Dec. 31,2010

As most of you are aware 2010 has been a memorable year for me. After completing my Cross Country Challenge in 2009, I began 2010 with a hip replacement surgery in Jan. This was the beginning of an ordeal that resulted in seven surgeries and eight hospitalizations from January to end of August. Following my last hospitalization in August, I began teaching half days for a month. I have been working full days ever since.

Physically I am uncomfortable, but making improvements with each week. Mentally, the ordeal was extremely stressful and frustrating because I had no control over what was happening in my body.

I am where I am today thanks to my surgeon and infectious disease doctors from Hershey Medical Center. I could not have come this far without their expertise. I highly commend their professionalism and personal concern for their patients.

This whole experience was quite humbling for me. I had a tremendous outpouring of concert, love, and support from family, friends, and many people I don’t even know. I would like to thank all of you for your part in my recuperation. Many people visited, sent cards, bought meals took me to appointments, sat with me day and night, e-mailed, etc.
At this point I am hoping I will be able to “pay it forward” to each of you!

Currently I am doing “suppression therapy” (antibiotics) and will have to continue for years. I am able to ride the stationary bike, spin bike, and do short rides outside. I am hoping to be able to ride my road bike by ext summer and am thinking of my next “long” ride. In the words of my infectious disease doctor, I should be a “poster child for suppression therapy”. My surgeon says, “my current function is an example of the triumph of the human spirit”.

I wish each of you a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season! My wheels have not yet come off!!
Happy New Year and welcome to 2011!!!!

Dec. 2, 2010

Hello everyone,
I was at Hershey again Tuesday with appts. with both doctors. It was a good appt.. I had blood work done again and my two infection markers are still both perfect!! My kidney function has improved just slightly, but I will take it. I will be checked again the end of December and have another appt. with the surgeon on Jan. 14.

If all goes well, I will have my next appt. with both drs. on April 12, 2011. Seems funny to say 2011, but as I am sure you all know I will be very happy to see 2010 end. 2011 has to be better!

My surgeon was very pleased with my progress and what I have accomplished – he still thinks it won’t be until the end of the first year that we will know how much function will return. The infectious disease dr. says I should be the “poster child for suppression therapy”?!?!? I owe both of them a lot!!

I hope all are enjoying the holiday season and aren’t getting too overwhelmed and caught up in the all of the ruckus. I will continue to update as I have new info.
Thanks for all of the prayers and support!!
Carole

Happy Thanksgiving!! Nov. 24

3wks ago
I had a fairly emotional, but good week. Tuesday I had to vote and my poll is located in the nursing home I was in. I tried to visit the physical therapists who are no longer there; voted; and then went to the floor where my room was located. I saw a couple of nurses I remembered and my 95 yr. old roommate. All of this was very quickly done, but it was hard and I made it through. That evening I spoke with a 79 yr. old patient who has been on suppression therapy for 15 yrs. It was helpful, but still emotional.

Thursday I went to PT and then asked if I could do spin bike yet – he said yes. So I left there and went to my gym and told them. I went into the spin room by myself to see how riding would go and it went fine, except it made me cry. I was sitting there with tears of joy running down my face when the instructor for the evening came in. It was really good to see him – they even left “my bike” sit where it was before this ordeal!!! I only pedaled for 10-15 min. cause I had already one 25 at therapy. Hopefully next week I might be able to take a class.

This means I have to get cleats put on my new riding shoes that I bought last Oct. and haven’t been able to use yet. I have had one of them sitting in my family room for inspiration for many months!!


Nov 14-21
I did it - my first spin class!! Wore my clips and was even able to stand and ride - didn't do the class with the intensity of everyone else, but it is a beginning!! I loved it and didn't feel too badly the next day!!





Nov. 20-24
Picture is of a group of fellow cyclists and I after they did a ride on Sat. It was really good to have lunch with them - did a lot for my morale and inspiration!!! Can't wait to get back to riding my bike again!!

Did another spin class last night - went well and getting stronger.

I hope all have a great Thanksgiving holiday - I have soooooooooooo much to be thankful for!!!!

Carole

First group ride!!!??!?!?

Another busy and eventful week!! Still making the baby steps and getting there. I moved the hill climb to level 5 on the stationary at PT. I also started doing steps by alternating both legs instead of taking one step at a time – still slow, but can do it and they want me to practice daily since they weren’t sure that I would ever be able to do it.

First group ride outside yesterday – brothers Gary and Brent and we did 6 MILES in the wind!!! And I had my first confrontation with a dog again – not to panic though – he was very old and very big and could hardly muster up a bark. But, nonetheless, he came out on the road and the boys put me between them. I used my most authoritative voice and yelled “GO HOME” and he did. Not only that, but didn’t bother to come out when we rode back past him. Gary said that was probably the dog’s highlight of the day and no energy to do it again!

Bloodwork last week was good with kidney function still not quite where it should be, but it is no worse than my base line numbers. So, as of now, they are not going to change the antibiotic!!

Thanks again for the support!
Carole

Tues., Oct.26

It has been a couple of busy weeks!! I had my bloodwork done and all was really good = we are watching kidneys and if function decreases will have to change antibiotics.
I finished my 4th wk of full days and am feeling well - I do still tire - so to bed early and a lot of hard work at therapy. My surgeon wants me to "push through it", so I am doing the best that I can to get back to a sense of normalcy.
I can now tie my shoes on my bad leg and wear regular shoes again. Putting on the sock is still not the easiest, but I think it will come too.
I am doing a "hill" program on the stationary bike and increasing the levels. As you can see, I finally made it on the bike outside - it is a mountain bike - girl's- too small for me, but I did it. I rode a total of 2 1/2 miles on Sunday - starting out with 3 nephews running beside and in back of me and brother Gary to the front. The riding part was great - starting and stopping a little tricky, but with practice and focus, I got there and can't wait to do it again!! With some hard work and effort, I should be ready to go again in the spring and hope to do some distance riding next summer!!
I was just thinking tonight of my theme song on the blog and realized just how correct the words are!!
I go to Hershey again on Nov. 23 to see both drs. and hope to have a good visit. I will try to continue to update this every week or sol
Thanks again to my surgeon, infectious disease dr., family, friends, and all those I don't even know who have prayed for me and supported me in some way. The whole experience has been quite humbling!!
Like I have always said, "life is like a bicycle. Ride it until the wheels come off!"
Carole

Wed., Oct. 13

Hi everyone,
Sorry it has been so long between updates, but I was waiting for my most recent blood work. I was at Hershey yesterday with both drs. Blood work is good – infection tests were perfect – kidney function a little high and they will watch and pull blood in 2 more wks – if still high or higher, we will have to switch antibiotics – they have 3-4 more choices to try. Diabetes test was little on high side, but still normal. Chlorestoral best it has ever been with my LDLs lower than they have ever been. All in all a good visit – surgeon wants me to push hard and push through things – says this first yr. is very important because it will be the best I will get and want to get as much as possible. Infectious disease very pleased also.
Currently working my 3rd wk of full days and very tired at night and still going to bed early to get enough rest. It still takes me twice as long to do things and learning to work without a right hand until things eventually become habit. I had the wheel chair returned, put away the raised toilet seat and both walkers are upstairs. I’m sleeping upstairs in my own bed, but have had to learn a way to carry things up and down steps – think I need a pulley system. Surgeon wants me to walk w/out cane as I feel ready; PT is saying not yet. So who do you think I will listen to!?!??!
Imagine my surprise at the knock on my door Sunday afternoon when brother Gary said, “come on, let’s go. We’re going to ride just around development.” This is exactly what he did and said 11 yrs. ago when the family got me my first bike. I was petrified and we first worked on a smoother way for me to get on my bike that is on the trainer. Then he took my road bike down from the wall – put air in tires – I put on my helmet and riding gloves. We spent a good half hr. trying to figure best way for me to get on and off bike using a stool in the driveway. I attempted to ride with him holding the seat (just like a parent with a young child) – but just like skiing you have to pedal to get some momentum and I was just too scared and shaky at this point. I tried really hard, but finally said we have to wait and let me get on my trainer some more first. The positioning of the seat to pedals is different on road bikes than on a stationary bike and that was hard on my upper thigh muscles. But, at least the first step was taken. My PT who is an avid cyclist was very excited to hear this.
Thanks again to all for prayers and support!!
Carole

Sat., Oct 2

Hi everyone,
I had a good week and am very tired. I worked five full days – went to PT twice and celebrated my birthday on Wed. I was very happy to reach this birthday and also very happy that I made it through Sep. without being hospitalized! Big accomplishment for me!!
David set up my trainer in the family room this week, but I haven’t used it yet because I have to use a step stool to get on it and it doesn’t go real smoothly yet. I was too tired to try again, but I will and if it doesn’t work, will probably have to borrow a women’s bike to use on it. I did stop at bike shop and got some suggestions from Jess.
I am still feeling some of the effects of out patient therapy from the removal of IVC filter and can’t wait until those feelings of tiredness are gone.
This morning I had blood work done for family dr. appt. 10/11. Monday I will have blood work drawn for Hershey appt. on 10/12. Hopefully all will be good and things will slow down for a while. It is still taking time for me to learn to manage things with one hand since the cane is in the other. Carrying things up and down steps is quite a chore at this time and I might have to rely on nieces and nephews to do this for me when it comes to Christmas decorations. Raised toilet was taken to the loft and hopefully will stay there.
All in all things are going well and I pray that they continue to improve. Thanks for the prayers and support!
Carole

Fri., Sep 24

Hi everyone,

This has been a good week for me. I worked 6 hr days, Mon,. Tues, and Wed. and actually felt good everyday!! People at school have started to tell me that I look good again - they were quite worried the first couple of weeks.
Thursday I was in Hershey having the IVC filter removed which was a long day for me - left home at 8 and didn't return till 7 last night. I was finished by 4:30, but my driver had to ref a soccer game at Hershey High School and didn't finish until 5:30. I had hoped to work today, but they said no and no PT today either since they went into a major artery. So I stayed at my brother's house last night and was kind of lazy this morning. I have gotten stronger through the day and am now visiting another brother and am on his computer because something is wrong at my house. I think it is the router, but haven't had the energy to deal with "tech" support yet. Maybe I will over the w/end when it is cooler.
I am sore from yesterday and back to sponge bath for 5 days, but at least the filter is out. I am able to go to PT tomorrow morning - I'm glad cause I always have energy after doing it.
Hopefully I will be able to tolerate full days starting on Monday.
Thanks for the continued support, cards, and prayers!!
Have a good weekend! Carole

Sat., Sep 18

Hi everyone,

Well I made it through 5 days working 5 hrs and each day got a little bit better. But I will still say that when I am tired, I just have to rest for an hr and then am ready to go again!!
I am planning to do 6 hr days this wk - busy wk coming up because I am going to dinner with 3 of the riders from my CCC and am really excited about that. Wed. evening, I will be visiting Camp Nawakwa where our 6th graders are at environmental camp. Thurs, I will be at Hershey having the IVC filter removed.
If I survive all of this excitement, then I hope to start full days on 10/5. Oral antibiotics are being tolerated well so far. I still go upstairs at 8:30-9 every night to get the rest that I need!
Hope you are all enjoying this beautiful weekend from the saddle!!! Have fun at Three Creek Century and any other place you might be riding!!
Thanks for prayers and support!
Carole

tues. evening

Quick update - had PT this pm and now have 121 flexion on my knee - goal 125. At end of session, Scott told me I could have David set up my trainer at home and put my hybrid bike on it!!!! If all continues well, I should be able to be outside on my road bike for short distance for first week of Oct.!!! I was shocked!!

thanks everyone, Carole

Tues., Sep 14

Hi everyone,

Sorry for so long between posts and hope I didn't panic anyone. I am doing well making progress in baby steps. When I look at where I was 2 wks ago, there is definite improvement. I have just been too exhausted to post more regularly - will try to do better in the future!
I am working 5 hr. days this wk and did well yesterday - had to rest when got home, but not nearly as long. Of course, I am up to bed by 8:30-9 each night. Today I am working 5 hrs. and then PT at 2:40 and then back to school for Wed. afternoon.
So far the oral antibiotics is doing well - no rash or stomach issues at this point, and pray that it continues!
I am sleeping upstairs in my own bed now and staying by myself - this is a major step for me - as I have to really plan and think out my next day and each trip up and down the stairs. But, I can do it!! Yeah!!
Thanks all for prayers and support!
Carole

Tues., Sep 7

Hi everyone,

Sorry to have taken so long to post this. What a beautiful weekend we had and I thoroughly enjoyed it with family and friends.
Today I went to Hershey to have my PICC line out and see the infectious disease dr. My blood numbers were good - my one infection/inflammation is still a little high, but it came down 14 pts from last week and should be good within another week. I started the oral antibiotic tonight and hope that I can tolerate it for a long time - if I have trouble with side effects, there are several others we can try. My blood will be tested in 3-4 wks again before I go up to see both drs. again.

On the 23rd I will go to Hershey again to have the filter removed from my neck. This is more extensive of a procedure than putting it in was and does require anesthesia. When they put it in, I was awake and only had my neck numbed.
The visit should last a total of about 4-6 hrs. from arrival till I leave. I am scheduled to be done at 10 am.

So keep the prayers coming as I truly believe I am benefitting from all of them. I am slowly feeling stronger and starting to regain my appetite and eating now because I want to and not just because I know that I have to. I am continuing 1/2 days for at least 2 more wks and perhaps longer depending how it goes.

thanks again, Carole

Wed., Sep 1

Hi everyone,

I was in Hershey yesterday for appt. with ID - blood work from Mon. is slightly improved over that taken Fri. which is good. I am exhausted and really dragging which they say is normal for what my body has been through. They still want me to do 1/2 days and PT and rest only.
My mornings are the hardest and they feel that is due to the oral antibiotic that I am currently on and it is only for 2 more days. I will have PICC line pulled next Tues. and then begin the next hurdle of seeing if my body will tolerate the oral antibiotics for life. This will be monitored by watching my kidney and liver function through bloodwork.
Thanks all for your support and prayers and keep them coming!!
Carole

Sat., Aug. 28

Hi everyone,

Sorry about no posts since Wed., but I have been literally wiped out since I started back to work. Thurs. was a little better than Wed., but Fri. was pretty rough again. The district was really good to me and brought a sub in for me these 3 days to help out. Still it was a big change from laying around for 8 mo.! I think I would have done much better if I hadn't had the blood infection. That has left me really dragging!
Yesterday, I was nervous again about the leg and my wonderful surgeon had me come up to clinic to see him in the afternoon. Everything was fine - he just thinks extra aches and pains were due to increased activity. In speaking with Infectious Disease, it was decided to have blood drawn again yesterday.
I spoke with surgeon this morning and all is well with my blood results - wbc good, electrolytes - good, platlets good, hemo - good, no new cultures grew, so the feeling is my exhaustion is result of blood infection. He doesn't want me to stop or curtail the 1/2 days and PT, just know that I will be tired.
I will try to post more frequently, but can't promise with my schedule.
I go to Hershey again on tues to see Infectious Disease - blood will be drawn on Mon, so they will compare them to Friday's numbers.
Thanks everyone, and have a good w/end!
Carole

Wed., Aug 25

Hi everyone,

Well, I did work 4 hrs. today - would have rather done it without the most recent hospital visit because I would have had a lot more energy!! But, I did make it fairly well throught the first 3 1/2 hrs. but was beat after that!! CAme home and plopped on couch and thought I would never get up - couldn't sleep, but just wiped out!
Then I got a call from my PCP and he wanted to see me at 3:15, so by 2:30 (Anne) I was feeling better, but not great. Went for appt. - blood pressure good, temp. good, etc. but was really good to see him. I want to tell you just how special I am - when the office called to make the appt, the girl said that given all I had been through, the dr. offered to make a home visit if I wanted!!!!! Thought those days were long gone!!
Had big salad for dinner and delivery of pan of lasagna from a neighbor and now I am ready for an evening of TV. I go in at 11:15 tomorrow, so should get some sleep in time after I infused my 5 am med. Hopefully, only couple more weeks of this!!!
Thanks all!
CArole

Tues, aug 24

Hi!

I'm home as of 9 pm last night - am resting lots and will fill more in tomorrow!
CArole

Sun afternoon, 8/22

Hi everyone,

I have good news, good news as of 3:30 and hopefully this will be the end of this ordeal. They have identified the bacteria and it is responding to antibiotics that I have been on since Thurs. Unless something changes, I will have 2 more wks of PICC line with med. used in spring and an oral one. I will have new line put in tomorrow and depending how I feel should be in school Wed. morning. I will do ½ days for at least 3 wks and then have line pulled and will have to be cautious with how much rest and activity I am doing during my off-work time.
As you might imagine, I am in my glory and on a cautious high!!! I will let you know when I will be coming home. I have been very active here at the hospital – up and down hall and down to cafeteria yesterday and today (1st floor).
Thanks again to everyone and I am trying to return all phone calls, but if I miss you, don’t take offense!!!
Carole

Sunday, Aug 22

Hi everyone,
It is a dreary rainy Sunday morning today. I had a fairly good day yesterday. Was surprised by visit from brother, Brent, after he refereed a soccer game in this area. This was followed by visit from Bobbi and a friend. I did walk to first floor and sit in cafeteria for hour or so. I also took a shower yesterday for the first.
Lots of confusion about removal of filter from neck – at this point, not sure it will happen at this visit – different medical departments are disagreeing over it. My platelet and wbc count were up slightly yesterday which is a good sign, but still no identification of bacteria – will take at least 5 days. Not sure what this means for discharge, but I won’t be allowed to leave until I am stabilized. Also not sure what this does to return to work. I’m still hoping for the best, but don’t want to be home until we have something more definite.
So if you get a chance, come on up – would love to see you and might even visit on first floor. Thanks to Beth for getting me a “free teacher gift” for me from Staples!
I don’t expect much more news today because not a whole lot happens here on the weekends unless an emergency. Keep prayers and support coming!
Carole

Fri, Aug. 20

Hi everyone,
Well, I seem to have begun to turn the corner in this next adventure. No chills or fever for 24 hrs. New antibiotics seem to be agreeing with me.
I will have a cat scan tonight to determine if everything is okay with the IVC filter in my neck. If all is well, the procedure won’t happen till Mon. morning. If there is a problem, it will come out tomorrow morning. PICC line will be put in again Sun. or Mon. So my best guess at this point is that I will be coming home Mon. night or Tues. They still think I can start ½ days of school.
I had a very pleasant surprise that really lifted my spirits this afternoon. My good friend, Nancy’s aunt Ro and Uncle Jack, walked into my hospital room. I was shocked and so surprised because I haven’t seen them for many years. They drove all the way from West Chester to visit and their son, Jimmy, visited again today. It really made me happy!!
So, another weekend in Hershey Hospital which will be long a boring – if anyone has time and would like to visit, I would be more than happy to see you. If you are coming from Gbg, please call me first because I need a couple more pieces of clothing.
Thanks everyone! Carole

Thurs., Aug 19

Hi everyone,
I am e-mailing from Hershey Hospital once again!!!! Was here Tues. for check-ups and both dr. said I looked good. Went to bed that night feeling fine and woke up at midnight with major chills followed by fever of up to 102. I called Hershey and spoke with the resident who told me to take Tylenol and come in if fever spiked again. ID (Infectious Disease) ordered blood work drawn yesterday afternoon – Hershey got preliminary reports this morning and one of the cultures had grown. ID called me and told me to come into ER right away. Cyndi drove me up and I had another major chill attack on the way up and later found out that Cyndi was afraid I was going to seizure. I told her in Dillsburg that if I passed out, she should just pull over and call the ambulance – so you know I wasn’t feeling well at all!! I have a blood infection that was caught early and is being treated aggressively through IV. At this point the thinking is that it came in through my picc line and is not related to my hip but if not treated, could affect hip. My PICC line has been pulled and I currently have IV in for new antibiotics and fluids.
I will be here for a couple of days until things stabilize and then home again with another PICC line. Still should be able to go back to school but probably not until the end of the wk.
So at the risk of sounding like a broken record, keep the prayers and support coming.
Thanks, Carole

Tues., Aug. 17

Eric and I went up for another visit with both drs. today and all in all it was a good day!
I am happy to report that I no longer have hip precautions (but will take a while to feel comfortable with this); will be going back to school for 1/2 days the first 3 wks; anemia is a little better; do not have to cover incision any more unless want to - will probably do it to go to gym to ride bike; can stop aspirin; am off of all pain med, but tylenol; am driving as of yesterday; and am allowed to fly - for those of you who would like to take me on a trip!!

I had some minor blood work issues that infectious disease dr. is working on - nothing alarming, but will take blood again this Thurs. and possibly change antibiotic is the issues continue. I have an appt. with her again on the 31st.

The PICC line will come out sometime after 9/4 and I also have to have a procedure to remove the IVC filter in my neck sometime soon. This is out patient and I may even be awake for it - not that I want to be.

In general, walking mostly with cane now; getting stomach issues somewhat under control; rode bike today for 20 min and am planning to go out every day to ride it for a while.

I am not out of the woods yet, but feel closer to the edge of the woods than I have for months! Keep praying for me and thanks to all for continued support!!

Carole

Sunday, Aug 15

Hi everyone,

Believe it or not, I spent yesterday at Hershey Park!!!! Brother Randy, niece Sonja and Ken, Kennedy, and Stratton had an extra ticket and asked me to go. I really was hesitant, but figured it had to be better than sitting at home. I didn't do too badly - actually got on the tram with cane - took both walker and cane into the park. I have never seen sooooooooo many people - Jonas Brothers concert, Chevy free ticket day, and a real estate convention made for oodles of people. When in crowds, i used walker - iat was the first that I have ever walked up and down some inclines. I did well, but coming down my good knee hurt - sort of like it used to when downhill skiing!! I walked around from 10:30-2:30 and then sat at Dunkin Donuts for 3 hrs while rest were doing rides, etc. I really enjoyed it and ended the day with dinner at Applebees. Those kids were something else!!

Today am going with Patti to lunch and possibly movie and then visit this evening from the Moores. Monday, PT and then sister-in-law is offering to take me in to finish classroom. Tues. Hershey again and friends rest of week.

I hope to start driving today or tomorrow - short trips around town - hair cut, etc.

All in all doing fairly well - next will be to start sleeping upstairs again.
Have a good week everyone and I will update after Tues. appt. in Hershey.

Thanks for thoughts and prayers!
Carole

Thurs,, Aug 12

Hi everyone,

FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY!!! When I awoke in recovery from my last surgery, Queen's song "I Want to ride my bicycle" was going through my head and I took it as a sign that I will get back on the bike.

Today I took the first step by being allowed to get on the stationary bike in PT. I loved it and did very very well. We started with the seat high and then lowered it every few minutes. It felt great!!! But I do have to tell you that by the time I got off, my thumb and two fingers on right hand were numb!!!! What's up with that???? And no, my butt did not hurt!! Imagine that!!!

Other than this excitement, I am still dealing with some stomach issues with my med, but it is improving slightly. Not sure that a big part of it isn't stress!!!

Spent 4 hrs. in my classroom yesterday and plan to go back next wk one day to do the rest of it. Not sure of particulars from returning to school yet because I didn't have much time to speak with dr. yesterday.

Thanks for continued prayers!!
Carole

Tues., Aug 10

Hi everyone,

Trip to Hershey today to have sutures out - incision looks good - met with both drs. - infectious disease is hoping I can swallow antibiotics the rest of my life. Surgeon not as optomistic - says the next big hurdle will be what will happen when we stop the antibiotics through IV in 6 wks. I hope and pray for the best. I feel good and my leg is getting stronger!! My blood work was very good today!!!

I have been walking around the house with the cane and can feel the leg getting stronger. Should go back to school on time, but haven't discussed the particulars yet.

Am going in to school tomorrow morning to start work on my classroom that I have had moved from 3rd to 2nd floor. No AC in the room, so not sure how long I will last!!!!

Keep the prayers coming folks!!
Carole

Sunday, Aug. 8

Hi everyone,

I have had a nice w/end - to lunch with Sally yesterday and then to a state park. We also went to see a movie, after which Gary and Kathy picked me up and took me to dinner.
I stayed by myself last night - went well, but I was tired all night. This morning went to church and then sitting at Gary and Kathy's house until time for my niece's grad. party at 4:30. Do have a friend staying tonight again.
I have been having some stomach issues due to my oral antibiotic - I did get an Rx filled and that has helped some, but trying not to take it. The nauseousness should go away, hopefully.
Incision still good and I am walking around my house with just a cane. I plan to practice a lot this wk because I really want to go back to school with just a cane. Of course, I realize I will have to have a book bag or back pack to carry my things at school. Not sure yet if I will start with 1/2 or whole day - if 1/2 hopefully only until after Labor Day when I will be done with IV antibiotic and one more stress off of me. Yahoo!!!!
Hershey on Tues. to have sutures out - again!!
Thanks to all, Carole

Thurs, Aug. 5th

Hi everyone,

Just got back from Hershey with appt. with Infectious Disease dr. Blood work has one test back to normal and the other still up high - of course this is on the antibiotic.
We discussed going back to work and final decision will be made in next 2 wks, so not sure if will be 1/2 or full days. Hope to be driving by then - have cut pain med back to 2/day and hope to go to 1 in another week.
PT went well on Mond. Still not on bike until after sutures are out - should come out Tues. 8/10 when I will visit again and see both drs. Both drs. again on 8/17 and hopefully school start 8/23 - I really am ready for some normalcy!

Thanks again to all for visits, support, calls, etc.
Carole

Tues, Aug 3

Hi everyone,

Sorry to cause panic again for some of you by not posting sooner! I am doing okay, just really busy with appts. and friends visits and a few moments of panic on my part.
I had visits last week from Sharon (DKG), Beth S, Maxine, Pastor Jeanette, and several others - went to movies with Sally and her sister on Sat. and then baptism of my great niece, Emilia, Sat. evening - quite the little actress and princess and just so beautiful!!! Sunday - grocery store with Vic and then company - neighbors Andy and Lucy, dinner with friend Linda, and visits from friend Bobbi - very busy day when I fit in dressing, showering, PT exercises, etc.
Monday lunch with Colleen H.; visit from Nancy A and visit from Bobbi last night.
I had moment of panic yesterday when realized outside of incision hard on one side, but no redness. Surgeon on vac. this wk, so of course, I am extra sensitive due to past issues.
Still really struggling with all of this past 7 mo. and enjoy talking with friends to help calm me. Drs. still say I will go back to work on time - we will see - not sure what my energy level will be in a couple of wks. Am walking stronger and steadier with walker and able to take hand off for some steps. Am trying to do steps to upstairs once a day with a cane. My goal is to be on the cane by next wk, but a lot will depend on confidence level. Hope to get in to set up classroom some time in next 2 wks.
I have 2 very busy days starting at 7 tomorrow and Thurs. so not sure when I will post again.
Thanks again for support, prayers, and caring!!! All is most appreciated!!

Carole

Wed, july 28

Hi everyone,

I am now home again and hoping this was the last. The outcome was superficial staph again and this time instead of aspirating the hip he continued straight through good tissue to steel rod by femur. At this point seems to be clean. However there is a chance bacteria is hiding. Plan at the moment is 6 wks of IV antibiotics along with an a very strong oral antibiotic. As soon as this ends, we will move right to suppression therapy orally and buy as many years as we can that way until my body can't tolerate the antibiotics any more.

At this point, I am just praying that this works and still plan to return to school on time. No PT this wk, just home exercises and start back up MOn. Should be able to get on bike then, assuming that I haven't lost too much bend in my knee this week.

Thanks everyone for the support - I am trying to stay strong!!
Carole

Tues., July 27

Hello everyone,

I am going home today with 6 wks of antibiotic IV and then will switch to suppression therapy using oral antibiotics for a number of yrs - where we go after that is still to be determined and I don't have enough info to sort it all out now.

It has been a tough morning and I am trying to focus on the positive. I still should be going back to work when school starts. I keep focusing on the 6 wks prior to June 2 when I was antibiotic free and my numbers all came back to normal. I am praying that will happen again.

Thanks all for the support, etc.
Carole

Monday, July 26

Good morning all,

I had a good night's sleep and feel a lot better today with the rest. I have had breakfast and am waiting for a PICC line today and also the cultures to be developed and then I will be discharged late this evening or tomorrow - if all can be arranged and my new meds can be scheduled and delivered so I don't miss a dose.

This was a very similar surgery to 3 wks ago - the difference is that they went in the same opening and found it to be superficial again - but then he continued straight in all the way to the metal rod - even through good tissue and took samples. Surgeon is calling this a whimpy bacteria and we will have some decisions to make about long term treatment.

Thanks again for support - prayer lists - concern - phone calls, etc. All continue to help me get through this ordeal. Oh and I now have a corneal abrasion as a result of surgery and came out feeling like Capt. Hook with a bum leg and a patch over my eye - it was mentioned that all I needed was a "parrot" for my shoulder!!

Carole

Sunday, July 25

Good morning,

Woke up Sat. morning and found drainage on dressing, so called dr. and he had me go to ER - this experience went better than the last time.
I am in the hospital again and underwent surgery #7 last night at 7:30 – at this point I haven’t spoken to my dr. but have talked to his residents. It was again a superficial infection – deeper samples were taken but appear to be clean. I’m not sure what the treatment will be, but I will have a PICC line again – prior to surgery, dr. suspected this was deep and had been missed by previous surgeon 3 wks ago when my dr. was on the hospital. Prior to surgery he told me 6 wks of PICC and not sure if that will be the case again or not. Nonetheless, I should be home sometime Tues. barring no other issues crop up.
I pretty much had a sleepless night, but they did let me eat a turkey sandwich prior to trying to sleep – lots of people in through the night.
Oh, and I have a corneal abrasion that happened sometime during surgery probably because I was laying on that side – so had a patch over one eye – notw just doing drops and ointment.
Thanks all for your prayers and support.
Carole

Fri, July 23

Hi everyone,

Had a real up and down week with some swelling in the ankle and resulted in trip to Hershey today. I need prayers again - waiting for bloodwork - just heard the one test went up (not good)and we will wait for other score no later than tomorrow. Possibility of another 6 wks of IV antibiotics - should know by tomorrow - not sure about surgery yet.

Keep your fingers crossed!
Carole

Monday, July 19

Hi everyone,

It has been a great day!! I actually got a chance to go out and do a little shopping with my friend and chauffer, DEe. I spent too much money and that was even with resting my leg in between stores.

It felt good, but I am tired tonight! I'm feeling better each day and do so hope I have turned the corner. I did speak with my principal this morning and asked him to move my classroom from the 3rd to the 2nd floor where all 5 of the classes that I work with are located. He was very kind and is agreeing and this will save me a lot of steps all day long.

I also had a good weekend with friends visiting and taking me to lunch and playing scrabble. It was a lot of fun!! Sunday I went to watch the veterans that were riding through town on their way from San Francisco to east. It was inspiring to watch them!!

Next appt. in Hershey is Tues. 27th - hope things are still going well!

Hope all are well!
Carole

Thurs., July 15

Hi everyone,

Well, I have finally come down off of the high from Tues., but am still doing very well. I did go to PT yesterday, but we didn't get on the bike because he wants me to have 110 degree bend and I only have 90. Maybe next wk - but, we did put wheels on the walker and tennis balls and I did learn how to do steps. I even went up the flight in my house, but won't do that again for a while because coming down was very scary. I have some more stretches to do for my knee.

It really feels weird to walk on both legs again - of course, my left is very weak so tomorrow we will start some strength training work to build it back up. Tonight the big accomplishment was to put the walker in the back seat of the car and hold onto the car to get in the front all by myself. So, soon as I get off of this pain med, I should be able to drive - probably a couple of weeks yet!!

I am feeling well again and will be sad tomorrow when my sister and brother-in-law leave for Kentucky. She has been a big help this week and has spoiled me again.

Thanks again for the support!!!
Carole

July 13, Tues.

Hi everyone!!!

This has been the best day for me since Jan. 21!!! I had an appt. in Hershey and have gotten a lot of good news and am on cloud 9! First of all, I am able to do 100% weight bearing and eventually wean from the walker to the cane – it will take a couple of weeks. The broken femur has mended! The PICC line is out of my arm and not taking any antibiotics at this point. I start the exercise bike tomorrow – this will be grueling, but I can’t wait to start! I can ride the bike everyday if I want and can take it!
Neither my surgeon nor the Head of the Infectious Disease Dept. feel that this is an immune system problem – basically just a string of bad luck. I am able to stop taking iron, but should continue the Boost drink. I still need to keep last incision covered for a while so we don’t have any rubbing or repeat staph infections. I am to continue pain med., so can’t drive yet, but he wants me able to deal with the pain and be comfortable.
All in all, I am very very happy tonight and look forward to next step. I want to thank everyone for the many phone calls, visits, cards, and support. I will continue to update and will talk to each of you soon!!!
Carole

Sat., July 10

Hi everyone,

It has been a good couple of days!! I am weaning myself off of pain med. and becoming comfortable with another new med. I have had contact with my surgeon almost every day this week and today he said it sounds like my most recent superficial infection is gone - that was great news!! However, the original infection will not be declared gone until I am 2 yrs. without and infection. I hope to not focus on that at this time and continue to move forward.
Spent today with a friend - lunch at Panera's; went for a ride around Codorus; watched a movie; and then out for dinner at Ruby Tuesday's. It was great day and I feel pretty good.

Anxious for appt. in Hershey on Tues - hope to be able to put more weight on leg and get on exercise bike on Wed in PT. I might have to look at purchasing a stationary bike for home so I can get on it more than just twice a week.

Busy week coming up - sister Judy and husband coming tomorrow morning - PT Wed and Fri - car inspected on Thurs.

Thanks everyone, CArole

Thurs, July 8th

Hi everyone,

Have had a good day so far - PT this morning and visitors this after. and tonight. Trying to continue upward and onward. Hope to get on stationary bike next Wed. after visit to Hershey on Tues. - probably will have staples out and I hope PICC line out too, but not sure yet.

I got my knee to 85 degrees today - he wanted 90 by next Wed., so hope I will make it.

I'm working on coming off of pain med and so far so good - hope it continues!!

Thanks everyone!
CArole

Tues., July 6th

Hi everyone,

I have had a couple of good days - PT this morning and visiting nurse this afternoon to change dressing on PICC line - still giving me a hard time at the site of entry into my arm.

Today's good news is that Dr. Adair called to say that my glucose/insulin test was fine and I don't have to do anything about it at this time - he will check it again in Oct. I was sooooooooooooooooohappy to hear that!!!!! So I think things will continue to improve and I hope to be on the exercise bike soon.

Have a great one and thanks to all!!
Carole

Sunday, July 4

Good morning,

Yesterday was another beautiful day and I had company all day - started the morning with a delicious breakfast by Peg and spent afternoon with friend Sally - we played scrabble and actually got a 99 pt. word - top that sister Judy!!!!

Last evening visited with Ca. Megan and niece Brie and sisiter-in-law Vic. I felt good all day and incision is staying dry - yeah!!! Still tire from last w/end's surgery, but think definitely on right track now.

Hope all have a great 4th holiday celebration - had cable guy here yesterday so I could watch Tour de France, but I need new wiring in the house which will happen Wed - hope I can watch Wimbledon this morning!!

Carole

Friday, July 2

Hi everyone,

I am feeling good today and getting stronger each day. Had visits Kit, Diana, family, and neighbors. Still having some minor issues getting my arm to heal where PICC line is inserted - visiting nurse just left from changing it again.

I have PT this afternoon - yesterday made a short Walmart run and stopped by Comcast to get digital boxes so I can watch Tour de France beginning Sat. morning - of course will have to be watching tennis finals too - oh my?!?!?!?

Hope all have a great weekend!
Carole

Wed, June 30

Hi everyone,

Well I am home again and happy to be here - have started IV antibiotics again, but hopefully for a much shorter period of time than last time! I had a good day today beginning with PT and then had visitors Joyce and Kit this afternoon and evening.

Thanks to all for phone calls and well wishes. I am trying to pretend that this past w/end didn't even happen - it was sooo bad - I pretty much "bottomed out", but am feeling better now. I do hope the mood continues - the weather was absolutely beautiful today and should be again tomorrow - I love it when it is like this!!

Carole

Mon. June 28

Hi everyone,

Well what a difference a day makes - it has been a very busy day - I had a good night of sleep and spent 3 hrs. with my 2 drs. this morning. At this point all is looking good - from the surgery Sat. night they identified the bacteria in blister as staff - this is superficial at this time - the aspiration from the hip showed all is well currently in there. The decision has been made to put in another PICC line and I will be giving myself 2 wks of IV antibiotic 3 times/day through a syringe and not sitting for 1 1/2 hrs. each time. I am to go back to where I was before the w/end in my PT; use only the walker to get around; and will continue onward for the rest of the summer and plan to go back to work in Sep.

So, I welcome all visitors and phone calls now -thanks all for your support!!
Carole

Sunday, june 27

Hi everyone,

Well, my dr. visit turned into 5 hrs in the ER Friday night and my dear friend Anne Gomer sat with me. The outcome was to be admitted and then into surgery again Sat. evening to clean out the blister and to aspirate cells from the hip joint. At this point we have identified the blister cells as staff, however none has shown up in the hip joint at the moment. but they are still culturing for couple more days. This is resulting in a PiQQ line being put in tomorrow and another 6 wks of vancomyacin - hopefully I can do this at home, but not sure yet.

I will know more in the next couple of days.

Thanks everyone,
Carole

Friday, June 25

Hi everyone,

I'm still doing well, but had a moment of panic yesterday because I have developed a blister beside my incision - think it is a pressure pt from my wheel chair so not sitting in it for a few days - was to go to Hershey this afternoon to have it checked, but will be going to my doctor in town just to have it checked this afternoon.

Had PT yesterday afternoon and then watched the church softball team play a game last evening - so I am getting out a little each day. Today my parents are here this morning and Anne Gomer this afternoon. Peg Gardner will spend tomorrow with me.
I really miss having my sister here, but am thankful that I am getting stronger each day and can sit up for a longer part of each day.

Bummer - my computer has died and it doesn't look like a cheap fix - so not sure if I am compter shopping or where we will go from here.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Carole

Wed., june 23

Hi everyone,

Still working from the little netbook, but at least I can feel connected to rest of the world again.
Went to PT yesterday and then visited with a friend in the afternoon for 1 1/2 hrs. That tired me out, so rested rest of the day.

Today I have been inside due to the heat and no need to go anywhere - but I had visits from some of my DKG sisters - so nice to see you! I also had a visit from Dee and a huge cherry pie!! Thanks!! Can't wait to see you again. This evening I had dinner with two brothers and their wives and sister Judy.

Hope this weather soon breaks!!!
Thanks everyone!
Carole

Mon., june 21

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the loss of updates - my computer is currently in repair and I am really lost without my lifeline. this is a borrowed netbook, but at least I can now use internet.

I am doing well - will go to PT tomorrow morning - am starting to get nervous about my sister leaving Thurs. and am trying to work out a schedule for people to help round the clock for another couple of weeks. So friends and family, I will be calling and now is the time for the visitors to start coming again. I still tire after 2-3 hrs, but enjoy being out - went to Perry and Joanne's house for dinner tonight - it was really good to be out.
Yesterday had visit from 4 cycling friends from Md. in the morning and then family get to gether in the evening for Father's Day. Sat. we did a Walmart run and tried to stay cool.
Hope all are well and will be back as soon as possible if my laptop gets repaired!!

Sat., June 19

Good morning,

I had a good day yesterday - had brunch in my sister's back yard - delicious!!! Then off to a clearance pottery sale and back home within 2 1/2 hrs. Time to rest - friend, Nancy, came and stayed with me while Judy went to visit with her in-laws. We had dinner and I rested - last evening, Sheldon and Nancy stopped by to visit.
Brother Randy brought over a wing chair for me to sit in which is firmer than any of my furniture. Nice change from wheel chair and wooden chair.

I'm doing PT exercises at home; still drinking my protein drink; and trying to get lots of rest. Would like to wean myself off of pain meds., but will continue to take for a while yet.

Another beautiful day, but I plan to rest a lot. Hope everyone is well!
Carole

thurs., June 17

Hi everyone,

I had a good day today that started with a phone call from my dentist office wanting to do something for me - it was very humbling - thanks to all of you!!! Then I received flowers from Tammy and family - thanks!!!

Went to PT this afternoon - worked on getting knee cap to the position it should be in - so I have lots to work on before next Tues when I go again.

Sister Judy has been a big help - we actually went to Lowe's to get a ceiling fan for front room - came back and rested and watched a movie.

My surgeon has me drinking a protein drink daily to strengthen my blood and bones, etc. I am waiting to hear back from him about lab results from last Friday.

I go back to Hershey on tues. 6/29.
Thanks again everyone for all of the prayers and support - they are working!!
Carole

Wed., June 16

Hi everyone,

I had dr. appt. this morning and can now stop testing blood sugar - he is doing a test on July 5 and we will see how I am by then - I may be pre-diabetic, but will be a long time till have to do anything about it. So, that was a great relief. I started back on BP med since it has evened out now. I have 12 more days of the shots in my stomach.

We did my exercises 3 time today and it is being treated as a knee replacement - so right now we are trying to get to 90 degrees bend. It is painful, but nice to get out to go places if even for a short while. I am still resting quite a bit during the day.

Thanks everyone!!
Carole

Tues., June 15

Hi everyone,

I had a good day yesterday and several visitors and more food - people have been so kind and generous that Judy hasn't had to prepare many meals - our neighbor brought talapia with crab last night - felt like I was on vacation!!!

Judy and I had a big "scrabble" match with a rematch today. I'm able to be up for more extended times now and sleeping well at night.

I've been following this year's CCC ride on a blog of one of the riders - it is interesting to see how much different the weather is from year to year. The last two days they rode in Nevada roughly 100 mile days with 20-25 mph headwinds that we didn't have.

Starting PT today, but will let you know how I do tomorrow!!

Have a great day!!
Carole

Monday, June 14

Hi everyone,


I had a good w/end - actually was able to take my first shower - had several visitors and spent most of the time trying to stay comfortable from the heat. For those of you who have ever had to wear the white compression socks, you can imagine what it is like to try to stay comfortable - thank goodness, only one more week of them!!! Had some good fresh fruit to eat and sister Judy is keeping me well fed. Glucose and BP continue to be good.

Sunday we started to play scrabble - Colleen brought over an oscillating fan for the bedroom and brought a couple more movies for me to watch and some delicious watermelon to eat!!!

I will be starting physical therapy tomorrow afternoon for the broken leg and have a dr. appt. on Wed.

Today we will work on staying cool and keeping the swelling of my foot to a minimum.
Have a great day everyone!!
Carole

Sat., June 12

Hi everyone,

Made a trip to Hershey yesterday - dr. took off all but 4 sterile strips over the incision. Is pleased with incision - yeah!!!! Showed me the x-ray of femur break - is placing me on a protein drink - and will start PT this week for broken femur - it was a good day for me stamina wise and the best I have felt yet since coming home on Monday.
-
Sister Judy is here and I have her running all over the house to take care of me - I'm gaining movement in my leg and walking with the walker stronger every day. Am able to do a lot more for myself than I was at the beginning of the week.

Family has been with me night and day and I do appreciate and thank all who have given of their time - Dad and Evelyn have been running the grocery runs and NP Joanne has been giving me the shot in the belly every morning!

I am still fooling with the blood sugar and pain meds but do feel better now than I ever did after any of the other surgeries just tired.

World Cup Soccer this afternoon; Tour de France July 3rd; and am following blogs from this year's Cross Country challenge. Hope all are well and keep the prayers coming!!!

Thanks, Carole

Thurs., June 10

Hi everyone,

It was a good day today - family with me and it was a beautiful day. I commented that our Mother would be happy to see her oldest being taken care of by her youngest.
Nephew Dustin brought my sister from the airport and we just had a wonderful and healthy meal!!

Tomorrow I am going back to Hershey to have a blister from surgery checked. Blood sugar has been good today as has BP - still not taking BP medicine. Still some light headedness from pain meds. - trying to lengthen time periods between pain pills during day time.

Thanks everyone for being so understanding!!!
Carole

Wed., June 9

Hi everyone,

Lovely rainy day and things have gone fairly well for me - blood sugar good early this morning as was BP, pain is starting to be managed fairly well and my body is adjusting to all of the above. I still have a very short "sit and visit" stamina, but the good news is that when I feel good, I really feel good!! Incision is totally dry at this point and I go to see my surgeon again on Tues with sister Judy.

Believe it or not I had 5 different "teacher"family members here at one time from 3 different districts and the discussion was very familiar!!! Sister Judy will add a KY perspective starting tomorrow!!

Be back tomorrow - thanks again for all the support!!!
Carole

Tues, june 8

Hi everyone,

I am home as of 8 pm last night and finally feeling a little better this afternoon! Still very very tired, but able to sit up for meals and have conversation!!! Thanks again everyone for all of the help and prayers - I am still receiving cards from a lot of people and appreciate each and everyone!!!

More tomorrow as I get stronger!!!
Carole

Sunday, June 6

Hi everyone,

First night in regular room went well, but I forgot about all of the interuptions!! I was really lucky because I had the same nurse that I had in March and I really like her!! This morning the same sweet nurse's aid(as in March) walked in and is going to make my day pleasant. She will even wash my hair for me today.

I will be coming home tomorrow and the best news this morning is that my blood sugar has straightened out and I shouldn't need any insulin today. Plan to watch the French Open, sleep, and just heal!!! I have been able to keep pain under control this time - dr. was in yesterday and gave me his cell because he is going to a conference tomorrow for the week.

So news is all good now - will have therapy twice today - walked down to main desk on the floor yesterday from half way down the hall. It is tough learning to walk again after hopping for 12 wks. Can put 30 pounds of weight on foot - flat - so nice to have them the same length!!!

Am listening to a church service right now. Have a good day everyone!

Thanks for prayers and support!
Carole

Sat., June 5

Hi everyone,

Well, I have now progressed to a room from ICU - had 4 IVs in me at one point and now only 1. I will be coming home on Monday - my choice. I am doing well, but slowly and that is good because if I continue at my own pace, I'm sure things will be fine this time. Still having some issues with blood sugar, but we hope they will straighten up as I heal. Swelling has gone down in hands and leg isn't as sore as yesterday.

Hope all are well and thanks again for support and prayers!
Carole

June 4, Friday

Hi everyone,

Well things are looking up a little bit now - I am still in ICU, but only because they don't have a bed for me on the main floor. I had 2 units of blood and that has really helped me to feel better and have more energy. I think I will be home tomorrow or Sunday - my leg is sore, but dr. feels that all is well - no signs of infection and there is scar tissue which means the muscle still has healing power. I had radiation of the bone spur section today so bone spurs don't grow into one big block of bone that wouldn't work at all.

I will update again tomorrow!!

Thanks everyone!
Carole

June 3 Thurs

Hi everyone,

AM really grogggy so not sure this will make lot of sense - will update tomorrow. good news no signs of infection at this point - legs are same length- bad - hairline fracture of femur which puts recuperation time back 6 wks - should still put me back to school by sep.

more tomorrow.

and here we are on Friday morning -will hav radiation treatment on bone spurs this morning, then some blood and eventually I will move out of ICU to a regurlar room.

Be in touch more after that - should come home othrrn Sat or Sun.

CAarole

they aren't letting me use cell in ICU>

Tues., June 1

Hi everyone,

It is 10:00 PM and I am making this entry as I prepare to go into my surgery tomorrow at Hershey Medical Center. Dr. David Maish is my surgeon and I have a great deal of trust and faith in him. Surgery is scheduled for 10:30 am and I will be out for 2-3 hrs. Hopefully I will be able to update by tomorrow evening or at the latest Thursday.

Thanks again to everyone who has been praying and supporting me through this ordeal! I am amazed at how many people have been rooting for me and I will do my best to come through this and continue to recuperate to the best of my ability.

I hope to be home sometime Friday and will most likely lay fairly low for the first week or so. I pray that God will give me the strength and patience I will need to recuperate.

Until after the surgery, God Bless all!!
Carole

Wed., May 26

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update – Yesterday I was at Hershey for final appt. before surgery one week from today. It was a long, but productive day. Met with both drs. and providing nothing goes wrong, I can come home after 3 days – so, should be home by Fri or Sat. This was wonderful news because one of my main concerns was that I would have to go into nursing home again. I was really dreading it, but Dr. Maish has done very well for me so far, so I think I can take his word for it. My family will be manning me round the clock until June 10 when my sister from Ky comes to stay until June 24.
Extra x-rays were taken all the way down to my knee and I had a CT scan done on my legs to check for blood clots and there were none – that made me very happy!!!! Now I am praying that the new hardware will knit to my pelvis and I can start the final mending stage of this ordeal.
Friends, I will try to update this as soon as possible after surgery – you may call or e-mail me, but probably shouldn’t visit until sometime after June 10. I would love for you to stop by, but would suggest calling first until I see how much energy I have. If I do better than I think, I will let you know.
Thanks again for all of the prayers, support, and cards!!! It is amazing and humbling to see and hear how many people are actually rooting for me.
Carole

tues., May 18th

SUPER NEWS!!!! JUST HEARD FROM HERSHEY Great news, they look good!

ESR=12
CRP=0.76

Both are in the normal range, and the CRP has decreased since the last lab draw in April (was 1.28 previously).

I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHAPPY AND EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THANKS EVERYONE FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE!!!!

HAPPY AND RELIEVED CAROLE

Tues., May 18th

Hi everyone,

Just a quick update that isn't an update. I have been in contact with hershey, but haven't been able to get anyone to give me the lab results from Friday yet. All I can say is that the surgeon's nurse said that if something majorly was wrong that would have definitely notified me by now. So...............hang in there with me and keep the calls and visits coming - we're down to 2 wks from tomorrow!! I will let you know as ssoon as I hear from you!!

Thanks for cards, support, and prayers!

Carole

Friday, May 14

Hi everyone,

Well my brother and I made my trip to Hershey leaving at 6 this morning and returning around3:30 this afternoon. It was a very busy day beginning with the "hip replacement class"; followed by the PT, OT, anesthesiologist; blood work; anesthesiologist - one on one; urinalysis; EKG etc.

Unfortunately, at this point I don't have any news either way and problaby won't before the beginning of the week. I will contact the resident dr. tomorrow and request an update on the blood work. However, I do want to comment on how differently Hershey does things from GBG - they won't take my own blood; they allowed me to pee in a cup as opposed to a "stray cath"; they are saying 95% of people will go home in 3 days; will use a "nerve block" not an epidural for the surgery; do not use coumadin, but rather "lovenox shots" in the belly for 3 wks and then 3 wks of aspirin; and I can't remember what else.

Anyway, I am really hoping to be able to come home, but will call the social worker next week to discuss this with her. I would love to think that I am coming home, but am also looking forward to my sister visiting with me when I do come home again.

I will continue to keep you updated as I have info.

Thanks for prayers, cards, and support!! Still need people around me the next 2 + weeks!
Carole

Thurs., May 13

Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't entered much this week, but have been very busy with company and working on trying to rest and get stronger. My Ala friends were a wonderful change of pace and Arlene spoiled me rotten!! She cooked my meals and did laundry and picked up after me - even took me to get a manicure (no files used!!) We really had a great time sharing our ABB pictures - she rode in 07 at the age of 67!!! We also visited with Bob and Dave who rode with her and the week just flew by!!

So here I am the day before my next big day at Hershey!!! I leave at 6 tomorrow morning to attend a "hip replacement class" taught by my surgeon and then pre-op work with anesthesiaologist, etc. And most importantly, my next set of blood work that will indicate infection or inflammation. I will be back to you as soon as I have some info on those results.

Thanks for cards, support, and prayers!!
CArole

Friday, May 7

Hi everyone,

Have had a good week with friends from Ala. coming Tues. evening - Carl and Cindy were here until Wed. evening when they left to go to Williamsburg for a 4 day tandem bike ride. Arlene is still here and will stay until Wed. She has been waiting on me hand and foot and really spoiling me!!

Wed. we toured the Battlefield with Dave and Carol Moore - they exhausted me, so we have been laying pretty low since then - yesterday I had a dr. appt. and last evening we attended a "gold" party. We have a visit planned with one of the riders that Arlene rode cross country with in 2007.

Not sure what rest of week will bring, but the weather has been absolutely beautiful!
Hope all of you are well!

Thanks for prayers, support, and cards!
Carole

Sunday, May 2

Hi everyone,

I'm still on a high from my appt. Tues. and hoping that my good luck continues - received blood work reports on Wed., and had it clarified on Thurs. - one score was excellent improvement and the other was average. I'll take it as long as it continues. I will be tested again on May 14th so keep the support and prayers coming please. It is working!!

I was out somewhere everyday this week and had a wonderful visit from John Boyle and his wife from Reading - John rode across country last summer with me at the ripe young age of 71 - his 4th crossing and one of them he walked!!! Quite an athlete!!! Anne Gomer took me for a haircut and lunch at her house; Hershey trip; Betty Boop visited; and Joanne, Kit, and Dee on Friday. Sat., Joyce E. took me took Frederick and I had my first experience with driving an electric scooter at Lowe's and then Target!! Thanks Joyce.

Today church and Sunday School and my stomach is saying take it easy on eating out?!?!? Hope everyone has a good week!

Thanks for prayers, support, and cards!!
Carole

Tues., April 27

Hi everyone,

Good news!!! I had a great appt. with the surgeon today – highlights are – he thought I looked good including my coloring – said I looked very sick when he first saw me; he thinks he will be able to get my legs very close in length; he knows that with my drive that I will make the best of the 20-30% that is left of gluteus medius muscle – he thinks I will walk to the bike with a cane, get on and then fly!!!; and I have a surgery date of Wed., June 2nd. It was the most optimistic he has been with me thus far.
We also discussed possibilities that are less favorable, but I will not go into them here. If the ordeal should go that route, I will discuss them at a future time.
I return May 14th for a class on hip replacement and pre-op appointments. May 25th I have an appt. with surgeon and infectious disease specialist to review final blood work, etc. prior to surgery June 2nd. I have had a few bone growths that have appeared since the last x-ray – it really isn’t a problem for me, but will make the surgery more tedious for the surgeon because he will have to trim them before putting in the new hardware.
Thanks to all for your support and prayers and keep them coming!!! Please stop by or call any time you have a few minutes!!

Carole

Sunday, April 25

Hi everyone,

Busy couple of days - Friday visits with two friends and Friday evening took Pegg out for birthday dinner to Ruby Tues. followed by family and movie at home. Sat. I went for a ride to Fort Richie for a couple of hrs - really really nice to get out!! Family visited Sat. evening!

Today, church, Sunday School, movie theater to see my first 3D movie with friends and tonight dinner and visit with brother and sister-in-law.

As you can see the more stimulation I have the better - I have plenty to do here at home, but nothing like new perspective and getting out and about~~

Have a good wk all and I will be back to report on Hershey visit on Tues.

Thanks for prayers, thoughts, and cards!!
Carole

Thursday, April 22

Hi everyone,

Been an interesting week so far - finally went out this afternoon with Maxine to Giant for a few items and then to Rita's for slushy that we ate on the Battlefield. The red bud are absolutely gorgeous right now and I really enjoyed getting out. This week has been the opposite of last week in that I didn't get out until today, but did have lots of visitors and good food.

Monday, Linda treated me to Tommy's pizza and chicken ceasar salad and Joyce brought me a hummus wrap and visited in afternoon. She also spent the night and gave my nephew a break - thanks!Pam brought enough lunch on Tues. for us and at least 3 more meals along with delicious strawberries; Wed. high school classmate, Nancy, came over and we played cards, had lunch, and then watched a movie. Sally and Becky visited and brought dinner for me - thanks! So you can see I have had a lot of attention along with phone calls.

All of this really helped me get over the attempt to switch meds last wk - that was a disaster and I felt worse than I have felt in wks. Think most of it is out of my system now and hope I don't have to go through that again!

Linda will be here in morning, Joanne to visit in afternoon and will attempt to take a friend out for her birthday dinner tomorrow evening. Not sure what the w/end will bring yet - hope not too much rain!!!

I am feeling well now and starting to go stir crazy, so please stop by or take me for a ride!!! Would love to see you!!!

Thanks for prayers, cards, and thoughts!

Carole

Monday, April 19

Hi everyone,

I had an okay weekend, but not the best due to a new med. that is wreaking havoc with my mind and body. So, as of today, I have called the doctor and am coming off of it. There is something wrong with anti-anxiety med that makes you more anxious and nauseous than you felt before. We have decided to continue what I was doing before on a prn basis and see how that goes.

Also had contact with Hershey today - changed May 7 appt. to next Tues. April 27 which was when the dr. wanted it to be anyway. Hopefully all will go well then - x-ray and blood work to be done.

I went to church and Sunday School yesterday and did well. I am still looking forward to visits and phone calls - now even more than ever since I am more rested and feeling better.

Thanks for cards, prayers, and thoughts!
Carole

Friday, April 16

Hi everyone,

It has been a busy couple of days - Had a nice ride up through orchards thanks to Maxine, lunch and afternoon visit with Betty, and another Wally World run today with Anne Gomer. All were successful and enjoyable and much appreciated. I also had visits from two other friends.

I am still happy and excited about my appt. on Tues., but have made a change in med. that has made me extremely tired and also agitated in the morning. I am going to try taking it differently for a couple of days and if this doesn't help, then will reduce the dose. Hopefully it will work out eventually.

Thanks for calls and visits and encourage you to keep it up - it really helps me now because I am starting to feel better and the days are getting long.

Have a great weekend!!
Thanks for cards, prayers, and thoughts.
CArole

Tuesday, April 13

Hi everyone,

I had an appt. at Hershey this morning and was chauffered by brothers Gary and Eric - thanks! The appt. went well and the PICC line was removed which frees me up from responsibility of dosing myself twice a day with vanco. I will return in 2 weeks for another blood test, x-ray and possibly a needle biopsy of the hip to see if there is anymore fluid. We still have no infection identified, but results indicate there was an infection of some kind.

Four different people looked at incision and all were satisfied that it had healed well. We won't know anything about the gluteus medius muscle until the next surgery.

If blood work, etc. is good at next appt., then we will schedule next surgery probably first week of June. Dr. Zalonis (infectious disease) actually suggested I not even consider things going wrong at this point. I really appreciate her optimism since my surgeon (whom I think is very good) has been so blunt and seems to be very cautious in his predictions of outcome. My levels were all good - incision looks good and we will move forward. I was delighted to hear that!

I must say that I have had lots of people looking out for me - many are bringing me food and stopping for visits and phone calls. I want to thank each and everyone - and especially enjoy phone calls and visits - they make my days go quicker. I still have movies to watch and books to read, but nothing replaces go ole human interaction!!

Thanks for prayers, thoughts, and cards!!
Carole

Sunday, April 11

Hi everyone,

Well the last couple of days have brought some friends visiting and friends and family helping me to get to go on a couple of short outings. Saturday I had visits from a couple of DKG sisters - Diana and Jill - it was fun and good to see them - thanks girls. That evening Dee brought food and took me out to Bruster's for ice cream - went really well getting in and out of her car.

Sunday morning I went to Sunday School (2-3 yr. olds) and it was good to see them after 3 months of abscence!!! It takes some extra planning to go places because I have to have someone who has a car to fit my wheel chair in and a person strong enough to lift it to and from car. (Thanks Pegg and Jamie)

Nephew Corwyn visited for while.

I am finding my thoughts going to cycling and have spent many hours looking at my CCC pictures and reading other riders blogs - currently reading Norbert's. I'm also reading a book BICYCLE FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA by Georgia Glashauser - her central route was the same one I did with the same organization. Will I eventually do the north and south???? Don't think it is out of my system yet!!

Today 3 cycling buddies (Bob, Dave, Will, and Linda) are doing a ride in Reistertown - can't wait to hear about it - wish I were there - hopefully all in good time!!

Hershey on Tues and IV out - will report after appt.

Thanks for prayers, cards, and thoughts!!
Carole

Friday, April 9

Hi,

An eventful day yesterday when I did a couple of hr. outing with a good friend to a super Walmart where I used one of their wheelchairs with a basket so I could shop while she had an eye appt. It was a productive trip and just nice to be out.

I was going to attend a band concert last evening, but decided not to due to impending rain storms - maybe I will be able to get to the high school spring concert.

Linda coming today to help with some cleaning and then the weekend - hope you all have a good one!!

thanks for thoughts, cards, and prayers!
Carole

Wed., April 7

Hi everyone,

Another good but slow day. Productive in that I did file all taxes so that is a load off! Visit from sister-in-law Joanne this morning - thanks, and dinner and visit from Pegg tonight - very nice. Plus a neighbor brought me dinner too - will use tomorrow evening.

The good thing is that hopefully I only have 6 more days of IV.

Keep the prayers coming!!
Thanks, Carole

Tuesday, April 6

Hi everyone,

Had several visitors last evening - brother to review taxes so I can file - couple of guys giving me estimate for my landscaping - guess that's where my shopping money will go for a while.

Doing well today - had a minor challenge this morning of spilling my glass of milk while here alone - I survived cleaning it up, but learned you don't poor drink until rest of meal is ready!!

Had dr. appt. this afternoon with PC and all is well - tried to get some things back in order again for regular check-ups - got a couple of new Rxs and will have another appt. with him in a month.

Resting and enjoying the beautiful weather!!!

Thanks for cards, thoughts, and prayers!!
Carole

Monday, April 5

Hi everyone,

Oh the infamous Easter Monday - the day I don't think anyone whould have to work or go to school!!! Between traveling and eating of all of the sweets everyone needs a down day!!
I am happy to say that I didn't make it to the sunrise service, but instead of me taking nephews to Perkins, the boys brought Perkins to me!!! How sweet!! They sat here and we ate the muffins and sticky buns before they were off to Sunday School. another Easter Bunny delivered a sticky bun to my door step early in the morning too.

Went to brother Brad's for get together in afternoon for 3 hrs - was great to see everyone and what a beautiful day it was!! Good food and then back home to rest and watch a movie with Judy and Steve.

In the evening, Judy took me for my first trip to a store - Walmart - was a great time to go cause no one was there and we could move through quickly and easily to get what was needed. I even bought two new chairs for front porch and had to call brother Perry to transport them to the house.

Nephew Jacob told me he bought a road bike and has joined the cycling world - I was happy to hear that!!! Good luck Jacob!!

THis morning Judy and Steve left to fly back to Kentucky and I will miss them!!! Welcome back David tonight. Also would like to invite people to just stop by and chaat with me or give me a call. I enjoy have contact with people. Only 8 more days of IV - I hope!!

Thanks for prayers, cards, and thoughts!
Carole

Sat., April 3

Happy Easter Everyone!!

I'm just sitting here waiting for my sister to bring me a subway sandwich for lunch and thinking about how happy I am to be home. I can't thank everyone enough for all of the support and prayers that have been with me through this ordeal. I must have a couple hundred cards and they still keep coming. It has been a beautiful couple of days and we have opened doors and windows - hope a bird doesn't fly through!!! My sister has changed my wardrobe from winter to spring/summer and Linda helped me to take down all of my winter and snowman things.

I know eventually I will understand the reason for all of this and do look forward to whatever challenge is ahead because at least that means I am moving forward.

I hope each of you has a great Easter with family and friends - I will miss sunrise service and breakfast at Perkins with nephews, but at least my family will be together at brother Brad's this year - hopefully my house again next year!!

Carole

Wed, March 31

Hi everyone,

Well finally starting to get into a routine here and enjoying being home - 2 more wks of IV antibiotics and then 6 wks of rest till we go in to see if the antibiotics worked or not. I am feeling better each day and getting more energy each day too. Nephew David is staying at night time, but will get a reprieve tomorrow - Monday because sister Judy and husband are flying up and will be staying here - can't wait to see them and it will be fun to just have them here for a couple od days over Easter!!

Yesterday I got my Lifeline bracelet and found it interesting that it actually goes into Hanover Hospital - small world. This has given me some more peace of mind.

Tomorrow OT will be here to make sure I am getting my shower correctly so as not to reinjure myself and also a nurse will come to change IV dressing.

Thanks for thoughts, prayers, and cards!!
Carole

Tuesday, Mar. 30

Hi everyone,

Another busy day at home trying to come up with a routine and get everything done with many interruptions. Linda was here to help again today and we got a lot done - snow and winter decorations finally put away - so much for Easter!!! PT here this morning and nurse pulling more blood. Antibiotic levels too high so several calls to Critical Care and Hershey and new doses should be coming tonight.

I did receive my medic alert bracelet tonight and it seems to be working fine - hope I don't have to use it except for sense of security. I'm very happy to be home!!!

Thanks for prayers, thoughts, and cards!!
Carole

Monday, March 29

Hi everyone,

I had a great day yesterday - still tire very easily, but am starting to get into a routine here at home. It takes twice as long to do everything, but I am doing ok. Still administering my own IV without any problems. Friend Linda stopped for a while yesterday afternoon and helped get some things organized around here. Still a lot more to do and we will work on taking down winter and snow and getting some spring things up this morning.
I made 2 calls to Hershey this morning - one about tingling on outside of my leg - they felt this is nerves starting to wake up after 4 surgeries and the other call was about the discrepancy in length of time it takes to administer the IV at the nursing home and here at home. Only takes little over an hr here, but over 2 hrs. there. I was assured my dose was fine here and suggested the nursing home might have different rules about administering that strength. So, guess all is well, but as you can imagine, I am a bit paranoid about these things!!

Have a great day - OT coming at lunch and a friend visiting after school.
Carole

Saturday, march 27

Hi everyone,

What a beautiful day!!! Most of my energy today went into giving myself the IV and then preparing and going to niece Missy's baby shower for a couple of hours. It was a lot of fun and good to see so many people. I would have like to have spent more time with Missy, but she was squeezing a lot of celebrating and family visiting as she could into 2 days.

I have included a song that I think says so much and currently means a lot to me. Thanks again everyone for all of your support through this ordeal!
Carole


DO IT ANYWAY
Martina McBride


You CAN spend your whole life buildin’
Something from nothing
One Storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway

You CAN chase a dream
That seems so out of reach
And you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
I do it anyway

This worlds gone crazy
And it’s hard to believe
That tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway

You can love someone with all YOUR heart
For all the right reasons
And in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love em anyway

God is great but sometimes life aint good
And when I pray
It doesn’t always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah I do it anyway, YEAH,

You can pour your soul out singin”
A song you believe in
That tomorrow they’ll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway
Yeah sing it anyway, YEAH, YEAH

I sing
I dream
I love anyway, yeah.

March 26, Friday

Hi everyone,

It has been a long tiring 24 hours, but I am home - had issues with IV med not showing up last night as promised - nurse showed up, but no med. So spent this morning making phone calls to all involved - of course no one wanted to claim responsibility!!! Med finally arrived today at 11:30 - the good news is I think I can administer to myself - unfortunately can't do it until 10:30 tonight, but only takes 1 hr as opposed to 2 hrs for IV at the home.
Had visits from OT and PT today and finally some time for me at 4:30 when I took nap until 6. Still very tired - hope I can stay awake tonight. Sister Jamie brought food to last a couple of days and did grocery store run. Brother Eric stopped by to pull wire on timer on oven which was running uncontrollably last night until nephew David pull breaker!! Reminded me of nurse beeps from home - not pleasant.

anyway, starting to get rest and stronger so I can finally start to feel good!! Have a good weekend!!

Thanks for prayers, thoughts, and cards!!
Carole

Thursday, Mar 25

Hi everyone,

I am going home today!!!! Very busy day - will have IV here at 7 am - then discharge 10-10:30 - brother Randy taking me home and help unpack - IV med to arrive this afternoon and then home health nurse to come this evening to instruct how to give IV at home - I'm told it is fairly simple and several family members are coming to learn how to do it!!

Next appt. in Hershey April 13 at 8:40 am. - more later!!

thanks everyone for thoughts, cards, prayers, food, visits, calls, etc.!
Carole

Tuesday, Mar 23

Hi everyone,

Today was a great day!! I am going home on Thursday!! Brother Eric took me to Hershey – dr. removed sutures (ouch!) and thinks incision looks great! Also saw the Infectious Disease specialist – still nothing identified as positive – both drs. Felt that I looked good and think I can go home! Dr. Maish was still very cautious in his optimism about my case – the infection is still unidentified – it can still attack other parts of my body and he shared about a recent patient with very similar case to mine – he put new hardware in the hip and the patient did well at Hershey, but 2 days after being home had problems again and he was back in hospital with hardware removed and incision scrubbed out. I really really hope that doesn’t happen to me.
After lunch at Panera’s and a Bruster’s ice cream afterward, we came back to nursing home and I did OT and spent a lot of time talking with PT. I also talked with the social worker and I will have home health care working with me for the 3 wks of IV and also doing some therapy. Nephew David will be staying with me at night and Joanne, Cyndi , and Jamie will help with administering IV. I will get my wheel chair tomorrow.
Friend Betty will be coming to visit Wed and help me begin to pack up.

Thanks for cards, letters, and prayers!!
Carole

Monday, Mar. 22

Good morning,
It is a rainy Monday, but nothing will get me down today because I go to Hershey tomorrow morning for an appt. with Dr. Maish to have my sutures (35) removed and a report on my condition and where we go from here. I hope he will allow me to go home and we can work out the IV thing. There are many things to do – get a wheel chair, get RXs filled, have home approved, etc.
Had a great PT this morning – worked on how to get in and out of car using a walker so I can drive eventually. I don’t think it will be too long till I am ready to try this with someone along because I am feeling soooooo good right now. I also had to stand on a 16 in. diameter flat disc with a ball on the bottom and balance on one foot and take a hand off of walker without letting the edge of the disc touch the floor. It was a challenge, but I did ok. Only taking a Percocet before therapy and one at bedtime and other than that just using Tylenol.
Currently getting IV, Linda is bringing Subway lunch and another friend is visiting this evening. Hope my good day continues!!
OT went well this afternoon, had my hair done, signed some preliminary papers for “if” I leave on Thurs, and talked with a former rider this afternoon. All good – hope my luck continues!! Check in late tomorrow afternoon for the update from Hershey!!
Thanks for prayers, cards, and thoughts!!
Carole

Sunday, March 22

Hi everyone,=
It has been a lazy Sunday here today with lots of calls and visitors. Brad dropped off my mail early this morning before church and breakfast has continued to be a challenge because they don’t want anyone eating in their room any more. I had a first today – finished reading my first book since this whole ordeal began on Jan. 21. I am hoping that I will be able to get some more reading done now.
Pegg visited after church along with my parents who were passing time before going to POPS concert this afternoon at 3. While they were here, cousin Mindy and Tom visited and brought me a nice bouquet of flowers. As they were leaving, Bill Wilson stopped in. I returned to my room for a short rest when Barry Warehime stopped to visit my ill roommate. Barry and I went outside and then I had 3 phone calls in a row from family and friends.
Currently I am waiting for a high school friend, Nancy, to bring me a baked potato and chili from Wendy’s. I am really really sick of the food here at the home now and am looking forward to any food from the outside. I am so looking forward to going home this week and do hope my Hershey dr. agrees with me on Tues. If all goes well, I should go home on Thurs. – can’t wait!!
Thanks for cards, thoughts, and prayers!
Carole

Saturday, Mar. 20

Happy First Day of Spring!!

It is very slow here at the Home this morning - I think it might be a long weekend and I will be happy to hopefully get out of here next week. I have no plans for the moment and no therapy today except what I will do for myself. More later...

The day moved slowly because they had to wait for the hospital to call with the results of my blood work before giving me my IV - finally they started it around 1 just in time for my afternoon company to appear. Linda and Joanne's parents (Sandy and Hank) stopped by to visit so we rolled my IV to the sun room and visited for about an hour. Thanks for the delicious "dark chocolate delicacies" from Phila. area.

I had a short chat from Bob Lang from the CCC ride last summer - good to hear from you and thanks for John's number.

Perry and Joanne and Matt invited me to the POPS orchestra concert for the evening - it was held at the high school right across from Home so Perry just wheeled me over. Of course the return ride was quite interesting with traffic and using a flashlight. But, I had a great time and leg held up well sitting in wheel chair. I actually felt well afterwards too - it was good to have a night out!!!

Thanks for prayers, thoughts, and cards!!!
CArole

Friday, March 19

Hello everyone,

Thanks Bobbi for your vote of confidence - glad you had a good St. Patty's Day. My day didn't start well because I dropped my phone - is currently charging again - hope I didn't break it - back and battery fell off - Brie, if you are reading this just bring the pizza at lunch because I might not be able to call you.

One of the girls was able to fix it and all is well - thank goodness, that would have been a catastrophe in this place!!!! Had both therapies this morning and they had me tossing a 2 lb ball with them using both hands testing my balance - also had me step on a short see saw with my good foot - had to walk front back and both sides on a 2 in squishy matt. All went well, but then tired.

Back to room for IV and niece Brie brought me pizza for lunch - my roommate wasn't happy with us talking, but she'll get over it. She has been sick this week and pretty sensitive to noises - course yesterday she thought it was snowing all day?!?!!?

More after dinner - going outside now!!

Well, just saw a body bag go down the hall - that unnerved me a bit - hope I get through this weekend without getting my roommate's cold - I just don't need it right now!!!

Hope the weekend goes quickly!!!
thanks for cards, thoughts, and prayers!!
Carole

Thursday, Mar 18

Hello everyone,

Well it is a great day because I had a good night last. I actually took my first shower since Feb. 11!!!!!!! It was quite an experience to wash my hair and body instead of just a sponge bath!!! I really think we are headed in the right direction. I was just in therapy and they are having trouble coming up with things that I can’t do here. My roommate is doing better today recovering from pneumonia – makes me a little nervous, but hopefully none of the germs will attack me!!!

I made it through the night with Tylenol and one Percocet and am trying to back off on pain meds. It is almost time now for my antibiotic IV. – so more to you later!!

I had a great day in therapy today. They have started rolling a ball to me and having me kick it with my bad leg. I don’t do real well while sitting in the wheel chair, but standing up with the walker, I have quite a strong kick – I even surprised myself. I am able to do more and more each day with the bad leg. Don’t want to get my hopes up too high yet, but will continue to work as hard as I can to do as much as I can. I was given info today for the medic alert program that I might use when I go home until I am well again.
They reduced the strength of my antibiotic today based on my blood work from this morning and will keep it at that rate until Sat. morning when blood will be drawn again. Then Tuesday I go to Hershey to see Dr. Maish and get my sutures out.
I was outside for an hour this afternoon and then friends took me to battlefield and we got Ping’s take-out for dinner. It was a pleasure and very delightful evening and I returned to the home in time to visit with my parents.
Tomorrow my niece, Brie is bringing me pizza for lunch!!! I am doing the best I can to avoid this dining room and have been very successful this week. I even had coffee from Sheetz’s this morning.

Thanks for prayers, thoughts, and cards!!
Carole

friday, March 17

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

It is a beautiful day today and I am planning to go outside as soon as I am done writing this. Had therapy this morning and then a "Care Plan" meeting which is similar to an IEP mtg, but shorter term. Tentatively, I will be here until March 25. I go to Hershey on Tues. and if all is okay with dr., will go home Thurs. planning to have Home Health Care person visit once a day and help me with the IV - one or two other family members will be trained as well as myself so that we can cover the second dose. Insurance doesn't like to do this, so it might be a batttle trying to get it approved. I am also looking into getting an "alert bracelet" for times when I am there alone in case I should fall or need help. I am currently researching the different types of programs that are available.

Hope all are well and don't drink too much of that "green beer"!!!
Carole

Tuesday, March 15

Hi everyone,

I had a good night last evening and watchedd the Haiti Hit tennis fund raiser with Pete Sampras, Roger Federer, Nadal, and Andre Agassi - there were all "miced" and it was fun!!! Then I slept well - didn't wake up for IV to be removed. Had breakfast in dining room this morning - a little smoother than yesterday!!! Then down to PT which went well - I'm in much better mood today - might have something to do with sunshine after 4 days of rain. Betty Boop is coming to visit today and hopefully will take me out for a car ride. Will let you know how that goes. Bettty is nervous!!A good day today – sun is out and it is warm. Betty Boop visited and took me out for my first car ride since Feb. 11 that wasn’t to or from a hospital or medical facility!!! We stopped at Ruby Tues. and got a bite “to go” and drove to Spangler’s Spring and ate it. It was fun and beautiful!!! I had a great time, even though I am still only good for about 2 – 2 ½ hrs. at a time without laying down. Betty was really nervous until she saw how well I could get in and out of her car and then we had a great ride.
In therapy today he helped me go up a step that was about 3 in – I was really nervous and did make it, but only one time. He had to help me, but we made it. Hopefully with more practice and my walker, I should do better. I had my arms on rails that were much wider than my walker, so my arms weren’t much help to me. Endurance with my arms is up to 10 min. at a time on the pedaling machine.
Tonight for dinner, I will have homemade vegetable soup from my friend Patti. Anything to avoid the dining room!!! Sister-in-law Cyndi brought me coffee from Sheetz today – quite a treat in this decaf world I am living in!!!
I got some more cards today – I can’t tell you how much they are all helping. I realize how fortunate I am to have this much support, because many people here don’t have anyone or very few. This afternoon Bill Wilson, my sister’s father-in-law from Biglerville stopped in to visit.
Tomorrow is my care plan meeting here at the home – brother Randy will attend and I’ll let you know tomorrow how it goes!
Thanks for cards, thoughts, and prayers!!
Carole