Three Months Post-Surgery
May 20, 2018
It’s three months since Peter broke his femur in a devastating fall on the campus of American University. The orthopedic surgeon who put a three-inch rod in Peter’s thigh warned us that many people his age do not survive such a traumatic event. He added that Peter’s having been on the treadmill just hours before he tripped was a good sign because survival depends largely on the patient’s condition before the fall.
We saw his surgeon last week. Peter negotiated the trip from the curb to his office with the help of a cane. Six weeks earlier, I had to push him to his first post-operative checkup in a wheelchair. The doctor was pleased with his progress. The appointment lasted five minutes.
After five weeks in the hospital and six weeks of being confined to our apartment with rehab at home, we are on a good trajectory. We go out for physical therapy now, and last weekend we had pizza with our grandkids (and their parents) in a restaurant.
My amazing husband has rarely complained about his situation unlike his grumpy caretaker (me). He is optimistic. He is determined. He’s also eighty-eight.
I am so proud—and so relieved.
Wonderful news, and well done, the pair of you. We old women are allowed to complain a bit, Judy.
Posted by: Maureen Helen | May 21, 2018 at 05:39 AM
His progress sounds wonderful! You did a good job!
Posted by: Still the Lucky Few | May 21, 2018 at 09:36 AM
I'm glad Mr Pether is recovering quickly! I'm glad I saw him in a video of Seth so well. Playful and making jokes with the son. Congratulations to him and the caregiver !!! 🌷Hugs from Brazil!
Posted by: Ana Maria Fagundes | May 21, 2018 at 11:05 AM
Please take credit for all your efforts! Happy, and relieved for you. I think you deserve a vacation day.
Posted by: Janet Winsor | May 24, 2018 at 01:59 AM