On the road again. Walking and Driving.
Another month has passed, and more bits of news to share. My six-week course of IV antibiotics ended yesterday, and the line was pulled from my arm. This comes with mixed feelings of relief and worry. Of course I am thrilled to be rid of The Old Ball ‘n Chain that was the antibiotic regimen. It made all daily activities annoying, and the cord was constantly getting caught in my wheelchair tires, nearly pulling the IV out of my arm. Yet I find the knowledge that it’s just me and my immune system versus infections a little disheartening. The Infectious Disease specialists at the hospital have told me that with the type of infection I have/had, the bacteria may very well still be hiding inside my body. Nonetheless, lab tests and physical symptoms will most likely be normal. If these antibiotics weren’t completely successful, it could be weeks, months or even years before it resurfaces. Or never. Who knows? Only time will tell, and we’ll deal with any issues as they arise. Until then, we’ll just hope for the best, and move on with life.
Speaking of moving, I am up and about on my prosthetic legs once again.
Greg and Chef Irvine of the food network exchange their favorite recipes
The surgical sites from January have healed, and I feel pretty darn good. We had to remake the prostheses for a better fit which has helped considerably. I walked every day this past week, logging over a mile on the legs in three days time. While that may not seem like much, it is by far a personal best. Perhaps the most surprising and pleasing thing, has been the lack of any additional pain. In the past, even short walks would put me in enough discomfort to keep me up at night. That was in large part due to the infection. So far this week has proven great progress in my recovery, of which I seek to build upon in Maryland…
Yes, I wrote Maryland. The time has finally come for me to leave Texas! I have received orders from the Army to be reassigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD (Lets just call it Walter Reed). The move back east has been in the works for a long time, as we had been waiting for all the major procedures to be completed. At Walter Reed, I will be able to continue my recovery with similar care and no breaks in treatment. The big difference will be the much closer proximity to family and friends. Please note my new mailing address below as I have signed a lease to a new apartment in Chevy Chase, MD, only 20 minutes from Walter Reed. In just ten days (19 March) I will depart San Antonio. My girlfriend Summer and I will be driving to Maryland (with my cat “Boo” in the backseat), where I officially report to Walter Reed on 25 March.
While I will undoubtedly miss my friends and the 70 degree winter weather here in San Antonio, this move is a wonderful thing. If for no other reason, this relocation will signal an end to this chapter of my life. A period in which nearly two years have passed, often times with more downs than ups. I look forward to leaving the pain, the surgeries, and the struggles behind. Yes, there are certainly more obstacles ahead, but I will hopefully be able to approach them with a fresh mindset. Until next time from Maryland, thanks for everything you do for me.
Greg
GREG’S ADDRESS HAS CHANGED TO:
4440 Willard Ave, #429
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
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Great news! I heard you weren’t feeling that great. I asked my friends to send you cards! We’re getting closer to getting you to Kauai!
…keep up the good work!
This is such good news, moving to Maryland is great and being without such severe pain is even better. I am so happy for you and hope the family can get to see you more often and get to know Summer better.
Much love,
Mary Elizabeth
Bravo, Greg! Wishing you great adventures ahead!
We are so proud and happy with the news of your recent update. Our prayers continue and they seem to be working wonderfully. We send our very best to you and Summer!
Greg, Thank God this is a long time coming, and like you say, a new chapter in your life. I am glad this will open better opportunities for you as well as for your friends to visit you more often, We’ll plan to pay you a visit in the near future, I’m working at the VA only about 3 hours from Walter Reed. See you soon. Tim, Ann and TJ Quinlan
Great news Greg. Great to hear about your progress with your walking and happy to hear about your move to the east coast. Look forward to seeing you again soon.
G
Lookin’ good, Greg! Can’t wait for you to be back in Maryland!!
Love,
Jules
Greg, Great news! Will keep praying for you & your recovery.
Greg,
That is great news about going to Walter Reed. It is also great news about your prosthetic legs and how you have been able to get around on them. When you get back there I might look you up as I might be doing some business close to you. I have the whole congregation at Greenwood Community Church in Greenwood Village, CO, praying for you.
God Bless,
Bob DeMonbrun
Great! Bob & I will come down to visit you after you’ve settled into your new place. Love Aunt Helen
Greg,
So glad to hear you’re moving to MD closer to your family and friends. Your strength has been so inspiring. Thank you for keeping us all posted. One of these days, I hope to run into you (maybe with Dan!) and since I don’t see myself in MD for a little bit, by the time I do see you, I imagine you with all kinds of mobility. You mentioned prosthetics in one of your posts, here’s to hoping some smart little engineering tech guys will team with doctors and make huge advances in your favor sooooon!
All the best,
Ouja
Greg,
That is great news that you are headed to Maryland! Safe travels and all the best to you. I’ll be in touch.
Rita (from Loyola)
Hi Greg,
In March, I gave blood for the first time, with your Ball and Chain post in mind. I am doing it again in June! Thank you for the inspiration. I hope Walter Reed is treating you well.
Erin Justad