Winter 2022-23 Update
Sprinty's original plan was to spend the winter in Florida as in recent years. In the last blog post, we shared that Kris hurt her right shoulder playing golf in St Mary's, GA in November - the same shoulder she had pain with last summer. The same shoulder she had been going to physical therapy for last Fall. Hurt enough she could not raise her arm, triggering concerns for a torn rotator cuff.
Upon contacting the orthopedist, a MRI was scheduled. The MRI confirmed a torn rotator cuff. Kris had rotator cuff surgery in December - exactly one month from the injury. Turns out the damage was worse than the MRI showed.
On the way home in March for another of Kris' checkups, a car passed us with the Michigan prestige plate "GONALOT". We both thought it could easily describe our wanderings.
In January 2022, over a year ago, we signed up for a 63-day caravan to Alaska with Adventure Caravans, the same company we did the Lewis and Clark caravan last year. The caravan starts on 2 July in Great Falls, MT and finishes on 2 September in Prince George, British Columbia.
As our time in Florida neared an end, we ramped up preparations for Sprinty to make the trip to Alaska and back - purchasing new shocks, turbo intercooler hoses, preparing to replace the chassis battery (which is 8 years old), etc. And purchasing things like Thermocell mosquito repellent and other accessories for the Alaska trip. Sprinty even made a reservation with the Mercedes spa for a peace of mind checkup for the planned adventure.
The plan was to return home in early April, and in a few short weeks, finish getting Sprinty ready for the Alaska adventure, with a target departure date as early as May 1st.
However, in mid-March, a new development emerged. Similar to the medical developments Kris and Darrell experienced, maybe Sprinty would not be going to Alaska this year after all. In fact, many plans are being reworked.
Deets in the next blog post.
Upon contacting the orthopedist, a MRI was scheduled. The MRI confirmed a torn rotator cuff. Kris had rotator cuff surgery in December - exactly one month from the injury. Turns out the damage was worse than the MRI showed.
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| Preparing for surgery |
Like many who experience rotator cuff surgery, Kris lived and slept in the La-Z-Boy recliner for the next couple of months.
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| Christmas Day |
Upon getting the stitches removed, we headed for Florida sans Sprinty (and weeks later than we expected) as Kris could not drive. Sprinty was winterized for the first winter in years.
While in Florida, we made two trips back home for followup visits - 10-hour drive each way for a 15-minute appointment. She started physical therapy in January, and continues with PT. During our quick visits home, we checked on Sprinty and took him for a spin.
To add to the challenges, Darrell broke a 28-year old crown in late-January which resulted in having the tooth extracted. During the extraction, the dentist perforated the sinus getting the upper molar tooth roots out, resulting in Darrell being on light duty for almost two months.
Many of our usually activities in Florida had to be modified. We were able to attend the Tampa RV Show.
While in Florida, we made two trips back home for followup visits - 10-hour drive each way for a 15-minute appointment. She started physical therapy in January, and continues with PT. During our quick visits home, we checked on Sprinty and took him for a spin.
To add to the challenges, Darrell broke a 28-year old crown in late-January which resulted in having the tooth extracted. During the extraction, the dentist perforated the sinus getting the upper molar tooth roots out, resulting in Darrell being on light duty for almost two months.
Many of our usually activities in Florida had to be modified. We were able to attend the Tampa RV Show.
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| Shopping for replacement recliners |
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By March, Kris was able to share the driving.
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| Look mom, no sling |
In January 2022, over a year ago, we signed up for a 63-day caravan to Alaska with Adventure Caravans, the same company we did the Lewis and Clark caravan last year. The caravan starts on 2 July in Great Falls, MT and finishes on 2 September in Prince George, British Columbia.
As our time in Florida neared an end, we ramped up preparations for Sprinty to make the trip to Alaska and back - purchasing new shocks, turbo intercooler hoses, preparing to replace the chassis battery (which is 8 years old), etc. And purchasing things like Thermocell mosquito repellent and other accessories for the Alaska trip. Sprinty even made a reservation with the Mercedes spa for a peace of mind checkup for the planned adventure.
The plan was to return home in early April, and in a few short weeks, finish getting Sprinty ready for the Alaska adventure, with a target departure date as early as May 1st.
However, in mid-March, a new development emerged. Similar to the medical developments Kris and Darrell experienced, maybe Sprinty would not be going to Alaska this year after all. In fact, many plans are being reworked.
Deets in the next blog post.
I wish both of you better health and continued recovery from the shoulder surgery and dental issue.
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