Waterskiing

After many failed attemps, I finally discovered a system of holding on with one hand and pushing off one thigh to tuck and get vertical. I was yelling and laughing so hard I fell soon after.

On the slopes

I went down-hill skiing in March! I cannot express with words how wonderful it was to go fast at something, anything...going fast is something this thrill-seeker stuck in first gear has surely missed. I was a little awkward walking in the boots, but then after a few runs, muscles loosened up and I was doing the blue trails!

Finally

CK is down a bit more and I am officially in the normal range at 224.
I have not seen a lab printout without an H for High next to CK in 3 1/2 years.

One Year Later - Strength Comparison

CK Down Again

CK is 252 (38-234 is normal)

2 Years ago it was around 8,000

Now we can start tapering the 10mg Prednisone and hopefully get off it altogether.

One Year Later

As one year has past since my treatment, I can only look back in amazement at how much has changed. I not only have regained strength, energy, and independence, but rediscovered happiness.

One year ago, I was struggling to get off the ground, could barely make it off a chair or up the stairs. I could not lift my neck, cross my legs, put my arms over my head, lift my son, walk without a stick, or go through a day without a nap.

Today I can do all of those things and more. I have jumped back into life and our big news is, after 2 years of waiting, our daughter has finally joined our family. We traveled to Ethiopia to bring her home in late July. Yes, I traveled and all was fine. She is proof that anything is possible if you don't give up.

Thank you to the family, friends, and strangers who helped me through. All is not perfect, but little by little we are getting there. When you lose so much, gaining anything at all seems like a miracle.

Please pass along this treatment to others who are suffering with auto-immune conditions to see if they qualify.

Cheers to a Happy Holiday season and a Healthy New Year!

Normal

Closer to normal once again..
CK is down again to 306! (Normal is 38-234).
Still noticing small changes in strength. Bending from the waist to touch the floor and up without pushing off legs. Pulling Graham in the bike trailer, carrying baby and groceries up the stairs...."yes we can"...