Minutes on the field + update

Brigham is increasing strength and his endurance but feels like this is a slow moving part of recovery. His inner quad muscle is still not activating.  At PT or the gym he uses a stationary bike or the elliptical. It is hard to run. He says he has to concentrate on how he moves his right leg so he doesn't limp. It's crazy how most of us take running for granted....we don't even have to think about it. 

He is working for Jeremy part time - not as carpenter.  He moves trailers from job sites, dumps the garbage trailer, picks up supplies, runs to the bank, unloads wood or other supplies, drops off plans, etc.  He is kind of the errand boy.  He doesn't mind it because he usually gets to drive Jeremy's new truck. Most days he can make his own schedule which can help with resting his leg. 

He wears a compression sock daily to help with the swelling.  He is registered for spring semester at Weber State starting in January to finish his associates. He has a follow up with the Vascular surgeon at the end of the month.

Last week he had an ingrown nail removed in his right big toe.  We had told the nurse he was on Eliquis (blood thinner) and she said she would ask the doctor if that would be a problem.  When the podiatrist came in he asked Brigham why he was on blood thinners.  We tried to tell the injury in short version, "he cut my leg with a saw cutting through the femoral artery, vein, 2/3 of the muscle and lacerated the nerve."  The look on his face was like he didn't believe us.  He asked if we were sure that he cut the artery, he thought we had made a mistake.  We both assured him we were positive that we told him the injury correctly.  Throughout the whole visit he never talked about the toe instead he peppered us with so many questions about the injury, the surgery and so many other details. He kept repeating how he could not believe he survived and how small the odds were.  After he wrapped up his toe, we finally had a chance to ask how to take care of the toe at home.  Brigham and I found it humorous that we had to remind the doctor about why we were there- his toe!  I told Brig he better be prepared for this happening with new doctors for the rest of his life. 

Over the last month he has tried to play soccer.  This is what he says about that - he gets tired fast, it is hard to guard because is side to side movements are slow, it is hard to cut and change directions quickly, his right leg kicks have a lot less power, he is practicing using his left leg more, sometimes his right leg gives out and he is on the ground. It freaks his friends out when anything happens because they are so worried about him hurting.  It makes my heart happy that he has good friends who care and are there to support him. 

This past Tuesday, Team Brigham had an early game at 5:30.  The early time makes it hard to get a full team because of work.  So, Brigham wore his jersey and brought his gear just in case he needed to stand on the field as a player. Jeremy and I were able to see Brigham play soccer for about 3 minutes and I was able to get some video to share. 

 

When he does play, he is only playing in the games that are not as intense and he is only playing around 2-5 minutes each half.  I'm so happy for him., that he gets to do something he loves.