I received a telephone call from St. John's College of Nursing last week indicating that I needed to schedule an appointment to meet with an academic adviser and to take the HESI entrance exam. As the school is 3 1/2 hours away from me, I inquired into the possibility of taking the test locally with a proctor and perhaps conducting a telephone conference.

The response was a deliberate NO.

The trip was schedule with my husband's support. He would drive me to Springfield on Monday evening and I would take the exam Tuesday morning. The meeting with the academic adviser would immediately follow the exam's conclusion.

Watching Sunday evening's weather report was a disheartening experience. A cold front enveloped the Springfield area and freezing rain was expected. By Monday morning, the situation was much worse and the town froze beneath a blanket of ice.

What a predicament.

So, I called the school only to discover it had been closed for the day due to inclement weather.

"But, I'm scheduled to take a test in the morning. Will I still be able to do that?"

"I don't know."

"What would you recommend I do?"

"I don't know."

I discussed the situation with my husband and we agreed to make the trek.

The closure we got to Springfield, the nastier the weather. Freezing rain clung to everything. Icicles pulled on tree branches until they gave way. Although it was pretty, I was filled with dread. Had I made this trip for not?

After getting some dinner, my husband and I snuggled down in the hotel room. The rain continued throughout the night.

Early the next morning, I turned on the television and learned St. John's had canceled all classes for the day and the building would be closed until 12:00pm. No longer faced with a rush to arrive by 9 am, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast followed by an adventure around town. By 10:30 am, we parked at the mall. I quick called the school to determine its status. It was still the same.

Shortly before noon, we headed toward the building. There was a sign posted on the door which indicated that classes were canceled and all other inquiries were to ring the bell. So, we rang the bell. The woman who came to the door was unable to provide any information as to what I should do. Obviously, there was no examination that morning and there would be no meeting with the academic adviser that afternoon. No one was available. A second woman came to the door and informed my husband and I that we should have called before coming.

We were faced with a long drive home. And...it was a long, long drive. My husband was irritated with the whole situation and that made for unpleasant company.

The next morning, I telephoned the school to determine a course of action. After explaining what had happened, I was told that I should have listened to the radio or watched the television before driving all that way. --We don't get Springfield stations in Leavenworth.--
Not wanting to argue, simply wanting to schedule the test and meeting, I chose to not inform her that I had called on the previous Monday, watched the television on Tuesday and called on Tuesday. I tried to convince her to allow me to proctor the exam locally. That was again, a definite NO.

--I wonder, what do the folks coming from a more distant location do? Are they expected to travel to the school to take a standardized entrance exam? Apparently so.
I just hope that next week, the weather holds out and that I am accepted to the school. It would be such a bummer if I jumped through all these hoops only to be denied acceptance.

Off crutches

At 5 weeks post-op, I was finally allowed to walk without crutches. PHEW! Thank goodness. Those things are a giant pain in the patooty.

I had my 5 week check-up with the doctor and he explained that week 6 is when the graft is at its weakest. He then told me I'd be in the brace for an additional 3 weeks, weather permitting. If we keep getting snow/rain/ice and conditions remain slippery, then I'm to stay in the brace longer. I can understand that. It doesn't mean I'm happy with the information, but, nonetheless, I'll tolerate it.

So, I have 2 more weeks in the brace and just three days ago, we got about 7 inches of snow. crap. That snow accumulation canceled school and physical therapy for the day. crap.

Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy winter and love winter conditions. What I don't like is being put behind in my recovery and education. Come on, already.

Anyway, two weeks ago in my Health Assessment class, we had to use our stethoscopes and listen to lung sounds. Because I didn't have my stethoscope, I volunteered to be my group's patient. However, when I got home, I volunteered my husband to be my patient. Unfortunately, he wasn't very. Soooooo, I looked around the house and called for my dog.

"Here, Sydney. Come to momma."

She did. Sucker.

Her lungs sounded pretty good and her heart sounded strong.

I quick pulled out my cell phone and sent a text message to my classmate, Christina.
I wrote that my dog had good resonance and good lung sounds.

She wrote back that her dog did too. How funny is that?

So, when I went out to visit my horse, I was so very tempted to take my stethoscope. The only reason why I opted not to was because I knew she would be covered with mud and I didn't want to get my stethoscope dirty.

Stitches Are Out

I had the sutures removed and I returned the ice water pump. I still have wound dressing and ace bandages under my brace, which I must wear for the next 5 weeks. Yuck.
The best part about this whole thing has been the parking.

Under the brace, the ice water pump, ace bandage wrap, and sterile dressing is this mess.

The incision is where the surgeon removed my tendons from my hamstrings. That is what hurts the most; the graph. My knee feels fine. My leg is killing me.


This is Henry, the luckiest cat of all time. He needed to come visit me in the bed.

Narcotics Continue

Here I am in bed. I've spent a tremendous amount of time there. Notice the crutches. Those things are a HUGE pain in the butt. The only upside to having to use them is the fabulous abdominal workout that is required to operate them.
I would also like to point out my super cute nightshirt. My kid, the redhead, gave it to me for Christmas. Thanks Jordan...You're A-okay, my buddy.

The Surgery Is Over, Let the Healing Begin

I am eager to get going at this point. The sooner my knee is rebuilt, the sooner I can get back to my active lifestyle.



Life is still good. My IVs have not yet been put into place. The first attempt was extremely unsuccessful. No, I take that back. It was a PERFECT example of what NOT to do. The nurse pushed the needle straight on through the vein. The back of my hand began to swell and I could clearly see that something was definitely wrong. Shoot. Ray Charles could have seen that something was wrong. So, a second nurse came in and put an IV in my other hand. Very successful. Goodie. However, the just prior to the inserting of the lead line, blood spurted out all over the floor. Lucky for me, I didn't actually see the fountain. I saw the puddle after the fact.



Here I am immediately after surgery. I am feeling no pain. Don't I look good?



Kelly.....wake up....
Huh? Wha?



Back home. I don't even remember having this picture taken. I'm still looking good, though. Hahahaha...it is to laugh.

The Midwest Had an Ice Storm

This past week, the Midwest suffered two days of ice and freezing rain. It did cause damage to trees (broken branches) and downed power lines. Several thousand people were without electricity for a few days. Most folks had power back within two or three days.

Our house and our immediate neighborhood were relatively untouched. We did not loose power nor did we suffer broken limb damage. The big tree in our front yard lost two branches. When they fell, they dropped straight into the yard and did zero damage. We were much better off than many, many people.

Many broken tree branches collided with houses doing tremendous damage. Many trees suffered more than a loss of just a few smaller limbs. The huge maple tree four blocks away is quite literally half of its former size. It broke straight down the center of its trunk. I was sad to see it go, but on the bright side, somebody will have plenty of firewood next year.

In spite of the damage the storm brought, I thought it was beautiful.

Guess Who Has a 4.0

The results are in...I am a super study nerd and proud of it!

There were a few interesting questions on my final exams. More than once, I said to myself, "What?" and "Uhhh, burrito?"

Apparently I did well enough on my final exams to maintain my grade in the course because grades are officially posted and I earned myself an A in Anatomy + Lab, an A in Physiology, and an A in Microbiology.

With my A from my summer course, Child Development, I'm sitting pretty.

I'm almost finished with my general education required classes for nursing school. So, when the spring semester begins, I'll be taking Medical Terminology, Nutrition, Pathophysiology, and Health Assessment. If I can keep my grades up, I think I'll be good for acceptance into the nursing program at St. John's College of Nursing in the fall.

Guten Tag

Last night, Mona from Freienhagen, Germany, called. She mentioned that my blogging has been laking of late. So, Mona, Guten Tag. Wie gehts?

Today is the last day of regular classes. I have two lectures today: Physiology (human reproduction) and Microbiology (continuing immunology). My Anatomy class, which normally follows Microbiology, is an optional lab. As the weather outside is frightful and at my house, the fire is so delightful, I must go, I must go, I must go. Actually, the weather guy said that after 3 pm today, we are expecting crazy snow. Okay, he didn't actually say "Crazy Snow." I don't believe "Crazy Snow" is a proper meterological term, so I am paraphrasing here.

This coming Wednesday, day after tomorrow, is my final exam day for Microbiology and Anatomy. Friday will be the day for Physiology. I'm confident that I will do well in all of my classes. I currently have an A in each class and expect to maintain my grade. I still have a bit more studying to do on HIV and the endocrine system. Other than that, I'm not too stressed.

I still have chapters to write for my novel. I requested an extension to the end of December and they graciously agreed. Once exams are finished, I have to focus on my fictional world.

Still to come is my knee surgery. That's on the 27th of this month. So, techincally, I don't have to the end of the month to finish my chapters. I really only have until Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, I informed my husband that I am ignoring holiday decorations this year. As I am the one who decorates and put everything away once the holiday has been celebrated, I decided that after surgery I will not be too interested in wrestling decorations in a full leg brace and medicated. I think he was a bit disappointed, but he didn't protest to much. I'm thinking that I'll get a live poinsettia and it will be our tree. That way clean up will consist of tossing a dead plant. It's festive and easy clean up. Ho, ho, ho, in the trash it will go. Although, I DID get out my fabulous Christmas bear last night. The cats are fascinated by it.

This morning, I am meeting my girlfriends for an All You Can Eat pancake breakfast. The price is right....$2.00. YeeeeHaw!

Tschuss.

Turns out, Nacy's Grade Was Better

After continued inquiries into the scores of the tossed exam, I discovered that Nancy had done better than I. She earned herself a 72%.

The next exam on the heart was much better. I earned myself a 98%. Much more appropriate and reflective of my awesome study skills. It's true, I am a super study nerd.

The results of the micro test weren't as good as I had thought. I thought I had done better than a 92%, but I'll take the A, no matter.

Today is my anatomy exam on circulatory, lymph and respiration systems. I'm feeling confident about the material. Hopefully, he doesn't bring in some question from way out in left field.

There isn't much time left in the semester. Frankly, the only class that I'm ready to be finished with it physiology. I could study anatomy every day. I like it. Micro just grosses me out. I've learned too much about nasty communicable diseases. Thank God I have a functional immune system. Even then, there are some virulent creepy crawlies out there that can still do some major damage even with a high speed immune system. And to think.....people continue to practice poor hygiene. Yikes.

The Tossed Exam

Last Friday, I took a physiology exam that covered muscles.

When I walked into the classroom, I was extremely confident that I knew the material. Unfortunately, as I read the questions, I began to wonder if I had studied the correct chapters. Shoot, the correct text book, for that matter.

Let's just say the test was...in a word...RUDE.

Other students were just as numb as I was. One student actually approached the instructor and advised, "You didn't teach us any of this stuff."

To which the instructor replied, "I hope you were able to reason it out well."

I was sick to my stomach with anxiety. Come Monday morning, I didn't even want to know my score.

The instructor walked into the room and announced that the exam would be thrown out for everyone. Apparently, the scores were horrific.

Curious, I inquired into my score. It was brutal......68%

Of my peers, it was the high score.

There were lots of 50-somethings. One girl earned herself a 22%.

A 22%! There is no coming back from that. She said she should be embarassed, but it was just too ridiculous to be anything but funny.

With the test scores tossed, my grade still stands very comfortably at an A.

Official Results Are In

The Radiologist Report is clear. My knee is completely DORKED!

My tibia does have a fracture right near the epicondyle. Both my femur and my tibia have contusions which are significant enough to warrant a delay in the reconstructive surgery for my ACL, which apparently has completely disappeared. Although it would be possible to comfortably live without an ACL, provided that I did not need to move side to side or pivot, I have to have my replaced. Normally, the meniscus would be able to compensate for the lack of the ACL, however, my meniscus suffered damage and would deteriorate rapidly causing me to have that surgically repaired in the not so distant future. So, the surgeon will harvest a tendon from my gracilis muscle to reconstruct my ACL.

In the meantime, I must do physical therapy to prepare for the surgery. Additionally, physical therapy must be conducted postop in order to get my leg and knee functioning again. Surgery is scheduled for December 27th.

The biggest bummer about the whole situation is that I cannot ride my horse. CRAP!

Non-Rider at the Trail Ride

Last Saturday, Oakmont Farm hosted a group trail ride for the boarders. As I have this crappy knee situation, I couldn't ride, but that didn't stop me from visiting with my girl, Kadance. I even talked my extremely patient husband into coming and taking some pictures.


Kadance is a very loving horse. She seeks out attention and loves to be rubbed on her throat. There is a particular spot on her throat that she loves more than any other. You can obviously tell by her expression when I rubbed it. If a horse could get its back leg going like a dog does when the sweet spot was scratched, she would have been kicking like crazy.

Physiology Grades Are Back on Track

The exam on nerve cell conduction....96%. Sweet!

So, How Bad Is It?

Today was the follow up appointment for my knee. Unfortunately, I have hurt myself more than I had suspected. During the past week, my knee has gotten to feel much better. Every now and then, I move it in a particular way that reminds me that I hurt myself. The message is loud and clear.

Stairs are not my friend and my knee does get tired quickly.

It's no wonder. The Doctor said I have done some damage to my MCL. Actually, he said I have torn my MCL, probably have done damage to my meniscus and probably have injured my ACL as well. Isn't that just nice.

Now, all I have to do is wait for an MRI for clarification of damage. How about this? If I have torn my MCL, meniscus and ACL , then I'll be having surgery. If I have torn my MCL and injured my meniscus, then maybe surgery, depending on the amount of damage. If I have only torn my MCL, then I'll be in the bionic brace for up to 6 months.

CRAP!

I really don't think I have done worrisome damage to my ACL. There is probably some damage to my meniscus, but I'm hoping there isn't. I have resigned myself to accepting that I have injured my MCL.

I know this because, there was a chart on the wall in the doctor's office that illustrated knee injury with a fellow swimming using the frog kick. So, I tried it. YIKES! It really hurt. No knee rotation for me.

The worst and most sad news about the whole situation is that I can't ride horses for a while. BooHoohoooo.

Eeewww, Crappy Score.

Well, I got back my physiology exam, which covered the cell membrane.

When I turned it in, I told the instructor that I had either done well or really bad. I hoped that I would at least come away with a B.

I did. I got an 88%. My overall grade is still an A.

The test today covered nerves. Hmmm. I'll be pleased with a B on that one.

Next week, muscles. Hopefully, I'll get back on the A-train with that one.

What Happened to Kelly?

When I visited my sister for the Daniel Stewart clinic, a conversation about the trials and tribulations of me came up. My sister suggested that I have a column on the Oakmont Farm website entitled "What Happened to Kelly?" Well, pooh, I thought. Yes, exciting things do happen to me and yes, they usually involve some sort of animal, but I don't think I need to have a column focusing my adventures.

I have my own personal blog.

So, this is what happened earlier this week.

I was at Oakmont practicing with Blue for the filming of the second portion of my Parelli Level 1 test. I decided to work on mounting while Blue stood still. I had done the saddling portion and began working on bareback mounting.

Okay, so there I was...one foot on the mounting block and the other foot on Blue's back. Things were okay for a few seconds, then she decided she would play "hide your heiny." Basically, she began to scoot her behind around and away from me. In my precarious position, I was slowly being "wishboned." Had she stopped after two or three steps, I would have been fine, but no. She took several steps and eventually, I fell.

As I was falling, I thought to myself, "I really don't want to land on the mounting block. That would really be a bad thing." I leaned away from the mounting block and ended up hitting the arena floor. My right knee connected with the ground and I heard a distinct crunching sound.

Let me say this...It really hurt. To add insult to my situation, Vanessa had just dumped a big bucket of water in the arena and naturally, I landed in the wet spot. So, there I am rolling around in wet arena dirt holding my knee and trying not to vomit. I didn't even care that I was getting really dirty, that's how bad it hurt.

Eventually, the nausea subsided and the pain calmed down. Blue just stood there looking at me with her head down. Clearly, she was asking me, "What are you doing down there?"

"Thanks alot, Blue," I said to her and made my first attempt to stand.

Yikes! It hurt, but I was able to stand and sort of walk, okay, hobble. I knew I had hurt myself and there would be no way I would be able to teach the two horseback riding lessons I had scheduled for later that afternoon.

With lessons cancelled, I drove home. Good thing I was driving the truck. It's an automatic.

At home, the pain just got worse.

During the night, I had to get up to pee. The pain was very intense and I was seriously struggling to walk. My nonsympathetic husband suggested that I crawl.

By 2:00 am, I knew I would not be attending school Wednesday morning. That really chaps my behind. But, there was no way around it. Off to the clinic.

At the clinic, my first examination yielded a trip to orthopedics. Orthopedics ordered an X-ray. X-rays revealed no broken bones, possible bruising. Further manipulation of the knee resulted in lots and lots of hurting. The initial diagnosis was a possible tear to the MCL, grade 2. Treatment options would consist of a hinged brace and crutches. Medications: Tylenol 3 and Ibuprofen. Follow up in a week to determine possible injury to the ACL.

Meanwhile, I have to keep my knee elevated and I can't ride Blue. No horseback riding. That means filming is out for the weekend. CRAP. I guess it's a good thing this test isn't on a deadline.

Today is Friday. My knee is much better and I really don't think surgery will be warranted. The brace is extremely helpful and the crutches are bothersome.

My husband, well, he keeps saying that he won't take care of me if I "Christopher Reeve" myself on this horse. He pointed out that my mother's condo is not wheelchair friendly.

Baby Steps

Yesterday was an AMAZING day. Not only did I get to give tours at Red Barn Farm, but I also went out to Oakmont. That's a great thing, but the most AMAZING thing happened while I was out at Oakmont.

I had intended to ride Blue, but she was to have a lesson later, so I was told to ride Flame. Well, on my way to get Flame, I changed my mind and decided to play with Kadance. I brought her into the arena and made a big decision.

I went way out on a limb and decided that I was going to ride her.

And...I did!

She was very calm about the whole experience. It was really no big deal to her at all. I was far more nervous and excited than she was. All she wanted to do was explore the new items in the arena.

I am thrilled! I rode my girl for the VERY FIRST TIME!!

Assorted Clinic Pictures

Here is Audrey and Red rocking around the jump course.

This is me riding around. At this moment, I am concentrating so hard. Stryder is simply doing his thing.

More riding.

Here I am about to do something that I have only done once before and that was about 2 minutes before this attempt. Luckily, I didn't fall off.

After all was said and done, there was time for relaxing. From left to right: me, Daniel Stewart, and Donna. If you look closely, you'll see an outline of a saddlebred on her shirt.

Audrey and Daniel Stewart. Notice he is signing her book for the third time. Pretty soon, she'll have to insert more pages. I wish she would just go train with him.

Audrey and Red Jumping