Successful Surgery - 8/29/06

Joseph underwent surgery today on his right foot to eliminate bone infection(Osteomyelitis) . The problem started several months ago when he injured the little toe on his right foot. The problem, rather than healing, became more and more irritated until it blossomed into a infection which was masked by other problems until it was quite serious. Last week they identified the problem and scheduled surgery for Thursday. On Monday things were bad enough that we talked to the Dr. and made a trip to the emergency room at LDS Hospital. They started intraveneous antibiotics and arranged for the surgery today. The antibiotic treatment made a difference immediately and the surgery was very successful and they removed the infected bone. The surgeon was Dr. VanBoren, and the attending physicians were Dr. Kraft and Dr. Dustin Armstrong (on the left in the photo with Dr Kraft). Dustin in the son of Dan and Rosemary Armstrong. Dan was a counselor to Tim in the stake presidency for nine years and was our Stake Patriarch who gave Joseph his patriarchal blessing. Small World.

Joseph missed his first classes at the University of Utah Monday and Tuesday, but his friend Matt Smith attended for him and recorded the classes. His instructors were understanding. Joseph was also scheduled to speak to the youth of the Paris, Idaho Stake tonight. His brother-in-law Denny Bird took over and we hear he did a great job.

To dad, it is ironic that Joseph's namesake, the Prophet Joseph, had his early trial at age seven with the same malady (See the Institute Church History text: View as HTML p.23). The Lord watched over them both and knows the beginning from the end. We are grateful.

The last post we were unable to upload this photo from the Heartstrings conference of Linsey Futrell and her sister Megan, our daughter Elizabeth and Gloria.