Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Uncle Sam And A Trip To See The Wizard....

What can I say?
It's Tuesday, and Tuesday is close to Monday.....and we all know that me and titles don't mesh on Mondays.....

Anyways - I've been sparser than even "my" normal these days, so I thought I should explain.  Several have also asked for an update on certain things near and dear to my heart, so this will serve a two-fold purpose.

So let's begin....

Once upon a time, I started this Uncle Sam ("Liberty" by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle & Thread).   And, yesterday, I finally finished punching it.

 I need to decide how to finish it....Frame it? Make it into a pillow keep? Mount it on a basket? A hornbook???  I truly detest decisions.....
Or, my personal preference, send it to either Marly, Ann, or Cathy for finishing???  Watch out Girlfriends....I think I have all your addresses....)

Back to the story.....
The reason I actually (half-way) finished something?
I've been spending more time in doctor offices and hospitals than I care to again lately.

Yesterday, on the auspicious occasion of Little Crow's 21st birthday, we journeyed to Madison (about 3 hours from Nod)....in search of The Wizard.....
You know....the one who gave the Lion courage, the Scarecrow a brain, and the Tinman a heart???  

Well, we were hoping to find a new knee for Lil' Crow.
Remember this?


Well, it's still "that" two surgeries since November later....'Cept with many more scars now (I'll spare you the photos), and quite a bit more pain.

We found the Wizard.....And I truly felt like someone had pulled my tail walking through those halls, until Lil' Crow reminded me that crows don't have tails....  Thankfully, there were no glass walls.

Unfortunately, the Wizard doesn't know if he has anything in his black bag for Lil' Crow either.  There was a great deal of head-shaking and frowning going on.  Even the Great and Magnificent Wizard apparently had not seen a knee so wayward as Lil' Crow's.  And no balloon in sight

But, the Wizard is recommending yet another surgery.  This one a major reconstruction of the areas both above and below the patella (kneecap) and a complete re-do of the two previous surgeries.  He is still debating the complete parameters of everything, but the plan is for August.  This will mean several pre-op and post-op trips to the Emerald City Madison, as well as in-patient surgery there.  There is some question about where the Wizard will be able to get the necessary ligaments and tissue from, as they already snatched what they could from Lil' Crow's left hamstring for the first surgery.....The right is a possibility, but given that his right knee is also weak (from compensating for his left), the Wizard is thinking perhaps a tissue donor may be the way to go.  Unfortunately, we are only being given a 75% chance of success in returning to Kansas.  The Wizard predicts at least six months recovery time, and a possibility of continued, permanent, pain even if the surgery is successful in stabilizing the knee.

It's going to be a long road....Once again, prayers and good thoughts will be most sincerely welcome.

After 2 hours of hobnobbing with fellow wizards, and  6+ hours of driving, I arrived home, dropped Lil' Crow off with a promise to "make up" his birthday another time (????), and went to the ER as I had gotten several calls in transit that my mother may have had a stroke.  Thankfully, all the tests came back relatively normal and she was released back home.

And so ends another chapter in the Uncle Sam chronicles.....I am truly sorry that I haven't responded to the individual comments and emails.....I so appreciate your concern. 
  




40 comments:

Kim said...

Oh Robin,
It seems like when it rains, it pours. I just find it so amazing that with ALL the advancements in technology and ALL the amazing things they can do now - that they can't fix a little crow's knee.....
I'm sorry you had such a rough time, but I'm glad your Mom's news ended on a positive note.
Hugs and prayers for the entire Crow Clan.

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Dear Robin,
Just wanted you to know that you have been thought of MANY TIMES of late and that you will be PRAYED FOR as many times as those thoughts come to mind!!
Wishing you much wisdom and comfort regarding "little crow" and so thankful that all ended well for your mother!
Wishing you peace and hope, my friend!
Warm Hugs~~
Julie

Cathy G. said...

Oh my dear Robin,
You have been through the mill haven't you with your little Crow! It has to be hard thinking of all you have ahead but my prayers are that he can find relief for the pain and these days of suffering will be just a memory!
So glad your Mother had good news. Will be thinking of you and praying for strength for your boy!
Hugs!!!
Cathy G
( love your punch needle U Sam .... your work is awesome! )

Primitive Stars said...

Hello Robin, wow, way to much for someones plate. So glad your Mom is fine, well wishes for the Little Crow, God Bless. Love your Uncle Sam rug, so sweet. Blessings Francine.

annie said...

Still praying, asking, seeking, that the good will come & you all will be lifted up. I am reminded of the words that tell us Who strengthens our weak knees. May He abundantly help in this your need.

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh you have had more drama than any woman could endure, I feel so bad for you, I feel so bad for your son, he should be out living life, not sitting on the side lines, and your poor mum, poor you!!!
I will keep you all in my prayers, you do such lovely needle work, just beautiful, sounds like you may have many more hours in hospital and doctors offices, better find some more projects, all kidding aside, please take care of your self, don't forget to take care of you as well sweet crow lady,

Angela said...

Sending a warm hug and prayers for you and your family your way Robin.
Angela

prims by olde lady morgan said...

Robin, How I wish there was a magic ball that could be rubbed and fix that knee! I have to say I winsted when I saw it, YIKES!!! SENDING!!! many good thoughts that this will work!

Must say I do love your punch needle.... Now if you where only going to be in Madison for something fun... you are getting closer to me... about 2 hours.... OLM

A Primitive Homestead said...

Prayer lifted. Blessings!
Lara

Rugs and Pugs said...

Robin ~
No matter what the age, a mom always wishes she could kiss it to make it better. So sorry to hear he is still having so many problems ~ and at such a tender young age. I do hope he got to celebrate his 21st!!!
Happy to hear mom did not have a stroke.
Love your Uncle Sam. I've had that pattern for several years ... somewhere.
Hugs :)
Lauren

marly said...

Glad your mom was OK. We had mine back and forth so many times for what appeared to be another stroke and by the time she got there, all was normal. Her heart rate/BP was dropping quickly and causing the symptoms and by the time medics came, it had recovered. We'll all put our prayers/thoughts together in August and hopefully your son will have a good outcome. I see Uncle Sam as a wall pocket with thin leather strap.

Prims By The Water said...

Glad to hear that your mom is alright and my prayers go out to little crow that the all mighty Wiz does have some magic in that bag of his. Take care my friend, Janice

Ronda said...

Praying for lil'crow and your mother, hope all is better soon. Your uncle Sam is wonderful...~Ronda

CRAFTY STITCHERS said...

Keeping you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.

Jan - Life on Buttermilk Hill said...

Robin...I can see you have been through the ringer too--prayers are in the air for your little crow and prayers that mom stays well.Love your punch needle--I'm a wannabe punch needler--have the supplies...just not the kick in the pants to try it!!--Jan

quiltsbycheri said...

your post reinforced my counting the many sweet blessings i have.....all the best to you & your family

Linda said...

I my,,,that sounds terrible...I know this sounds weird for someone this young..but can't he just get a knee replacement...my BIL got one...and a hip and he golfs everyday and no pain. My prayers are with you andlittle crow!!

BumbleBeeLane said...

Well the liberty is just wonderful! I know the 75% doesn't sound hopeful but dad was only given 50% with the cancer and is at this point cancer free.Frustrating when there are no choices.Sweetie you,your momma,son and the snow dog are in my thoughts and prayers.Sometimes we go through tough times but I know there's gotta be a rainbow just waiting on the other side for you,you just gotta wander through the fog and find it.Big Hugs and if you need me I'm here.~Amy

Trace4J said...

Lifting you and your family..Especially Lil Crow in my prayers Girlfriend.
Lovin Uncle Sam too. I vote for framed.
Hugs & JOY
Trace

www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

Shirlee said...

Praying for you & your family as always my dear. The Wizard giving Lil' Crow a 75% chance of success is really quite good! So very glad your mom is okay. Uncle Sam looks wonderful! As you know, decisions always Scarecrow me ... "...this way is a very nice way ... it's pleasant down that way too ... of course, some people do go both ways." Whatever choice you make will be truly fabulous!

Ann said...

The finish on Uncle Sam is gorgeous. I'm not sure I could have even finished it yesterday after all you had to absorb medically. I hope the punching was a relaxing way to wind down after your hectic day.

I hope the wizard can work his miracles for Lil Crow. ~Ann

Me and My Stitches said...

What a deal - I can only imagine how frustrated you are with this. You would think that with all of the medical technology that someone could fix that poor kid's knee! So glad that your mom is ok - but what a scare. Sending prayers and hugs!

Mugwump Woolies said...

Oh my fellow feathered friend, so sorry to hear your young fellow is still hurting so badly. Will send some prayers up that this will finally be resolved in August. It hurts so to see our "babies" suffer!
Glad your mom had some good news.
Uncle Sam is wonderful! I need to give punching another try.
Big hug, my friend...off to fire up some candles for you and yours,
Robyn

Poet Whale Studio said...

A flock of prayers for you and yours will be flying until the little crow knee is bright and spiffy

Jacqueline said...

My prayers and best wishes are with you and your family. Hang in there, the only way left is up.

Deppen homestead 1862 said...

Sending my thoughts & prayers
Teresa

Robyn ♥ said...

Positive thoughts and prayers to you! Hugs to your little crow. I can imagine the heartache you are going through!
I'm glad to hear your Mom is OK.
I am totally like you, I hate making decisions! I think your Uncle Sam is just wonderful! I'd frame that beauty! :)
Hugs to you sweetie!

frontporchprims said...

If you remember, the Wizard was fake and the real courage, brains, and heart came deep within each individual. It will all work out:) You are doing your best. One crow can only so much for everyone around them. Stay on the yellow brick road and point those shoes towards home. It was a long way for Dorthy, but she made it home. You will too. Just make sure you pack a lot of chocolate and cupcakes in your basket for the trip:) Love ya, -Steph-

Cat Haven Craft House said...

Dear Robin, Have you and Little Crow tried consulting with the University of Iowa's Orthopedic Department? http://www.uihealthcare.org/Newsarticle.aspx?id=225929. My family has had many, many experiences with several of the different deparments here (and I work at UI in safety) and recommend a look into it. However, you and Little Crow have my prayers for eventual healing.

outjunking said...

Thanks for keeping us up dated. So sorry for all your troubles. I just can't believe we put men on the moon and we can't put lil crow together again quick and even better by now.

Suzanne said...

Goodness,Robin! I'm sorry to hear Lil' Crow is still suffering and in pain. Prayers for him as well as your Mom, but glad to hear she is okay. Any which way you decide to display your Uncle Sam, he is quite handsome!... and you finished him just in time for the 4th! :) Hugs to you.

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Oh, my dear...I'm just getting caught up on my blogs and came across your news. I'm so sorry for your dear little crow. How horribly frustrating for him. I'm sending healing prayers and good wishes for him as he moves through all the surgeries and recoveries. You have so much going on right now...I hope you are finding time to take care of yourself as well. Glad your Mom was ok. Your little mat is super. Thinking of your a lot!
Hugs,
Courtney

Raymond Homestead said...

So sorry to hear this. Health issues are always so frustrating to deal with. I will continually uplift you and your family in prayer!

Mary said...

Prayers going out to you and your family Robin!! I'm so glad your mom is OK! I hope all turns out well for little crow. Hugs..Mary

Hillcresthome Prims said...

Oh my girlie, you have been through so much.
I know how a dislocated knee feels, I had a hard time just looking at the picture. It started when I was a teenager and I was a cheerleader and I danced. Ten yrs. ago I had surgery and they put pins in my knee, my Dad also had the same thing done.

I am praying for ALL of you. When it rains it does pour but you will see the rainbow soon.

I also wanted to tell you I LOVE your new header of your display in your homestead. It is beautiful as always!!!!

Prayers friend,
((((((((HUGS))))))))))
Tricia XO

Beckyjean said...

Sending prayers your way.

Love the Uncle Sam

Hugs~Becky

Marla said...

I wish like anything that I could bring you and little Crow to St. Louis to see a doctor or two that would probably could do miracles with his knee. Both doctors are or have been orthopedic surgeons for the St. Louis Cardinals and they are the best. I am an nurse who does medical case management for work injuries and your son's case is one of the worst I have seen. Prayers going your way.

Roberta said...

I'm hoping and praying for the best for your son. Hope he flies through this next surgery with the best possible outcome and gains complete healing without pain. ~Roberta

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Sending prayers up to the Heavens for Little Crow, your mother and you. You have been through a lot and I pray that something good and positive will happen your way and for a miracle for Little Crow. Big hugs....

becky

Rhissanna said...

Dear Miss Crow.
Well, you'd think the Emerald City would just fit Lil' Crow up with a pair of ruby sneakers and he'd be fixed. That photograph of the knee is just SO graphic, tells us how grim the situation is better than any words could do. I really appreciate your keeping us up to date with this and letting us know what's taking place. Yes, indeed, prayers and best wishes to both of you. And to your Mother. How worrying that must have been.

Please Miss Crow, take care of yourself, too. Tea and cookies, ice-cream and shade, good books and bad jokes, whatever makes you feel better.
Hugs.
Rabbit