Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hi everyone,

Thought I might post to give an update since the last time I did it was Easter. I had a successful school year and finished without any sick days other than appointments at HMC. I continued to get stronger through the year with my day consisting of work, working out, dinner, shower, to bed and up and do it all over again. I was riding and building up distance and endurance even while still dealing with discomfort in the leg.






In early June, I went to the beach with my sister and her family. The youngest graduated from high school this year. It was a great time - fun to watch the kids taking over some of the adult respnsibilities. I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to walk on the sand without my cane, but was pleasantly surprised that I could do it if I was wearing a pair of water shoes. I do have sun sensitivity issues due to the antibiotic that I have to take to keep the infection at bay.






Toward the end of June, I flew to Seattle and met a friend and my sister. We rented bikes and did some of the paved trails there. I did ride across this bridge!! It was a test to see how my hip would hold up on back to back days of riding. I was able to have dinner with two of the riders from my cross country ride. It was great seeing them!!



A lot of summer days were spent meeting with friends who had helped me when I was so sick. I am forever indebted to them for helping me when I most needed it.


In the fall, I headed back to teaching for what I hope to be my last year before retiring. It is scary because I know that I need to be busy - currently looking for something productive, but fun to fill my time. I still have blood work done every two months to check for infection markers, but currently, I am doing really well. I have less discomfort and am still exercising daily. I was happy to have achieved my goal of a 35 mile day on the bike in October. Now, I am working toward a 50!

So here I am on Thanksgiving Day with so much to be thankful for - my doctors topping the list. The picture of my siblings was taken last evening - not very often do all get together. My sister from Kentucky is home and staying at my house. The time will be short, but I am thankful for it.

I hope all of you have had a great year and are doing well!
Carole

Happy Thanksgiving with a new and improved look!!

Happy Easter!!

Hi everyone,

It has been a long time since I posted and want to give an update. I am doing well!!!! My walking continues to improve and I can even walk without the cane unless I am shopping or very tired. I feel the leg has really improved in the last 4-6 wks and I am working hard to have it continue. I work out at least 5-6 days/wk. I have been outside riding and the longest so far has been 24 miles with 1900 ft. of climb.

I am still working on getting my pace and climbing legs back. The riding is going well, but mounting and dismounting continues to be a struggle. I will get it - right now I have to have something/someone behind me when I dismount. I am still struggling with switching dominate legs for mounting/dismounting - it's like changing from left to right handed.



Easter was a wonderful time this year because I was able to have it at my house again!! Lots of people, good food, just a good time. We had my most recent great niece and nephew meet each other for the first time. They are adorable!!

Medically, I had to switch antibiotics because the 1st one was causing problems with my kidneys. I think it was the result of the use of whey protein powder. Within 3 wks of stopping it, my function improved to better than it was before I started to use it. I am currently testing the first one again and doing blood work every two wks to stay ahead of it. It is just a much more user friendly drug than the the 2nd one. Time will tell.

I can't believe it is May 1 and I will make it through this whole school year. My only absences were for medical appts. in Hershey. Three wks ago, I took a couple of personal days and flew to Alabama to visit friends. The next w/end I helped with the World Team Sports Face of America Wounded Warrior ride from Washington D.C. to Gettysburg. It was a very rewarding and therapeutic experience for me.

I will continue to update as I have things to report. Hope all are well! Thanks again for prayers and support!

Carole

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