Medical Issues/Recovery – Page 9

Probability Cascades

Update Below

For about the last two years, I’ve semi joked about quantum probability cascades. Fact is, I wonder if I and other lightning strike/high-energy event survivors are not real-world examples of such a phenomena.

For a deep dive on quantum logic and probability, go here. You may note the rather important contributions of John von Neumann to the mix, and yes he is the person who not only made important points about computers (and AI) but also theorized about self-replicating robots.

That gets you the proper background. Now comes my very layman take, which for the purists who get the vapors is indeed very over simplified.

The human organism is an amazingly complex system, and that applies to probabilities as well. Leaving aside the existential for now, we are a walking mass of probability. While theoretically anything is possible, in each of us there are probabilities of developing cancer or other diseases, and having various systems in the body do different things. As I understand it, lots depends on energy. For example, if you have the probability (predisposition) to one or more cancers, it’s not a great idea to work with or around compounds that can increase that risk. Adds energy in a bad way.

Where probabilities are high something will happen, it’s probably going to happen. Where the probabilities are low, it’s not likely to happen absent a change in energy. Where there is such a change, usually a sudden influx of energy, you will find quantum probabilities flipping. Theoretically, as I understand it, it’s possible for high-order probabilities to flip to low-order, and it most definitely flips low-order to high.

I began to wonder about quantum probability cascades not only because of my own case, but in reading and talking about the cases of others hit by lightning or (high energy) electric shock survivors. When you talk about adding energy to a system, you can’t get much more literal. I think it a good research project for someone to take a look at all the medical and related issues that pop up for survivors. Fact is, many of the issues literally can’t be as a direct result of the event. And for all the internal burns (hard to detect and treat) and other issues, the number and range of problems seem to extend well beyond those effects.

For me, one area that makes me wonder about a quantum effect is my digestive system. In the lower part, one minor/low-probability issue is now no longer minor. Given this last week plus, I may be developing an issue or issues on the upper end. Short version is that every time I’ve eaten for the last week plus, I’ve bloated out with massive gas (along with a very acid stomach). Of itself, right now an annoyance, but just one more thing where various issues have flipped from low-order probability to high.

There’s nothing I can do about the situation as a whole, and rather than bitch and moan I try to figure things out even if such can only be done on the theoretical level. It honestly is beyond me as there are still issues with the mind including some trapping. However, I cast this out as bread on the waters in hopes that someone with a mind that fully works and is more attuned to quantum logic and probabilities than I might find it interesting and worth pursuing. Even if it gets shot down with prejudice. Either way gets the idea considered.

UPDATE 1: In talking with Snarksalot on Twitter, I need to note that not all the “flips” are going to be bad. Some are likely to be good. The difference between “good” and “bad” and what trips them one way or another is yet another issue for discussion and investigation.

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.

Shoulder Update

Just got back from meeting the Doc’s PA, and there is some news to share. We are all happy with the recovery progress. There is still room for improvement (a lot in my opinion) so we are going to push the physical therapy as long and hard as we can. Between range-of-motion and strengthening, we can do a lot. Now we just have to hope paperwork and insurance will let us do all we can.

We also discussed when to do the left shoulder, which gives me a lot more pain and discomfort than the right now. I have the option to schedule it right now; but, it might be better to wait a month or two (or longer) to see how much more we can get done on the right shoulder and arm before doing the left. Even after the left is done, will need to keep doing PT on the right. My plan is to talk with the physical therapist, look at the rate of progress, and then start the scheduling process.

They are starting to know me: the PA laughed when I brought out my sheet of questions. It won’t be immediate, but over the next year or so, I will be able to go back into a full upper body workout. Backpacking, camping, and a variety of other sporting/hobby options will open up as the year (from surgery) progresses. I’m cleared to use the inversion table right now.

So, the big question right now is exactly when to schedule the left shoulder. I’m going to get some additional expert opinion, then decide. Part of me wants to have it done right now, but I also know that I need a right arm as close to fully functional as possible for this. If I’m told to wait even longer, I will, though it will not be pleasant.

PT/Recovery Update

First up, thank you all for the prayers, donations, and encouragement. It means a lot and has made a difference. Right now, I have almost everything at home that we are using at the physical therapy center. The one thing I haven’t yet found are one-pound weights, but need to go to a real sporting good store for such I suspect. The one big thing I don’t have is a hand bike, and the local Y has that.

There was a question about the gym, and it is the local YMCA as they offer varying rates. Given all I don’t quite get it for free but at a pretty good rate. Of course I want it less yet, but I can’t kick at the fee, especially with all I get. For all I think the YMCA has gone woke, it’s still the best option for me at this time.

We’ve hit the point where I am about out of PT sessions with the insurance company. The company provides a set amount per calendar year, and we are about to hit that. So, therapy has sent paperwork to the doc, who may have already signed and sent it back so therapy can ask for more sessions. Technically I have unlimited therapy sessions; but, the insurance company doles them out and has to approve based on improvement, etc. The way things actually operate, they can deny me any more for the right and deny me any for the other shoulder when it is done, if it is done in this calendar year. It’s a familiar dance for the doc and the therapy center, but prayers and good wishes appreciated so I can keep improving. It’s not that I anticipate trouble, as the insurance has been VERY good to me so far, but I want to stack the deck a bit just in case.

As for improvement, I really didn’t anticipate doing this well at this time, and with so little pain and discomfort most days. I wish some of the recovery from the lightning strike could move this quick. We are pushing towards regaining full range of motion, with the exception of hands behind the back. Because of the reverse replacement, that is always going to have limitations. Outside of that, I’m making good progress and efforts to strengthen and build the muscle base around the shoulder is underway. We’ve actually had some issues bumping into points where I had lost range of motion well before the surgery, but are pushing past them.

Part of me is almost scared to admit how well things are going in certain areas. Not because of superstition, but concern that the bureaucrats might see it and say ‘he’s doing good, he doesn’t need any more PT.’ The doc, therapist, and I all want to get as close to 100 percent as we can, and for all I can do now that I couldn’t before, there is still a ways to go. In fact, as much as I want to do the left shoulder NOW I can easily see it being December or later depending on continued PT to be sure I can do everything needed with the right arm. I want to do things right, and will take the time needed for that.

We are doing a bit with very light weights, as noted before. Max is five pounds for now, but we have moved into using the bands for some rowing and related exercises. Landlord is even letting me mount an eye-bolt in the joists to do band work out in the common area of the basement. Got to do that in a few. Never expected to see changes in definition of the arms just using five pounds, but with enough reps…

At the gym, things are moving along. I start each session with 35 minutes on an arc/ascent trainer. Haven’t kicked up the difficulty yet, but am trying to kick up the pace. Goal is ten minute miles and then take it up to the next resistance level. Then, maybe take it up to 45 minutes. With the heart meds, hard to get the pulse up but the cardiologist (who is very happy with how I’m doing things and the progress) warned me that normal target zone was not likely to happen. Her suggested zone is working well.

My cool down from that is to do the hand bike just as I do at PT. Then, I switch to the e-machines for back extension, abs, leg press, leg curl, and leg extension. I do two runs through the machines per session. Then head over to the hip abduction/adduction machine which is real weights and not e-machine. Hoping the doc will let me add in an additional machine or two at the appointment next week. Once done with that, I do my arm stretches then move into the free weight area to do my shrugs, rolls, and such with a five pound weight, then move into the other PT exercises. By then I’m wiped and head home to use cold pack or heat as needed. I try to do the pulley work and isometrics before going to the gym.

I hadn’t realized how much I had missed working out. It is frustrating not to be able to work on the chest because of the shoulders, but that will come. My goals right now are improving cardio and endurance; core and abs; getting rid of the flab; and, toning what didn’t get too flabby. Making progress.

Thank you for all your help with this. I can’t say thanks enough, and hope you know how much it is appreciated.

Your Thoughts Invited

Two quick things before I head to the gym for workout and “home” PT. I really would appreciate your thoughts on two separate things.

First, I think I mentioned that I had been considering getting a guitar to see if I could learn to play it. Someone had suggested it as a form of physical therapy, but it’s really not. That said, it could help test to determine if I can learn a complex new skill after the lightning strike despite memory and other issues.

I put it off a while back simply because I couldn’t justify it in the budget. Missed out on a sweet Ibanez that was on sale used, but just not in the budget. Oh, and I was shocked to find out how few used guitars are available. Still looking and hoping that maybe enough comes in through the tip jar to go for it. There is a nice Ibanez acoustic-electric available for a bit over $300, and I’m keeping an eye out for used. Want to go with the acoustic-electric as the thinner profile is easier on me post surgery.

To be honest, it’s a crapshoot. Positive is that if I can learn, it gives hope in other areas while giving me something fun and entertaining to do. If I can’t, well, I can at least torture the cats and maybe the landlord with my efforts. Not what I want, but I can sorta make it into a win. What are your thoughts on this?

Second, and this is way too soon, thoughts on an option a realtor suggested to me for the move. I still have to get the other shoulder replaced and recover, and that may take a while. For all I would like to get it done here soon, the right arm has to be recovered a bit more before we can do the left I suspect. How long that will take is a good question.

The option was to buy or rent an RV and use it to explore in the area where I want to move. The idea is, park the RV for a month in a general area, and explore on foot and by vehicle to get to know the area and look at options. Want to check out another area? Drive there, park for another month, and lather, rinse, repeat.

Question for you: does anyone know of any low-cost options for getting or renting an RV? I think it a good idea, but also am having to consider that the car is not doing well and replacing it is going to be a challenge. If it does hold on, and I’m not another year out from moving, any ideas on this or other options for exploring?

Yes, still looking primarily at Arizona, but also checking to see options in west or north Texas. My original thoughts of being a lone wolf out by myself isn’t going to work. Probably need to be close to/around more people, would be nice if they were good people. Near decent medical wouldn’t hurt. So, looking hard at Benson area, though it might be fun to check out Winslow or even Flagstaff. After all, a girl in a flatbed Ford might stop for me… If you get that, you might remember Pat Paulsen.

If anyone has any suggestions for a good way to get me out West, explore a bit, and find the right situation for me, please sing out. I just want to get my stuff out of storage and have a place of my own again one day soon.

General Update

For those that are interested, here’s where things stand as of this morning. Honestly, can’t complain (too much). My left shoulder can and does though. It hurts worse than the replaced shoulder.

I am doing and feeling better than I expected based on research. Pain has not been too bad, have had far more discomfort than pain since about the second week after surgery. If I, or someone else, do something stupid, I get the message immediately. Jerks, pushes, or impacts bring strong but thankfully brief bits of pain. The industrial cold pack does a good job on the rest. I’m not taking acetaminophen right now as I think it toxic as all get out, and am going to be exploring NAC and another option thanks to some comments.

My range of motion is improving, at least towards the front and up. We can’t yet start on taking my hand/arm backwards. Hoping by the end of the month we might can do that. Meantime, PT twice a week and gym at least three days a week.

I’m setting up at home to do most of the PT I do with the therapist. The initial PT really didn’t require any gear, but doing PT at home on the “off” days has really paid off. Besides, want to be set just in case insurance cuts back on PT (see below). So far, I’ve gotten the ice pack, the pulley system, a couple of other small things, and some PVC pipe. The latter needs to be cut so I can use it for certain lifts and stretches. Amazing how much you can do on the cheap!

I need to pick up some small weights (1, 2, 3, 5 lbs to start, may need to pick up some other soon as well) as we are now doing some of the stretches and exercises with those. Also, need a ball. I’ve gone from pure isometric pushing against a wall/door frame to pushing against the ball to get movement as well.

Still limited on how much I can pick up, carry, etc. Trust me, if I overdo that one I know it quick. Hoping the weight restrictions will come off by the end of the month.

At the gym, I am getting my aerobic/cardio and some core/lower body work in as well as some of the PT. Just added in some wall crunches to go with the ab work, as I have a gut to get rid of. Easing into the aerobic/cardio instead of my previous normal “jump in hard” mindset. As is, getting in at least two miles every session and am starting to ramp up. Have been keeping the BPM under 110, but as things settle I’m going to work up to the “optimum” target of 135.

At the end of the month, I go back to the surgeon’s office to evaluate where things stand. Already working up questions, including some on shooting and future shooting of rifle and shotgun. With luck, will get cleared to start the fun phase of working the arm backwards and handling some weight. We are also going to talk about the left shoulder and when to schedule doing it. I’m actually hoping for September, for all that it will make recovery interesting as I would still be doing PT on the right even as we start doing it on the left. We will see.

We will also have to see what the insurance will approve on PT. Theoretically it should not be a problem to get all the PT approved. Reality is, it doesn’t matter what the doctor or therapist say, it matters what the bureaucrat says. Always a fun game. I will have to say, however, that so far my insurance as been very good to me and I hope they continue to be…

Between carry limits and motion issues, “real” cooking is still a challenge. Thank goodness for the cooking I did before the surgery. I did do two pans of enchiladas this week, one beef and one chicken. An experiment in several ways: could I do it with the arm; I couldn’t get my regular cheat sauces (doing from scratch not an option yet); and, I couldn’t get my regular grain-free tortillas.

It went okay. Shredding the chicken after it slow cooked actually worked the arm a bit, but not too badly. The sauces were okay but I do prefer what I usually get. Not keto, but went with some good white corn tortillas which worked very well overall, and were a fraction of the cost of the grain-free.

Will do a separate post on the half-batch of Adm. Nimitz’s CINCPAC special I’ve made. It’s a drink made by the gallon, and was apparently considered a version of old fashioned despite no citrus. Letting it age a bit so that the whole vanilla bean (!) in it can make it’s presence known.

Enjoy your Saturday!

Quick Takes

Sorry to be so silent, but things are moving along. Mostly in good ways.

First, we entered a new phase of physical therapy, which is much more active. Good news is, already seeing yet more increase in range of motion. Also, figuring out where the issues are and having a lot more discomfort, and even some pain. The latter is usually brief, thankfully; but, the discomfort has been a bit more of a bear. It also probably doesn’t help that I’m trying to cut back (cut out pref.) acetaminophen as it doesn’t do as much as I would like and is frankly toxic. Take a look at liver deaths for people with chronic pain for but one example of why I want to be off it.

Add to that I’m hitting the gym three times a week. Main focus is aerobic/cardio, but also doing my home PT there as much as possible. I’ve bought a couple more things for home, so that when my paid PT runs out I can keep going. Going to look into trying to raise funds to do some more PT after insurance stops. We’ve changed things now to twice a week to make what I do have last, and paid might be as little as once every two weeks (or even once a month). Working on it.

Now, for the stories and events I’m following and find interesting.

First up, this one involving getting Sgt. Nicole Gee to Arlington sent me through the roof yesterday. As I noted on social media, if true I want heads on pikes. Problem is, the story is not adding up with the information given in the media. This is not to say it is a fake. This is just saying that at this time, with the information we have, it does not make sense. I’ve been talking with Beege Welborn at HotAir, who knows far too well what is involved with Arlington burials.

I’m hoping she can come up with more than I have, as right now there seems to be a lot of duck-and-cover going on in anticipation of a major shit storm rolling down. Lots of insinuation, but no real facts yet.

I know that at one point in time the Army had a liaison assigned to each family of the fallen to help. I will note that it is my understanding that Arlington assigns a liaison to the families to help with the process. That would include coordination on preparations and transportation if they are being reinterred. Depending on location of prior burial and other considerations, there may be an exhumation fee and there will be a fee to transport a body. In this case, such should be covered by DoD, especially in this case. Frankly, SecDef should have sent his personal plane given the responsibility he and senior leaders have in her death.

The $100k figure quoted in the article appears to be the cost of a fully-staffed air ambulance to transport a patient coast-to-coast. The $60k is still a mystery to me. Exhumation should not have been more than about $7k, more likely towards $1k in a civilian cemetery, and there should have been no charge if she was buried at a military cemetery. Major carrier like Delta or AA, if they didn’t do it for free, should have been about $3k (cargo rate). Maybe $5k if special containment required for some odd reason. If a local funeral home had to be involved with taking her body from Dulles to Arlington, there might have been a fee.

While we wait for more information, I will simply note that we are sadly long removed from the days of Taking Chance. Can I see multiple failures of command and leadership resulting in a series of FUBARs by multiple individuals military and civil service? Far too easily I’m afraid. In fact, from some of the reactions the story is getting I’m sort of leaning that way, but I also admit to cynicism and bias.

Right now, all we can do is keep digging, wait, and see what comes to light. The true full story may not be what it appears, or it may be far worse than we think. If the latter, people need to be immediately cashiered from uniformed and civil service.

The other story I’m watching is the alleged drone attack on the MoD in Moscow. I say alleged for a reason, as there is no evidence of any drones anywhere near there. The damage looks far more like someone opened up with the AD guns (as opposed to missiles) either shooting at ghosts or shooting in a panic. Right now, leaning towards a combination of vodka for the right parties and panic at an imaginary threat. That said, if I wanted to truly fuck with the readiness of an enemy’s AD readiness, sending someone in with the gear to create ghosts at random would be a good way to do it.

I will also note the stupidity and cupidity of our leadership in going along with the insane concept promoted by Russia that it is an illegal act of terror for a country it has invaded to attack its territory. Can anyone find me a citation of any historical precedent for such? This is Vladimir in his dirty and frayed undershirt screaming at the police that if the bitch had just not resisted she wouldn’t be dead on a larger scale.

Here’s a clue to Vladimir and others: if you invade a sovereign nation, bomb not just its capital but most cities and target civilians, they have the right to return the favor. That’s not escalation in any way shape or form, just a legal and proper response to your aggression. I understand that what you are saying is for an internal audience, but the rest of us can point at it and you and laugh and laugh and laugh.

More soon.

Surgical Update

I met with the orthopedic surgeon this morning, and he smiled as I deliberately shook his hand. The short version is that he is (very) pleased with how things are going. So much so I can now start to work on moving my hand behind my back (within limitations), using weights, and even joining a gym. In short, I can start working towards resuming normal activities.

He is also willing to back the request by the physical therapist to my insurance company for additional PT sessions. I hope we can start work on that paperwork tomorrow even. Within the limitations, lots to do but it’s a challenge I can deal with. So long as I continue to have flashes of discomfort and little to no real pain, life is good.

During my surgery, I had asked him to take a photo and he did. Sadly, can’t share it, but I now know why I’ve had so much pain and mobility issues. The X-rays showed a lot, but the photo drove it home. One side of the ball was a mass of adhesions, spurs, and similar delights. The rest of the ball, well, no cartilage and instead of smooth white bone it looked like the lunar surface.

I’ll go back to him in six weeks, and if all is still going well, we are going to talk about going ahead and doing the left shoulder. I have a practical criteria for if I am ready (involves activities around cooking), but will also be getting input from PT and maybe others.

While we didn’t really get into it, don’t see any easy solutions for the neck, lower back, or hands. Osteoarthritis just doesn’t get the research other forms do, and so there are not a lot of viable treatments even for advanced severe osteoarthritis. All the more reason I need to move West ASAP. For insurance reasons, need to get anything I can dealt with now. Sadly, really need to hit the lotto to try regenerative medicine options.

That said, got a reminder last night of the need to get moved soon. The basement — thankfully not my living area — flooded again for the first time in more than a year. So glad we don’t have cameras downstairs as the sight of me running around in my boxers while wearing Matterhorn hazmat boots and a scapular would be interesting. I’m focused on being proactive to prevent more, the landlord seems more in denial in some ways. Then again, I’m not the one who’s probably dropped around $40k on re-doing sewers and drains.

The house was built in the late 30s/early 40s I think; the area sewer system dates from the 1930s in this area of the city (maybe even the 20s); and, we have that lovely steep drive down to the basement garages characteristic of homes from that era. The way things are done, rain from most of the driveways (both sides of the house) is essentially focused into going down that slope, which is why there is a trench drain at the bottom. Problem is it can get overwhelmed so we actually have a sump pump in it to pump rainwater out, up, and down the front away from the house. When it works, it’s good but I’m not sure it cut on last night.

Oh well, we will survive. I really want to be out West ASAP, but may have to do an intermediate step to get out of Indy and the ring counties for now. That said, it is convenient being a city block from the doctor and hospital where the ortho work is getting done. On a nice day, it takes me about ten minutes to walk to appointments.

In short, thankful for how well things are going. Looking at next steps on several levels, and in getting as much taken care of as possible. Going to pick up some additional PT items just to be safe.

More soon.

Tuesday Morning Slowdown

Things got kicked up a notch at PT yesterday, which has me moving a bit slow today. PT is far from what I consider a strenuous workout, but it seems to hit in many of the same ways.

For example, by the time I got back from PT and having to run down to pick up some refills, I was starving. So, I hit the taco truck for a couple of good asada tacos (proper, cilantro and onion), which I was going to photograph to share with a friend. As soon as the box was opened, they were inhaled. No photos. No crumbs. No nothing left but the container. Breakfast this morning was also inhaled, and I’ve been hungry since.

I am cooking at least breakfast again. The problem has been more doing dishes, which really can’t be done one handed IMO. Also, while I’ve done a bit of offhanded shooting/weapons work over the years, it never occurred to me that I might should learn to whip eggs and flip eggs and other things off-handed.

I actually slept better last night than I have in a while. Not great, but better. That said, up early and moving slow. More discomfort than pain, but I can tell they did step things up.

It is interesting where things are going in terms of politics in Russia. A piece that some seem to be missing is that Wagner owns some critical resources in the CAR, as well as controlling other resources (on behalf of Russia/Vladimir) elsewhere. For all that Pringles is loyal to Vladimir (and yes, I do think he is in his own very Russian way), keep in mind that others — including some who work hard to stay in the background — are involved with those resource efforts in Africa and elsewhere. To say that what is going on is Byzantine is an understatement, but Russian politics have always tended that way. To the dismay of many in Foggy Bottom who persist in thinking that they are just like us but talk funny. Let me reiterate that if you are basing your take on how we do things and what makes sense to us, you will continue to be disappointed, unpleasantly surprised at events, and wrong about the outcomes.

Another thing I’m noting is some of the discussions of artillery and how Ukraine is being outgunned. True, they are. Russia has stockpiles of artillery and ammo — most of which were subjected to the same looting and storage as their tanks and such. Duds are one thing, but the guns and ammo that get cranky when fired are reportedly making life interesting for the Russian red leg brigades. It is straying from politics and into operational, which I try not to do, but look at the accuracy difference between Russia and Ukraine. It’s significant. Yes, with numbers you can overcome precision. If all the numbers work.

Also, while our enemies probably know we are out of critical segments of ammo, Joe going and telling the world that’s true is not a good thing. Never confirm, and never give the enemy an advantage. Admitting it, and pretty much admitting we are going to be years if not decades (see previous writings and links in this category) rebuilding stockpiles (which were far too little to start with) falls under the category of “bad thing.”

And, yes, our stockpiles of every type of ammo are inadequate for actual combat. If you can tell me a single time the bean counters have been right about numbers needed for the last 100 years, it will be news to me. They always vastly underestimate what is needed, and I’m beginning to suspect that it may well be a historical truism.

As for Russia stepping up production of various weapons: how? They depend on ball bearings from the U.S. and Europe for their tanks and more. Chips from the West for almost everything. They have lost a great deal of manufacturing capability, and if they can’t obtain parts and more from the West, well… Again, if you aren’t following Kamil Galeev, you should be.

Can things get out of control in terms of the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Yes. Do I expect to see global thermonuclear war any time soon? No. Nuclear exchange? Maybe. Nuclear terrorism? Actually, yes. I still say that if it hits the point Vladimir can’t win he may just decide that no one should have the territory and what’s needed to unleash a dirty war has already been practiced almost a year ago. Still, right now, I would expect to see some form of conventional expansion before any of the nightmare scenarios being breathlessly touted.

Besides, as I’ve noted before: Vladimir wants to hurt us, not help us. With the Biden Regency and related doing more damage to the Republic than he could hope to inflict with a thousand nukes, I don’t see him taking out DC or initiating a larger exchange (which is problematic per previous writings) anytime soon. It would take something truly massive to change that I think. Possible? Yes. Likely? Not so much even with the staggering competence of the Biden Regency. (/sarc)

Meantime, I need to get back to doing more writing on preparedness, especially given how things are going domestically. Definitely have some new points to consider and perhaps lessons to share given the start of the shoulder replacements.

Keep your friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Life is interesting, and I suspect it is about to get even more so.

Quick Recommendations

I plan to do a post on what worked, what didn’t, and what fell in between here in a few weeks. Meantime, here are three things I can recommend.

For the absolute state of the art in cooling, go with the Aircast liquid cooling system. They used this in the hospital and sent me home with it. Very good system.

For what professional physical therapists use, I went with the Torex/Mojility standard size cold pack. Not quite as intense as the Aircast, but molds to you and puts the cheap pack I got at the big-box store to shame. Also, the cost was only about $5 more. I’m using a pillowcase to hold it and wearing a shirt, and it is still quite intense. Should be good for years, and am looking at some of the other offerings to keep on hand for general medical preparedness.

Finally, one set of exercises makes use of what I call a slip-n-slide system. This Tumbltrak is the system the PT center uses, and I am glad I bought one for home, even if I did have to buy a pair. Beats the heck out of towel, pillowcase, or other make-do at home. If your PT does something similar, was well worth the money IMO.

More soon.

Recovery And General Update

Sorry for the lack of posting, but it has been intense and interesting on several levels. Been getting to test both surgical and general preparedness a bit.

This last week, we started kicking things into high gear. I am now doing “real” PT with a therapist at a facility three times a week. This is an hour or so of the home exercises, additional exercises, and range of motion manipulation. Great results so far, almost enough to make me nervous as I don’t want any shoes to drop as it were. That said, I’m most happy to report that in one area we got a 20% increase in the range of motion.

Now, in addition to that, I get to do the home exercises twice a day on every day that I don’t do real PT. It does make a difference, but is also a bit tiring. I’ve actually invested in a gymnastics slider like we use at the therapist for a couple of exercises, as it works so much better than the make-do’s. I also have invested in the same professional grade cold pack that the therapist uses. I think it was only $5 more than the home-use pack I got at the big box store. For all I do love the Aircast liquid cooled system, it gives me something intense but not quite as intense.

We are still having to keep an eye on that area of the incision that did funny. Very glad to be finishing the antibiotics today! So far, so good.

Interestingly, more discomfort and pain in my biceps/triceps than the shoulder as he apparently he had to move some attachment points for those muscles. I’ve been very lucky on pain, and suspect the pain management plan worked very well. Thanks to the re-arrangements, my right arm has guns like it hasn’t had in years.

Yes, I am driving (with permission) though I try to limit it to essentials as it is one handed. Mostly to PT or for groceries. Okay, I may have driven to the taco truck once. Not comfortable doing much more than that, especially with Indy traffic. The sling comes off July 4th, which is quite appropriate. No weight and limited use, but no sling. Some trepidation as the sling has kept me from doing stupid things, particularly in my sleep or upon awakening. Probably another four to six weeks before I’m anywhere near starting back into real two-handed operations.

Now, on top of all this, we’ve had some interesting weather. Canadian smoke was so bad one day you literally could not see the downtown skyline, even downtown. Then came the storms, and more than 80,000 lost power in Indy, with some 20,000 still without power this morning. More than 140,000 others lost power across the state. Truly sad to see the number of 30+ foot trees that came down in town.

We did lose power, though thankfully for only 5 or so hours. The big complication for me is that both the recliner (where I’ve been sleeping post surgery) and my bed (head raises up like a hospital bed) depend on electricity. The idea of a battery backup for either never crossed my mind before this. It has now, and if anyone has suggestions please let me know. Meantime, I’ve adjusted the bed as best I can while we have power. Sadly, adjusting the recliner in advance just isn’t feasible.

I also never contemplated initiating various preparedness protocols one handed. Need to think, make notes, and consider some specialized SOPs. Also considering a few additional items for purchase.

To make life interesting, we have a good chance of more severe weather both today and tomorrow. Joy. Few things I would like to get today, but thinking that’s not going to happen.

So, that’s a bit of what has been going on. Need to do a Russia update, invest in popcorn as the fat lady has not sung and may not yet even be in the building. On France, I’m wondering if Col. Kratman is going to be right yet again. Be prepared, and keep your things where you can find them in the dark — especially if the power goes out.