Getting cold feet on the Gracilis transfer...

[ptrefam]

Dustin came home yesterday and said he's not going through with the surgery. He said "I can walk well now so I don't want the surgery". He's afraid that taking the muscle from his leg will make walking a problem. I told him that it shouldn't. So, he says, well which leg would they use, the one with the rod or the one with less coordination? Think after all he's been through it's a valid concern, he's working on learning to run again. Hoping some that have been through the surgery could give him a little piece of mind about walking afterwards. Ultimately the decision is up to him and I will respect that, just want him to be completely informed before he makes that final decision. Hoping hearing from you all will help him feel confident which ever way he decides.
Thanks, Sue

[Ruthie's Mom]

Sue,
I don't know anything about this surgery, but I have a lot of sympathy for the "decision process". It is so difficult to know what is best. Even with all the available information, it feels like a huge leap of faith.
All the best to you and Dustin.
Nancy

[Karen McClune]

Hi Sue,

Ryan had the muscle transplant and walking was no problem afterwards. I am trying to think which leg he has the muscle taken out of, the one with the rod or his good leg and I can't remember. I will email him and ask and/or if we hear from him tomorrow I will ask him.

I totally understand where Dustin is coming from. After Ryans accident it took him awhile to learn to walk again, he was walking before he had surgery which was 3 months after his accident.


Hugs, Karen

[racinjason75]

Wow..

It just gets tougher..i had to decide not do do some muscle transfers recently...just wanting to give mt body a chance to do it itself...i think if it doesnt get well, by the time i stop recovering...i will be used to it!! they eanted to take muscles out of my back (latisimus major?) and put in my bicep...then fuse my shoulder together...without much of a good out come!

Sue, i was told the leg muscle is much better and almost not noticiable at all......

ill pray for Dustins choice!

good luck and please come see myspace page!

i thought more people here would come visit and post..


see ya

Jason

[kaz]

I can totally empathize with Dustin. It is so hard to think of any set back or delay in walking. The Doc wants to take some of my hardware out of my leg and the down time could be 6 weeks w/o PT to continue to build my walking muscles. I guess the most info the better & the most direct answer to effect on gait pattern & down time vs real gain. I hope you get the answers to make this difficult decision. God Bless