a day at the hospital

Background - for those of you who don’t know or those who have forgotten:

On May 5, 2005 Jon was injured in a farming accident when a farming implement landed on his foot crushing the arch of this left foot. He had surgery that month to reconstruct the arch. Since then his foot has given him increasing pain and problems. We finally requested a second opinion about options available to help with the pain when his local doctor couldn’t give us any answers or help. We went to see Dr. Rocco, an orthopaedic specialist, who practices at McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden. He showed confidence that a foot fusion would help with much of Jon’s pain. Dr. Rocco showed enough confidence in his decision and knowledge of the procedure that we knew he would be able to help Jon.

And that is why we are spending the day at the hospital. Jon was taken into surgery at 11:40am this morning. The doctor was planning on fusing the mid joints in his foot together and reconstructing the arch in his foot which was collapsing and deforming. Jon was in surgery for just under 2 hours. When we talked to the doctor after surgery he said everything went very well and seemed happy with what was done. I was finally able to see Jon after surgery just before 3pm. He is doing very well. Jon’s dad, Brent, came to see how Jon was doing and commented on how big Jon’s foot is. He jokingly suggested that we’re going to have to buy a special shoe for him. Jon’s foot is in a splint, and yes, it does look really big.

We will be staying overnight here at the hospital and Jon will be released sometime tomorrow morning. His foot will be in a splint for 2 weeks and then in a boot for 4 more. Recovery will take at least 6 weeks before he’ll be able to completely walk on it. Things are looking good, and we’ll definitely keep everyone posted. Thanks to everyone for all their love and support!