I CAN BIKE!

I posted this on my family blog, but felt it had a place here, too.

My friend Barb, who used to live in our ward, is from England, and talks with a darling accent led us on a bike ride on the rail trail into Dayton and around then back home. Wow, was it beautiful (not the mud, but the rest of the ride was)! This is the first sunny day this week and it was ride your bike to work day, so there were a lot of bike riders out and about with us. Part of the trail was flooded from the Great Miami River overflowing its banks (see photos above) so we just went up another way and had a wonderful time. We rode past the hospital where I work (it was across the river), past the Boonshoft Museum, and up to a pretty gardens area. I'm starting to figure out more of what is cool to do here, and we have just weeks till we leave!

Honestly, I can ride so much easier than I can run. I think it's because my calf muscles are weak and I don't have any bouncy reflexes anymore. But bike riding uses core, hip and upper leg muscles, and mine work! We had a great workout, and I was really tired when I got home, but feel fine now.

So, we rode 32 miles! Last week we rode a little under 20 miles, and we didn't expect to ride so far, but we found some beautiful places to go, had a few snacks, plenty of water, so we just went. A little sunscreen, a few tissues and we were good to go! I think we were gone about 4 hours. Pretty fun trek. Next time I'm taking a real camera. We had to do with cell phone cameras for today.

Priorities

• sell the house
• do the laundry
• get Jim's graduation stuff ready
• sell the house
• work and earn money
• watch Trevor's volleyball games
• sell the house
• take Mae to the fabric store
• let Owen have a friend over
• sell the house
• prepare to move
• fulfill church responsibilities (a little low on the list, but I have easy tasks)
• exercise!

Well, in the midst of all this, and concurrent with financial considerations for traveling, we opted to cancel the trip to the fun run in Charlotte this weekend.  Oh well. It would have made me tired anyways. And spending money isn't even on the list of priorities--so I'll stay here and exercise when I can fit it in.... Notice that the main priority is to sell the house. So we have more to do to make that happen, and this weekend will be a chance for us to do some more clearing out and cleaning. Priorities! First things first!

Two Year Anniversary

I was perusing the GBS-CIDP Foundation web site and saw the ad pictured above. Being the runner I used to be, it caught my eye. Then I read the reason for the run, and decided we'd be going. I can run a 5k easily now (not very fast, but who's timing me?) and it is a great chance to celebrate a good recovery. Also, for now, it's easy driving distance to Charlotte, so we'll make a weekend of it.

It is the 2 year anniversary of my diagnosis (Miller-Fisher variant of GBS). I had problems with my vision, walking and numbness and tingling a week prior, was in the hospital for one day, then sent home to "see how it goes." Well, it went downhill from there and I showed up at my follow-up doctor's appointment (on March 3, 2009) with devastating neurological symptoms. Thankfully it was a short time until the diagnosis was fairly certain and IVIG treatment was begun. I rapidly improved and was able to go home within a couple of weeks after that. I still have lingering tingling and pain that is mostly controlled with Neurontin, and my endurance continues to improve. I feel so blessed to have so much of my body functioning back! And I can empathize with those who lose abilities they once had, or with those who have nerve pain or related fatigue problems. Recently, a talented author I like had a mild stroke. He explores the idea of perspective gained when one loses a physical ability in this article at Talents, gifts, and intelligence.

Life can be hard, but it is GOOD. And we carry on, to work and play and rest! And to celebrate the life we have and the loved ones we share it with.

90%, this brisk hike proves it!

We hiked part of Mt. Diablo, behind my brother-in-law's house (!, I know!, isn't that so cool?!), and took this awesome trail to a waterfall, that I didn't really get a good photo of as I was busy gazing at it amazedly. David (my brother-in-law) led us (Wade was in California for a conference, I just had to join him for a few days!) on a fast-paced, interesting and beautiful 2 1/2 hour hike. As I proceeded to hike along, I wondered if it would zap my strength for days, or what. But instead I felt invigorated, energetic and should have jumped for joy to realize the progress this one event indicated.

Decidedly, the outdoors is where it's at for physical activity that is enjoyable and with enough distraction to keep me interested. My muscles felt a little stiff for a day or two, but in a good way. Awesome workout, amazing trail, and a totally fun hike. Hurray for progress!

Faith

It is fast approaching 2 years to the time I first felt the symptoms of GBS begin in my legs.  My youngest son, Owen still prays every day, "bless Mom to get better from Guillain-Barre."

Honestly, I am still improving, after almost 2 years. I still take neurontin, still have tingliness in my hands, feet and the tip of my tongue, and no deep tendon reflexes. But I do feel stronger. There are improvements in my coordination and speed. I feel so blessed to have continuing improvement.

Thanks, Owen, and friends and family, for your faith and hope, love and prayers. I know the Lord blesses each of us with different things and in various ways to help us to learn and grow. I was not miraculously, suddenly, perfectly healed. But I have felt the loving care of my Father in Heaven and the goodness of Jesus Christ in my daily living. I am grateful for my faith. It is a gift. I feel so blessed.