Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.

B. & E.

"Lasers"

Bink had his first laser treatment last Monday.  He said that it really did not hurt.  As the doc was getting ready to treat him they warned him it may pinch a little.  He pointed out that he has been tattooed and pierced to which they said that this would not even register for him.

I kept meaning to post pics, but had not had a chance.  So, enjoy.  Well enjoy probably isn't the right word, but you get the idea.

Christmas Came Early!

A little recap of our day.  Like the other follow-up visits to Allentown, it was a long day filled with lots of information.  

We started our day with the orthopedic for his wrists.  A new round of x-rays were taken and Bink was given some good news.  His  early Christmas presents were that he was given permission to drive again and he was told that he need not wear his splints every day any longer. He wasn't sure which item brought him greater pleasure. He is excited about a little re-found freedom, but also about getting a good night's sleep without the plastic arms.  He is to continue his PT and he will head back for another evaluation after the first of the year.

Next appointment on deck was at Burn Recovery.  Going in to today we knew that the conversation at Burn would really be focusing on discussions of scar management. Bink and I had talked about whether or not he would participate in scar management on the drive.  He decided that he wanted to go through with this piece of treatment despite the fact that there was going to be some pain involved.  We learned today that without the treatment, he has an increased probability of visible scarring.  

The dummy version of the treatment involves daily application of lotion that is blended with aspirin.  The aspirin treats the inflammation.  If you haven't seen me showing off his torso, you probably cannot even tell he was burned.  His face, although splotchy, looks as though he has spent time at the beach.  While his torso is healing, it is still really red.  What the red means is that the nerve endings in his skin, while thriving, are having problems sending the message to heal the skin.  Bink will be getting checked monthly for progress on this front.  Next appointment for this will also be after the first of the year.

Finally, while at Burn Recovery, Bink's doctor asked if we would participate in a clinical trial related to the treatment of scars with lasers.  Two areas on his right arm were selected for inclusion in this trial.  The first area for treatment will be the wrist scar on his right arm.  The second area of treatment will be a five inch square burn on his upper right arm that was deeper than the rest of the burns.   The study is at the most basic level determining the efficacy of the use of lasers to treat scar healing.  This is a three-month trial that he is participating in because he felt that it was the least he could do considering the care he has received.  He recognizes that he doing this now, could potentially help someone else down the road.  There is a little time commitment to participating in this, but we both feel it is important.  He will head back on December 15th for a follow-up with this one.

Three weeks ago, we left a little bummed, today we were able to leave in good spirits.  There is still a long path in front of us, but we are both so incredibly thankful for the small miracles and incremental steps.

On a side note, to all of those who have participated in Bink Care (a happy twist on day care), THANK YOU.  I think that he, and I, would have lost our minds the past month and a half if you all would not have so generously volunteered to pick him up and have him visit.  Our friends and family have gotten us through until today and no words will ever express how grateful we are. All I can say is that you know where to find us if you ever need anything on a dark day. Play dates are always welcome. 

I will wrap this up with a simple good night.

Brrr...

Bink started his physical therapy this past Wednesday.  It is working out nicely really as he opted to go to Health South which is at our local Y.  When the weather is not as cold as it is today, he is able to walk over.  I think he likes the freedom of the stroll.  On super cold days like today though he will have to accept a ride.  

One of the side effects of the burn is that the nerves in the skin where he was burned are somewhat exposed and make him supersensitive to heat and cold.  Despite his hatred of lotions he has to make sure he stays moisturized all the time and when outdoors he must really bundle up.  I have seen him wearing a winter coat more in the past month than I have in the eight years that we have been together, so I can happily say he is following that order.

I will post again on Tuesday evening when we return from Allentown for more follow-up visits. This weeks appointments are for his wrists and his burns.  He is really, really hoping that his ortho clears him to drive this week.  Stay tuned.

B. & E.

Cyber Monday

I have heard that there are still folks checking this blog on a pretty regular basis so I wanted to post a note as it has been about a week.

No particular news on Bink in the past week. The inability to help around the house is driving him a little nuts, but I think he secretly is liking it. Just kidding. My Dad was here over the weekend to take care of a few things I couldn't do and it just bummed Bink out that all he could do was watch. But, so it goes.

Injury wise he is looking better as the days pass. He is a bit blotchy as I am guessing you have noticed in the pics I've been posting. His torso is still quite pink, red and purple. Over the weekend he commented that it seemed that that was what was taking the longest to heal. To which I pointed out that from what everyone has told us, that was what took the brunt of the fire. He conceded on that one.

Take care everyone. Be careful this holiday and/or hunting season (hopefully not at the same time of course).

B. & E.