Dear Gunny;
Mushroo here. Did you think I dropped off the edge of the world? I sort
of did!On 9-29, after having three weeks of muscle spasms despite increased
medication, my Doctor decided to admit me, and treat me for three days with
Solumedrol (IV Steroid). I taught for half a day and the feeling and went to
the hospital at 12:30. I noticed a feeling of increased weakness more and more
each half hour. Very weakly I walked from the parking lot and down two very
long halls, up the elevator to the 7th floor to an admitting office
(Neurology). By the time the paper work was done, I was very weak.Gunny, I had
to give a urins specimen and couldn't, they had to insert a Cath, and I had a
bad UTI. By 4:00 I was paralyzed on my entire left side, couldn't move my
fingers or my left hand at all (numb). I spent five days in the Hospital with
terrible spasms. Treatment started that night, helped my are to resurrect. I
thought good, in two more days my leg will "fix" and I'll carry on, but it
didn't. I spent two weeks at a Nursing Home Rehab, it's a nightmare of a story
I'll tell you later. Now I am in a Hospital bed at home thank God with my
family. I was starting to be able to transfer to a wheel chair and sit up
awhile, but had two big setbacks. I can't use my arms to push myself to a
sitting position. I now have TM caused by MS diagnosis. They ordered an
Electric wheel chair with reclining back which should come in a few weeks. I
am having PT three times a week, that's all the insurance covers, a nurse
three times a week for personal care. Ins. wont cover that for much longer. Mu
Husband and Daughter do range of motion every day. Since I'm out of work, no
pay so James cancelled AOL, but I'm getting back on it as soon as I can. My
students keep writing asking me to come back but I can't. Not all the
determination in the world is moving my arms and body, but I'm dealing with
it, a day, sometimes an hour at a time. I wanted to know if you'd type up my
letter on the list so everyone would know and also remind everyone I'm in the
Dirctory in Florida under Karen Casey if anyone would like to write. I can't
get to the computer just yet, but I will soon. Gunny - thanks. I'm so glad
this directory came out, I might have lost you all forever. I appreciate your
support and prayers, are you still walking?? Love ya, Karen.
Karen's address is
Karen Casey
1014 Lamp Post Ln.
Lakeland Florida 33809
On a personal note. I feel honored that Karen would write to me to get
this out to all of you, but it also pisses me off. Here's one of our own that
has had a setback, and regardless of what circumstances she lives under, I
think it's up to us to take care of us. You know her situation, and I suggest
we send her what we can to help her out. Karens become a real sweetheart to
me, and maybe some of you, and we need to do what has to be done. I'm sick of
this Country bailing out Ethiopia, Morrocco, and whatever, now, lets either
shit or get off the pot. We gotta take care of us. For someone who knows how,
either Phil, or Doc, start a petition, lets get it signed, and lets get the
job done. Send it to Congress, and lets get this thing licked. In the Corps we
had a code, I know not all people are not aware of this but it's simple, you
watch my ass and I watch yours. That's how it has to be, now, no excuses, lets
get the job done.
Sempe
r Fi to all
Gunny