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

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