Today marks 20 weeks since my shoulder surgery.
Dare I say that I think I’m turning another corner on this journey?
One of the things I noticed in the days and weeks following my surgery was that my shoulder joint was very tight. It took weeks upon weeks for things to loosen up; progress couldn’t really be measured day by day, much to my dismay. I think a small part of me expected (and still expects) to wake up feeling like my old self again.
Range of motion still leaves something to be desired, and there’s discomfort when I stretch my left arm in front of me, but I’m getting there. Forget lifting it to the side. That’s still painful. Putting on deodorant each day is a challenge, and shaving that armpit is ridiculously difficult. I probably should get it waxed, but I can’t lift my arm high enough, so that wouldn’t work either. Sheesh.
The repair of my torn labrum has definitely compounded the recovery, but I believe I am finally seeing improvement in this area as well. I’ve noticed that the constant ache is easing up, praise the Lord!
When we were at Disney with our children and grandchildren, I was able to pick up and carry all three of the babies. I was careful to lift them using my right arm primarily, and I kept my elbows close to my body to prevent tearing my left rotator cuff again, but the strength is coming back!
My oldest granddaughter even exclaimed, with delight and surprise, “NatNat, your arm is all better” when I lifted her up to hug her at the airport.
Be still my heart.
Reaching behind my back is something I cannot do yet. A childhood friend told me that it took her a year before she regained this ability, so I’m not losing hope.
There are a myriad of other tasks that continue to frustrate me, but the older I get, the more go-with-the-flow I find myself.
It is what it is, and I’m at God’s mercy as to when He heals me.
I’m just grateful for the strength He provides each day. I could not do life without Him.
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