Vincent Vanz Gogh

I realize that Van Gogh was not suffering from Surfer's Ear, but I could not post this without mentioning the similarity in appearance to this poor guy-

Vanz had surgery yesterday for Surfer's Ear. And while you would think that it would be a surgery of minor significance, it actually is an incredibly painful procedure that involves drilling away the bone in his ear. And I will spare you the details of how they get to the bone other that telling you it involves cutting the back of his ear completely free and peeling it away to reach the inner ear....oh, and a skin graph. Poor Vanz.

He is home and heavily medicated, but doing really well. Other than the ridiculous ear protector. By the way it is actually clear and the white you see is gauze. Also, the stickers are courtesy of his kind nurses. Thanks guys. I keep getting a glimpse of him and thinking he is bleeding profusely.

I get the awesome opportunity to clean it and replace the gauze tomorrow. Can't wait. The things we do for those we love. It could be pretty gory under there, but he will be able to remove it in a few days so that should help with some of the pressure he is feeling.

He is banned from surfing for at least 8 weeks. I am sure the most ridiculous swell will arrive sometime during his surf free stretch of time and cause him more suffering. I think that will be the most painful part of doing this. That and the fact that he really cannot eat anything that requires chewing because it moves the ear.

Thanks for all the calls and concern. Perhaps I will post another picture in a few days so you can get a full grasp on the procedure minus the protector and update you on his progress.

Moral of this story:

WEAR EARPLUGS IF YOU SURF!