Left Knee Problem ..

Greetings Everyone!

I've delayed postings on Ernie's progress - because well, his left knee seems to have 'stopped' making any progress.  We were hoping things would improve - but not so.  A big disappointment to both of us - especially for Ernie.

Although his left knee is lagging, Ernie's right knee is doing fantastic.  It exceeds his left knee in it's ability to flex, bend and stretch - and has progressed to the point of being at the one year goal!

However, the left knee has 'stopped' gaining and is loosing flexibility.  Ernie can only bend his knee now at 82 degrees - a far cry for the normal goal of 90 degrees at this point in time. 

Why? It seems the left knee has developed 'considerable scar tissue' which makes it very difficult to bend or flex - the scar tissue build-up is suspected of being the result of Ernie's two set backs with his left knee.

Now what?  Ernie will go back into the hospital on Friday, April 20th for out-patient surgery to have 'a manipulation under anestishia' - which means - Ernie will be 'put under' and the doctor will 'force' Ernie's left knee down - hopefully, not breaking any bones.

After surgery, the same day - Ernie will be discharged to go directly to  physical therapy and begin intensive physical therapy.  From our understanding, Ernie will go every day to PT for two weeks and have lots of homework. 

Although we are both a bit down from the news - we know Ernie absolutely must have the ability to bend his knee in order for us to return to our life style at the cabin. 

Below is a photo of Ernie walking the halls of my brother's condo.  He is using a cane now which has made a big difference in his mobility - other than a stiff left leg.

In spite of all the gloomy news today - we extend a HUGH HEART FELT THANK YOU  to our friend, Mike!  He took it upon himself to bring our 4-wheeler in from the cabin to be repaired and serviced.  (Mike towed it across the lake ice, loaded it onto his snowmachine trailer and brought it into Anchorage).  Having the 4-wheeler up and running again will be a tremendous asset when we return. Thank you Mike!! 

Also - a few followers had some questions - so I'll answer those questions.

Has Ernie lost weight?  Yes, he's lost 25 lbs.

What do I do besides care taking?  Well - my brother is a bachelor - so I've taken to spring cleaning his condo. (My brother works on the North Slope, he's seldom here and he's given me permission to 'feel at home').  I'd be spring cleaning at the cabin if I were there - so spring cleaning my brother's condo is the next best thing.  I also read, run errands, take Ernie to his PT, assist him with home PT, call family, think about writing a book, spending time with Ernie joking and making things up.

Thank you everyone for your support, emails and phone calls!