As promised, here is a follow-up email about Elaine's shoulder surgery. They went to the doctor this afternoon to check on her foot and her shoulder. They took the stitches out of her shoulder, and she was able to wear a tennis shoe on her left foot for the first time since surgery. Unfortunately for the foot and shoulder, it will take about 6 months for them to completely heal. The good news is that both appear to be on the right track. Elaine spent most of the weekend in pain, but she felt like it was surgery pain, different from her pain before. We are proceeding with cautious optimism and are hopeful that this is the answer to our prayers. Elaine will begin rehab on her shoulder this week, but not on her foot for awhile. It was more complicated with the joint fusion and the metal plate. 

As you can imagine, Fred and Elaine have been very diligent about all of her rehab exercises. She spends four hours a day in a chair that moves her arm in various positions. It doesn't hurt her, and will prevent it from getting stiff and scar tissue building up. It finally feels as if there is light at the end of the tunnel with pain relief in sight! We continue to hope and pray that these will be the answers. Fred and Elaine, on different levels, have worked tirelessly over the past 20 months to find answers and continue her recovery. They have come so far and have not given up on each other or lost hope. There have been dark days and even weeks, but today, Elaine is walking without any assistance, without a swollen foot and looking as beautiful as ever. I don't know a more dedicated person in the world than Fred has been to Elaine. I also don't know a person that has been more committed to getting better, despite the numerous setbacks, than Elaine. They greet each day grateful to have each other and ready to tackle whatever obstacles come their way. Its an inspiration to watch!

Elaine's Surgery Update

Another Friday, another surgery. We were back at Newport Orthopedic Institute for another procedure. This was the second attempt to ease the pain in Elaine's shoulder. The surgeon was hoping that her rotator cuff wasn't torn, but he wouldn't know until he was in there. Fortunately, once the incision was made it was confirmed that there was no tear and the surgeon could focus on reshaping the ball and socket joint to reduce bone on bone friction (and reduce the discomfort in the process).

Elaine showed up early this morning to check in. She, as usual, had a great attitude and was ready for some serious relief. This paints a pretty good picture of her attitude. Elaine's biggest concern was, "Please make sure they don't ruin my eyelashes!"

Elaine headed home at around noon following an approximately 90 minute procedure. She has been in some pretty serious pain all day. It is worth repeating that Elaine is easily the toughest person on the planet. She is taking this surgery head on as she has with every obstacle that she has faced over the past two years. It also bears repeating that Fred is the other toughest person on the earth. Despite the fact that he hasn't been sleeping because of pain in his legs, he was up and upbeat this morning ready to cheer on the love of his life. He is ready to continue on his doctor duties. He is well versed in giving injections, drawing blood, cleaning wounds. and whatever else is asked of him!