nephew) and his boys AJ and David; Laura (niece)and her son Andy and neice Emma (Mike's nephew Steve's daughter); Nancy (niece) and her 3-Jimmie, Jack and Jane; and Becky (niece) and her 3-Mara, Makenna and Maecy. Its' pretty amazing how the kids have all adapted to Mike's one-legged status. They also know that he only has 5 toes. "Stump rides" (only Mike) were on hold because he was given specific instructions to rest and give the stump time to recover from the accidental bruising. The skin seems to have survived the incident without further problems. Tomorrow we will see how the "Overload" visit goes.