Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
I'm just back from a week at the beach and wanted to let you all know how it went.
Since we weren't sure how I was going to feel, we rented a house in the beach block, wtihin an easy walk of the ocean and the little beach town. That turned out to be a good decision.
On the second day we were there, I tried to walk on the boardwalk. The whole boardwalk runs 2 miles from end to end. I made it about an eighth of a mile and then had to turn around. By then, my foot had started to go numb, and my hip ached. But I felt positive.
The next day, I walked further, and by the end of the week, I was up to about 2.5 miles a day. Plus, the last day, I rented a bike and biked out to the end of the beach. In addition, I whomped my SO in putt-putt.
The whole week, all I kept thinking was that this time last year, we weren't sure I was even going to survive. I had also become pretty certain I might never be able to walk again. As late as July, I was still only able to walk about a block or two, and when I did, the pain was excruciating.
The trip gave me a LOT of hope! I wanted to come back and let you all know, because I know how much it means to me when I read other people's success stories.
Andie
[ 17. September 2006, 04:57 PM: Message edited by: Andie333 ]
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
Ann-OH
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2020
posted
Wow! That is sooooo good to hear, Andie! You should be very proud of yourself!
I hope you can keep all the improvements going strong.
Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
Great report, Andie! It's hard to remember (given lack of properly functioning gray matter ) exactly how much we have progressed until we really think about it in a same-setting context over time! Way to go.
Next year, you'll be skinny-dipping.
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
| IP: Logged |
MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
I'm so glad you had a great vacation. Getting away twice this summer did me a world of good.
-------------------- Posts: 1279 | From In hiding | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Thanks, you guys, for all the support!
Ann, I also hope I'm able to keep up the progress. I still feel like I'm at about 70%...so I've definitely got room for progress and improvement.
Michelle, I agree with you about the day-to-day gains sometimes being hard to see. I keep a daily chart of my symptoms (I've been doing this now for 16 months), and I can really see the progress when I lay the charts out in sequence.
Still, seeing it measured this way was pretty powerful. We had gone to this same beach town last Oct. for a jazz weekend. Everyone in the group went out late for a moonlit walk on the beach, but I just didn't have the strength. What a difference a year makes!
Magic, I'm really glad you were able to get away two times this summer. If I'd known how invigorating this was going to be, I might have tried harder to schedule another getaway.
Andie
[ 18. September 2006, 09:39 AM: Message edited by: Andie333 ]
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
The whole week, all I kept thinking was that this time last year, we weren't sure I was even going to survive. I had also become pretty certain I might never be able to walk again.
I remember how ill you were last year when you first got here. This is awesome news!!
Keep up the good work!!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Thanks for the encouragement, Too --
You're the absolute best!!!!!!
And you're right: I was one sick puppy a year ago.
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
trails
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1620
posted
oh how fanastic!!!!!!
you guys soooo deserved this vaca and I know how worried you were that you wouldnt be able to keep it---BUT YOU DID!!!!
what is even better is that now vacations and little accomplishments like the walking and bike riding mean so much more than they ever could have before. in many ways this means you are MORE alive than before. you are able to appreciate every step.
any photos to share?
so happy for you!
Posts: 1950 | From New Mexico | Registered: Sep 2001
| IP: Logged |
MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
Andie,
Now you can start planning the next getaway. Sometime in October I'll be off again for a weekend of fall colors in the mountains.
Getting away is good for clearing my head and making me feel as if I'm not missing out. Even if I don't feel great I'm not feeling great in a different locale. That alone is a plus.
I hope this week is a good one for you. Enjoy the memories you've made for yourself.
Hugs, Acorn
-------------------- Posts: 1279 | From In hiding | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
AZURE WISH
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 804
posted
Thats so great Andie!
I used to keep a symptoms journal and although yes you can SEE progress
Progress seems so much more real and concrete when you can EXPERIENCE it.
I am so glad you got to get away, have some fun and expereince your progress.
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
trails -- you've been in my thoughts and prayers; how are you feeling? Do you have an update posted somewhere here?
No pictures on this trip...except two strips of black and white photos done at one of those little photo booths.
And you're right -- things like biking and walking are things I'll NEVER take for granted again. I was so excited you would have thought I'd discovered a new country!
Acorn, I'm already planning the next getaway (NY for a theatre getaway this winter).
And Azure, you're right that seeing the recovery charted is one thing, but actually living it is something entirely different and much much more powerful.
Again, everyone, thanks for all the support!
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
Andie,
From one who cares!!
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
| IP: Logged |
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
awwwwww, thanks, Don!
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
MagicAcorn
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8786
posted
Andie - I'm so glad you are planning another getaway. Broadway is hopping once again, and New York in the winter is beautiful.
I'm so happy you went away and it was better than you expected. We all need some good things in our lives.
I'm thinking of taking my little guy to see Mary Poppins.
Acorn
-------------------- Posts: 1279 | From In hiding | Registered: Feb 2006
| IP: Logged |
Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Acorn,
I agree with you about NY in the winter. Manhattan is especially beautiful as snow is falling.
It's exciting that you're thinking of taking your little one to see Mary Poppins. I think theatre is magical for children!
Thanks for the encouragement...
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
3greatkids
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3838
posted
Andie,
I am so happy for you.Wow,you have made wonderful progress!!!Keep it up.
Your trip and outings on the boardwalk made me smile!
I could smell the ocean air,taste the taffy and see you riding.I LOVE the boardwalk.Talk about some fond memories. My favorite was always the spinning art booth.Wow,what 25cents could buy back then.I could spin out paintings all day!
Keep up the great work.It is wonderful to think back and remember how far we have come.Takes time w/ this monster.
Glad you had fun.Now, get ready for the next adventure Posts: 1076 | Registered: Apr 2003
| IP: Logged |
bettyg
Unregistered
posted
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Michelle M:
Next year, you'll be skinny-dipping.
Michelle, how do you know Andie wasn't? lol; just kidding around Andie
Andie, so glad you 2 had a good time and you were able to build your strength back up again! We all need that extra boost, and you got yours for now.
I want to go see the trees in their splendor; they'll be changing after our 1st frost yesterday morning. Bettyg
IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
) exactly how much we have progressed until we really think about it in a same-setting context over time! Way to go. ![[Cool]](cool.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[woohoo]](graemlins/woohoo.gif)
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic