Finally! Today was Nick’s last treatment at the hyperbaric chamber. The wounds on his stumps aren’t completely healed yet, but they are so incredibly close. Close enough that he doesn’t need anymore treatments. That’s a huge win! That means no more driving to Orange County and back everyday! And I haven’t even gone with him these last few days. Thank you to a variety of amazing friends who have donated their days to take him back and forth, allowing me to get shit done.
So now that the hyperbaric oxygen therapy is complete, it’s onto the next experimental therapy. Tomorrow we are trying a cold, therapeutic K-Laser on his lower spine and tailbone to help relieve the pain and facilitate healing. I’ve heard really good things about it. But the best part? It’s only a few short miles from our house. We could go everyday day if we wanted to and it would be no big deal!
I’ve also got him visiting a doctor who specializes in pain management next week. His spine surgeon recommended he see a pain clinic, and we agree. These surgeons and general doctors don’t have all the tricks up their sleeves when it comes to managing severe pain. We chose a particular place that specializes in innovative techniques. Our goal is for Nick to get off of the narcotics as soon as possible. I’ve been saying this for weeks now. How soon is soon?
Earlier today I was eavesdropping on a phone conversation Nick was having with an old friend who works at a nearby hair salon. Well, it’s not really eavesdropping when I am already in the same room! But I really loved what he was saying. I loved it so much, I began taking notes right away, so I could share it. Everyday, Nick just amazes me more and more. His point of view is so motivating, even to me! He continues to lift me up day after day. Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
Here’s what he was saying…
“I can’t even describe how fucking cool it is that so many people have expressed their love and support for me. I had a guy come up to me at the Feet for Fener fundraiser and tell me I saved his life. He’s never met me, I’ve never met him. He told me he’s been reading the blog since the beginning and that I inspired him and saved his life. He didn’t say exactly what that meant, but I know he was really down and out. I had several people come up to me and tell me they’ve never met me, but have been following my blog and are inspired by me. I know this sounds weird, but I’m glad this happened now. So much good has come out of this crummy situation. So much good is still to come from it. It’s brought so much love into people’s hearts. People say I’ve inspired them. And it’s brought so many people together.”
He’s glad it happened? Wow. I know he doesn’t mean that he’s glad his feet are gone and that he is in so much pain. He’s just aware of how easily a shitty situation can be turned around if you choose to look at it the right way. In three and a half months, I still haven’t heard a single word of self pity from him. Even when he’s in pain, he just tells it like it is. He never turns his pain into an opportunity to feel sorry for himself. I love that! But at the same time it can be really annoying. How can I get away with my whining about a headache, or a stubbed toe, when Nick doesn’t even complain. I just remind myself: at least I still have feet.
Nick Fener 