FLEET FEET NO MORE

When the 2007 year of hospital emergency runs had passed, and the excitement tapered off to home visits by the nurse and Dr."H", the main concern was now my feet. The major idea was to wait and pray for circulation to revive the flesh. The result was amazing. By mid 2008 my feet were still hard to look at. But the right foot had restored so well, only the toes were involved. The left foot was a bit worse. But the heel bone had been involved.
We went to see Dr."S" and he was surprised to see us. While exchanging pleasantries, I commented that if I still had to lose a leg I would have to withdraw from the annual butt-kick contest. He laughed hard and said "Now, I remember why I wanted you to make it." I asked him if he remembered the promise he made to me? He said "Yes . But you must remember that when I said that to you, none of us believed you would still be alive. Your condition was so serious, I did not have the heart to tell you what I really felt. "
My heart began to sink for only the second time in my life. And I had been talking to a doctor both times. Then he told me that just because I might lose a leg didn't mean I would not ride a motorcycle. And he would do everything in his power to get me "In the Wind." He had just used a term that only bikers use. So I immediately asked him what kind of bike he rode. He answered "A Harley! Is there any other kind?" So he understood! And I understood.
I had been riding motorcycles for as long as I can remember. My first car was a motorcycle. I was riding a motorcycle the day I met my wife. She knew the job was dangerous when she took it. I have never concerned myself worrying over death or possible injury. Before I was a Christian, I simply never thought about it. And afterwards, I knew that my God was in charge. If he wanted me dead or crippled, he didn't need a motorcycle to do it. A bar of soap in the shower has claimed more lives than motorcycles ever did. Why aren't there helmet laws for the shower? I know in my heart that God would never look up from his throne and see me standing there, and ask "Why are you here so soon?" Look at My Name! I am crippled, and it had nothing to do with a motorcycle.
Another miracle took place during this time period. The people where I worked continued to shower me with cards, letters, posters and love. I had used so much blood with all of the transfusions I received. Some of my friends organized a blood drive at work. They donated close to 100 pints of blood in my name. Now that's giving from the heart! But it did not stop there. They took up a collection, got together and purchased a software that would allow me to use the computer without my hands, which were still not functioning yet. That way we could exchange e-mails and I could stay in touch with the world. Even today we still exchange e-mails and I send out regular updates on my status. Several of them, my friends, after reading the e-mails said I should write a book. This story is my version of that book. It is dedicated to my family and all those wonderful people at San Diego Data Processing Corporation. I love each and every one of you. Unashamedly!
My appointment for amputation got waylaid three times. Each one involved a new infection. I had a bladder infection. Then a kidney infection. And finally an infection that inflamed my pancreas. There was new and more exquisite pain with each new infection. I have been told that childbirth is the worst pain imaginable. Five minutes after my son was born, I asked my beautiful wife "Would you do that again?" Her answer was "Yes." It has been awhile now and I still don't want an other inflamed pancreas. You decide.
All of the doctors were in agreement. The infections were probably coming from my feet. A surgery was necessary to remove them. However, if they did it while infection was active, there was a risk I might not survive anesthesia. That's between a rock and a hard place! Danged if you do and danged if you don't. One of my favorite comedians George Carlin had a routine he called "Phrases you will never say." Well I ended up saying one of those phrases. Who could of guessed I would say "Please saw my legs off!" To some one who could and would. It ended with an amputation of my left leg about 10 inches below the knee. And all the toes on my right foot went into the scrap bin. I had begged to not have a general anesthesia because of my previous experience with that tube in the throat. My voice was my only means of communication and defense. Dr. S. agreed. One serious dose of sleeping medication, an epidural pain blocker and a couple hours later I was back in my room on the ward.
Next time: The Phantom Menace.
KW