Another week of my post-surgery recovery is behind me, y’all!
Today marks eleven weeks since I underwent my second shoulder surgery.
This has been another good week for me.
The pain level is about where it was last week, which was a vast improvement from the weeks before.
I made a rookie mistake last Thursday evening and washed my hair. The day following physical therapy is always a rough one. The exercises and stretching that happen the day before lead to a lot of soreness, and I’m usually pretty miserable. Throwing in a hair washing aggravated things worse.
Lesson learned.
Sunday, I told the Mr. that I wanted to try to ride in his Jeep to church. He loves his Jeep, but I haven’t been able to climb in since before my surgery.
I mainly used my back to brace myself, but I was able to get in. Jeep riding is a lot of fun.
One day last week, I misjudged the space I had when I walked into my office and hit the side of my arm against the door. I’ve been sporting a lovely bruise ever since.
Of all of the things to do, I pick the worst! My middle name certainly isn’t Grace. Ha!
Sleep is still challenging, but I am loving being back in bed.
I still wake up often during the night, and 3am seems to be the time when the ibuprofen and muscle relaxer wear off. Mornings are tough as I get my shoulder moving. The left shoulder still hurts a little at night too, so it’s rough all around.
D, my physical therapist, started me on some new exercises yesterday.
I did wall slides with a towel. I had started doing these back in May, a couple of weeks before we paused the physical therapy I’d was doing for my left shoulder in the lead up to my second surgery.
I remember hurting a lot while doing these in May. My right shoulder was a hot mess still since I was waiting for surgery, and the left one wasn’t really ready to do the work for both shoulders.
Yesterday’s attempt went so much better with no pain.
Little wins, y’all. I take them wherever and whenever I can.
I also rolled a large PT ball up the wall for more stretches. This felt so good!
D had me put a rod behind my back and try to pull it upward, using both hands. The purpose was to work my inward rotation. That didn’t go so well. I could barely move my arms.
The rest of my exercises were moves I’ve been doing regularly, which I appreciated. Introducing too many new things is challenging and results in a lot of pain.
I enjoyed the heat and TENS post-therapy self care.
I was given an updated at-home regimen, along with new bands.
Overall, I am happy with the way things are progressing. I am trying not to compare this recovery to the left shoulder’s.
I’m also trying to be very mindful to listen to my body, live life as much in the slow lane as I can, and remember that this is a temporary season.
I pray that the end of your week goes well and that you have a restful weekend.
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