I reread my 12.16 post and laughed.  The surgery went fine but I got e-coli from the hospital. That meant 2 more times they opened my back to scrub out the infection.  Then they put me on massive antibiotics.  Got C-Diff, then got real sick again.  911 call got me to the closest hospital and the doctor there recognized that I now had D.R.E.S.S. syndrome.  It is an extremely allergic reaction to antibiotics. Potentially lethal.  Sigh, that led to s Prednisone regiment for months.  All that meant that I did not walk or move much for 5-6 months.  No muscle mass, started walking with a walker and moved to canes, then on my own.  Was out of school from Oct to end of year.  Retired to get well.  Lost all my hair, and got dry mouth which means I have no way to fight bacteria in my mouth and lost a tooth. Had 2 stents put in my heart area. Still fighting something, not sure what, but a struggle to stay mobile.  Going for massage therapy now and some physical therapy to lead to a home exercise program. First of the year is 2 days away.  Steve and I have just booked a trip to Norway in April to May.  That will be my goal for getting back to something called normal. :)  Wish me luck.

Kathryn