Category Archives: Ann’s Update

Dear Members of the Most Evolved Network on Earth,

Tania and I took Sasha to the plastic surgeon on Wednesday, and we were joined by Dr. Paul, our new and already beloved primary care physician. Both doctors examined Sasha’s Achilles tendon wound (since no one had thought to put Sasha on a gurney or table, they had to turn themselves almost upside down to see the ulcer), and they expressed approval and pleasure at what they saw. They also promised to put him on some kind of surface which would allow him to turn onto his stomach, next Wednesday, when they see him again.

Granulation tissue, according to the doctors, is beginning to form around the wound, and that means that healing is beginning, and THAT means making plans for a skin graft is now reasonable. Assuming, of course, that everything continues to look good. For the first time, we heard details about the skin graft experience, such as: Sasha will be in a hospital bed for five or six days — depending on how well the graft “takes.” The surgeon said, “We want to do it at exactly the right time — not too soon and certainly not too late — because it’s a one-time thing, and we’ve got just one chance to get it right.” Surgeons like a bit of drama, now and then, so it’s best not to react to such pronouncements with too much panic.

Also, Sasha’s left leg will be elevated, much like a patient with a leg cast after a fracture, to prevent a pushing down of blood, as happens when one sits or stands, because the skin graft is very delicate, and needs to be left quiet and peaceful until it takes. He’ll be able to exercise all the other parts of his body, thank heaven, but not the left leg.

Sasha is up several times a day, now, using the walker, and we’re trying to get his legs strengthened, as fast as possible, because the skin-graft adventure will inevitably leave his elevated leg weak for a while.

I’ll try to write the next updates during the day, so I can put in more time, giving you details and pictures of what’s going on, instead of fighting the impulse to close my eyes and go to sleep.

Goodnight, Dear Hearts, and thank you for your messages. I’m going to bed.

Blessings —- Ann