SharonAnne9x23 Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 (edited) I have not shot since the 2004 Open Nationals. I have a chronic pain condition from abdominal adhesions (scar tissue). In March 2005 I had abdominal surgery to release the adhesions and repair a blocked large colon. I had reached the point where I felt like shooting again when I suffered a compression fracture of the T-12 vertabrae while at work in late March 2007. The procedure to repair it was successful but I acquired an MRSA infection in the bone. Two emergency spinal surgeries later, two months of my life I cannot remember, and I wound up in extended 'care'. I was losing 5 lbs a week and kept asking to have blood work done. No deal. Only when I was so weak I could not sit up and in so much pain I screamed if I tried to sit up, did they call 911 and another spinal surgery. Five months among hospitals, rehab, and extended 'care' before I finally went home, in a wheel chair. I have six vertabrae fused, T-10, T-11, T-12, L-1, L-2, L-3. I cannot bend at the waist and am on total disability. My primary physician told me I could never work my old job, RN on a telemetry unit, ever again. Now, Feb, 2010 and I can walk short distances with a cane. The pain is constant and we have maxed out the amount of narcotics I can take. We are investigating a Spinal Cord Stimulator for pain control. If all goes well it can be placed in January 2011. I will complete my 3 year course of antibiotics on the end of July 2010. I miss pistol shooting so much. Practical shooters are the best people I have ever met. At the Hemisphere Shoot in 2000 I had the good fortune to be squaded with the Womens Super Squad. Lisa, Kay, Doni,Julie, Gabrielle Kraushofer,Barb Sumrall and Kays' hubby, some guy named Jerry who shot a revolver very well.I was a total unknown to them but they made me feel very welcome and were wonderful fun folks to spend a match squaded with. In 2004 I shot way badly and had gun trouble too so I had the 'honor' of finishing second last in Open. Even so I would be back every year if I could. Maybe by the fall of 2010 I can try shooting locally. My old home club of Rio Salado has a lot to offer. Good luck to all and I miss you all so very much. SharonAnne USPSA L2387 Edited February 26, 2010 by SharonAnne9x23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigpops Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 There is a saying my wife and I share together often - "God only gives us what we can handle" That being said, you are a special woman. I hope to meet you on the range someday...perhaps the Nationals!? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OpenShooterGirl Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 SharonAnne, My prayers are with you that your recovery will continue to progress so that you may find joy in shooting and other activities again. We have a young man here in town (he's about 30) who, after several failed attempts are getting some help, was successfully fitted with a Spinal Cord Stimulator in early December of last year. Almost immediately he felt relief and today, just 2 months after the procedure, he's like a new person and can run and play with his kids! My prayers for you are that you experience similar success. Hang in there and know that others are thinking about you, Susan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted February 25, 2010 Author Share Posted February 25, 2010 There is a saying my wife and I share together often - "God only gives us what we can handle" That being said, you are a special woman. I hope to meet you on the range someday...perhaps the Nationals!? Hi Bigpops. Yes God only gives us what we can handle. As Mother Theresa added, " I just wish He didn't have so much faith in ME!" Thank you. Perhaps we might meet at the Nationals. I will be the one with the cane! Blessed Be SharonAnne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted February 25, 2010 Author Share Posted February 25, 2010 SharonAnne, My prayers are with you that your recovery will continue to progress so that you may find joy in shooting and other activities again. We have a young man here in town (he's about 30) who, after several failed attempts are getting some help, was successfully fitted with a Spinal Cord Stimulator in early December of last year. Almost immediately he felt relief and today, just 2 months after the procedure, he's like a new person and can run and play with his kids! My prayers for you are that you experience similar success. Hang in there and know that others are thinking about you, Susan Hi Susan. Thankyou. I am hanging in since there is no other choice. It does get hard to do on the days when my day is dominated by watching the clock, waiting for the next time I can take my "break-through" pain meds. Like today. It sounds funny to think of 'young' as being 30. I remember when I thought it was old. Now I am frightfully close to twice that. It would be wonderful if my SCS works as well as it does for the young man of your acquaintance. If it does I can return to Nursing in some form. In spite of the pain and the disability, the worst thing for me has been that I am no longer a Nurse. I truly loved my work. I understood from it how people can say they found their 'calling'. I certainly did. I said Nursing is not what it did, it is what I AM. I AM a Nurse, or I was. Maybe someday again. I truly appreciate all thoughts and prayers. I DO believe in the power of prayer. I believe it is the only thing that pulled me through. Thank you Susan. Blessed Be SharonAnne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 Best wishes for your improved health. I can't imagine going through what you have endured. God Bless You! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jadeslade Posted February 25, 2010 Share Posted February 25, 2010 It's probably good you don't remember. My heart goes out to you. There is some je ne sais quoi quality about the shooting community as well as the kindness to include, lend gear, and a sympathetic ear when things are really not going well. Hope to see you at Nationals in 2010. Hang tough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted February 26, 2010 Author Share Posted February 26, 2010 Best wishes for your improved health. I can't imagine going through what you have endured. God Bless You! Thank you Sarge! I gratefully accept all prayers and blessings. Blessed Be SharonAnne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted February 26, 2010 Author Share Posted February 26, 2010 It's probably good you don't remember. My heart goes out to you. There is some je ne sais quoi quality about the shooting community as well as the kindness to include, lend gear, and a sympathetic ear when things are really not going well. Hope to see you at Nationals in 2010. Hang tough. Hi Jadeslade. I am hanging though not so sure about how tough. 2010 is out of the question. I cannot walk far enough to do one good field course. Maybe 2011 Blessed Be SharonAnne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
99gski Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 SharonAnne, So sorry to hear of the troubles you have had. I hope to see you shooting on the range as fast as you can, but thought I would pass on a link as well. I know it's not USPSA/IPSC, but the NRA has a disabled program: http://www.nrahq.org/compete/disabled.asp I suggest you get in contact with Vanessa Warner - disabled-shooting@nrahq.org. She has done a lot to make this program grow. She may have some suggestions of matches in your area to get you some trigger time again. Sending my very best, Julie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyZip Posted February 27, 2010 Share Posted February 27, 2010 Sharon, The girls and I will send out prayers to you tonight befoer we hit the sack, and make you a regular on our list. May you heal well and feel better too. God Bless Sharon JZ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jadeslade Posted February 28, 2010 Share Posted February 28, 2010 Maybe you could just come out to Rio during Superstition Mountain 3 Gun and hang around the shack for a few hours. Taran is good for boosting your spirits. Vic Pickett , too. And the Drakes. And everybody. You have a goal now-2011, maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glockcomma Posted February 28, 2010 Share Posted February 28, 2010 (edited) SharonAnne I don't know you from Adam but I bet the cane thing would be kind of a tip off. It sucks when bad things happen to good people, it makes you wonder what the big scheme is. You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep, the friends you have on this forum and in the shooting community speaks volumes. You'll be in my prayers. Tim Edited February 28, 2010 by Glockcomma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPatterson Posted February 28, 2010 Share Posted February 28, 2010 As another Michigander deserter I hope you get well soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pat Miles Posted February 28, 2010 Share Posted February 28, 2010 SharonAnne, Don't ever, EVER give up! Yes, you might have to back away from things you once enjoyed in life but you never have to give up the hope and desire to do them again at some point. You have many, many friends here, including many you have never met such as me, who are praying for your recuperation and return to shooting and a way of life you are striving for. Keep your chin up and NEVER GIVE UP! Press on regardless! CYa, Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted April 1, 2010 Author Share Posted April 1, 2010 Yes! Press on regardless. Damn the mosquitoes!!!!! Huh?!? What ice bergs? Where? Oh darn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Lord Gomer Posted April 1, 2010 Share Posted April 1, 2010 Your wonderful attitude is inspirational. Thank you and good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 (edited) hello all. It has been a while since I last posted. I am getting around somewhat better. I even drive myself to my Dr. appointments! I am wiped out when I get home but it is good for my spirits. There are so many "can't dos'" that it is good to find something I "can do". The end of my oral antibiotics was pushed back to the end of October. I was approved for my lumbar MRI with anesthesia; all the admission paperwork was done over the phone and the date was set. The day before the MRI the Hospital called to say my approval had expired the day before so my Pain Dr. had to re-apply. I have the new approval in hand (three months later) MRI with and with contrast, with anesthesia. Later this morning I will call the hospital to get a new date to get it done. Another hoop to jump (crawl) through on the way to a Spinal Cord Stimulator! I look out the window at our '07 Harley 1200 Sportster with less than 1000 miles on it and just sigh. Perhaps I will be able to ride again some day. oh, one more thing, I FINALLY am getting my nails done again. They made us take them off at work in the hospital, and then with my illness and recovery time, it has been SIX years since I had them done. It feels SOOO good! Many thanks to all for the prayers and for all the interest shown to me. Practical shooters are the BEST! Blessed Be SharonAnne Edited September 22, 2010 by SharonAnne9x23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted September 22, 2010 Author Share Posted September 22, 2010 (edited) ooh ooh I forgot! We got a puppy! She is a 'Miniature' Australian Shepherd. In this case the 'miniature' just means not as big as the full size Australian Shepherd. The last time She was weighed She was 35 pounds. The 7 year old Papillon my step-daughter left with us can stand upright under her belly. She is mostly black with white and orange highlights with a white collar. She is quite a pretty pup. I have to be careful around her. If she knocks me down it will be a big production getting back up. Anyway it is fun having her around. Blessed Be SharonAnne Edited September 22, 2010 by SharonAnne9x23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JThompson Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 (edited) ooh ooh I forgot! We got a puppy! She is a 'Miniature' Australian Shepherd. In this case the 'miniature' just means not as big as the full size Australian Shepherd. The last time She was weighed She was 35 pounds. The 7 year old Papillon my step-daughter left with us can stand upright under her belly. She is mostly black with white and orange highlights with a white collar. She is quite a pretty pup. I have to be careful around her. If she knocks me down it will be a big production getting back up. Anyway it is fun having her around. Blessed Be SharonAnne Sharon, Continued prayers for recovery and being pain free.... You have been on the forum long enough to know you can't post about this or that with PICTURES! Best, Jim Edited September 22, 2010 by JThompson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murkish Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 God bless you, Sharon. I hope that if I ever have to face the trials like you have been through, then I can face them with your grace. Kindest regards, Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flexmoney Posted September 22, 2010 Share Posted September 22, 2010 Keep at it! maybe I should get my nails done? Sounds like you really enjoyed it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted April 7, 2012 Author Share Posted April 7, 2012 Hello Practical Shooters! It has been a while. Kyle, I do enjoy getting my nails done and having them long and looking good. I am not sure how your buddies would take it if you were to get yours done but what the heck, life is short, do what makes you happy. I have had my Spinal Cord Stimulator in place for over a year now. At first I was using it incorrectly. Previously I had a TENS unit and I had the most relief when I turned it up as high as I could stand. However, with the SCS this is exactly the opposite. I was causing myself more pain. The substitute programmer who set mine up needed remedial training. When my regular programmer got back from vacation he told me how to use it. The right way is the LOWEST setting you can feel. Oops! The leg and lower back pain is pretty much controlled. It is odd how when one pain goes away you get more aware of others. My feet still burn so walking is a short distance thing as well as standing. We have been decreasing the narcotic amount I take and we have hit a road block. I originally went on Methadone over 10 years ago to control the severe abdominal pain from adhesions. They are basically scar tissue where you don't need it. They can pull organs out of place and block bowels. In 2 weeks I will have a nerve block to see if it will help reduce the abdominal pain. I will keep you updated. In 4 weeks I have the followup for the procedure and my medication refills. I am going to a pain management clinic and part of the program is you must see your Doctor or in my case my RN Nurse Practitioner, to get another month supply of narcotics. I also have to do a urine drug screen every month. They must monitor drug levels to be sure you are taking your meds and not selling them. I heard one Vicodin sells for about $40 'on the street'. What I take makes Vicodin seem like a baby aspirin. If I didn't need it I could make a fortune if I had such illegal leanings. At the same time I will have my SCS tech reprogram it to see if we can get more pain relief in my feet and abdomen. So, I keep on keepin on. It has been 5 long years since I last worked and 7 since I last shot. I continue to hope that I will return to do each of them again, Nursing at the skill level I formerly demonstrated and practical shooting as the token 'busted up ol' fart'. DVC SharonAnne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted April 8, 2012 Share Posted April 8, 2012 SharonAnne, My thoughts and prayers are with you. What comes to mind is that you are a fighter and I believe one day you will be back on the range without the cane. God Bless. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SharonAnne9x23 Posted April 8, 2012 Author Share Posted April 8, 2012 Thank you Ron. I have many goals and being on the range minus the cane is one of them. The support I feel from those on this forum is heart warming. Perhaps I can get out to the next major match at Rio Salado. The cane will be the giveaway. Many thanks everyone. Blessed Be SharonAnne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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