Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Walking Along

Kyle has made great progress and is getting around pretty well these days.  He uses crutches if he needs to stand or walk around for a while, but he walks around the house without any assistance and often just uses a cane.  He is certainly nearing the end of his recovery and plans to move back to Valdosta and report to Moody AFB in January.  The details for how things will go when he returns still remain somewhat uncertain, but I know he is determined to get back in that cock pit. 

Kyle did get a chance to visit Valdosta over a weekend and attend his squadron Christmas party.  He saw his house for the first time since May, which I know felt really good.  He also reported back to Bethesda and saw his orthopedic surgeon for follow up after his last surgery.  The reports are good and his bone is healing very well.  He does not need to wear the compression boot at all anymore. 

Kyle continues physical therapy three days a week in Pittsburgh and is still improving his balance, walking and strength.  He is sure to enjoy his time through the holidays with his close friends and family in Pittsburgh, who have all supported him daily throughout his recovery.  It won't be long before we wrap up the blog, but I think we'll wait until we see Kyle back in uniform again! 



 Kyle going into his house in Valdosta for the first time since May. 


 Recent x-rays of Kyle's right leg without any external fixators.  There still is a lot of visible shrapnel in his leg and some shadows where the pins from the Taylor Spatial frame were located.  But Kyle's orthopedic surgeon is very pleased with his bone healing.