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They said it couldnt be done!!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:01 pm
by Knolmom
Some long time forumites might remember that last Thanksgiving, just after returning from 12 glorious days on St John, I took a very bad fall which resulted in a broken leg---to be more precise I actually broke my leg away from the kneecap. Unbeknownst to me, thank God, the Doctors, even before they operated, told my husband and family that I might not be able to walk again. THANK GOODNESS NO ONE TOLD ME!!!
You know I love St John, and long walks on the beach anywhere, and dancing under the stars at each and every villa we have ever rented. I was in pretty bad shape for a good long time, but the thought of getting back to a villa, and enjoying the warm water got me through 3 very hard months in rehab and to actually putting weight on my leg.( Some cheerleadin from Nick in KC helped a lot) After hopping around for a few months,and continuring my PT three days a week I figured I could probably do Maho by summer, and maybe even get into the water, although the doctors advised against a sandy bottom until next year.( They have since relented) We did a cruise in May, and although I was in a wheelchair, I left it onboard and took my walker to the ferry and made it over to St John and Caneel for lunch. I was able to get to the waterline with DH's assistance to get my big toe in.
That must have been the cure because....I AM WALKING, although with a limp. a cane and considerable pain , AND I WILL BE BACK TO ST JOHN, even under the 1 year mark. We have rented Spellbound with our adult children and some spouses from November 15 to the 25th, and my DH and I will actually be on St John from the 12th onward. We have not yet decided where we will stay for those 3 days but we will try to make it on STJ rather than STT but we will be there. And Captain John, you will be getting my call soon. I may not be able to get off the Palmabella once I get on, but I will get on.

I really dont think I could have come this far if I did not think each and every day about getting back to Paradise!!I want to thank all of you for all your well wishes throughout the year, and reading the forum every day kept my memory green. GIZZMO, I know you looked long and hard for that floating cane for me, but in the end I just take the metal one into the water with me and drain it out when I come out. Maybe I will graduate to a noodle and a floatie by November.

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:07 pm
by mbw1024
that's fantastic for you! I am so happy to hear you are improving every day. I have often thought about how you were. Enjoy your return to paradise!

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:28 pm
by Pia
Wooooo Hooooo Girlfriend, way to go :)

A painkiller on me is waitin' at the Beach Bar :)

Keep up the good work and look forward to seeing you soon :)

Pia

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:42 pm
by verjoy
Knolmom~
So happy to hear you are well enough to go back to your beloved St John. I know it has taken a lot of courage and perseverance to get there. :!:

Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 11:25 pm
by Lulu76
Knolmom -

Congrats on making it this far. I am very proud of you.

I will be on STJ Nov. 8-15, and the first round is on me. We need a drink to celebrate your accomplishment.

One of my friends swears there is no healing power better than that of the sea; I think your story confirms that.

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 12:04 am
by mahojim
Congrats on your recovery! We stayed at Spellbound a few years back when it was called Lyons' Pride. I don't know if you've ever stayed there, but you are going to be blown away by the views!
Wonderful,wonderful story. I'm very happy for you!
Smiles-
Jimmy

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 5:57 am
by ccasebolt
Congratulations!!! Wooo Hooo!!!!

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:02 am
by sailorgirl
Congratulations on the wonderful progess you've made so far! Keep proving those Docs wrong!

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:03 am
by JT
Congrats, Knolmom! We share your jubilation. About 11 years ago Mrs. JT was in a very serious car wreck and her kneecap was shattered into 9 major pieces and her fibula cracked from knee to ankle. There was talk of amputation. The doctors put her back together, said that she would forever have bad days.... and worse days. Well 5 years ago she walked the whole Ramhead Trail for the first time.[She also believes in the healing powers of the Caribbean Sea waters]. A month ago she hiked the trail all the way up Seneca Rocks in West VA, which is a pretty strenuous,an all up hill mountin hike. Betty has defied all odds and predictions, and wakes up looking forward to the day! Though she rarely complains, believe her if she says that rain or snow is coming. We all wish you ever continuing progress on your recovery!

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:48 am
by Captain John
Yea for knolmom, or should I say Peg.

Here's a little reminder for you..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffn8ML5mNBw

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:55 am
by pjayer
knolmom, I don't remember reading about the fall, but it sounds very serious and painful. It's great that you persevered and worked hard on your PT. Many people would would have given in to the pain and refused to get better. You've got a lot to look forward to. Enjoy your STJ. :D

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:04 am
by mcdomzal
Knolmom,
Having been through some pretty extensive physical therapy myself, though nothing likes yours, I am really impressed! Congrats! Have a wonderful time in Nov.!

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:18 am
by RickG
Keep up the good attitude. My Father, with a broken back and knee replacement gone wrong, loves Maho the most!! His second favorite is Hawksnest. The ocean is friendly to those pains and injuries.

Cheers, RickG

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:20 am
by augie
My hat's off to you for working so diligently on your rehab - well done!

I think your trip to STJ will be a fitting reward for all of your hard work!

Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:44 am
by iowaguy
Great story Knolmom. Have an especially wonderful trip!