Stumpy's Blog

This blog is about my return to Walter Reed to get a new leg. I am an above-the-knee amputee. I lost my leg in April 2007 in Iraq while riding in a Humvee that was struck by an "explosively formed projectile" -- a molten metal jet stream released from a homemade roadside bomb. My left knee was shattered and later amputated at Walter Reed. I rushed through rehab to get back to Alaska quickly. But my leg continued to change, and now my prosthetic doesn't fit, and I need to begin again. I'll keep you posted on my progress and experience. This time, it will work.

Joshua Ferguson

I joined the Army in 1996 and my position is as a forward observer. My dad was in the Air Force and I'm the oldest of four with one brother and two sisters. My wife is Danielle, and we have three young children, J.J., 5 in June, Corinne, 3 in July, and little Madeline, 1 this month. My goal is to complete a full 20 years in the military, and then retire to become a teacher at the elementary or high school levels.

FEATURE STORY

New life & limbs

Read reporter George Bryson's account of how Ferguson ended up on his way back to Walter Reed.

Awesome day! - 12/5/2009 7:27 pm

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Running and Snow - 11/9/2009 3:40 pm

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Waiting for the rut! - 10/29/2009 6:20 pm

OK hunt was Awesome! - 10/20/2009 11:51 pm

Football - 10/5/2009 5:50 pm

Golf & Football - 10/1/2009 5:11 pm

Another sleepless night

Grou shot Caps beat SenatorsGrou shot Caps beat Senators

I will ask for your forgiveness in advance. I am having another sleepless night and I'm feeling like I can't stand still.

Speaking of standing, I probably shouldn't be wearing my leg now, but I have stuff to get done. When we were in Minneapolis I only wore my leg teice, and that was just so my little brother could see me walking. As soon as JJ and I made it back I put my leg on, and it has been on since. Pain was there, but I really haven't been up much since my surgery, one thing after another. I have realized since that I have to keep my leg on. It is tough here taking care of JJ and the house, but it is damn near impossible without it.

I was on my crutches for a short period of time. I got a new socket last week because my stump has been shrinking as well as starting to hit the gym again. The new socket felt great for awhile, but for reasons unbeknownst to any of my team, I have been "pistoning" or "bottoming out" in the socket.

BTW
-Pistoning is basicly not setteling into the socket completelt. Since the socket is suction fit, the remaining space between the limb and socket create a vaccum. As a result it draws fluit down the the end, and my scars are now blistering and some are bleeding.

-Bottoming out is pretty self explanitory. I am getting a large briuse on the distal portion of my stump. I have not worn my leg since Thursday and I still have a large bruise.

Who knows, I need to figure out something on Monday, have learned that I cannot reasonably take care of my son and myself as well as the responsibilities around here.

I was speaking to Danny a few days ago and she said something that hit me like a ton of bricks. 4th BDE will be heading back out to Afghanistan soon. I have alot of friends, not to mention my brother (no not blood) that part of me really needs to see. I have learned that traveling with the family can be fairly cost prohibitive, so Danielle (being the awesome wife she always is) said that I need to just go. She knows me better than I do, part of me NEEDS to see my family before they go back into harms way. I am now trying to line up tickets with the SFAC (Soldier Family Assistance Center).

On a lighter side, I must say that the time I have been able to spend with my son has been truly amazing. I am sure that Danny's time with the girls has been equally fulfilling, and part of me is jealous. We have been to two Capitals games, one of which he got to ride on the Zamboni during the first intermission and recieved a game puck. We havve been hunting twice and other than that have been just enjoying "boy time" Kids are awesome! He takes his role as my best buddy/helper very seriously. For example when I take off my leg he is right there with a towel to pat me dry and then says "Daddy your face is sweaty maybe I need to wipe you off" when he has heard my fall he is imideatly running to me hollering at me asking if I am alright. Again, kids are AWESOME!!!!

Yet again I leave you hanging with pics, I swear I will get more on here. I had to write some of this down to vent and because I have not posted in awhile. There is more, but I fear if I get on those subjects my language will get a bit colorfull.

Until next time stay safe, kiss your kids, and forgive my spelling. I was tired and really now take a look at the time.

See ya-Ferg

  1     December 6, 2009 - 11:54pm | bolingchina

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