We had the follow-up appointment yesterday which included new xrays. It was great news! The bone is fusing nicely around the hardware, and in the words of his surgeon, "This is as good as we hoped for."
Cory "Lieutenant" Snyder also joined us for the appointment as did the physician's assistant, Dave. Dave is awesome and we think he has taken a special interest in Ricky's condition.
The other update is that Ricky was given the green light to go to the mall or perhaps to a movie with Cory and/or his friends (if he feels up to it). He can't try to turn his head yet - he needs to wait for a few more months until the skull is fully fused to the neck. At that time, he will be able to start with a few neck rotations.
The pain level is becoming a bit more tolerable and Ricky is weaning off the pain meds. His goal is to be done with the pain medication by Sunday.
Cory has been a God-send. He is helping Ricky to focus on playing some games, liar's dice of course and a little Chess (Destiny, I think Ricky won :)) in addition to helping out by cooking dinner and taking care of the dogs. We've seen Ricky perk up since he brother arrived - his spirits are definately much higher this week.
The next follow up appointment is in two months. Until then, Ricky still needs to be very careful and not try to over do it.
All in all, the recovery is progressing much better than we originally anticipated. Jimmy and I think there are several reasons for that including his young age, good health, the best surgeon around, and the love and support of family and friends.
It's as good or better than we had hoped and prayed for.
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