What a long strange trip its been

[plutosmyfav]

Hello all,
I see a lot of new faces and some dear old friends as well. This is just a quick update to let you know I'm still on planet earth.

I believe last I updated you was after I had the spinal cord stimulator implanted. It worked fairly well for a while (~6 WEEKS) and then began to be sporatic and then malfunctioned altogether sending random (PAINFUL) shocks through my body. So that was the last straw. I went for the spinal fusion (L4/L5, S1). Much to my surprized the results were spectacular. NO PAIN in either leg or buttocks. I was doing so well they ditched PT. At the "walking 800 ft milestone" I was walking three miles. I was psyched.

The surgery was on May 13th, I returned home May 16th and by May 25th I took my first 4 mile walk1

Then tragedy struck again On Memorial Day (may 26th) I thought I had a medication reaction because I got fiercely sick after taking my meds. We called 911 and it turned out I was battling a Staph infection I had contracted during surgery. SOooooo, I had two more surgeries; openinig up the same wound to clean it out within 3 days of eachother. I was sent home after two weeks in the hosp; with a GIANT bottleof killer antibiotics (clinamycin hcl). I'm not sure if it's gpoint to kill the bacteria before it kills me. I feel like I've been run over by a mac truck All my joints hurt, I sleep 18-20 hours per day and walking is totally outof the question. The hearburn is deadly and eating is torture.

I went for my followup after the 3rd sx to get the stiches removed this Monday. The dr assured me that I should feel like a mac truck; having been through 3 major surgeries in three weeks, battling the infection and trying to tolerate this nasty antibiotic. Somehow that made me feel better

Anyway, I must confess that I do not feel like a runner and fear I may never do so again. But I am so grateful fur the drawer full of medals and plaques that document that era of my life.

I hope to pop in here from time to time.

I wasn't sure if this was the best place to put my update as some may miss itl Maybe I''ll repost a main thread;

Take care all, and take care of our backs-- life is not worth living without them.

Sunny

 

[Goofyin08forErica]

to you and here's hoping for a speedy recovery!!!

You should start to feel loads better after you finish with the antibiotics!!

Erica

 

[Calcio]

Sunny

Thank you for letting us, your friends, know about your situation. I am so sorry about the infection which turned your excellent result into another challenge, which you have had far too many of in the past few years.

I don't know what to say, other than, I am thinking of you, I wish the best for you, and I'm sending positive waves that you feel better and get back to the good part sooner rather than later.

And do look at those medals and plaques fondly. I hope so much that at some point you are able to add to your collection.

Your Massachusetts buddy
Craig

 

[dsnyfan21]

Hi Sunny I am one of the newbies that you haven't met yet. I have heard alot about you on the WISH. Wow, sounds like you have been through alot and I feel for you. You probably should feel like a mac truck at this point. I know I would probably feel like I got run over by a mac truck.
Take care of yourself, relax, meditate. You never know what the future may bring and you have time to figure that out. You may not be a runner right now, but maybe you could be with time or maybe a jogger or a wogger or walker (or racewalker like me). I wish I could cook up a special potion that would make it all better for you. Maybe alittle bit of PD would work? .
I wish for you to heal and feel better soon. Be good to yourself and check in from time to time to let us know how you are doing.
-Tracy

 

[deekaypee]

Sunny,

I haven't had the honor of meeting you personally, but I feel like I know you because of how highly everyone here talks of you. You embody the spirit of WISH in your strength, generosity, and determination. And when I proudly wear my WISH shirt I often think of you.

My heart goes out to you and all the challenges you have had to overcome and for the ones you continue to experience. I wish that your recovery progresses as quickly as possible, that you will soon get to a point where you are pain free, and that you enjoy good health from here on out. And I hope that you will be able to collect more medals and plaques in the future.

I am sending you positive thoughts and lighting a candle in your name.

 

[Jen117]

Sunny - I am so happy you posted and hope you will continue. I miss your posts so much. You helped me with sciatic pain 2 years ago and I thank you dearly for the information you shared with me. Take care of yourself and don't be a stranger. You have so much wise insight to share, whether you run again or not!!!!

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

Sunny!!!

Picture Lily dashing to give hugs and kisses to you!
(I'll try to be gentle)

I am so sorry to hear your trials are so steep. I often send positive thoughts, prayers and energy to you. Thank you so much for letting us know how things are.

I'm always here for you.

 

[MouseDogMom]

Sunny,

Tons more and coming your way. And lots more prayers and wishes for a full recovery as quickly as possible this time. I can't tell you how much you've been in my thoughts lately and how much your presence is missed on these boards. It's just not the same without you! You have so much to offer the veteran runners and the newbies, so please find time to check in and let us know how you're doing.

We'll all keep our fingers crossed that you will be a runner again someday!

Jackie

 

[wfloyd]

Sunny

Glad to hear from you!!!!! Sorry to hear about all the problems but it sounds like the worst is over and you are on the mend. Knowing your determination, I am sure there will be more medals in your future. Just take it easy and don't overdo it all at once.

You have been in our thoughts and prayers over the past year. Please continue to keep in touch.

Bill

 

[nucpharm29]

Sunny--so glad to hear from you. I've been hit or miss on the board recently, so I've wondered if you've been around. Sorry to hear that the first procedure ended up so poorly. And then that the 2nd, after being what seems to be a miracle for you, turned out so bad as well. Lots of prayers and PD that the infection is gone soon and you can get back to being yourself!

 

[chimera]

Sunny!!!!!!!!!!

It's SOOO good to see you around here!
I hope everything settles down for you soon. You're tough, dude...I've no doubt you'll get through this too but I hope some day life stops throwing crap at you.

Just a note on the clindamycin (this may be TMI for some folks)...it causes diarrhea. It just does, it is what it is, but...if you get a nasty, unrelenting diarrhea with an unusual odor, even if it's after you're off the medication, call your prescriber ASAP and ask to be tested for C.diff.

 

[KeenHo]

Love and hugs to a special lady. So sorry for all you have gone through and what remains. You are a strong person and it shows. Get well soon (and stay that way)!

Your Delaware Friend,



Howard

 

[Big Vic]

SUNNY!

W'sup G?! I've been worried about you.

It sure is nice seeing you post again. You've been missed!

Sorry you've had such a rough time, and I hope you get to feeling better soon.

Post when you're up to it. We're here for you.

Take care.

 

[windwalker]

Sunny, I wondered what happened to ya. As Erica said you will begin to feel better. Yes you are still mentioned often on the board, we haven't forgotten you. Get well and come on back. Might want to check out the dark side of the board (the walking) you will have plenty of company.

Walking panda

 

[bubba73]

Sunny, I am also one of the ones that haven't met you but I would also like to offer up thoughts and prayers to you for a healthy and speedy recovery. I look forward to reading more posts from you soon.


Bryan

 

[Kristi1357]

Oh my gosh, Sunny!
I have been so freakin' worried about you.
Please take good care of you.
We need you around here - running, walking, or not.

When you feel up to it, let's get together for lunch or something.
I will PM you...

 

[wtpclc]

Sunny -

I have missed you so much. Think of you often and WISH there was something real that I could do. Just remeber to eat the latest elephant one bite at a time and keep fighting. We all know you have amazing strength inside and out and that some day you will be back to trainign again. Mayeb it wo't be running but you will be doing something, because once you are through these trial, you will need to be working out again. Hoping that truck backs off you soon and you can get back to us more!

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

SUNNY!!!!!!- It is so great to hear from you. Although I wish it was for better news! I must admit, I don't post on the weekly thread as much (or at all) as I should. I've gotten overwhelmed with all the people that are there now. So I was thrilled to see you post a separate thread. I think of you often and wonder how you are doing. I'm glad the spinal fusion worked and gave you relief at least for a while. Hopefully, once you kick this bacteria you will be on "The Road to Wellville". Please keep us posted. I wish you nothing but the best.

Dave

 

[TnTsParty]

It was so nice hearing an update from you Sunny. I started with the WISH team when you were still on the boards before you had the stimulator implanted and remember hearing of your running even though you were in such pain when you weren't running. You were an inspiration to me knowing that even though you were in such pain normally you were still able to get out there and run or walk. I am sorry to hear about the infection but I am sure once the antibiotics kick in and tackle it you will be back on track to make a recovery.

Thanks for giving us an update and please please please keep us informed on your progress. Like I said you are an inspiration and I am sure not just to me but to many here. My thoughts and prayers are with you!!

 

[Honeibee]

Oh Sunny! I miss you soooooo much! Thank you for stopping in. I too wish it was with better news. But Sunny, I know how strong you are. And you never know what the future might hold. No matter what, we are here for you.

And I hope you still have my cell phone number...