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Apologies to all   

Posted by LennytheB - Jan 20, 2015 - 1:00pm
It has been quite some time since I posted here and for that I apologize. I've been going through some health issues lately and thanks go to my sister, HelenofJoy, for keeping you apprised of my progress. As most who care already know, I contracted an infection of a flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio Vulnificus.
 There are three types of vibrio with vulnificus being the most devastating.  Of those who contract it, 50% will die.  Of the rest, 70% will lose one or more limbs.  I got mine by eating raw oysters, but seafood is not the only carrier.  Just plain water can do you in if you have a cut or scrape and get wet with infected water.  Many beach goers contract it through wading or swimming, and there was a girl here in Georgia (well away from the sea) who contracted it while zip-lining.  The zip line broke and she fell into a mountain stream.  She ended up losing all four extremities. So, all in all, I was extremely fortunate.  Not only did I not die, I managed to keep all my extremities, though I lost a good bit of flesh on my right foot and lost the use of the three smallest toes, at least they are still there.
After over twenty years in the Army, a case of stage 4 gall bladder cancer, and melanoma, I've had my share of brushes with death.  This one, though, was the most debilitating and not something I'd ever want to go through again, nor wish on anyone else.
I am now almost fully recovered, though still way below my ideal weight.  I am back on the motorcycle and will soon resume riding with the Patriot Guard Riders (standing a flag line is not possible right now), and my lovely wife, JoAnn, has made me retire so I'll have more time to devote to that wonderful organization. 
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers, I am sure they played a role in my survival.

LennytheB
16 comments on this journal entry.
FourFortyEight

FourFortyEight Avatar

Location: The Dirty South


Posted: Feb 14, 2015 - 7:05pm

So excellent.
Coaxial
Shine On.
Coaxial Avatar

Location: 543 miles west of Paradis,1491 miles east of Paradise


Posted: Jan 24, 2015 - 7:17am

Yeah, I'm glad they were good but I know they were your last. Scary, what you went through, and it could have been so much worse.{#Cheers}
LennytheB
Patriot Guard Rider
LennytheB Avatar

Location: beyond the 7th sun


Posted: Jan 23, 2015 - 9:02pm

Alexandra..you just don't know, lol
LennytheB
Patriot Guard Rider
LennytheB Avatar

Location: beyond the 7th sun


Posted: Jan 23, 2015 - 9:01pm

i gotta tell ya....the oysters were the best i've ever had!!!  Too bad they'll be last raw ones ill ever have.
miamizsun

miamizsun Avatar

Location: (3261.3 Miles SE of RP)


Posted: Jan 22, 2015 - 4:58am

{#Good-vibes}
MsJudi
She knew it was time to exceed herself.
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Location: Houston, TX


Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 9:31pm

Go, you!! {#Hug}
Alexandra
Living with passion
Alexandra Avatar

Location: PNW


Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 9:25pm

So glad you keep kicking death's ass!
oldviolin
ab origine
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Location: esse quam videri


Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 3:29pm

{#Good-vibes}
Steve
Jump!
Steve Avatar

Location: Around My Corner... and Up Yours


Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 10:38am

Excellent news on the recovery!
Coaxial
Shine On.
Coaxial Avatar

Location: 543 miles west of Paradis,1491 miles east of Paradise


Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 6:18am

Excellent you survived! Were the oysters good?
lily34
i need a bogle for my glotch.
lily34 Avatar

Location: GTFO


Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 6:02am

fantastic! welcome back.
helenofjoy
What Day Is This?
helenofjoy Avatar

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska


Posted: Jan 21, 2015 - 4:24am

{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananasplit}{#Bananajumprope}{#Dancingbanana}{#Bananapiano}{#Motor}{#Jump}  You go Bubber Hay!  See you soon Baboon! {#Hearteyes}
ScottN
We're all riders on this train
ScottN Avatar

Location: Half inch above the K/T boundary


Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 9:24pm

{#Clap}  {#Good-vibes}  {#Cheers}
geoff_morphini
Soft on the inside
geoff_morphini Avatar



Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 8:22pm

All the best to you!
BlueHeronDruid

BlueHeronDruid Avatar

Location: planting flowers


Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 4:34pm

Glad to hear you're riding again! For me, that's the sign of your recovery!
Antigone

Antigone Avatar

Location: A house, in a Virginian Valley


Posted: Jan 20, 2015 - 3:31pm

{#Good-vibes} {#Motor} {#Cheers}