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