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