Posted by Phyllis
on 5/28/2009, 3:47 pm
65.27.185.114
I am so happy to post this latest update on Al. I just got off the phone with Tom and he just talked with Al. This is absolutely the most wonderful news we have heard in quite some time. The staph infection is completely gone. Now Al can focus on the recovery. He was in the hospital longer than he thought he would be with this latest operation but did go home yesterday. During that operation the entire knee was removed and the leg "cemented" together. There are still some surgeries ahead but Al is now in good spirits. The infection is gone so things are looking up for him. Tom said that Al repeatedly talked about how much the cards, letters, thoughts, and prayers have meant to him. He wants everybody to know that he appreciates everything and wants a big THANK YOU to go to all of you. As for the future, Al is scheduled for knee replacement surgery on July 9. Doctors are saying that it will take the rest of the year for recovery as he will need to learn how to use and walk with the replacement knee. Al is ready as he wants to walk down to the ocean again and wants to once again play golf, a sport which I hear he is good at.
There is one other medical problem which you may not be aware of. Al has an irregular heartbeat. This is not something which just now developed. Doctors have decided to operate in August and put in a pacemaker to regulate his heartbeat. Al has been placed on a medication for the knee surgery which could effect the heartbeat. Due to the combination of the medication and the heartbeat condition doctors have told Al that he can't fly. For that reason Al can't attend the Professional Stuntman's Invitational (PSI) in North Carolina June 26, 27, and 28. Even though he was looking forward to attending Al has accepted this decision by his doctors. He will be there in spirit and hopes that everyone attending enjoys the stunt his son, Lee Smith, is going to perform. Al wanted everyone to know that his son will be jumping a Knight Rider car during the stunt show. For those of you who don't yet know the name Lee Smith, he performed that fantastic jump in "Collier & Co. - Hot Pursuit".
THANK YOU again from Al for the support he has received from all of you. I will keep you updated on his progress.
Phyllis
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