Help a Veteran Return Home After Amputation

On October 8th, 2024, I was shipped off to the Manhattan VA Hospital from the ER in Wilkes-Barre, PA. There was an ingrown toenail that caused an infection. Because of vascular disease, they decided to do surgery and replace a vein using a medical-grade vein. My body rejected that procedure almost immediately. That turned into a below-the-knee amputation. I then developed another infection and had to return to the OR. Long story short, I ended up in the OR 7 times in 7 weeks, and when all was said and done, I was sent to rehab with an above-the-knee amputation. Several weeks into my rehab, I developed a bed sore on my other foot. It got infected, and the rehab sent me off to LVHN hospital to once again have surgery on that leg. Because of all these surgeries, I ended up needing several blood transfusions.

This past Monday, January 30th, I had another surgery to attempt to save my other leg. The team of doctors, with many tests, located a vein within my own body to use for this surgery. As of right now, my body has NOT rejected the vein. I still have pumps connected to my leg; they will come out Monday. I will then be moved upstairs to in-house rehab to learn how to get around with this amputation, minus one leg. They are saying I will be here at least two weeks. We're praying that my body doesn't reject this vein.

My kids haven't left my side. My daughter spent the whole 3 months with me in NYC. She took a hit being there by my side and fell behind on many of her bills. Transportation, food, and lodging are all very expensive in NY. My kids continue to be here with me daily. They are making the arrangements to get me home. The wheelchair ramp is being put in on Tuesday. The hospital bed and other equipment are getting worked on now. But, my daughter's home will still need a few modifications to make things accessible for me, many that my insurance just won't pay for. I just want to get home. I'm hoping and praying that it's only two more weeks!

I think four months in the hospital is enough.

Thank you, stay blessed. Semper Fidelis.