Moving ever so slowly…

I am definitely improving, so that is great, but man it’s ridden with uncertainty and discomfort. I choose the word ‘discomfort’ over pain because I think I can separate the two. Lest I seem ungrateful for my improvement, I am so thankful (daily!) that I am able to move around and get things done independently. Around me others are not as fortunate, so my vision is uncluttered.

Funny story: Last week I slid myself slowly from the deck into the pool to float and do some “swimming”. I have no power to my pull (yet) but I was able to move through the water, albeit slowly. The buoyancy and non-weight bearing activity was good. I swam (moved) for about 20:00. Then I realized something significant — HOW WILL I GET OUT OF THE POOL??? No one was in there but me and I didn’t (don’t) yet have the strength in my arms/wrists to be able to pull myself up or out. I stood in the shallow end, bewildered and...

Starting some movement…

The arms are now free from bondage! yeah! My wrists have totally healed and I am now onto physical therapy for help with range of motion. As is normal when casts/braces come off from broken bones, my wrists sure are stiff! I’m working each day on bending my hands forward, backwards, and to the side. They barely move but that will change quickly. I love having something to work towards, finally, instead of just having to WAIT.

Saturday morning was a local 5k race to benefit ALS. My good friend, Dana, just lost her friend and neighbor, the youthful 45-year old Jim Hogue, to ALS last week after his 4-year battle with the disease. So much of the local community showed up in memory of Jim and to help support this needed cause. What a tribute to this lovely man whose family much be grieving so much. I knew I couldn’t do a 5k but wanted to support. I was able to walk almost 1 mile, albeit slowly – I felt so triumphant! » read more

Sunday Lazy Days

Not much for updates. On Tuesday I am headed back to my orthopedist, Dr Michael Behr, to x-ray my wrists again to determine healing. I’m optimistic that the 5+ weeks of immobility have healed them and I can begin PT. Having my arms back will be helpful, indeed.

My back remains the biggest mystery. I have no idea the healing time frame or when I can begin to do what in terms of basic activity. I’m still holding out for December but realize it may be much longer. Regardless, it won’t be forever and I’ll get through it.

Thanks for your support and continued kind words.

Ironman FL 2007 – A View From A Different Vantage Point

(Here’s me with my Team Timex Camp roommate and close friend, Paolina Allan, at transition area race morning.)

I had intensely debated going to Ironman FL (as a spectator). My doctors had strongly cautioned me against going and, frankly, my own common sense meter told me it wasn’t too smart of an idea. I hadn’t yet been in a car longer than 10 min since returning from Hawaii, and am still exhausted by outings lasting longer than 1 hour. 5+ hours in a car to get to PCB would likely be uncomfortable at best and I worried IMF would be much like Kona 3 weeks ago: most of the day spent in a bed, difficult to navigate around race site, slow movings, people bumping into me accidentally (OUCH!)...