History of my life travels from June 2006 forward
This real life experience may appear to some as unbelievable, but it is true.* At age 83, I am living proof that anyone can overcome unimaginable difficulties with perseverance, competent medical assistance, and guidance from real life professionals.
As I was preparing to be discharged from the hospital following cardiac bypass surgery in June 2006, large blisters developed on my feet, face, nose, fingers and other parts of my body. The skin then turned black. Testing determined that the introduction of a blood thinner widely used in cardiac surgical procedures caused my blood platelets to drop to a dangerously low level, resulting in this reaction and the onset of Gangrene.
To save my life, my left leg below the knee and half of my right foot were amputated and the removal of considerable amounts of my colon, lower intestines and gall bladder and other internal parts was immediately required.
I was then transferred to another hospital for recovery, where attendants, who were transferring me from a bed to a chair, dropped me. This caused a cut on my left leg, below the knee, which later developed a staph infection. Following several weeks of treatment without improvement, I was transferred to Christus Santa Rosa North West Rehabilitation Hospital where I began the most important journey of the rest of my life.
I arrived at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital and met with Dr. Jahnavi R. Manocha, Rehabilitation Specialist and Ms. Mona Patel, Clinical Amputee Social Worker. I soon learned they are outstanding in their respective fields. They presented a challenge that I could not refuse.
Following an extensive, six-week rehabilitation program, several return trips to two hospitals, recovery from surgery and staph infections, I met with Mr. Mark Kirchner, CPO/LPO, of MK Prosthetic & Orthotic Services. He is one of those rare individuals that each of us needs to meet in our lifetime.
Mark asked me, “What do you want to do?” He listened to my reply, which was a response to the challenges presented to me, and immediately began to work toward that end. His entire staff are not only skilled, professional clinicians, but are dedicated to ensuring patients learn all about how to use their prosthetics and taking care of their remaining limbs. They challenge and instill the desire to overcome any disability.
Randy Farley, CP/LP, is an outstanding example. He has worked diligently with me since January 2007, and continues to do so if and when needed, making sure I can walk again.
I continued outpatient therapy for many months learning how to strengthen my body and to perform many daily activities. The continued therapy, on a part time basis, reinforces my confidence that I can indeed return to many normal activities. I am walking; some say they cannot believe I have prosthetic assistance. One of my goals was to return to the golf course. I attended MK’s sponsored amputee golf clinic and proved to myself, and those who may have watched, that I can again hit the “little white” ball.
My journey continues and I am positive it will continue for the remainder of my life.
I have discovered your world does not have to end when you are faced with physical difficulties. If you listen and apply the knowledge, information, and care available from these outstanding professionals, you can reach your goals and continue with a productive life style.
I Thank God daily that I encountered these outstanding folks. They have returned my life to me.
John H.
*John’s experiences are based on recollections of his wife Kathryn, a retired nurse, and other family members. For some yet unexplained reason, he experienced a complete loss of memory from the date he entered the heart hospital (June 21, 2006) until October 18, 2006.