2022 Goals & Aspirations

 2022 is already off to a busy start! I have already created my list of goals & aspirations for the year, as well as picking a word(s) of the year. My word(s) of the year are: fearless & confident. 

I’m looking forward to traveling this year and spending time with family & friends. My focuses are: mind, body, spirit & finances. Things I would like to improve this year are my finances, paying down debt & losing weight. This year I will…push my limits! 

Goals for this year: 

-Lose 35+lbs

 

-Workout 2-3x’s/week

- Pay down debt

- Discharge private student loans 

- Miles4Hips projects

- Ski trips

- Pushrim racing 

Aspirations 

Career: 

- Miles4Hips: Increase resources & info; Attend Intl. Hip Symposium 

- Artwork 

- PA school: take pre-reqs & deficiencies 

Finance: 

- Pay down debt (~20k); Goal to pay 1k per quarter

- Increase savings 

- Private student loan discharge (~84k)

Health:

-Workout 2-3x’s/week 

-Lose 35+lbs

-Pushrim racing 

-Adaptive skiing

-Wheelchair basketball

Relationship

-Go out on dates? 

-EHarmony? 

Leisure 

- Ski Trips (30Jan - 5Feb); (24-28 Feb)?;  (12-16 April)? 

- Hogwarts (Wizarding World) over spring break w/Eloise & Michael 

- Disney World 

Personal/Spiritual Growth 

- Weekly journaling 

- Daily Prayer

There are my goals & aspirations for this calendar year. I keep them in my Cloth & Paper mini HP planner, so that I have something to reference on a daily/weekly basis. It helps keep me on task and able to accomplish my goals by the end of the year or adapt/update them so they can be accomplished. 

A Well Planned Life

 A well planned life… Does that even exist? Is that an illusion we try to make through time management, planning, planners, etc.? I would like to think of it as organized chaos. And my favorite way to do that is with planning and using planner systems. It’s what’s helped kept me focused through rehab, set goals, journal, and plan out all my appointments and rehab sessions. 

My go-to company to use for favorite products is Cloth and Paper and I will list out the items that I use in my planner. I use an A5 size planner which a guide of sizes can be found on C&P.com. My planner keeps my life organized.  I have: 

   - Contoured 6-Ring Agenda, A5, black leather OR 

   - Quilted 6-Ring Agenda, A5, black leather 

   - CEO Side tab planner dividers, glass plastic, white foil

   -2022 Monthly cover dashboard set 

   -2022 Dated planner inserts, vertical weekly, Monday start 

   -2022 Year Overview Inserts 

   -2022 Half page monthly inserts 

   - Task inserts

   - Half page task inserts 

   - Task delegation inserts 

   - Cornell style note inserts, 2nd edition

   - Wishlist tracker inserts, 2nd edition

   - Purchase tracker inserts, 2nd edition 

   - Bullet journal dot grid planner inserts 

   - Journalling inserts 

   - Activity tracker half page inserts 

   - Crystal Clear inbox planner dashboard 

   - Glass plastic page marker 

   - Admin planner packet folder, rose 

   - Frosted page lifter 

   - Dashboards, assorted 

   - Zebra Sarasa dry airfit grip rollerball pen, clear black, 0.4mm

   - Uni Pin marking pen, 01 

   - Assorted stickers & sticky notes 

My planner & fitness planner w/ new goodies purchased through C&P

Finding a planner system for you can be very personalized. There are ring-bound, disc-bound, spiral-bound; different layouts; different start days, etc. I prefer a 6-ring, A5, black, contoured leather planner with a vertical, Monday start layout. Although, C&P came out with a new horizontal layout for 2022 that’s a Monday start and I played around with it and really liked it and switched for the next calendar year. It’s a bit more functional for my needs. I’ve been using it in my HP mini since this summer and it’s worked wonderfully! 

Planning for me is more than just scheduling. I do that as well, but I also plan financial business, set goals for the year and coming years as well as set smaller goals for the weeks and months of the current year. I journal my thoughts at the end of the week to have a monthly synopsis of what I’ve done both positive and negative. I keep wishlists of different items and for different people as well as track my purchases to help keep my budget on track. Still working on keeping my budget on track though. lol I also keep notes of projects I am working on for my non-profit, Miles4Hips, and any ongoing tasks that I need to accomplish for that. I keep track of notes for my art commissions as well. 

I recently added a disc-bound system to my routine which is the HP-mini size. It’s the perfect size that can be carried with me in my purse for notes, shopping lists, doctors notes, schedule, to-do lists, etc. It’s a great compliment to my A5 desk planner. It also has a small contoured leather cover from Cloth & Paper. What I use in it is: 

- Contoured agenda cover, small, black leather 

- Girl Gang side table planner dividers, glass plastic, white foil

- 2022 Monthly cover dashboard set 

- 2022 Dated planner inserts, horizontal weekly, Monday start 

- 2022 Half page monthly inserts

- Undated daily planner inserts, refreshed layout

- Duo notes inserts

- Executive notes inserts, dot grid, 2nd edition

- Task inserts

- Mental wellness inserts

- Mental download inserts

- Home refresh & renovation inserts 

- Packing list inserts

- Daily itinerary inserts 

- Half page graph inserts 

- Crystal Clear inbox planner dashboard 

- Glass plastic page marker 

- Credit card holder, side loading, crystal clear, HP mini 

- Dashboards, assorted

Planning is a great way to coordinate your life, but shouldn’t be your whole life. It shouldn’t be only planning and never doing or living. So, remember to enjoy something in everyday, wake up with a positive mindset, get out and after what your passionate about doing. And if you have questions about planning, leave a comment and I will be glad to help you out! 

 

Adaptive Ski Trip Feb 2021

 

In February of this year I had the privilege of going on a ski trip with an amazing group of fellow veterans  to Crested Butte, CO for some adaptive skiing at the Adaptive Sports Center . It was my first trip in nearly a decade that didnt involve anything medically related with doctor appointments or surgeries! It was an amazing and unfamiliar feeling!! 

 We where out there for 7 days, flew in on a Sunday and back out the following Saturday, so we got a full 5 days of awesome powder. We stayed at the ASC, 1 level below that rooftop deck pic. They have an entire adaptive floor for housing and then you just take the elevator to the lower level in the mornings to put on the equipment and ski out to the lift line. It had absolutely incredible views of the mountains; made it hard to come back to the city and all the concrete.

 We went through our local veterans sports group associated with Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana or RHI They procured a grant for us all to go which covered our entire trip!                               

I participated using a device called a sit ski or bi-ski bc it has 2 skis underneath. There is a monoski with just one ski option as well. I started with a bi-ski bc it was my first time adaptive skiing and it offered a bit more stability. The next time I go, I am definitely jumping into the monoski and hitting the slopes! I want to get proficient with the monoski, learn to get on/off the lift by myself and just have fun shredding it down the mountain is the ultimate goal. 

I would love to compete as well in downhill and GS or giant slalom as a dual-sport athlete for Challenged Athlete Foundation or CAF. Right now I am a sponsored for wheelchair racing, but would love to add a winter sport into the mix. 

We had an amazing 5 days filled with skiing and powder action. After losing the ability to run I never thought I would find a sport I would love to do as much until I found adaptive skiing. Just flying down the mountain with the wind in your face; it didn’t matter that my legs didn’t work properly bc the ski gave me freedom. It was such an amazing feeling. A feeling I could repeat everyday and it never get old. I had found my sport. 

I spent a little bit of time learning the basics and fundamentals so that I was a proficient sit-skier. I had 2 instructors with me everyday teaching me and helping me load and unload from the lift so that everything was a safe as possible. I learned so much from everyone and every single person I met was so nice! By the end of the week I went from the bunny hills to going down the blue runs (intermediate) from never having used an adaptive ski at all. I can thank so much of the progress on great instructors! It really was a trip for the memory books and that I’ll cherish forever! 

Our group w/ ASC instructors 

 

It’s Been A Minute From My Last Post & Practically a Whole New Person...

 It’s been more than a minute since my last post and a world of change has occurred. Since my last post, I have had over a dozen more surgeries, countless hospitalizations, dozens of procedures and injections, endless doctors appointments and physical therapy sessions. The biggest change of all that has occurred was that during these surgeries I had a right total arthroplasty that got infected ultimately costing me my entire right hip and subsequently my proximal 1/3rd of my femur. It’s left my right leg 3.5” shorter than my left leg and it nearly impossible to walk without assistance. So, I use crutches for short distances and a wheelchair for everything else. 

It took me a long time to grieve what I had lost and to get to a place that I was at peace with my new body and limitations. Ive come to a place that I know that I won’t be getting a new hip and to keep attempting to try for one is just the definition of insanity. I was tired of constantly having surgeries, recovering from them, complications, infections, antibiotics, PICC lines, central lines, etc., etc. It’s the first time in nearly a decade I dont have a surgery planned on the horizon and its the most amazing and unfamiliar feeling. I actually took a vacation this past winter that didnt involve a medical appointment or surgery. 

Skiing in Crested Butte, CO. 

I have decided to not let my limitations hold me back from what I want out of life. I want to go back to school to study medicine to become a Physician’s Assistant or PA. I also just became a sponsored adaptive athlete under the Challenged Athlete Foundation - Operation Rebound in wheelchair racing. And I plan on becoming a dual sport athlete so in winter I do adaptive skiing in downhill and giant slalom. I am an Auntie to 3 amazing nieces and a nephew. And my best friend is pregnant with a little boy and another nephew for me. I can’t wait to spoil him rotten along with the other littles. They range in ages from almost 8 years old to newborn. 

 Grandpa w/ Eva, Ryker & Eloise 

Parker 

I never thought that I would find myself in this position in my life, but I also wouldnt change it. I have amazing family and friends. I have a wonderful medical team. I work with a great nonprofit, Miles4Hips( Www.Miles4Hips.com) and I get to help others with hip dysplasia via my PAO facebook group with co-admin Mary. I also pay it forward to others my sending out PAO bracelets in which PAO stands for Persevere And Overcome. PAO is also the initials of the surgery used to correct hip dysplasia. It feels good to help others or just lift their spirits. 

The "Pain" Patient

An open letter to the President and Members of Congress...

There have been growing discussions about the "opioid" crisis in the United States resulting in even stricter guidelines for those who prescribe and take opioid medications. The CDC, FDA and DEA believe that their usage does not outweigh the potential risks, not to mention the increasing numbers of addiction issues and overdoses every year. However, making it harder to access these crucial medications are the last resort for many people. People who use opiates illegally will continue to do so, making it that much harder for current physicians and patients who do utilize these medications appropriately.

As a pain patient, there is already a large stigma against us regards to receiving care for pain
management. We are often viewed as "drug seekers" or "addicted" because we need opioids to control such severe pain. I am only 28 years old, but have endured 24 surgeries with a majority of those being in the last 5-6 years alone. I am currently facing 1-2 more surgeries in the near future. I need narcotic medication to control severe pain and to allow me to even function on a limited level. I have a rare, connective tissue disorder that effects everything from dislocating joints, poor healing, frequent and severe infections, nerve damage and even heart valve leaks to name just some of what I endure. Narcotic medication is only part of my medical care. I have been and am a continuous patient in physical therapy trying to strengthen and maintain my body as much as one can as their body breaks down around them. I also have a spinal cord stimulator that helps in managing a chronic and severe pain condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome, where even the lightest touch can make you feel as if your body was lit on fire. I take nerve medication, undergo injections, take NSAIDs and am a compliant patient in regards to my medical care. But, I need narcotic medications to allow me to heal from surgery, continue my therapy and be able to function, even in a limited context.

Reading through the new guidelines the CDC proposed in regards to limiting opioid usage broke my heart. I do believe those with addiction issues need help and a great emphasis on mental health needs to be made, but not in the place of pain patient needs. Physician education should also be a larger role than what was advised in caring for patients with chronic needs. As a current pain patient, I am subject to random drug screens (which I have to pay for), random pill counts, one pharmacy to fill my prescriptions through and must keep my doctor informed of ER visits or any other doctor, such as my orthopedic surgeons, who may write a prescription for narcotic medication. I have been a fully compliant patient and have not broken or abused the already stringent process needed so that I may receive pain treatment. Adding more guidelines doesn't necessarily solve the overall issue, but it will make the job for the physicians who still write opioid prescriptions harder and it will cause a greater burden to patients who already have to fight for everything. For patients like myself, a trip to the dentist is even a larger ordeal than most because my genetic condition causes an issue with local anesthetics where it makes them ineffective or you need a larger dose than recommended for even temporary relief. It makes surgeries and already difficult treatment that much harder. Adding more roadblocks is an undue burden we should not have to carry.

Chronic pain patients are much stronger than the public gives us credit. We are able to smile through the pain, when all we really want to do is cry. Despite being at a level of pain which most other people would curl in a ball and quit, we have to keep pushing. We do not "want" to be like this and if we could trade receiving pain medication for the condition that causes the pain, we would without hesitation. When considering how to help those with addiction issues, or any mental health issue, please do not also forget about those of us who need these medications as well...

LPAO 8 Dec. 2015

I am currently 16 weeks post-op from my left hip surgery Dec. 8th, 2015. My left hip surgery included an open surgical dislocation entirely through an anterior approach, labral reconstruction with allograft, acetabuloplasty, femoral osteochondroplasty and LPAO. It made for a long day and I was scheduled for about 6 hours. We where concerned with pain management due to the EDS and CRPS. The EDS makes locals and blocks ineffective or wear off much quicker than in the average patient. The docs decided on a lumbar plexus block, spinal block, iliacafascia block with On-Q pump and local anesthetic for the initial first few days post-op. We later learned that the On-Q pump catheter was kinked for the first 2 days in the hip dressing which contributed to the inability to control post-op pain. Dr. Swann even called me the night before surgery to check on me and answer any last minute questions that I had.

The OR was a very busy place between Dr. Swann, the anesthesiologists, nurses, tech reps, etc. It made the process more nerve-wracking then I expected. Originally, the pre-op imaging showed only some labral fraying, but after Dr. Swann was in the joint and the labrum, we where very glad that we planned to have a graft as a back-up because it was completely destroyed. Had we waited much longer for surgery, the left hip would not have been able to be salvaged. Swann was able to reconstruct my labrum, smooth out the femoral head and socket as well as correct my LCEA to 35 degrees. It was a long surgery, but everything was able to be accomplished.

I spent 5 nights in the hospital. Dr. Swann came by every morning to check-in and if he didn't stop in again in the evening he would call or text to check in on me. He placed a woundvac on my incision because of my history, but prior to discharge the wound care nurse decided to change the bandage without consulting with Dr. Swann. Not only was he furious for changing his dressing without notification, but the nurse ended up putting on a dressing that was contraindicated. Dr. Swann advocated for me and made sure the nurse was reprimanded for her behavior. The dressing ended up excoriating my skin leaving it scarred and feeling like my skin had been ripped off. Swann even made a house call that weekend because I was having so many issues with the woundvac and dressing and he didn't want it to wait till the week.

It didn't take too long after the woundvac was removed that my wound re-opened. Not the first time it happened, but I needed up with a different woundvac and a home wound care nurse to help close the incision. I ended up with severe nausea and feeling miserable for the initial weeks post-op. I was so miserable that my protein levels dropped dangerously low. We where unaware that the levels where that low until the wound continued to  re-open and the pain increased. By nearly 4 weeks post-op the wound dehiscence was worsening despite the woundvac, I was miserable with increased pain and felt so sick.

Dr. Swann re-admitted me to the hospital on Jan. 3rd, 2016. I had a hip aspiration done the following day with Interventional Radiology to check for an infection based on my symptoms and history with  infections. After the hip aspiration I went to the OR for Dr. Swann to clean out and re-close my incision. That is when I found out about the low protein levels and had to really increase my daily protein intake or the healing process would continue to be severely compromised. I was 4 weeks post-op and there was no sign of bone growth up to that point. The day after surgery I was sent back down to Interventional Radiology to have a PICC line placed. Although my cultures for infection came back negative, my protein levels where so critically low that I had no immune system and would need strong antibiotics (Vancomycin) to prevent any serious infection as I further recovered. The PICC line and IV antibiotics would be used for at least 4 weeks along with the woundvac to make sure my incision healed and prevent infection or further complications. I spent 4 nights in the hospital before being discharged to go home.

At my 6 week/2 week post-op appointment I was doing a lot better and the x-rays showed some progress in healing with some actual bone growth. I had even lost weight since my LPAO. Those would not be the only road blocks that I would face during recovery. By 10 weeks post-op, although there was a little more bone growth I had developed an inferior pubis ramus fracture. By 12 weeks post-op, the bone growth didn't seem to be progressing as well and what was a stress fracture was quite a visible fracture on x-ray. Dr. Swann prescribed a medication called Forteo that is used to treat osteoporosis, but had been studied and shown good results in healing fractures and non-unions. Unfortunately, insurance denied a prior authorization and 2 appeals by Swann and we are not able to pay the $4,900/mo. for 2 months that I would need the medication. During my 14 week follow-up we did further x-rays that showed minimal healing progress. I would remain on both crutches till 22 weeks post-op, increase my Vitamin D intake and continue to fight insurance for coverage of Forteo. If healing continued with minimal progress, then Dr. Swann would want to further discuss adding additional hardware to stabilize the fractures and promote more healing. Also, because it took 15 weeks for my incision to completely heal, he would not want to re-open a large incision due to my poor healing and would use a guided wire to percutaneously place more hardware to stabilize the fracture sites. To date, I have lost 30lbs since my LPAO. I will also see Dr. Swann again in 2 weeks to check on my bone healing progress. Fingers crossed for significant improvement!!!

The Season of Sports

Fall is not only the season of sweaters, boots, and pumpkin lattes, but the season of SPORTS! The past few years I have grown into a bigger sports fan than ever before. Following sports, especially while recovering from many surgeries has been a fun outlet.


Over the past 3-4 years I have really gotten into pro hockey with the Chicago Blackhawks being my favorite team. I have watched the last 2 of their most recent Stanley Cup Championship wins and am routing for a back-to-back win this year! The first time I watched them win the Cup I was in the hospital for large parts of that summer. Watching them play became a great escape and cheered me up on many low days.

I am also a huge fan of football. Indianapolis Colts are my hometown football and it was the first time I got to see a pro football game live. Living in Indianapolis for over ten years now, experiencing the era of Peyton Manning and winning the Super Bowl was a huge highlight and so much fun to be fan in the city. I grew up watching and routing for the Green Bay Packers because my parents where born and raised in Wisconsin, but Indy became MY team.

I love watching college sports, especially football as well and it can be even more exciting than pro football. I was born and raised for the first part of my life in Arkansas. University of Arkansas is my dad's Alma Mater and home to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Woo Pig Sooie! Growing up with an SEC (best division) and all the excitement and enthusiasm of southern sports is on a whole other level than I have ever experienced. Everything is bigger, including the bands, elite cheerleaders, dressing up for the games to rivalries and celebrations. Although I may live in Indiana, I will always be a southern girl at hear routing for my Razorbacks! WPS!

The other college team I follow and cheer for is the United States Military Academy or better known as West Point. Being former Army and from a military family I love supporting West Point and Cadet/Athletes! I would love to be able to see a game a Michie Stadium and seeing an ArmyNavy game is on my bucket list as well. Go Army! Beat Navy!

I am also a huge fan of watching the Olympic Games, both summer and winter. I am very excited and looking forward to the Rio 2016 Games! Gymnastics is my favorite sport to follow at the Olympics and I tend to follow the major gymnastics meets throughout the years. This year's Worlds where incredible! There is so much talent. I plan on being glued to the tv for the duration of the games trying to watch as much as I can