Mission Accomplished

In just over an hour today, Dr. Cook managed to clean up my ankle which is confirmed "sure had a lot going on". He felt like it was a success which was great to hear. My leg is in a boot now with a tube pumping cold water into a sleeve around my ankle. Looks like I'll see the doc early next week and then be able to head back. I have to stay non weight bering for 4 weeks, then in a walking boot for another 4. So long as I follow the doc's instructions, he's confident the recovery will be a good one.
I got so many emails over the past 24 hours and thank you all so much for caring and for your encouragement and most of all prayers.
I'll update my status in the days to come.

God Bless,
Chris

Finally, an answer!!!

So after over a year of frustration with my ankle, I finally found out today exactly what's going on in there. I had an appointment today in Dallas, TX with a very well respected foot and ankle specialist Dr. Charles Cook. He's worked with the majority of the professional sports teams in Dallas and was quick to point out multiple problems that would cause the pain that I've had throughout the past 13 months. The osteochondral defect which I had surgery to repair in March, was still very much there, along with significant bone spurs at the joint on the dome of the talus. These will be repaired along with very loose ligaments (that have from multiple ankle sprains over time). Dr. Cook has developed a technique with which to tighten these ligaments. He compared it to cooking bacon on the stove...when you do so, it shrinks. The same concept applies with the ligaments. When they are exposed to heat, they will tighten. All three problems will be addressed tomorrow in a surgery that's supposed to take just over an hour. I was shocked, yet relieved that I am able to get in so quickly. Also relieved to finally know what's been causing me all of this discomfort for the past year. It looks like I'll need to stay here in Dallas for 10-14 days for a post-operation appointment and until I'm able to get on an airplane back to Carolina. The Wildman family has been way more than generous than I could ever imagine in letting me invade their house and providing transportation and some serious food. I'm truly humbled by their generosity!

Thanks for all of your prayers and support. I'd love to hear from many of you if you have a minute to drop a line. Lord knows, I'll have nothing but time over the next week or so.

God Bless,

Chris