Everybody has been so kind and encouraging regarding my current inactivity that I thought I’d post a further quick update following my appointment with my doctor this morning. Don’t worry, I won’t be handing out daily bulletins!
As to the cellulitis, she believes that the skin has been correctly treated by the strong antibiotics I was given in Virginia, yet she is concerned that the pain persists, as the swelling and redness have disappeared, which should have alleviated much of the pain.
As a consequence, particularly with the knowledge that I am planning to return to Virginia next Thursday, she ordered several blood tests to determine if the infection has totally gone or if it has spread to the blood or even the bones. I’ve already had the blood taken and some of the results will be ready this afternoon, while the blood culture will be ready on Monday.
The other possibility she wants to eliminate is a stress fracture, as that may not have shown up on the X-ray taken last Monday. To that end, I have an MRI scheduled at 2.15pm today.
She wants me to rest over the next three or four days, icing both the shin and the knee every couple of hours, then start walking more extensively from Monday.
If everything comes back well from these tests, she is confident I’ll be ok to resume next Thursday.
I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness and concern shown from not only friends and family, but also complete strangers who have been following me online. This has truly been a year when the kindness of others has far outweighed the meanness many of us experience in our daily lives and for that I am humbly grateful.
My Appalachian Trial 
Dear Steve, I hope that you get well soon so you can continue with you goal..my blessing to you and please take care of yourself, Lil a/k/a cunada Date: Thu, 29 May 2014 17:21:33 +0000 To: lilliamgonzalez45@live.com
Thanks Lil. Great to know that so many are on my side in this little adventure. Xx
Steve , how brave are you ? I am sincerely impressed , don’t keep going if you don’t want to man , thinking of you , Chris
Chris, not brave but probably sensible for once. All the tests are to clear the way to get back on the Trail next week, so keep your checkbook handy!!
I missed the post about you being unwell. Sorry. Hope you recovery quickly and can return to the trail. If not, then don’t be too upset because it means the Universe has other important plans for you that will be revealed in their own time.
Hope all is good news and you are back on the trail soon! Thanks for the update.
I’m sorry to read that you have had to take a little trip from the trail, but I am glad that you are getting the necessary medical care to nip this in the bud!! We were discussing your cellulitis Wednesday morning – and I’m glad you don’t have cellulosis! Get better soon and get back on the trail!!
Cheers, Ed. I hope to be at the meeting this Wednesday, as I’m not due to return to the Trail till the following day.