1 Month Update - Ben’s back in Nelson!
14 February 2020
Two weeks ago Ben had surgery while in Hutt Hospital which was the skin graft to close up where the surgeons had made an incision to release the swelling. The skin was taken from Ben’s other leg. The surgeons said the skin graft surgery went well and that it is now a waiting game to see if the skin will attach successfully.
After checking the progress of the graft the surgeons were happy enough with it that Ben was able to get up and sit in a chair. This was the first time in 23 days Ben had been able to be out of bed! This was a great milestone for Ben.
Since then on Monday Ben was able to return home to Nelson Hospital by air ambulance. The Nelson doctors took x-rays to see the extent of the damage caused and repairs already made by Wellington’s surgeons so they could assess Bens next step in his recovery. Ben still can’t feel anything from the knee down or use his leg and the surgeons have advised that it could be 6-12 months before he can.
Along with further minor surgeries Ben also has appointments such as physio for his rehabilitation and meetings with a dietician to get him to start eating again. He will remain at Nelson Hospital for the time being.
This week Ben was able to venture out from the hospital in a wheelchair to enjoy some fresh air and sun with Megan & they are both looking forward to their baby scan next Monday which Ben can now go to.
Ben and Megan are extremely happy to be back in Nelson and would like to thank everyone who has donated so far.