One year ago today....

[KeliJean]

I had brain surgery.

As I lay in the critical care unit of Johns Hopkins hospital, I wondered what the future would bring.

I started exercising 12 years ago, when I lost 50 pounds. Last year, I began to have problems with balance, vision, and hearing. My right leg became weak. I was diagnosed with a rare brain condition, and was admitted to the hospital for surgery.

After the surgery, I could barely walk. With the help of my physical therapist, I graduated from holding onto walls, to a cane and crutches. Some days I crawled around the house. Sometimes I just lay on the floor and cried. The doctors hinted I should apply for disability. Months went by, and I became weaker. I lost muscle and gained weight. I started to feel depressed, as my once active life was gone.

Then on the internet, I found a group of video exercisers, and they were talking about Cathe. So I started lurking here in September 2002. I was so inspired by all of the posts, that I dreamed of getting better, and I was filled with determination to succeed.

Maybe I could lift weights? I could not do cardio then, but I started with Power Hour and never looked back. At first, I could barely do the warmups (with no weights). Following Cathe's excellent instruction, I concentrated on my form and balance. Soon I became stronger, and with each workout I progressed a little more. Weight training with Cathe changed my health, and gave me back my life. After 5 months, I started back to work part-time, and then slowly worked into full-time.

I'm 40 years old, and now I exercise for my health. I've learned to listen to my body each day, and decide what is best. Nutrition, exercise, and rest are the key to good health for me.

I am still struggling with many things, but Cathe said it's all about how you choose to react to stress.

I remember a few weeks after surgery last year, I asked my husband to bring me to the cemetary for Memorial Day, and I fell down on my grandmother's grave.

But now, if the world starts to spin, I can smile.

Because now I'm strong, and I won't fall again.

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...1031&members=1

[getnfit@39]

Hi KeliJean,

What a wonderful story of courage and overcoming adversity, WOW!

I'm speechless at this moment, I guess because it seems we're always wanting to work out to become leaner, or lose weight, or our thighs jiggle too much, and we forget that for some people there is a bigger purpose for working out. What a hero you are, and you should be so very proud of how far you've come!
Thank you for sharing your very personal story with us. And you look terrific, I saw those poses! :)

Donna

Fitness~ It's a journey, not a race!

[Runcrazy]

Kelijean,
Yours is an amazing story! Your strength and determination left me awestruck - and you did it one step at a time.

You are a true inspiration and role model! Thank you for sharing your story and pictures - you looked great!

[dsa3]

AMAZING!!!!! Here's to your Great Health!:-)

[Stargazer]

Wow KeliJean, You look terrific! What an amazing success story. You are really an inspiration. -joy

[cathe4me2]

Thank you KeliJean for sharing your success with us. You have come a long long way in a very short time! Your pictures show the results of your painful journey. I think that a positive outlook or as Cathe says 'its all how your handle stress' as you mentioned, helps the body to heal.
And you have had amazing results with that kind of attitude. As Joy mentioned in the above thread....you are an inspiration to all of us.

[jodilynn]

That is totally awesome-thank you for your story!!
You are a total hero!! That is totally great.
Keep up the great work!

[KeliJean]

Thank you all so much for your kind words! It really means alot to me!!

THANKS!
:-)

[susanz]

Thank you for sharing your story with us. You truly seem like a very strong person both mentally as well as physically. You look GREAT and I wish you continued success in all you strive for....:) Susan

[Connie1]

KeliJean,

I have tears in my eyes just reading your post for the first time! I am so happy for you. I know Cathe is the best kept secret, but I'm glad you found her!!

Connie