Riders everywhere often feel some level of connection to other riders when an accident occurs. My friend John will be undergoing surgery this Friday and I ask that you consider taking a moment to say a prayer for him. Even if this is not something you do or believe perhaps you would pretend this once. What could it hurt to add to the positive feelings in the world…
John sent the letter below to friends and family to let us know what was in store. I hope none of you ever have to send such a letter.
Dear All,
The surgeons haven’t made a final decision on the procedure yet—either a major skin graft, a muscle graft from above the knee, or else attempt another flap using part of the gastroc (calf) muscle. They will confer on the approach and let me know, but we got a green flag from infectious disease, whom the plastic surgeons thought would be very conservative and make us wait two weeks. The ID doc said, “Now or never. It doesn’t make any sense to wait; if they can do this next Friday, that would be fine.”
So, apparently the infection is down enough that it won’t harm the graft – they weren’t sure whether the dying graft caused the infection, or the infection killed off part of the graft. But the wound is now very clean, and the infection is diminished, so here we go.
All the doctors are saying they want to avoid the free flap surgery, which takes muscle from the stomach, and then they microsurgically attach healthy arteries and veins in the leg to the transplanted muscle. Dr. Bitterly says that procedure has about a 70% success rate, and he would only do it if it were “4th and 99, and we’re not there yet.”
He also said that sometimes the patient and surgeons reach a mutual point of frustration, where it’s just not worth it to go on. He says we’re not there yet either. His colleague, Dr. Harter, who did all the orthopedic work, is fond of saying, “Save the leg, lose the soul.” In other words, the leg can really take over the focus of one’s life. But we still have two arrows in the quiver—this Friday’s graft, and the free flap, should that become an option.
So, positive attitudes, thoughts and prayers everybody. It’s kinda like a televised World Series—they always take it to Game Seven. Well, that’s enough sports metaphors. I hope this finds you well, and that things go smoothly this Friday and after. Will keep you posted, and thanks for all your kind thoughts, prayers and support all along.
More later – love, John
I hope the surgery on friday goes well. I’ll be sending good thoughts to your friend John. And thanks to you both for sharing this story and reminding us of safe riding.
As most motorcyclists, I have had a couple of get-offs at substantial spped. As a result I had a spot on my right calf, that had no feeling, a relic from college rides in south Texas and a no -insurance mexican driver, who turned left from the right lane.
Another get-off has left me with a bit of Arthritis, my doctor has informed me (left shoulder). But all in all, I have been remarkably lucky, since I am still able and still riding.
Best wishes to John, whose luck has run out on him, and I’ll send him a box of luck, fresh from the manufacturer.
Of course a few prayers. Can’t hurt.
I know the frustrated feelings. Shattered an ankle last May, and it won’t heal right. Cane for life, possibly a brace, but
dammit, I am going to ride.
I hope your friend gets better and that his surgery goes well. Many prayers being sent his way.
Steve and John,
I will direct my wish towards the Spirit That Moves Through All Things that good comes from all that is associated with this.
Tim
No, I don’t believe in or do that sort of thing. But I will pretend just this once. Best of luck!
Consider it done, brother.
=Bill=
John –
Here’s to you, mate!! I’m sure that your great creative spirit – and leg – will both pull through intact.
Many of us care and will be with you tomorrow…
Stacy T.
My prayers are with you John and may you have an excellent outcome on surgery and god speed in your full recovery.
Best wishes,
Phillip
Yorba Linda, CA
All right then count me in. I’m betting I can still remember the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary. After 30 years that’s got to count for something doesn’t it?
Bloody horrible mysteries would be more appropriate after all that talk about stomach muscles and loose flaps. Surgeons across the country are keeping their fingers crossed when they imagine having me for a very grumpy patient because let me tell you I’m not going to be near as chirpy as Mysterious John is, in his situation.
Thanks to you Steve, through you John has become a friend of the many that read your Blog. My thoughts, prayers and all the positive energy I can muster is on the way!
Our hopes, prayers and thoughts are with John now and will be again on Friday. Wishing him a full recovery and his family the courage to continue the fight.
Thanks Steve, this is a wonderful thing you are doing.
Sending prayers John’s way… thanks for keeping us posted on his progress.
Thanks to all of you for your kind words of support and encouragement to John. I received an email at 6:46 AM this morning from him describing the pre-surgery preparations and included some rather graphic images. John, ever the journalist, has been looking at his situation with open eyes. He said he is working up some of the technical imagery — x-rays, CAT scans, MRI, etc. I saw a lot of that early on an it was dramatic.
I’ve not heard anything yet about the outcome of the surgery or if they even could proceed. I will provide an update when I know something new.
Again, I am grateful for the community of support among riders of all stripes. It has been a happy surprise after beginning to ride again.
I said a prayer for John and his family and friends. Not a specific prayer that the surgical graft takes but a more broad prayer that addresses the way the large pieces fall. I like the strength that John is showing. It seems to run deep. – Paul
WOAH!
Sorry I’m a little late, I only just saw this post.
I hope you (John) make a full, and fast, recovery.
My thoughts are with you!
You (Steve) take care too… You’re totally right about that feeling of community among us riders. I wish I could help in some way.
Perhaps a way to donate a few bucks to help with things? Maybe a little PayPal thingy?
–Dan