The Hip Bone’s Connected to the Heart String

As many of our readers already know, Ben had a seizure on Friday with spasms so intense that his right hip dislocated and the ball of the hip joint was broken off. He had hip problems as a toddler, but had never had a seizure before. A lengthy, complicated surgery on Sunday gave him a total hip replacement, and he is recovering nicely, learning to walk and move safely again. However, we do not yet know how long his hospital stay will be or what the next step is. Currently, he has a catheter and we have some urological concerns. As for the seizure, his MRI and EEG results were perfectly normal, so that’s good news, but he will likely be on anti-seizure medication for the rest of his life.

The seizure was the most terrifying thing I have ever witnessed. In the hours that followed in the ER, as Ben lay there with a broken hip, he came back to being Ben. He charmed all the nurses. He used good manners, “Yes, please,” and “Thank you,” to the morphine. “I don’t care for this,” to the pain. Even when being shifted from his bed for the CT scan, though he must have been in excruciating pain, his only protest was signing the word “no,” (which he must have retained from his early ASL days.) He reached his arms up to invite a hug from the most serious and staid physicians, somehow instinctively knowing that the team responsible for his care needed a hug whether they knew it or not. (Years ago, before urological surgery, as he was being wheeled into the OR, he looked at the surgeon, told her she was one smart cookie, and winked at her. Both that surgery and this one were successful. Sure, they were gifted surgeons, but it didn’t hurt that Ben can identify and charm those who hold his life and well-being in their hands.) Saturday, he made us laugh to keep us from crying. Even under the most dire circumstances, Ben took care of us. 

Ben is the embodiment of joy, resiliency, and love. He harbors no ill will. There are no dark, hidden corners lurking below the surface. I’m pretty sure that in the unlikely event that you could scratch below his surface, you’d find cheeseburgers. Ben is always exactly, steadfastly himself. In short, he is simply the best person I know. 

We don’t know yet how recovery will look, but I am confident that with his indomitable spirit, all your love and support, and a dose or two of humor, Ben will be back in the game in no time. 

Thank you so much for every good vibe you’ve sent our way!