It has been a few days shy of a month since my last post--testament that the shoulder is improving.
Huge milestone for me at 16 weeks (3.5 months post op). In the last week, it is absolutely the first time since surgery that my left shoulder doesn't feel utterly fragile. I can't describe it, but it simply feels stronger. Three reasons I know the shoulder is better?
1. That twisted-up muscle feeling down the front of my shoulder is FINALLY gone after being a painful presence for months.
2. I'm not relying so heavily on heat constantly to dull the ache in my shoulder.
3. I found myself shadowboxing in front of the mirror a few times this past week. 8-)
That last point brings me to my really awesome news. I asked the PT Friday if it would be ok to do a non-contact boxing class, modifying the class by of course not attempting pushups (no way is the shoulder ready for that kind of heavy duty work) and obviously, no hitting the heavy bag with fists or elbows. But I felt the shoulder was now ready to take the swinging motion required of the arm for kicks, and for the shadow boxing.
The physical therapist agreed. I went to my first kickboxing class this morning and it was heavenly and my shoulder held up very. very well. It's tricky keeping distance from the bag so you don't strike with fists or elbows, but then you have to be sure & move in for the right positioning for knees and kicks, but I thankfully had no mishaps.
It was a good gauge of my overall conditioning. Stamina was down but not as bad as I feared. Shins lost conditioning but not as bad as I feared. However core strength has gone down significantly. Not surprising since I haven't been able to engage in any floor work for the last 5 months. But I'll have to start virtually at ground zero and begin working my way up again. But I'm so glad to be able to participate in class and at least kick because my stress level has been through the roof due to work. And with no outlet for the stress, I've been eating a LOT of chocolate and sugars. Very, very bad for me. I think that will begin to tame down now that I can begin resuming something of a normal life again.
College classes are going well. The one class is dreadfully boring both because of content (it's a basic health and wellness class and the last 4 chapters have been horrifically boring, dealing with male and female reproduction, pregnancy, and contraceptive use and then substance abuse addictions. YAWN....) and because it's an online course and there is virtually no interaction on the part of instructor or students. Very disappointing. If that's how all online courses are I really hope I don't have to take too many of them. Life's too short to shell out all that money for little return on the investment.
The other class, my intro to exercise physiology and kinesiology class is in person and much more interesting, though as an 8 week course, I just don't think we're going to be able to cover much material. But what I'm gaining is valuable at least.
During winter intercession I'll be taking the first of 3 required nutrition courses, and I'm looking forward to that (and hoping it's far more participatory than my current online class). Then I'll take a heavy load of classes in spring because I won't be able to take any over the summer while I have my right shoulder surgically repaired. But at least I'm working toward a change. And taking coursework I LIKE rather than boring old business classes. Double YAWN.
As to novel writing? I did a first pass edit of one of my manuscripts a couple of months ago, and have been doing research in bits and pieces over the last couple of months, but no actual writing. I don't know when I'll come back to it but the time is not now.
Right now it takes every bit of energy I have to survive my job and to survive the time consuming process of living and eating healthy. No wonder we are a nation of convenience foods. High fat, unhealthy food fits better into the rush-rush lives we are forced to live. But what a price we're paying both health-wise and financially in the nation...
On we go, till the next update.
Showing posts with label full rotator cuff tear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label full rotator cuff tear. Show all posts
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Saturday, October 5, 2013
12 Weeks Post Op Full Rotator Cuff Repair
It's been 3 weeks since my last post--that in itself is indication that my recovery from full rotator cuff repair has gotten smoother.
This past Wednesday marked weeks 12 post op which is a big marker--the completion of phase I of rehab post surgery. Now I begin to do more intensive stretching exercises since the tendon has had several weeks to begin re-attaching to the bone. Also I'm beginning to strengthen the surrounding muscles more now. The shoulder isn't considered fully healed for 9-12 months post surgery, but I'm well on my way.
9 weeks post op was a huge milestone and 11 weeks post op was also a very big deal. Starting at 11 weeks, I was FINALLY, CONSISTENTLY able to sleep solidly every night. Boy that was a looooooong time in coming. This is a very big deal. Lack of sleep is a significant factor in our overall health and I was really feeling the repercussions those previous 10 weeks of not getting any kind of decent, consistent sleep.
I'm also able to open and close most doors with my operative arm now--I'm still very careful with difficult to open doors--for example at work one of the restroom doors is ridiculously hard to open and I won't use my operative arm for that. I'm carrying small objects like water bottles or cereal bowls with my operative arm but nothing really heavy. I can close the car door with little discomfort and driving is also more comfortable now.
Last weekend I took my first hike--only 3 miles and not a difficult trail, but that too, was a big deal because that's the first time I've had the stamina for a hike.
The shoulder continues to be achy, especially after PT and the weight bearing/resistance training days every other day, but that will continue for some months yet. But the discomfort now is NOTHING compared to what I've been through and I am sooooo relieved and thankful!
The return of my stamina is coinciding well with the fact that I become a college student once again in another week, embarking on my dual journey of training to become a personal trainer and my long term goal of progressing toward a Kinesiology undergrad for use as a physical therapy tech down the road. I'm a bit nervous and stressed---I already have problems finding enough time to do the things I need to do, now I need to add in time to study and do homework on top of everything else. But there's not much choice. I can't continue on my current career path and the only way to create an alternative is to re-train.
The big question mark for me in pursuing a kinesiology degree is the high math requirement. It's a long story, but a crummy elementary school teacher I had pretty much traumatized me for life concerning my ability to do math (I still remember the look of disgust on her face when I came up to her asking for help. I don't remember the exact verbiage of what she said to me, but what my young impressionable mind heard was to the effect of "Are you so stupid that you can't get subtraction?"). There is no doubt that math is one of my weaker subjects. I don't debate that. But the real question is, will I let one lousy teacher ruin my academic pursuit or will I dig in and overcome huge doubts about my abilities in that area and persevere?
I may not be able to handle the high math requirement. But I am surely defeated if I don't try. And I won't give that bimbo the satisfaction. I've let her stymie me for too many decades already.
Of course all these developments shove my writing under the mat--again. There simply aren't enough hours in the day. I do continue to do research for my current series of novels, though I'm doing no actual writing. I once jokingly said I can write one book a decade. The one book that is closest to publication I began working on in 2005---so it WILL soon be a decade. We'll see what happens in 2015. 8-)
Life is crazy, and even though I pray for direction sometimes I wonder if I'm on the right track. But I need to trust that God will keep opening and closing doors according to His plan for me and He'll get me where I need to go. 8-)
This past Wednesday marked weeks 12 post op which is a big marker--the completion of phase I of rehab post surgery. Now I begin to do more intensive stretching exercises since the tendon has had several weeks to begin re-attaching to the bone. Also I'm beginning to strengthen the surrounding muscles more now. The shoulder isn't considered fully healed for 9-12 months post surgery, but I'm well on my way.
9 weeks post op was a huge milestone and 11 weeks post op was also a very big deal. Starting at 11 weeks, I was FINALLY, CONSISTENTLY able to sleep solidly every night. Boy that was a looooooong time in coming. This is a very big deal. Lack of sleep is a significant factor in our overall health and I was really feeling the repercussions those previous 10 weeks of not getting any kind of decent, consistent sleep.
I'm also able to open and close most doors with my operative arm now--I'm still very careful with difficult to open doors--for example at work one of the restroom doors is ridiculously hard to open and I won't use my operative arm for that. I'm carrying small objects like water bottles or cereal bowls with my operative arm but nothing really heavy. I can close the car door with little discomfort and driving is also more comfortable now.
Last weekend I took my first hike--only 3 miles and not a difficult trail, but that too, was a big deal because that's the first time I've had the stamina for a hike.
The shoulder continues to be achy, especially after PT and the weight bearing/resistance training days every other day, but that will continue for some months yet. But the discomfort now is NOTHING compared to what I've been through and I am sooooo relieved and thankful!
The return of my stamina is coinciding well with the fact that I become a college student once again in another week, embarking on my dual journey of training to become a personal trainer and my long term goal of progressing toward a Kinesiology undergrad for use as a physical therapy tech down the road. I'm a bit nervous and stressed---I already have problems finding enough time to do the things I need to do, now I need to add in time to study and do homework on top of everything else. But there's not much choice. I can't continue on my current career path and the only way to create an alternative is to re-train.
The big question mark for me in pursuing a kinesiology degree is the high math requirement. It's a long story, but a crummy elementary school teacher I had pretty much traumatized me for life concerning my ability to do math (I still remember the look of disgust on her face when I came up to her asking for help. I don't remember the exact verbiage of what she said to me, but what my young impressionable mind heard was to the effect of "Are you so stupid that you can't get subtraction?"). There is no doubt that math is one of my weaker subjects. I don't debate that. But the real question is, will I let one lousy teacher ruin my academic pursuit or will I dig in and overcome huge doubts about my abilities in that area and persevere?
I may not be able to handle the high math requirement. But I am surely defeated if I don't try. And I won't give that bimbo the satisfaction. I've let her stymie me for too many decades already.
Of course all these developments shove my writing under the mat--again. There simply aren't enough hours in the day. I do continue to do research for my current series of novels, though I'm doing no actual writing. I once jokingly said I can write one book a decade. The one book that is closest to publication I began working on in 2005---so it WILL soon be a decade. We'll see what happens in 2015. 8-)
Life is crazy, and even though I pray for direction sometimes I wonder if I'm on the right track. But I need to trust that God will keep opening and closing doors according to His plan for me and He'll get me where I need to go. 8-)
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Progress on Rehab! And Back-To-School Days are Here!
I am so excited!
Oh hallelujah! You have no idea how relieved I am!
A couple big things happened in my recovery from rotator cuff surgery at week 9:
1. FINALLY, the pain has gone from excruciating, throw-myself-under-the-bus-and-be-done-with-it pain to pain that is simply annoying and uncomfortable. The pain and discomfort is still nearly constant but there is a huge difference between the tolerance level now vs. what it was the previous 8 weeks. I am beyond relief at that.
2. Nine weeks after surgery, I've FINALLY begun to have REM sleep. That deep, deep, natural restorative sleep you need to rest and repair. I'm still not sleeping for a full night, but at long last I'm back on the path to returning to a normal sleeping cycle. As a humorous note--the night of September 10th, I dreamed I was frolicking in the field ala The Sound of Music and flinging my arm around freely in every direction and it went everywhere I told it to and didn't hurt a bit. It was quite amusing to wake up and realize the content of my dream. And the dream has significance, which is point #4 below.
3. I've had in the last week, for a few hours a day, periods where I feel like my old self, with clarity of mind, energy, and just feeling well. It doesn't last all day and my stamina is still greatly depleted, but I'm getting glimpses now of what it feels like to be a normal human being. 8-)
4. This one is huge. We all take our shoulders for granted. One of the motions we take for granted is the ability to hold our arm straight out to the side and raise it up so that it is pointed straight up at the side of our head. For the first 8 weeks, I couldn't even raise my arm to shoulder height, much less raise it straight up beside my head.
To be honest, it was starting to freak me out, because I'd begun to fear the range of motion was never coming back--I'd heard horror stories from other rotator cuff surgery patients who never fully regained their range of motion after surgery.
But Saturday 9/13, for the first time ever since surgery, I was able to raise my arm almost all the way up. You have no idea what a relief that was. It literally made me cry tears of joy. I don't dream often, but a good bit of the time, when I do, or on the rare occasions that I have visions (nothing elaborate, just brief flashes of something), it usually is a message from God. So my "Sound of Music" style dream snippet was a message that was "Relax! I've got this. You'll get to use the arm again. Be patient." And Saturday the arm movement came. 8-)
I still have many months of rehab, but at last the worst is behind me. Thank you, Lord.
Now to switch gears and talk education. For the last year and a half, I've had a developing desire to be able to help people my age who have orthopedic problems and problems getting/staying fit. But I haven't known what to do with that information.
If I could have whatever I wanted, I'd go back in time and become a physical therapist. But realistically at 47, that is just not a logical goal. I'd be pushing 60 before I earned my doctorate, and needless to say, would not be able to withstand the physical rigors of such an occupation. A shame too, because to me that is one of the jobs that has the most power to make a difference in a patient's life--and I put physical therapist above doctor, nurse, or any other medical provider.
So then I looked at becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant--they are a licensed profession and do some manual therapy but not the full work of a PT. Unfortunately, the schools in my area have full-time only programs and that is not compatible with the fact that I must work full time to survive. So at least for now, that door is closed and out of the question.
That leaves on the table two other paths:
1. Physical Therapy Tech (they do the tasks assigned by the PT--watch over patients as they do assigned rehab exercises, set up equipment, provide minor treatments such as heat, ice, stem etc)
2. Personal Trainer
Long story short, starting next month, I'm taking two classes at the local community college designed to give me an introduction to health and wellness and the study of kinesiology (the study of human movement). Through these classes, I hope to assess how deep is my interest in these areas and to map out a plan. If I choose to pursue a bachelors in Kinesiology at the university, these classes will transfer. If I decide to pursue a 2 year degree and personal trainer certification, they will also apply to that specialty.
The only negative about ASU's Kinesiology program is that all the classes are downtown Phoenix, which is about the worst location possible to have to drive for classes, but that's a battle for another day.
I can't wait to get started and see where these initial classes will lead me. So my busy life is about to get even busier, but I'm excited about being able to take some forward steps. I think God can use what I've been through to help others. But even should that not turn out to be the case, it will better educate me in how to take care of myself for the remainder of my life span.
On we go!
9 weeks post op was the magic number!!!!!!!!!
Oh hallelujah! You have no idea how relieved I am!
A couple big things happened in my recovery from rotator cuff surgery at week 9:
1. FINALLY, the pain has gone from excruciating, throw-myself-under-the-bus-and-be-done-with-it pain to pain that is simply annoying and uncomfortable. The pain and discomfort is still nearly constant but there is a huge difference between the tolerance level now vs. what it was the previous 8 weeks. I am beyond relief at that.
2. Nine weeks after surgery, I've FINALLY begun to have REM sleep. That deep, deep, natural restorative sleep you need to rest and repair. I'm still not sleeping for a full night, but at long last I'm back on the path to returning to a normal sleeping cycle. As a humorous note--the night of September 10th, I dreamed I was frolicking in the field ala The Sound of Music and flinging my arm around freely in every direction and it went everywhere I told it to and didn't hurt a bit. It was quite amusing to wake up and realize the content of my dream. And the dream has significance, which is point #4 below.
3. I've had in the last week, for a few hours a day, periods where I feel like my old self, with clarity of mind, energy, and just feeling well. It doesn't last all day and my stamina is still greatly depleted, but I'm getting glimpses now of what it feels like to be a normal human being. 8-)
4. This one is huge. We all take our shoulders for granted. One of the motions we take for granted is the ability to hold our arm straight out to the side and raise it up so that it is pointed straight up at the side of our head. For the first 8 weeks, I couldn't even raise my arm to shoulder height, much less raise it straight up beside my head.
To be honest, it was starting to freak me out, because I'd begun to fear the range of motion was never coming back--I'd heard horror stories from other rotator cuff surgery patients who never fully regained their range of motion after surgery.
But Saturday 9/13, for the first time ever since surgery, I was able to raise my arm almost all the way up. You have no idea what a relief that was. It literally made me cry tears of joy. I don't dream often, but a good bit of the time, when I do, or on the rare occasions that I have visions (nothing elaborate, just brief flashes of something), it usually is a message from God. So my "Sound of Music" style dream snippet was a message that was "Relax! I've got this. You'll get to use the arm again. Be patient." And Saturday the arm movement came. 8-)
I still have many months of rehab, but at last the worst is behind me. Thank you, Lord.
Now to switch gears and talk education. For the last year and a half, I've had a developing desire to be able to help people my age who have orthopedic problems and problems getting/staying fit. But I haven't known what to do with that information.
If I could have whatever I wanted, I'd go back in time and become a physical therapist. But realistically at 47, that is just not a logical goal. I'd be pushing 60 before I earned my doctorate, and needless to say, would not be able to withstand the physical rigors of such an occupation. A shame too, because to me that is one of the jobs that has the most power to make a difference in a patient's life--and I put physical therapist above doctor, nurse, or any other medical provider.
So then I looked at becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant--they are a licensed profession and do some manual therapy but not the full work of a PT. Unfortunately, the schools in my area have full-time only programs and that is not compatible with the fact that I must work full time to survive. So at least for now, that door is closed and out of the question.
That leaves on the table two other paths:
1. Physical Therapy Tech (they do the tasks assigned by the PT--watch over patients as they do assigned rehab exercises, set up equipment, provide minor treatments such as heat, ice, stem etc)
2. Personal Trainer
Long story short, starting next month, I'm taking two classes at the local community college designed to give me an introduction to health and wellness and the study of kinesiology (the study of human movement). Through these classes, I hope to assess how deep is my interest in these areas and to map out a plan. If I choose to pursue a bachelors in Kinesiology at the university, these classes will transfer. If I decide to pursue a 2 year degree and personal trainer certification, they will also apply to that specialty.
The only negative about ASU's Kinesiology program is that all the classes are downtown Phoenix, which is about the worst location possible to have to drive for classes, but that's a battle for another day.
I can't wait to get started and see where these initial classes will lead me. So my busy life is about to get even busier, but I'm excited about being able to take some forward steps. I think God can use what I've been through to help others. But even should that not turn out to be the case, it will better educate me in how to take care of myself for the remainder of my life span.
On we go!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Six Weeks Post Op Rotator Cuff Surgery
Weeks 4-6 have been rather painful and fatiguing. But here's a list of the things I'm thankful for:
* The sling is finally off! (as of Monday)
* The joy of being able to shave my underarms
* The joy of being able to finally wear real lady's undergarments!
* I managed to work my arm into a super-sized T-shirt yesterday
* Being able to reach for toilet paper with my left hand (albeit very slowly)
* Being able to use 2 hands to part my hair and put it in a pony tail (still painful, but possible)
* Sleeping in my own bed the last 2 nights (still not comfortable and propped up with pillows for shoulder and arm, but time will help)
* Finally being able to type with two hands.
In essence, I am not cleared for any weight bearing or resistance using the left arm, but am now instructed to begin putting it through all its range of motion to start getting that range of motion back from all angles.
I am just now beginning to raise my arm up slowly to put it on the laptop keyboard to type (sometimes I have to help my arm up there when it gets tired and the simple movement of inching my left hand up to the number row on the keyboard is a bit more than I can do, but I'm working on it). I am beginning to reach for things, close/open door handles that don't require a lot of strength to pull, etc.
Still doing physical therapy twice a day. Time consuming, uncomfortable, but critically important. Do NOT neglect your physical therapy. You will be very sorry you did.
I've got a LOT of work left to do to get my range of motion back. Only in the last week have I been instructed to begin working on raising my arm out to the side---was VERY painful at first but I have seen a little improvement. Raising up an out at an angle is also very difficult, as is raising arm from lap position (one of the key improvements I need to be able to drive).
Beginning Tuesday of this week, I have returned to work on a modified schedule--six hour shifts rather than eight hour shifts. I'm so glad--you'd be amazed how just 4 hours of actively moving your arm 6 weeks out from surgery is.
The reason for the reduced work schedule for the first 3 weeks back at work is to be sure I have plenty of time to do physical therapy twice a day (by the time you heat, massage, PT, and ice each PT session, one session takes almost two hours) and also because I'm still not getting adequate sleep due to the discomfort, so I come home and take an afternoon nap to give my body some healing time.
But the bottom line in week 6 is progress. Which is heartening considering how painful weeks 4 and 5 were and how it seemed I was just spinning my wheels and not seeing any milestone developments.
I'm hopeful I will regain enough range of motion within the next week (maybe even by this week's end!) to begin driving again. Not driving for the first few weeks was a bit of a novelty, now it's getting annoying. I want to take myself to doctor and therapy appointments, the grocery store, what have you. So here's hoping that's soon!
I've got a long, long way to go--full recovery takes 9 months to a year--but I'm on the mend. Thank you, Lord.
My posts on the topic of rotator cuff surgery will likely become less frequent as the weeks progress. But if anybody stumbles across this blog who has questions about rotator cuff surgery, please feel free to ask. I would also recommend a blog of a gentleman whom I don't know but whose blog on his own rotator cuff surgery spawned a thriving community of rotator cuff repair patients who encourage one another and help each other out with information. His blog has something like 600 hits and you will be able to talk with people from all ranges of the rotator cuff repair spectrum. It is reassuring and insightful to talk to others who've had to go through this process.
His name is Scott Loftesness and you can find that blog here:
http://sjl.us/main/2009/11/my-life-in-a-sling.html
He's also a freelance photographer and has some beautiful shots for sale on his website.
Now I better go get started on this morning's physical therapy. Time's getting away from me!
* The sling is finally off! (as of Monday)
* The joy of being able to shave my underarms
* The joy of being able to finally wear real lady's undergarments!
* I managed to work my arm into a super-sized T-shirt yesterday
* Being able to reach for toilet paper with my left hand (albeit very slowly)
* Being able to use 2 hands to part my hair and put it in a pony tail (still painful, but possible)
* Sleeping in my own bed the last 2 nights (still not comfortable and propped up with pillows for shoulder and arm, but time will help)
* Finally being able to type with two hands.
In essence, I am not cleared for any weight bearing or resistance using the left arm, but am now instructed to begin putting it through all its range of motion to start getting that range of motion back from all angles.
I am just now beginning to raise my arm up slowly to put it on the laptop keyboard to type (sometimes I have to help my arm up there when it gets tired and the simple movement of inching my left hand up to the number row on the keyboard is a bit more than I can do, but I'm working on it). I am beginning to reach for things, close/open door handles that don't require a lot of strength to pull, etc.
Still doing physical therapy twice a day. Time consuming, uncomfortable, but critically important. Do NOT neglect your physical therapy. You will be very sorry you did.
I've got a LOT of work left to do to get my range of motion back. Only in the last week have I been instructed to begin working on raising my arm out to the side---was VERY painful at first but I have seen a little improvement. Raising up an out at an angle is also very difficult, as is raising arm from lap position (one of the key improvements I need to be able to drive).
Beginning Tuesday of this week, I have returned to work on a modified schedule--six hour shifts rather than eight hour shifts. I'm so glad--you'd be amazed how just 4 hours of actively moving your arm 6 weeks out from surgery is.
The reason for the reduced work schedule for the first 3 weeks back at work is to be sure I have plenty of time to do physical therapy twice a day (by the time you heat, massage, PT, and ice each PT session, one session takes almost two hours) and also because I'm still not getting adequate sleep due to the discomfort, so I come home and take an afternoon nap to give my body some healing time.
But the bottom line in week 6 is progress. Which is heartening considering how painful weeks 4 and 5 were and how it seemed I was just spinning my wheels and not seeing any milestone developments.
I'm hopeful I will regain enough range of motion within the next week (maybe even by this week's end!) to begin driving again. Not driving for the first few weeks was a bit of a novelty, now it's getting annoying. I want to take myself to doctor and therapy appointments, the grocery store, what have you. So here's hoping that's soon!
I've got a long, long way to go--full recovery takes 9 months to a year--but I'm on the mend. Thank you, Lord.
My posts on the topic of rotator cuff surgery will likely become less frequent as the weeks progress. But if anybody stumbles across this blog who has questions about rotator cuff surgery, please feel free to ask. I would also recommend a blog of a gentleman whom I don't know but whose blog on his own rotator cuff surgery spawned a thriving community of rotator cuff repair patients who encourage one another and help each other out with information. His blog has something like 600 hits and you will be able to talk with people from all ranges of the rotator cuff repair spectrum. It is reassuring and insightful to talk to others who've had to go through this process.
His name is Scott Loftesness and you can find that blog here:
http://sjl.us/main/2009/11/my-life-in-a-sling.html
He's also a freelance photographer and has some beautiful shots for sale on his website.
Now I better go get started on this morning's physical therapy. Time's getting away from me!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Five Weeks Post Op Rotator Cuff Surgery
For anybody just discovering my blog, the purpose of my posts about my recent rotator cuff surgery is to fill the gap of knowledge--because unfortunately doctors don't even come close to preparing you for what you'll deal with post surgery for this type of repair.
Today marks five weeks post op. Things have been very uncomfortable since week four--because both last week & this week therapy has been ratcheted up a notch. That means you are nearly constantly achy and, as a result, very worn out. Don't get me wrong--it's not a 10 on a 1-10 pain scale. More mid-range. But the constant drain on your body wears you down. I'm ready to be fixed already. 8-) Unfortunately, recovery is a good 9-12 months in the making.
Despite all that, I am achieving my therapy milestones on target thus far and today graduated to doing a few short unassisted exercises. Despite the pain it is a very curious process. Basically it feels like re-teaching your shoulder to do all the things it used to do automatically. It's weird.
I do not regret having the surgery--not as if there was any choice...but I sure wish they could find a way to speed up the recovery process.
The physical therapist, however, reminded me of one of my motivations to keep going: the sooner I get better, the sooner I can wear real clothes again! (still wearing tube tops & shoulder shirts (velcro shirts). Have I mentioned lately how much I despise tube tops???? 8-)
Next step is physician check next Monday, at which time I will presumably at least be able to ditch the sling. I'm not sure, however, if I will be cleared to drive. At least as it stands right now, I don't feel I've sufficiently recovered enough mobility to drive safely. But we'll see what the next 4 days bring.
My main concern now is returning to work next week. Knowing the 4+ hour a day time investment in PT (combined a.m. & p.m.), the resulting fatigue, & the stress & breakneck pace of work, it will be a recipe for utter exhaustion. I can only hope my endurance level will begin to increase.
But I'm in this gig for the long haul and once I've recovered, I'll have a whole new appreciation for the work our shoulders do. 8-)
Today marks five weeks post op. Things have been very uncomfortable since week four--because both last week & this week therapy has been ratcheted up a notch. That means you are nearly constantly achy and, as a result, very worn out. Don't get me wrong--it's not a 10 on a 1-10 pain scale. More mid-range. But the constant drain on your body wears you down. I'm ready to be fixed already. 8-) Unfortunately, recovery is a good 9-12 months in the making.
Despite all that, I am achieving my therapy milestones on target thus far and today graduated to doing a few short unassisted exercises. Despite the pain it is a very curious process. Basically it feels like re-teaching your shoulder to do all the things it used to do automatically. It's weird.
I do not regret having the surgery--not as if there was any choice...but I sure wish they could find a way to speed up the recovery process.
The physical therapist, however, reminded me of one of my motivations to keep going: the sooner I get better, the sooner I can wear real clothes again! (still wearing tube tops & shoulder shirts (velcro shirts). Have I mentioned lately how much I despise tube tops???? 8-)
Next step is physician check next Monday, at which time I will presumably at least be able to ditch the sling. I'm not sure, however, if I will be cleared to drive. At least as it stands right now, I don't feel I've sufficiently recovered enough mobility to drive safely. But we'll see what the next 4 days bring.
My main concern now is returning to work next week. Knowing the 4+ hour a day time investment in PT (combined a.m. & p.m.), the resulting fatigue, & the stress & breakneck pace of work, it will be a recipe for utter exhaustion. I can only hope my endurance level will begin to increase.
But I'm in this gig for the long haul and once I've recovered, I'll have a whole new appreciation for the work our shoulders do. 8-)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Rotator Cuff Surgery 4 Weeks Post Op & Thank Yous
Today is 4 wks post op--just came back from physical therapy this a.m. I’m onto their game now. You have a couple days where you’re feeling good and living fairly pain free & thinking you’re on a roll then POW! They increase the level of torture. LOL!!!!
Seriously though, the PT said I’ve regained all but about 10 degrees of ROM w/the assisted exercises, so he pushed me harder–said he wants to do it now before the scar tissue hardens (or at least I think that was the verbiage). Can’t say it was fun but it’ll be worth it to get full use of my arm back. And Friday when I go back he’ll start me on some active exercises.
However, ratcheting up the physical therapy always means an increase in pain and soreness so I'll be increasing the Advil concurrently because I'm going to be a lot more sore when doing home PT tonight.
Don't skip heating & icing respectively if you have this kind of shoulder work done. Heat & ice are your friends!
Last but not least, many thank yous are due. I already gave a shout out to my physical therapy team at Endurance Rehab (http://www.endurancerehab.com/) and Dr. Lindner & his team (http://www.sossportsmed.com/) for their excellent work and assistance.
Thanks also to my roommate, Sally for transportation & taking care of Aztec for me while I'm out of commission. I'm also very grateful to my church family, especially Penny, Carolyn, & Pastor Mark for all their help. Likewise my wonderful family and friends who have called or emailed to check on me & offer encouragement and assistance. Thanks seems kind've lame, nevertheless, you have helped make an awkward time easier so my sincerest thanks to you.
Now on we go with more rehab and more adventures (Well, after I take a nap. Rehab wore me out.)!
Seriously though, the PT said I’ve regained all but about 10 degrees of ROM w/the assisted exercises, so he pushed me harder–said he wants to do it now before the scar tissue hardens (or at least I think that was the verbiage). Can’t say it was fun but it’ll be worth it to get full use of my arm back. And Friday when I go back he’ll start me on some active exercises.
However, ratcheting up the physical therapy always means an increase in pain and soreness so I'll be increasing the Advil concurrently because I'm going to be a lot more sore when doing home PT tonight.
Don't skip heating & icing respectively if you have this kind of shoulder work done. Heat & ice are your friends!
Last but not least, many thank yous are due. I already gave a shout out to my physical therapy team at Endurance Rehab (http://www.endurancerehab.com/) and Dr. Lindner & his team (http://www.sossportsmed.com/) for their excellent work and assistance.
Thanks also to my roommate, Sally for transportation & taking care of Aztec for me while I'm out of commission. I'm also very grateful to my church family, especially Penny, Carolyn, & Pastor Mark for all their help. Likewise my wonderful family and friends who have called or emailed to check on me & offer encouragement and assistance. Thanks seems kind've lame, nevertheless, you have helped make an awkward time easier so my sincerest thanks to you.
Now on we go with more rehab and more adventures (Well, after I take a nap. Rehab wore me out.)!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Rotator Cuff Surgery - 3 Weeks Post Op
No dramatic difference between second and third week. Followed up w/ortho surgeon 2 days ago--he did follow up x-rays, checked mobility level & said everything is on track for long term recovery.
Will be in sling for 3 more weeks, & still no driving for at least 3 more weeks.
The long recovery process is starting to wear on me a little--still sleeping (or trying to) in the recliner & will be for some time. Can only get an average of 4-5 hours sleep a night. It's still easy to get freaked out by my almost non-existent arm strength & very limited range of motion--I mean overall I'm optimistic about the success of my recovery but can't seem to squelch brief periodic moments of panic that it won't get better.
I'll remain in the active assisted phase of rehab for 3 months--which means we don't even attempt to start strengthening the rotator cuff muscles till around October, which means no regular strength training until some time after that (don't know specifics.) And I'm very tired of hunt & peck one-handed typing--it takes forever & tires my good arm out.
Today was a little harder & I was more tired, too, but I suppose there will be days of ups and downs. I think I need to ramp up my walking a bit because I can sense a bit of depression setting in from all the physical inactivity.
I am sincerely thankful to have such a good medical team assembled for my care. The doctor and his staff have been great, as is my physical therapist's office. All of this has been a lesson in how much you need other people--even for 'keep-to-myself' people like me. 8-)
So I'm sucking it up and forging ahead. But I'll be glad when rehab is over. Next update at 4 weeks post op.
Have a blessed and HEALTHY week.
Will be in sling for 3 more weeks, & still no driving for at least 3 more weeks.
The long recovery process is starting to wear on me a little--still sleeping (or trying to) in the recliner & will be for some time. Can only get an average of 4-5 hours sleep a night. It's still easy to get freaked out by my almost non-existent arm strength & very limited range of motion--I mean overall I'm optimistic about the success of my recovery but can't seem to squelch brief periodic moments of panic that it won't get better.
I'll remain in the active assisted phase of rehab for 3 months--which means we don't even attempt to start strengthening the rotator cuff muscles till around October, which means no regular strength training until some time after that (don't know specifics.) And I'm very tired of hunt & peck one-handed typing--it takes forever & tires my good arm out.
Today was a little harder & I was more tired, too, but I suppose there will be days of ups and downs. I think I need to ramp up my walking a bit because I can sense a bit of depression setting in from all the physical inactivity.
I am sincerely thankful to have such a good medical team assembled for my care. The doctor and his staff have been great, as is my physical therapist's office. All of this has been a lesson in how much you need other people--even for 'keep-to-myself' people like me. 8-)
So I'm sucking it up and forging ahead. But I'll be glad when rehab is over. Next update at 4 weeks post op.
Have a blessed and HEALTHY week.
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