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