Overcoming Change | Michelle Fowler | Activity https://overcomingchange.com/members/mickie53/activity/ Activity feed for Michelle Fowler. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:36:55 +0000 https://buddypress.org/?v= en-US 30 hourly 2 add64b5a2180200b267aea1220ae516c I’m a friend & member of Lera’s wonderful business to promote helping others in the disabled community. She has always been supportive of me and I want others to know she’s reached out to me now in my recent struggles. Here’s my story: Dear FB friends, I’ve been dealing with a medical issue since July and next Wed., the 19th, it should finally be resolved! Being paralyzed for over 41 years, I should have known better, however, last summer I attended two events and was so busy, I wasn’t diligent in doing what are called “pressure reliefs.” It’s when I stop what I’m doing, put my wheelchair brakes on, and lift myself for a few seconds off my cushion, to relieve pressure off my butt. Since I have no sensation from the waist down (believe me, I’m blessed I have the full use of my hands, unlike quadriplegics), that I have to consciously think about relieving the pressure. And now that I’m getting older, I have to be even more diligent. Bottom line (no pun intended🍑), I developed a pressure ulcer that got infected & had to have an operation to “clean it out” on 9/1/24. Since the wound was a “stage 4”, the worst stage and went to the bone, meant it had to begin healing from the inside out, which takes several months. I was put on a Wound Vac machine (Google it) and spent five weeks in a skilled nursing home in La Verne. Although, that experience was a positive one for many reasons, my wound still had a long way to go. So, I’ve been in bed, on my side, 24/7, only to get into my chair once a week so my dear friend, Darlene, can wash my hair. I’ve had a wound care nurse come every day to change my dressing. I was referred to see a plastic surgeon in Dec., who decided to take me off the Wound Vac & just keep it clean while it continues to heal until he decided it was time for him to do a procedure called a flap surgery (again, Google it) at Pomona Valley Medical Center on 3/19. Then I’ll have to heal from that, which he expects to take up to six weeks. Not sure where my aftercare will be yet. To say this has been a nightmare while my life has been on hold would be an understatement, for me as well as Doug. I’m grateful I have no pain (although this never would have happened if I had feeling) & have been healthy for the most part. Of course, I’ve lost some muscle & strength but hoping to get PT eventually. So, I’ve been spending most of my time watching tv, social media, zoom meetings & reading. I’ve also been blessed to have several friends bring me lunch or just visit & my daughter-in-law, Yerika heats up my dinners from Meals on Wheels M-F. Also, have enjoyed phone calls and many praying for my recovery. As difficult as this has been, I have much to be thankful for…a helpful family, compassionate friends, a nice home to make me comfortable, good insurance, and knowing my Savior, Jesus Christ knows what I’m going through since he’s been through so much more than I can even comprehend, comforts me every day. 🙏🏻 https://overcomingchange.com/activity/p/155/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 20:22:44 +0000

I’m a friend & member of Lera’s wonderful business to promote helping others in the disabled community. She has always been supportive of me and I want others to know she’s reached out to me now in my recent struggles. Here’s my story:

Dear FB friends, I’ve been dealing with a medical issue since July and next Wed., the 19th, it should fi…Read More

]]> 0 e4954a471b1428543979744ce2a6c6bd I’m dealing with a bad pressure sore at the moment and waiting for authorization for surgery . I’m a 71 year-old female para, injured in 1984 on an ATC. I try to help newly paralyzed people when possible. https://overcomingchange.com/activity/p/117/ Sun, 18 Aug 2024 22:57:14 +0000

I’m dealing with a bad pressure sore at the moment and waiting for authorization for surgery . I’m a 71 year-old female para, injured in 1984 on an ATC.
I try to help newly paralyzed people when possible.

]]> 0 aac725c6d82f93469e523bb356d4be55 Michelle Fowler changed their profile picture https://overcomingchange.com/activity/p/78/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:41:28 +0000 0