Wednesday, January 21, 2004
SEVEN WEEKS AND OUT!
Seven weeks ago today I had my left shoulder rotator cuff surgically repaired – again! When I awoke from the surgery I had the sling in place. It has been there 24/7, except when showering and doing home exercises the doctor ordered.
Seven weeks later I am now out of the sling. I will begin formal physical therapy twice a week for six weeks or so. Now that I am out of the sling the therapist will work on regaining motion and strength in the arm and shoulder. It is surprising how quickly atrophy sets in and you lose strength after seven weeks of immobility. If it weren’t for the home exercises which I faithfully performed (at least until returning to work!) I would have no strength at all.
The x-rays show healing is taking place. All the screws and “hardware” are still in place. Now I can perform the more basic tasks of daily living and won’t need so much assistance from my long-suffering wife.
I am discouraged that I still have so much pain whenever I move the arm. After all, I had surgery to be rid of the pain. But the doctor says it is because of the long period of inactivity. Therapy and use of the arm is supposed to relieve that.
At least I don’t have to “lug” that sling everywhere I go! Now I can fasten myself in the car seatbelt, shave with my safety razor, tie my shoes, tuck in my shirt, put on shirts and coats in the normal way. (Oh! I guess I no longer have a reason not to wear a necktie—I can tie it now! UGH!) Life should get easier. I just have to remember not to pick up or lift anything with any weight with the left arm for the next several weeks. That will be hard because I am naturally left-handed. I think that’s a main reason why they have you wear the sling for so long—to keep you from instinctively doing something you shouldn’t with the arm.
My use of the arm is still very limited. But I feel a sense of freedom and relief. So I am thankful and happy. I even got the trash ready to take out last night. I couldn’t take it out but I could get it ready. A small thing for which I am grateful
Jim
Jimdewing@yahoo.com
posted by jim 8:59 AM 0 comments
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