Dear Paddlewisers: Just wanted to let you know I was released from hospital yesterday, exactly three weeks from when I was first symptomatic with severely painful invasive streptococcus A infection. Unfortunately, 3 to 7 persons in 3,000.000 develop necrotizing fasciitis (also known as flesh-eating disease) with Vancouver Island experiencing a much higher percentage than normal. The good news is my family was spared, my life was spared, my leg was spared, and the portion debrided by the surgeons only extends from the ankle to the knee (albeit with a hefty 5" wide, 1/2" deep, margin). It was touch-and-go for a few days. While that is a fair bit of one's leg to loose, its all along the inside of the leg with no loss of my calf muscle (in the end, yeah!) or ankle tendons. Once I learn to walk again and toughen up the skin graft, the significance of the above is that I'll be able to retain my Nordkapp's gas-peddled rudder-controlled system (rather than buy a Mariner :-)), while the bottom portion of my leg (unaffected by the surgery) will comfortably rest on the inside bottom of the hull - within the tight confines of the cockpit. Throw on my wetsuit over my new leg pressure garment (have to wear it for two years - uh, the garment, not the wetsuit), and away we go! Probably no more bailing out in log-infested storm-surge for me now, but that may be a good thing. Surprizingly, my spirits never suffered once. Many things in life are not within our control, and lying in a bed immobile for the past three weeks with an IV line pumping penicillin almost directly into my heart, proved that (difficult for a guy like me, busy and always able to push harder when the going gets tough - who stayed home with unimaginable pain and fever for the first three days before seeking definitive medical help - a huge mistake. Talk about patterns in one's life). But we can control our attitude and response to bad situations and suffering, so we do retain a kind of control by staying positive, even if were not responsible for the outcome. I never stopped trusting my Creator, even through the nasty complications of nearly uncontrollable atrial fibrillation due to high toxin levels with a pulse of 180 for days, with numerous attempts at cardioversions (I'm still heavily medicated and will require an ablation procedure). The latest copy of Sea Kayaker Magazine (especially Peter Bray's matter-of-fact article) kept me motivated in hospital. While the whole episode in emergency and then in-patient hospital played-out like a re-run from the TV series "Touched By An Angle", my love of sea kayaking and my spiritual relation to nature in that context, had already predisposed me to accepting every day as a gift in a universe of marvel, mystery, and magnificence. I still look forward to my first paddle of the New Year (missed a New Year's Day paddle with Kirby Stevens and friends due to the very fortunate and timely admittance to hospital that day), and find myself a bit emotional with other painful complications from surgery as I write this, looking forward to getting back on the water. I leave you with these words from Thomas Traherne (a Celtic Saint who lived from 1637 to 1674), with apologies and deference to my non-religious Paddlewise friends: "You never enjoy the world aright, till the sea itself floweth in your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens, and crowned with the stars...till you can sing and rejoice and delight in God...you never enjoy the world." Doug Lloyd - back safely from a different kind of storm, thankful to those who sent cards and positive thoughts. Iits been a "slice" :-) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
On Sunday, January 20, 2002, at 2:56:59 PM PST, Doug Lloyd wrote: > Dear Paddlewisers: > Just wanted to let you know I was released from hospital yesterday, Welcome back Doug! It's a great relief to know that you've survived this terrible ordeal. Your healthy spirit, as always, is an inspiration. Melissa -- PGP public keys: mailto:pgp_keys_at_gmx.co.uk?subject=PGP_Keys_1&Body=Please%20send%20keys *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Thought I'd mention that I'm still in LA - I bought a new van to replace the one that burned up (http://www.onwatersports.com/van.html), and am accepting a shipment of a couple of Kajak Sport boats. Then I am going to drive back to Port Townsend in March or April, and hopefully visit and paddle along the way. I guess I'm mentioning it to see if anyone is interested or has a great idea on a place to paddle. I've also been going through major physical therapy for shoulder impingment - has anyone else had it? I got over it once, redid it, and now have a whole new series of exercises to do to strengthen the muscles that got weak while I was gaurding, etc. It takes a lot of patience and time. If people are interested, I'll try and post some of them. I also got a digital camera (mostly for xmas) and am excited to make movies of people's techniques for them to take home. I tried one out on my dog in Hollywood - since I don't have any kayaking footage yet on digital - http://www.viewit.com/Viewit/SuciaHollywood.mov. That's about it then! Andree ________________________ Check it out! http://www.viewit.com/ http://www.onwatersports.com/ Both updated with new links! *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com I still look forward to my first paddle of the New Year (missed a New Year's Day paddle with Kirby Stevens and friends due to the very fortunate and timely admittance to hospital that day), and find myself a bit emotional with other painful complications from surgery as I write this, looking forward to getting back on the water. I leave you with these words from Thomas Traherne (a Celtic Saint who lived from 1637 to 1674), with apologies and deference to my non-religious Paddlewise friends: "You never enjoy the world aright, till the sea itself floweth in your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens, and crowned with the stars...till you can sing and rejoice and delight in God...you never enjoy the world." Doug Lloyd - back safely from a different kind of storm, thankful to those who sent cards and positive thoughts. Iits been a "slice" :-) Welcome back Doug you have been missed! I am praying you continue to recover and re-enter the cockpit on your Nordkapp soon. I have had my own health trials and it is amazing the perspective it gives life. Godspeed and good paddling! -- MZ *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Ok Doug, you've won. I don't think that there is another kayaker out there who has paddled bigger waves or a more dicey storm than the one you just conquered. I'm really glad to hear you are back amongst the living and am eagerly awaiting a trip report for your first paddle of 2002. Steve Holtzman *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 02:56 PM 1/20/02 -0800, Doug Lloyd wrote: >Dear Paddlewisers: > >Just wanted to let you know I was released from hospital yesterday, >exactly three weeks from when I was first symptomatic with severely Good to hear they turned you loose. Hang in there! -- Wes --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wes Boyd's Kayak Place http://www2.dmci.net/wesboyd/kayak.htm Kayaks for Big Guys (And Gals) | Trip Reports | Places To Go | Boats & Gear --------------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Doug, I just hope you're going to be in shape for that Columbia Bar explorer we have planned! =:-o) Glad to have you back!!!! steve Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe N 45º 39' 47" 250 NE Tomahawk Isle Dr. W 122º 36' 16" Portland, OR 97217 Web: www.aldercreek.com Phone: 503.285.0464 Email: aldercreek_at_qwest.net *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Doug, It is good to see that you are okay. I remember how kind you were to pass on to me that old mag clip about Klepper paddling in Alaska and our phone conversation a year or two back. Also thanks for all the hairy tales of your extreme adventures albeit...they were only extreme in the conditions not in your level of preparedness. Sorry to see you laid up with such a horrendous malady. Luckily for you, you are a fairly beefy fellow (form your fotos) to begin with and so ... Imagine Twiggy having your ailment and losing as much as you have! :-) (The Twiggy reference no doubt ages me!) Glad you are back and in good spirits. Canadians are always wonderfully upbeat. I know. I have been married to one (an Albertan) for, god, 40 years this coming June!!! carinos, ralph diaz *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Doug Lloyd" <dougl_at_islandnet.com> > confines of the cockpit. Throw on my wetsuit over my new leg pressure > garment (have to wear it for two years - uh, the garment, not the Pressure garment? Hmmm... sounds like you'll be able to add some high-g manoeuvres to your paddling repertoire. Good to hear you're back!! Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
ralph diaz wrote: > Doug, > > It is good to see that you are okay. I remember how kind you were to pass > on to me that old mag clip about Klepper paddling in Alaska and our phone > conversation a year or two back. Also thanks for all the hairy tales of > your extreme adventures albeit...they were only extreme in the conditions > not in your level of preparedness. Thanks ralph for the note regarding preparedness. I was going to back off anything too extreme this year in deference to my family and body which isn't getting any younger. I think those who practice karate understand this concept with respect to honoring one's body: as the body grows older, karate students move to higher levels of orchestrated maneuvers so as to minimize potential injury. Speaking of preparedness, my brother-in-law joined the CG Auxiliary, and now gets to chase down kayakers in distress. We had a big blow just before Christmas, and two intermediate paddlers had taken out a new female paddler. They were blown off-shore and were in trouble big-time. Inappropriate apparel also was noteworthy. He really had a hard time understanding the mentality (he's actually ruined Christmas dinner in the past berating me too - but always conceded my prep levels).. > Sorry to see you laid up with such a > horrendous malady. Luckily for you, you are a fairly beefy fellow (form > your fotos) to begin with and so ... Imagine Twiggy having your ailment and > losing as much as you have! :-) (The Twiggy reference no doubt ages me!) > > Glad you are back and in good spirits. Canadians are always wonderfully > upbeat. I know. I have been married to one (an Albertan) for, god, 40 > years this coming June!!! Well, I was a bit of a wimp in my last post. I hadn't slept a wink due to extreme chest sidewall pain. After two nights of it (my first two nights after discharge) I finally headed to emergency (I'm getting better at seeking help) and spent the day with the CT scanner looking for blood clots. I'll be there the rest of today too. I'm still looking forward to the first paddle of 2002, and will definitely be seeking the help of friends at first. Thanks for the interest, and sorry for any complaint. Compared to folks with brain injuries, cancer, infections of hip joints, the folks I heard crying through the night in the burn unit, or the folks in Victoria that lost limbs, lives, male reproductive organs, etc., I survived very well indeed. > carinos, > > ralph diaz May the wind always be at your back, Doug *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Bob Denton wrote: > To a fellow Nordkapp paddler who has always reminded me: "Same boat, > different sport", I wish you a speedy recovery. How did you get hit with > this nasty bug? Too much cold water and adrenaline? Was it water borne? Sorry for the slow response -- I'm just dealing with some post-op challenges. As far as Streptococcal fasciitis, as a public service to Paddlewise, I'll briefly mention my thoughts. My wife had a severe Strep-A throat infection for a number of weeks and was on a regime of antibiotics. She reinfected and got sick again. We had the whole family throat swabbed at our insistence. My daughter was a carrier but non-symptomatic. My wife again, and now one of my daughters went on antibiotics. At the same time, I had a bad case of athletes foot from wet weather cycling to work. My wife also has a skin graft on her foot from previous cancer, and it split from too much walking. Strep-A germs were leaking from her foot. Put two and two together. Some kind of mutegen got into my foot, and the rest is, well, flesh under the bridge. One fellow who lost his private parts had a daughter with Strep-A throat infection. He had a small pimple on the inside of his thigh. In his case, the issue would appear to be air-borne. Other folks were infected while gardening through a small finger cut, so who knows. Certainly personal hygiene can make some significant difference, and I would highly recommend a lot more attention be paid to washing one's hands much more frequently with warm, soapy water (antibacterial soap isn't necessary). We are becoming religious about it now. As far as back country paddling, I would recommend a bit more of a civilized approach to personal hygiene, good small wound management (at home too), and certainly take that VHF radio so you have some contact with the outside world. An emergency locating device might also come in handy. NF can move at 3 cm per hour. Seeking medical attention quickly can be the key to surviving (as with a number of different infections). Do not, whatever you do, ignore an area on your body that has a disproportional amount of pain if fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms are present; or, especially if you have had or have been in close contact with someone with Strep-A. In my case, I was miss diagnosed with cellulitis at first. But fever spikes hitting 39 at 40 Celsius in the ER got me admitted on Tuesday, Jan 1st. I first got sick on the Saturday night. I went to a clinic on Sunday, but they missed the symptoms and gave me a shot for a severe migraine. My headache was so severe from fever and toxins, and sweating episodes while being as cold as I've ever been in my life, along with delirium and ankle pain that prevented walking, including red streaks to my groin, eventually led me to the ER. They delayed treatment until the Friday, which was rather silly. If the bacteria got into my blood, it could have been lights out. They were also talking about removing my leg because the infection extended all the way to the groin. The CT scans were not showing gas bubbles under my skin, and the raw area by my ankle was moving too slow for a correct diagnosis. The leading NF specialist in western Canada pulled me off antibiotics and said I'd be home in a few days recovering from simple cellulitis and strep infection in my leg. I got upset with him, and lay back, fully accepting my fate. My flight or fight response I usually use in kayaking turned to a relaxation mode, and I left it in God's hands. The new weekend surgeon came in to see me late that Friday, took one look at the leg, put me back on penicillin, and ordered the microbiology team in for 1:30 am. As soon as he walked into my ward and I saw the older, well experienced surgeon, I knew I has been saved. I was transferred to CCU then ICU then went through two surgeries to remove the growing black bacteria under the skin. Bottom line: Scissors wins over paper (i.e. the infectious disease specialist's credentials). Also, everyone's physiology is different. My ability to keep the NF from spreading in a normative pattern almost worked against me. > > > I hope you're back on the water as soon as possible. Thanks Bob. This will be my last post on this non-paddlewise topic. I will send the list my recovery technique for stretching, as it has broad based sports appeal, in the next day or so. Doug CU2 > > > Cya! > > Bob Denton *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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