Dan shares daily notes on his progress

In this blog-style article, Dan will keep readers posted on his recovery. We will keep this story updated each time Dan sends in a new report.

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Wednesday, Sept. 29

10:25 a.m.
Healing continues...but too slow. Think it is time to begin to step up on the exercise. Can't run (I have tried and it isn't pretty) but longer walks are overdue. This morning I took the dog on a walk, then thought it was time to try out the bicycle. My road bike is too unstable with the skinny tires and clip in shoes. My bike looked lonely sitting there just waiting to be rode. I think after I heal, I will do more cycling than running.

So I thought I would try my wife's Huffy. It has big tires, an ugly green color, and two very low tires. Took it to the garage, cleaned it up, adjusted the seat, aired up the tires, and took it for a spin. I'm still a bit unstable on my balance, but did a few laps up and down my street while my wife looked on.

The doctors have taken me off a few of my meds, and I feel myself getting stronger. Hoping to have the stamina to do the 5, 6, AND the 10pm newscast later this week.
 

Sunday, Sept. 26

2:50 p.m.
Took it easy this weekend. Trying to rest up for a busy week. We did take a brief trip to Weleetka (our home town) yesterday.

I have physical therapy at 8:45am, after that a doctor's appt. with the lady who runs the rehab center, then go to a doctor's appt. with my general doc. then on to work. Still wondering why my legs are swelling up so much in the afternoon/evenings. At least the weather with be quiet this week.


Friday, Sept. 24

7:38 a.m.
Had a rough day yesterday. Legs were pretty swollen by 3pm. I worked until 6:30pm. This morning they are fine, but I'm not sure what is going on. I have a scheduled doctor's appt. on Monday and will find out.

Getting ready for a morning physical therapy session. Gonna be a long Friday but plan to rest a lot this weekend.

Wednesday, Sept. 22

10:50 a.m.
Left lower leg was a bit swollen last night, perhaps I was on my feet too long yesterday. The concern is that is the area where I had blood clots while I was in the hospital. They still have me on blood thinners. This morning the swelling was down.

Had another physical therapy session this morning. Seems to me she is focused more on balance than on strength. She told me I am improving. Will try to sit more and stand less today at work.

Monday, Sept. 20

11:10 a.m.
Just made it home from my morning physical therapy session. Either I am getting stronger, or she was taking it easy on me, but this time I am not sore.

I plan on fixing lunch, ironing a shirt, and then get to work. This will be my 1st day back in two months! Will do the 5pm and 6pm then go home. Andy Wallace will do the 10pm for me tonight. I'm very excited.

Sunday, Sept. 19

2:41 p.m.
Got in a 1/2 mile walk with Miss Emma this morning. Tried to take it easy today since Monday will be a long day. Tomorrow I have physical therapy at 8:45am then will come home and get ready for work. Plan on doing the 5pm and 6pm but not the 10pm

Saturday, Sept. 18

3:56 p.m.
I cut up my wheelchair ramp today. What a feeling of power!

11:36 a.m.
Got up this Saturday morning and my wife and I took a walk. We brought Miss Emma along. There was a little fog on the pond and it warmed up quickly.

Hope to get my wheelchair ramp cut up and ready for the trash. Will do my daily exercises and try to catch some of the OU game on the tube this afternoon. Back to work Monday and I'm getting excited about seeing everyone at work and getting back to forecasting.


Friday, Sept. 17

8:03 a.m.
Heading off to physical therapy this Friday morning. I know she won't, but hope Julie, my physical therapist, takes it easy on me. Just a little sore, after working in the garage yesterday. Will try to get in a long walk this weekend.

Thursday, Sept. 16

8:50 a.m.
Hip flexor, sounds like a 70s hair band but it's becoming the main focus of my physical therapy. Julie, my physical therapist, believes it was the main culprit in some of my running issues I was having before I got sick.

This morning after my morning walk, I got on the floor and did my exercises. Worked on the hip flexor muscles, and flexibility. Now, I can knock out my exercises in about 30 minutes. Honestly, I think after I heal, the inceased flexibility and weight loss will make me a better runner. At least, I hope they will.
 

Wednesday, Sept. 15

2:35 p.m.
Had a good session of physical therapy this morning. A reporter and photographer with the Tulsa World met me there and took pictures while I was worked over. After the hour workout we went to the St. John's Health Club for an interview. Always nervous about the print media. My hope is the article is positive, and doesn't make me look like a goober.

The reporter, Cary Aspinwall, said it will be in this Sunday's Tulsa World in the Scene section. I told her the first time I plan to be back on the air is 5pm on Monday. Can't wait!
 

Tuesday,

Sept. 14

2:35 p.m.
Did my daily floor exercises and stretching, with the dog looking on. My flexibility is increasing. Most of these exercises are to strengthen the hip flexors and abductors. I think the reality is, once I heal, I will have much more flexibility. Not quite ready for a yoga class, but I do see where it would be a tremendous help for a person.

8:55 a.m.
Yesterday I convinced myself that a self-propelled lawn mower was very similar to a walker. A loud walker with a motor attached, if you will. So I decided to try and mow some of the yard. Bad idea. Didn't last too long and paid for it the rest of the day.

A reporter with the Tulsa World will meet me at tomorrow's physical therapy session to get some pictures for an upcoming story. I'll let you know when they plan to run the story.
 

Monday, Sept. 13

1:19 p.m.
Had a long physical therapy session this morning then went to the blood lab to get an update. They were concerned that the value was too low. They are still concerned about the possibility of more blood clots in my legs, so they upped the medication.

Looking forward to going back to work in one week.

 
Friday, Sept. 10

2:15 p.m.
For exercise, I started taking apart my wheelchair ramp! Don't need that sucker anymore.

7:55 a.m.
Getting ready for a 8:45am physical therapy session at St. Johns. Will get my walk in when I get home. Don't think I am ready to ride my bike yet, but will put my bike on the trainer and try to spin this weekend. That might be pushing it, but it is worth a try.

Since I will not be able to run in the Tulsa Run, I have been asked to help out with some of the announcing at the start and finish line. Will join my buddy Jack Wing, and it will be great to see some of my running friends, even if I can't run.
 

Thursday, Sept. 9

1:45 p.m.
Received my doctor's work release form today. Plan on being back at work on Sept. 20th. Will start with limited duty, but I do plan on being on the air. My mobility is improving and Bell's Palsy is slowly fading.

Dropped by the station to visit with my boss and with Julie. Severe weather overnight kept Andy there late and Julie got in around 12:45am. I don't think most people have any idea how hard these guys work. George, Julie, and Andy have done an amazing job working for me while I have been healing. I so look forward to giving them some much deserved time off. They have all earned it.

Wednesday, Sept. 8

1:03 p.m.
I had a good physical therapy session this morning. Getting stronger and walking a bit more like a human and less like a robot. Starting to have less weakness and tingling in my hands. It is slower progress than I would like, but even the Bell's Palsy is slowly leaving my face. Soon I will smile and both sides of my mouth will look the same!

Had lunch with my wife and then went home. Since it was raining, I did stairs today. Went up and down the stairs in our home 5 times then took a needed nap.
 

Tuesday, Sept. 7

4:46 p.m.
I'm driving again. A couple of days ago our neurologist said it would be okay for me to drive. Just a few weeks before I got sick, my wife and I bought a 4 wheel drive truck, and it had ben sitting in the garage gathering dust. Other than being difficult to climb up into it, it's not been too difficult. In fact it will allow me to drive myself to physical therapy and keep my wife from having to take off more time from her job.

Went by KJRH this afternoon to see the gang. Spoke with Andy in the weather center and he was fired up about the rain coming. Computer models dump a ton of rain in our area over the next 48 hours. Sure wish I was working....
 

11:46 a.m.
The morning clouds helped on my walk. Miss Emma and I did a slow half mile. I saw George's 80% chance of rain for tomorrow. George, Julie, and Andy have done a great job in my absence. Can't wait to come back to give them some relief.
 

Monday, Sept. 6

1:45 p.m.
Got in a decent walk (about a 1/2 mile) It was windy and warm and wore me out. Need to continue to increase my walks as the legs get stronger.

As I continue to heal, I am getting more excited about returning to work. Hoping to go into work to see the gang and answer some mail Tuesday afternoon. Also trying to get caught up on the current weather pattern and weather model data.

Was watching George Flickinger this morning. He put in an 80% chance of rain later this week. I may be walking with a swim mask on. Still, I hope you are right buddy, my yard is so very dry.


Sunday, Sept. 5

4:02 p.m.
I've spent way too much time inside these past couple of months. So with my daughter and son-in-law in town, the girls decided on a picnic for lunch today. We loaded up the truck and headed to Lake Keystone. We found a picnic table by a kiddie fishing pond and enjoyed some time together.

My family had quite a scare while I was in I.C.U. and only now have they started to tell me some of their fears and some of the things I said while I was on heavy medication. My wife

said once I asked her to get closer and when she was near my face I asked her very seriously, "Is my mic on?" She said there were several things I said that allowed a few laughs when they really needed some stress relief. Most of it I do not remember.

10:15 a.m.
I now own a handicapped parking permit. You know the plastic placard that hangs from your rear view mirror. While I was in rehab they asked if I wanted to fill out a form to apply for one. At the time I was in a wheelchair and didn't know when I would be walking again.

We used it once, but I do not plan on using it again. Now I am not in a wheelchair, no longer on the walker, plan on stop using the cane and not disabled. Well, at least not physically. I was looking at the placard and it expires in Sept. of 2011. A year from now!
By then I fully expect to be running marathons!

Here is what I plan on doing with it. It Is going up next to my IronMan Finisher sticker. This will remind me of the two extremes I have had in my life on physical conditioning. From being a triathlete to laying in ICU just hoping to walk again.
 

Saturday, Sept. 4

4:25 p.m.
Working on staying up later in the evenings. When I go back to work I will be up until 11:30pm or midnight. Right now I am going to bed at 8:30pm. So each day I am trying to push that time back some.

Today our daughter and son-in-law are in town, so the girls went shopping at the thrift stores and the boys (Andy and I) went to look for tool boxes. I still get tired after being up for about 4 hours, but that is better than it was a few weeks ago.

After a late afternoon nap, we plan to take them to dinner. A nice place where there are no fries on the menu.

 

Friday, Sept. 3

3:45 p.m.
As I begin to prepare for going back to work, I want to work on my stamina. I've been trying to walk more, sit more, and do more. A big difference from what I was doing 2 weeks ago, when I would be up for an hour then nap for an hour, then repeat as needed.

Hoping to get some longer walks in this weekend and continue my exercises. The cooler temperatures for the next few days will help on the walks.

Our daughter and son-in-law are in from Austin for the weekend. We plan to take them out to dinner Saturday night. It will be good to get out of the house.

11:14 a.m.
This morning I went to outpatient physical therapy. It went well and I continue to get stronger. My therapist is great and likes to laugh, so for fun I thought I would pull a trick on her. At the end of the session she had me wait at the reception desk, while she went to get a form for me to sign. I told the receptionist what I was doing then I laid down on the floor, as if I had just fallen. She came around the corner and sincerely looked scared and worried about what she saw. Then I said, "watch this", and got up and told her I was just messing with her. Fortunately she laughed and laughed and said I would "pay for this" in my next session. Guessing she will have me doing a lot more leg lifts next week.

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Thursday, Sept. 2

11:32 a.m.
This morning I had a doctor's appointment with my neurologist, Dr. Cattaneo. He performed another electromyogram, or EMG. It is a process where they put a very mild electrical shock through your muscles to make sure things are working correctly. Sounds painful, but it's not too bad. He is a great doctor and the one who first diagnosed my Guillain Barre Syndrome when I went into the hospital. He did nearly daily follow up visits with me in the hospital, and cheered me up when I needed it. He will compare my original EMG readings with the one taken today to get an idea of how much I have progressed.

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Wednesday, Sept. 1

12:44 p.m.
Went back into ICU today, but this time it was to visit my mom. She had some medical problems and was Life Flighted from Muskogee to St. Francis hospital yesterday. Spoke with the doctor and mom and she is now doing fine. It was strange being back in an ICU unit and a place you really don't want to be.

If the rain lets up, I'll try to get a walk in this afternoon.
 

9:35 a.m.
Did my morning exercises then showered. It was great to see the morning rain. Sat on the porch with Emma (our overweight pug) and enjoyed the storm. Will try to get upstairs and walk on the treadmill this afternoon.

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Tuesday, Aug. 31

3:55 p.m.
Just spoke to my boss. We began discussing when I will return to work. Will get a note from my doctor and begin doing some "behind the scenes" work next week. Hoping to be back on the air in two weeks. We'll see how it goes..... Getting excited about going back to doing what I love.

1:55 p.m.
Had a morning physical therapy session today. It went very well. Was reminded several times to "not overdo

it". Physical therapist was very helpful, and she wants to get me back to not only walking, but running. Was given directions on daily leg exercises to do including several on how to strengthen my hip flexor muscles, something I had issues with even before this illness.

Hoping to get back to work for a few hours a day beginning next week.
 

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Monday, Aug. 30

1:55 p.m.
Bet you are not familiar with the International Normalized Ratio, or I.N.R. Also called the Prothrombin Time. It is a value put on your blood, the ability to clot. Doctors want the number above 2.0. I have been hovering around 2.1 to 2.3. This value is important, because for 6 days in the hospital I was on bed rest while I had multiple blood clots in my leg.

With enough meds, they finally brought it up over 2. This morning my blood test showed my I.N.R. was 2.3 and that was great.

After, my wife took me by the station to see friends. We stopped by just before the midday show, so I got to see Julie, Erin, and Justin. It was wonderful to see all the co-workers, bosses, and other folks I have so missed being around. Can't wait to get back to work.

9:04 a.m.
Getting ready for a 10am trip to the hospital for another blood test. They are still concerned about blood clots. This afternoon I have a doctor's appt. with my general doctor.

Morning cloud cover is holding the temps. down. Hoping I can get a long walk in today before it heats up.

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Sunday, Aug. 29

2:38 p.m.
Did a bit more sitting and standing today. Back muscles getting stronger. Have two doctor's appointments on Monday, but hoping to make a guest appearance in the newsroom on Monday. Will be great to see the gang.
 

10:41 a.m.
Got up at 7am and took Miss Emma on a slow walk. Concerned about dealing with her leash and my cane, but it worked out okay. She has gained a few pounds so is not able to walk very far, so it worked out perfectly.

Hope to get a second walk in this evening. My balance and stamina is improving. Can't wait to get back to work!

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Saturday, Aug. 28

2:37 p.m.
Home feels a bit more like home now. This morning my mother-in-law brought our dog, Emma, to Tulsa. She has taken great care of her for the past six or seven weeks. We waited until I was a bit more stable on the walker and cane before we brought her home. My wife feared she might cause me to fall.

She is one of the family, and we have both missed her. When it cools down this evening and we take a walk, hoping she can join us.

10:28 a.m.
Now that I have made the transition from the wheelchair to the walker it is time to begin the transition from walker to cane. This Saturday morning I walked for 15 minutes with the cane on the street in front of our house. It was slow, but my balance continues to improve.

Our daughter lives in Austin and is an excellent writer. Her blogs keep us updated on what her and her husband are up to. Her blog on August 24th was on my illness. If you would like to read it, here is the link: http://www.luksys.blogspot.com/

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Friday, Aug. 27

2:49 p.m.
When I left the Bernsen Physical Rehab Center, they requested I make appointments with all of the doctors involved in my illness. So my wife has been busy scheduling them over the next couple of weeks. Next week alone looks very busy.

I will visit the Coumadin Clinic for another blood test (they are concerned I do not get another blood clot), my general doctor who originally thought all this might be a tick bite, the gall bladder surgeon who did the emergency surgery, the neurologist who identified the Guillain Barre Syndrome. On top of these, I will go to outpatient physical rehab.

Looks like a busy week, plus I plan to make a visit to work. At least to drop by and see everyone. I sure do miss my co-workers.
 

9:35 a.m.
This morning my wife hauled my carcass to the river for a morning walk. I wanted to cover about 300 yards.  Other than a little gravel on the trail, slowing down my walker, it went very smooth.

Last night our neighbors brought over dinner. Oh my was it great. I've not eaten much in the past month, but this was too good.

Hoping to work in another walk this evening.

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Thursday, Aug. 26

2:30 p.m.
Have been reading up on Bell's palsy, since this is one of the effects of my Guillain Barre Syndrome. The right side of my face is still having problems. Thank God it has not effected my speech, but it looks odd.

Bell's palsy is a dysfunction of the facial nerves that result in the inability to completely control some of your facial muscles. While in rehab they have me some facial exercises to do, and I have seen little results.

Believe I will be back on the air in a few weeks, but hope viewers understand I may look a little different.
 

10:10 a.m.
Rested well last night. Hoping to sit up more today and walk at least one block. For the past six weeks my mother-in-law has been keeping our dog, Emma. We phoned her this morning to tell her we are ready for Emma to come home. She will bring her to Tulsa on Saturday. We hope the wheel

chair and walker doesn't freak her out.

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Wednesday, Aug. 25

9:45 a.m.
Last night was my first night at home. It is so much more quiet than in the hospital. Kept waking up and didn't sleep well.

My wife took me to my first outpatient physical therapy session this morning. We didn't do a lot, mostly evaluation. I really like the therapist, and look forward to building up my walking strength.

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Tuesday, Aug. 24

10: 45 a.m.
I was released from the hospital today! After nearly 6 weeks, I am so ready to be home!
I begin out patient physical therapy tomorrow. KJRH sent a photographer by to shoot the big exit. On the drive home, it was cloudy with light rain with temperatures in the 70! What an amazing day.

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Monday, Aug. 23

3:45 p.m.
Just finished my "final" in speech therapy. Karen, my speech therapist, said I would get an "A" if grading. I spoke, and stood, for almost 20 minutes to a group of staff and patients. Legs were like rubber when I finished. No one thew anything at me, so I guess it went okay.

Getting fired up about leaving the hospital tomorrow morning. My first out patient physical therapy begins on Wednesday.


7:45 a.m.
The calls, e-mails, cards, and letters have been a blessing. Folks have been so very kind and supportive. People I don't even know put me on their church's prayer list. I so appreciate it.

One of the nicest things I had delivered was a card from James Adelott. He had his weather team sign a card, then took it to Channel 6 then to Channel 8 for the weather teams there to sign. James is a class act. We all compete, but respect each other. So to Travis, Frank, all the meteorologists in town,and especially James a big thank you!

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Friday, Aug. 19

3:00 p.m.
So very glad that outside of the hospital world no one ever walks up to you and asks, "when is the last time you had a BM?"

A great day. Did more walking. Have a Saturday morning group physical therapy class, then a "day pass", where I get to go home for a few hours !

Can't wait.
 

12:40 p.m.
Walked about 75 yards with a cane today. Wore me out. Looks like I am getting out of the hospital next week. Will do outpatient physical therapy when I get home. Hope to be back at work very soon.
 

7:35 a.m.
Today my wife will come to observe my rehab sessions. They want family to understand what I can and cannot do. So when released she can continue to work with me on getting stronger. My wife has been amazing through this ordeal.Sleeping in the hospital many many days when I was in ICU, and bring in "real" food in the evenings. I love her so much and this event has brought us even closer together.

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Thursday, Aug. 18

3:05 p.m.
Using a walker, I did a lot more walking today. This 'ol body is getting stronger. I've lost a lot of weight, and wonder if my suits will fit. Will hit it hard again on Friday.
 

12:05 p.m.
Did a lot of balance work today. Physical therapy has me doing some 4" and 6" stairs. Leg strength is improved from yesterday. May be released to go home by Tuesday, that is IF I continue to do all they ask. I will. Can't wait to get back to forecasting!
 

7:50 a.m.
Rough night of sleep. I think for the first time in years I woke up before Julie Chin. Did more walking yesterday. It is slow, but making steady progress. Time to go to breakfast.

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Wednesday, Aug. 17

3:30 p.m.
There is nothing private in a semi-private room.
 

12:25 p.m.
I hate Ensure. Nasty stuff, and honestly, are they concerned I am too skinny? I was hell on wheels on the walker this morning!


10:10 a.m.
This morning we had a "field trip". They loaded up six of us and we went to Braums for breakfast. The goal is to allow us to adapt to the real world. Each given $10 (yes we had to give back the change) we had to order then sit and wait for our number to be called out.

The food was great. Just nice to be out for a while. See in hospitals there are ramps and hand rails but, of course that is the exception. Most places have uneven and narrow sidewalks (if even that) and for the first time, I started really thinking about those who can never leave the wheelchair. I have so much more respect for those amazing men, women and children.

Got physical therapy at 11am. Hoping to walk a little more today.

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Tuesday, Aug. 17

9:53 a.m.
Huge day. Finally have approval to "transfer" on my own. This means I can go from my wheelchair to the bed without calling for a nurse. More important is I can go from my bed to the bathroom without supervision. Sort of like a prisoner with special privileges. A step in the right direction.

I have another physical therapy class at 10am. Can't wait to get back to work.

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Monday, Aug. 14 

4:50 p.m.
Just finished speech therapy. Have some down time before dinner. My wife and son are going to sneak in some real food. Shhhhhhhhhhhhh...
 

12:20 p.m.
Had a busy morning. Lunch was chicken pot pie, but I tried to imagine it as Hideaway Pizza.


8:45 a.m.
Had a good night of sleep. Great to see Julie on the morning