December 22^nd, 2006

Happy Holidays! 

I’ve been slowly rehabilitating my knee and gradually regaining my strength.  Everyday, I celebrate the tiniest successes.  Walking on a treadmill with minimal pain, walking down a flight of stairs without holding on to the railing for dear life – things I struggled with only weeks ago.  I am humble and undoubtedly grateful!

“Perseverance allows you to get back on track when you hit a detour”. - Catherine Pulsifer

Have a Happy, Healthy & Safe Holiday Season and until your next visit,

Stay Healthy!!

Angel D.

August 1^st, 2006

We can only be Thankful! 

Thanks so much to all the friends and fans who have kept me in their thoughts and prayers and continued to send me their well wishes.  I am home from the hospital now and definitely on the road to recovery. 

I had never heard of Rhabdomyolysis ( and could barely pronounce it! ).  But I learned quickly as I experienced the "text book" symptoms.  Rhabdomyolysis is the severe breakdown of muscle tissue.  Severe cases of rhabdomyolysis often result in a condition where the myoglobin from muscle breakdown spills into the urine;  this condition can cause serious kidney damage and in some cases kidney failure. The injured muscle also leaks potassium, leading to hyperkalemia, which may cause fatal disruptions in heart rhythm. How you ask?  For me,  two days of too much training, not enough food, water or rest!

Over the next four weeks I must continue to have blood work done weekly ( which is especially bad news for a needle-phobe like myself ) and have arthroscopic surgery done on my knee to address my torn meniscus.

Although I'm disappointed about not being able to compete yet this season, I can only be Thankful that for the most part I am now healthy and am expected to make a full recovery.  This strange but true reality check has reminded me that we are blessed everyday to be able to do the things we do!

Until your next visit,

Please, Stay Healthy!!

Angel D.