Hunting Accident and Below the Knee Amputation
Bad news:
On February 6, 2014 Robert had a hunting accident and shot his left ankle while guiding at a South Texas ranch. He was moving another gentleman's rifle from the front of the truck to the back and it went off, leaving him with no ankle as it was a .220 loaded with a hollow point. Lesson #1 - never leave a round in the chamber. Lesson #2 - only move your own guns.
Long story, short - he was life flighted to Christus Spohn Memorial Hospital in Corpus Christi where he stayed for five days, six bags worth of blood transfusions, and three surgeries to try and save his foot. With God's help and the help of friends, Robert was relocated by ambulance to Houston Methodist Hospital for two more surgeries and then, finally, a BKE (below the knee amputation). When the reconstruction specialist said he would never be able to ranch again with a reconstructed foot and would only walk on level ground at best and with pain and no ankle movement, Robert decided to lose his foot to gain back 90% of his life - being the outdoors-man that he is.
Good news:
Robert is alive, in good spirits, has a ton of support from our loving friends, family, and former workplaces and churches AND we travel to Houston tomorrow for his stitch removal followed by a week of learning to use his first prosthesis - a boot one! :)
We could not be more grateful to God for His mercy through this whole ordeal. It's the best it could be for something so horrible because he will be able to keep living a full life doing what he loves; plus, we have the full favor and support of our Lord, our friends and family, and our bosses. Stayed tuned to see how God blesses Robert.
The injured leg with an external fixator device - ouch.
At least he's still here and we're together. :)
Already back at ranching and with only one working leg at this point; that's my baby.
Robert being silly experimenting with a new use for a stump sock!
It's great to hear about Robert's progress. Love and huge hugs to you both!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jen. :)
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