Jeannierides update

[Trek420]

Hi all - I have an update-to-the-update! I talked to Jeannie this afternoon and she is one amazing woman. She has used all the negativity to make positive energy and she is forging ahead with her rehabilitation. Today she walked, with the aid of a walker, across the gym AND 75 feet down the hall!!!

Everyone, please joine me in a huge cheer for Jeannie!!! I only wish I could be half as strong as she is.

Yeah Jeannie!! To go from first time standing upright to walking 75 feet the next day is awesome and inspiring.

Don't listen to the Dr. Egomania may be a good trait if you're poking around in peoples bodies but he's not a "people person".

Sounds like he got Jeannie riled up to prove him wrong and I know she will.

Addendum: Hi, this is Knot posting. (well, actually, Trek and I have kinda been sharing this post, but this is me by myself) I wanna expand on the egomania thing. It really is a GOOD trait in a surgeon. Someone with a giant ego is going to have the self-confidence to do a great job in surgery. But, that know-it-all ego makes them either come across as cold or as ***holes in the outside world. Listen to the PT team. They know rehab! They know YOU! Kick some ***, girl!

[wannaduacentury]

This dr. is a surgeon, right? They are good at what they do, but (despite what some of them think) they are not experts on rehabilitation. Jeannie is an amazingly strong woman, and so is her wonderful spirit. I have every confidence that Jeannie, with the support of her rehab therapy team, her wonderful SO and family, and all her friends, will prove this jerk's "prediction" wrong. Heck, she's already gotten a start on it!

Yes and when Jeannie rides her bike again in her first event. Invite that surgeon to come watch her cross the finish line. Keep going Jeannie, we're rooting for you. Keep the faith. Jennifer

[KayTee]

Jeannie is an inspiration. Her determination, courage and grace throughout her recovery so far and this latest challenge have both awed and moved me. I have no doubt that she will soon be able to ride her gorgeous new bike and do anything else she wants to do. And we'll get pictures to document it!!

As an aside, I've been wondering if that comment her surgeon made might have been deliberately issued as a challenge to make her angry and show just what she can do to disprove his prediction. Margo49 and some others seem to have encountered this, too -- whether it's pure ego and rudeness, deliberately done to evoke response, or a little of both, I don't know. I told Jeannie about a now retired colleague of mine who was paralysed when the elevator she was in fell 4 1/2 floors, informed repeatedly by her drs. that she'd never walk again, yet several years later was not only walking and hiking but had changed the focus of her research to gait analysis and rehab after traumatic injury. Do any of you think this Dr. Egomaniac might have had a plan, or is that just too unbelievable?

[margo49]

I think they say it so you don't come back at them later (especially in litigation conscious countries eg USA ). I don't think they do it as a challenge 'coz 99% of the time they don't know you well enough to use such tactics.
(my $0.02)

[Mr. Bloom]

when Jeannie rides her bike again in her first event. Invite that surgeon to come watch her cross the finish line.

Silver had a top orthopedic surgeon tell her nothing was wrong with her foot.

Silver doubted herself for feeling pain.

6 months later, a podiatrist found the bone sliver on an x-ray that he took the time to do himself!

6 months later, Silver had the sliver removed to a full recovery. I told her to sent the first guy the bone chip...

A special humorous footnote:
The podiatrist's name was Dr. Love. How would you like to answer the phone to hear "This is Dr. Love, calling for Elaine. Is she available?"

So, I hollar downstairs to Silver "There's a Dr. Love on the phone for you!"

SilverSon, who is about 11 at the time, starts laughing and says "Huuhhhh?!?!"

[jeannierides]

Posted by John, Jeannie's SO.

Hey everyone. I wanted to thank everyone for keeping Jeannie's spirits high. It has actually been a great week.

Progress has really been remarkable. Jeannie stood for the first time only a week ago. Last night she stood up and walked with a cane. She started the week on a walker, quickly moved to crutches, and now a cane. I can't even begin to tell you what it is like to watch this happen.

Tuesday , the girls at Jeannie's work had their "Ladies Night Out" with a surprise party for Jeannie. They all brought food and drink and set up a party in the facility dining room. This included a Silpada jewelry party. I did not know about this ahead of time and went with her to the dining hall. Jeannie beamed. It was so nice to see her laughing and socializing with her lady friends. I have to say this freaked me a little at first because I wasn't sure Jeannie was ready for all of this activity. I guess that was a little foolish considering her constitution! I left the festivities to the ladies and headed home. An exhausted Jeannie headed back to her room a couple of hours later.

The next week or so promises some new challenges. Jeannie's birthday is next Friday and I think this will be difficult emotionally. As tough as she has been, I think this is a sticking point for her. I guess no one wants to mark a milestone like this in rehab. Additionally, I am having surgery on her birthday and will not be able to visit for a few days. She has indicated that this is "ok" but her vocal endorsement lacks a conviction that reassures.

On a more positive note, I feel stongly that Jeannie will be going home soon. There is not a specific date, but based on her progress, it will be soon. A whole new set of challenges! I'm sure that the simple comforts like home cooked meals, fresh brewed coffee, familiar bed, and TE access will improve her healing by leaps and bounds.

Thanks again for the positive energy!!!

[mimitabby]

would you post the address again please so we can send bday cards?

[KayTee]

John - Many thanks for posting this update on Jeannie's incredible progress! Those of us who have come to know her via this forum and/or in person should not be surprised at her strength and determination. She is an inspiration.

I will make plans to visit her next Friday. I'd planned to take off work that day for an afternoon commitment anyway and will go by there beforehand to spend some time with Jeannie on her birthday. Best of luck with your surgery in the meantime, and I know her that friends will continue sending renewed thoughts, prayers and positive healing energy through cyberspace to you both.

[KayTee]

Mimi et al., here's Jeannie's address in case anyone would like to send a birthday card or other snailmail:

Jeannie Tripp Rm 911
C/O
Manor Care Stratford Hall
2125 Hilliard Rd
Richmond, Va 23228

[deena]

Jeannie -

On your way home, plan some time to WALK by Dr. Mean's office and set the record straight (and then let us know how it goes).

Good luck with your exciting transition home!

[Ninabike]

Yeah Jeannie!! Non-cyclists just underestimate the endurance and determination of cyclists. Happy birthday!!

[7rider]

Sounds like these Dr. Feel-No-Goods have a plan.....to goad you into pushing yourself just to prove him wrong.
Worked for Margo49. Worked for others. And, I suspect it will work for Jeannie.

You go get 'em Jeannie!!!
Congrats on the progress. Wishing you steady progress in your rehabilitation and I hope that soon you'll be HOME!

[IFjane]

Wonderful news!!! When I last talked to Jeannie she said she would call me in a few days & let me know how she is doing. Clearly she has been way too busy to talk on the phone!!! Yay, Jeannie!!! {{{{huge hug}}}}

KayTee - let's talk tomorrow & maybe we can both visit next Friday. I don't go back to work until the 14th...

[spokewench]

I'm so glad Jeannie is getting better - and I hope she does not lose faith! Doctors often tell you the worst. After I broke my back in my 20's, I had a doctor tell me that I would NEVER ride a horse again, NEVER ride a bike, Have to change my life, NEVER be able to carry a baby , etc., etc.

What a disbeliever! I ride and have raced mountain bikes, road bikes, road a horse, hike the Grand Canyon, play tennis, etc., etc. Sometimes, there is some pain, but so what - Life is a journey and without pain there is no glory!

(LOL, the only thing he was right about was the baby thing! But, that was only because it was a decision, not because I could not do it.)

So, Jeannie, I wish you well. Sometimes, it is really hard! and, you get frustrated cause you think it will never get better. If you keep working, it will get better! Believe in yourself and just go with the flow when it seems like everything is at a standstill. Things will come around for you. Hugs and lots of tenacity coming your way.

[han-grrl]

I am choking back tears, from the negativity of that surgeon, to all the wonderful messages, all the best to you Jeannie, celebrate life and all the wonderful people around you. Many hugs

Hannah