Hi, all. Many of you haven't yet heard that Kristen got banged up last weekend sledding and had an unusual swelling that led to surgery this morning. The type of swelling is unusual and was diagnosed as "compartment syndrome". There is a pretty good description of it on Wikipedia. As I understand it, fluid gets trapped between the fascia that surrounds muscle tissue (in her case, this took place in the calf) and the swelling cuts off local circulation. The chief indicator for the condition is pain in or around the injured area that does not respond to pain medication. She described her pain as "worse than labor" and it didn't go away with Percoset or even intravenous Dilaudid. For reference, dilaudid is what sent me to the moon when I broke my ribs - it's very powerful.
I spoke with her surgeon, Dr. Huffman, immediately after the surgery. He called the surgery a heavily qualified "success"; while the surgery itself was successful, there was significant tissue damage that he referred to as "muscle death". It's premature to make a prognosis for her leg this early, but there is a high probability she will not regain full function of her left leg. Basically, the muscles in the calf that raise and lower the foot may be permanently dysfunctional.
She will have at least one more surgery, probably on monday, to close the tissue that has been opened for draining (basically the length of her calf). There is a chance she will need additional surgery in the coming weeks.
I was able to visit with her for a few minutes just now. Her color has returned and she is finally out of severe pain. I am using the internet connection in the waiting room to inform you all of what's going on. Please don't call yet, but feel free to email. As soon as we are better settled I will send out contact info. We are at Penn hospital a few blocks from home and I am told the quality of care here is high.
-ben
sisters
May the Spirit of Our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ bless, heal and comfort Kristen, Ben, Mae, and Clara. May His love be felt by all who read this and be turned to Kristen in Her time of need by all who do join in this prayer. May Your "kinda" shield be kept over Kristen in this time of need. We ask this in Jesus Name. We thank You Father for the opportunity to reach out across such space and time, to proclaim Your Glory and righteousness, and for all You've provided to Us, day in, and day out. We thank You Father for Your undying Love... You undying Mercy, Your undying Faith in Us. May We all who read this join in this prayer and ask You to grant Our wishes, Our prayers, and to comfort all of us. Thank You...
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