It’s Been Interesting

My apologies for the lack of posting, but interesting is as good a word as any (printable) that describes the last seven days or so. The best laid plans is also appropriate to parts of it, since I had planned to do a lot more posting last week.

However, life had plans of its own. I was already dealing with stiffness and discomfort before a front came through that lit me up like a Christmas tree. Between temperature and pressure changes, I pretty much locked up.

On top of that, it almost seems like time dilation has been taking place. I mentioned before, I think, that it seems like a lot more time has passed since surgery than is the case. Friday will just be four weeks post surgery. In many respects, both my physical therapist and I feel like we are well ahead of where we were with the right shoulder at the same time. Which also makes the fact that we can’t start “real” PT for another couple of weeks frustrating until we realize how early it is in the process.

On top of that, parts of the body/subconscious seem to be on the same boat. Middle of last week I woke up in the middle of trying to roll over onto my side in the recliner. After making sure I wasn’t on my way over the side, or into tipping the chair over, I got on my side and went back to sleep. And then went right back into rolling from one side to the other in my sleep. Not good.

So, I started trying to sleep in the bed. About three weeks ahead of when I did so on the right shoulder. It has seen mixed results. Sleeping on the right side isn’t bad, but the left arm and shoulder have trouble finding a position that doesn’t pull or strain the healing joint. When I roll over onto the left side, well, that is often an ouch moment. Net result was only about three hours of sleep in three days. Getting a bit more now, but still working on a good regimen that gets me some solid sleep.

So, been trying to deal with both surgical and other pain, lack of sleep, and in trying to keep pushing healing and PT along. Dislike aceto so using ibu on a very limited scale for pain/significant discomfort. Have some good pain pills left, but they really are too much, and may be needed a lot more later after we get into real PT. If I can get good sleep reliably, think things will be a lot better.

The good news is that we are making strides just with the range-of-motion physical therapy. I’m ditching the cone of shame, er, sling, starting today and hoping that will help with some of the stiffness, swelling, other issues. Glad to be able to do it, but also expect to see an increase in discomfort or even pain as we transition. Am also delighted to be able to move back to two-handed typing as the one handed thing was a pain to be polite.

So, for now, at least some limited use of the left arm and hand. No lifting yet, that has to wait until six weeks out. I’m trying to be good, but… Do get to use it a bit in the shower, and can “pin” things in place with the left hand. For all that we are making good progress, hoping that we can get a bit more done without the sling.

On top of all that, my car has developed a major coolant leak, as in clouds of steam from under the hood as I drive. I have not been able to track down the leak, and right now getting to my mechanic is going to be interesting between how busy he is and finances if it is more than something simple. I really need to get something newer, but, again, finances just aren’t there yet. So, nursing it to get me to PT and major shopping, and using the bus for almost everything else. Joy.

Hard to believe Thanksgiving is next week. No idea what I am going to do, other than I am not cooking a traditional dinner just for me (even if I could afford to do so). Toying with a couple of ideas, and also halfway wishing the good local Chinese place hadn’t closed (kitchen fire).

More soon, as there is a lot going on in the world right now. When people tell you who and what they are, believe them. Keep your things where you can find them in the dark, and be prepared. More soon, hopefully after some good sleep.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.