After months of fighting a terrible infection in his knee, Ron Waller finally was cleared for surgery.
If you recall, Ron went for a “routine” knee replacement this past Spring. Nothing out of the ordinary—until there was swelling pain and the diagnosis of a virulent infection in the knee. Ron even had driven his beloved Lotus 1967 Beetle! Now, things suddenly changed.
Rushed back to surgery, the replacement knee had to be removed and a temporary knee installed.
And—IVs of antibiotics had to be administered.
After Ron was sent home, Ron’s wife, Diane, continued to be his constant nurse, administrating the antibiotics and tending to his every need.
When it appeared that things had stabilized, another examination was done. Guardedly, the infection had subsided. But only temporarily—for it surged once again.
Now, months later, Ron was finally cleared for another surgery. The last “say” was from the Infectious Diseases Doctor who cleared Ron for surgery—with this warning!
“I hope that I do not have to see you again! But the Surgeon won’t know until he opens the knee and tests are done to determine whether or not there is infection.”
Yesterday was S Day—At 7 AM, Ron was admitted and the knee was opened. Thanking God—no evidence of the infection was found!
October 16th—Diane writes:
“Ron’s surgery went well. The Surgeon said he still had good bone structure and there was no bone loss or compromise. Also no inflammation or infection (they got the lab culture back before surgery was finished). So Ron got a knee put in. No physical therapy except walking until the wound is healed. He has already been up and walked 250 feet today. Said it felt good to put weight on both legs for the first time in 9 weeks. It was a long day and I’m not sure if he will stay in the hospital 3 or 4 days. Today was a huge relief and the Surgeon did say, ‘you’ll be anxious for about another 4 weeks and then you’ll know we are in the clear regarding infection’.
Again, thanks for all the well wishes and good thoughts, Diane.”
Now, the healing begins! Don’t let up on those prayers and wishes for Ron’s full recovery!
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Speedy recovery! I too had a knee replacement so I get it. I am still struggling with terrible scar tissue. I am worse off now than before the surgery. I know what you mean about putting weight on both legs. How I wish I could. Get better! I have a 1966 VW convertible I’ve had since 1974.
Hello, Robin…Our sympathy is with you! May you take each day as it comes and thank God for one more day. That’s what I am doing since my major surgery early this year. I try to do something each day which will give me the feeling that I continue to have a useful life. When I am feeling good–I do more. On other days–I take what I call “guilt-free time”–which may even be sitting quietly. jay salser
Day at a time Ron. You can do it!
Glad you are still reading w/ us, Mike!
Ron, I have had 8 back surgeries and the last one seems to have done the trick! Don’t lose hope. I will keep you in my prayers.
Ron, I’m getting a hip replaced in 3 weeks, and the other in 3 months. Sure hope it comes out better than yours ! I wish you a prayerfull good luck recovery. I have a 67 sitting on the side of my garage, awaiting restoration when I can walk again.
Hello, Joseph…We all wish you a smooth surgery and a speedy and full recovery! While you are recovering would be a great time to be planning the restoration of your 1967 Beetle. I do what I call “virtual building” when I can’t get to sleep or am sitting waiting
at an appointment. I have one particular project in mind–which I have never yet set to paper. I decided upon the general plan. I have worked through the details, solving problems as I build this structure in my head. But–at some point these virtual plans must be put to paper. I hope that you let us Readers know how the surgery and recovery goes. Then, let us in on your beetle’s restoration plans. I love to read about careful planning! jay salser
Thinking of a speedy recovery for you Ron!
Ron:
Now you will soon again drive your VW. God speed
Wishing all the best! Guy from Canada.
Regards Ron. Good recovery ! Use honey bee if you need to close wounds quickly.
Post Surgery Report from Ron Waller: “I’m home from the hospital. We had some minor problems which seem to be taken care of. (Your prayers helped!). This is the first time we have gone three days without follow-up issues. Appointment with the doctor on October 31 and until then won’t have much to share. Slept for 10 hours each of the last two nights! I think I feel pretty good considering. Thanks for all our support. Ron”
This just in–Up-date for Ron Waller: ” Ron got the all clear from the surgeon this morning. The new knee is in perfect position. He is beginning Physical Therapy next week. His goal is now to get it moving. This was a huge relief. Again, thanks for all the well wishes and good thoughts sent our way.” Ron–keep up the good work! jay
I just heard from Ron’s wife, Diane. This has been a long year on the surgery table, in the hospital, in bed, recuperating at home–back and forth multiple times. Here is the latest on Ron’s condition: “The surgeon was very pleased with Ron’s knee this morning. Next visit is in 4 months. He said Ron is cleared to do pretty much what he’d like. Another 2 months for pickleball. He said “you’ve healed incredibly well especially given all you’ve been through”. Knee is completely straight and bends to 140 degrees. ” Ron–now, it’s time to give more attention to your Lotus White Beetle! jay