Stumpy's Blog : Running and Snow

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.

About me

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.

Running and Snow

Posted by stumpysblog

Posted: November 9, 2009 - 3:40 pm

So I ran for the first time today since the morning of 22 August 2007. Granted the whole running thing was not completelty unassisted, I was running in a G-Trainer. It is a type of treadmill that has an airbag support that you are zipped into. I only ran for about 5 minutes with only 50% of my body weight, but it's a start. The docs don't really know about it though, there is this concern they have about my bone density. They seem to worry that my hip will shatter, I just want to get 12 more jumps.

I saw on the front page that you guys got snow, I'm jealous! We are working on the time line to get back up. My med board is still moving along, we're having issues with my PEBLO, who is WORTHLESS! We've got to complete the board and then the COAD (continuation of active duty) to get back on status. That should be done this spring and I'll still have time to make sure there are no issues with the return. We are trying to wait to PCS until JJ is done with the school year.

James, I look forward to hearing from you brother. Waszak-shoot me another message, the last one didn't go through and the number I have for you is not working.