The facts were bad enough.
They did not need exaggeration.
Two days later, an orthopedic specialist named Dr. Patel reviewed Sombra’s case in person.
He examined every image.
He watched Sombra attempt to bear weight with support.
He tested reflexes.
Then he sat across from me.
“There’s good news.”
I hated when doctors started that way.
“Okay.”
“He has meaningful neurological function.”
“Meaning?”
“The nerves are communicating. He feels his feet. Some muscle response remains. That gives us something to work with.”
“And the bad news?”
“His pelvis has been healing in a compromised position. At this stage, corrective surgery would be complicated, especially given his condition.”Find Surgeons
“Would surgery make him walk?”
“No one can promise that.”
“Would not doing surgery mean he won’t?”
“No.”
I rubbed my forehead.
“So what’s the choice?”
“The choice is whether we put his still-fragile body through a major orthopedic procedure now, or continue conservative management, nutrition and rehabilitation, then reassess his function as his strength returns.”
