Guess what, y’all?
I just got home from my LAST physical therapy appointment!!
Cue the happy tears.
It’s hard to believe that I was in physical therapy for EXACTLY – to the day – one year.
I’d had a feeling that this was coming. During an appointment two weeks ago, my therapist had mentioned that they were going to cut me loose soon.
In preparation, I wrote a thank you note and kept it in my fanny pack.
I carried it to physical therapy last week, but my therapist never mentioned me being done, so I took it back home.
Today was the day, though, as he gently told me the news during my first exercise.
My right shoulder has seen dramatic improvement the past three weeks, so it was time.
I’m not pain-free yet, and I still don’t have full range of motion across my back or across my front, but things are moving along.
We discussed limitations – I don’t really have any beyond being safe and not lifting any heavier than I have strength for.
He gave me a set of exercises to do at home three days a week and a new set of bands to increase intensity.
He also assured me that if I’m still struggling in a few weeks, I can visit my orthopedic surgeon, who will be able to start me on a new treatment plan.
Honestly, I think I’m going to wait it out.
My experience with my left shoulder taught me that sometimes, God takes His time to provide full healing.
I know that months nine through twelve see the biggest gains with regard to a full return to normal activities, so I’ll try to be patient.
Wednesdays are going to look a little different. I’m a tad sad about not seeing my extended PT family each week, but change is good sometimes, and this one signifies another mile marker in my healing journey.
As I sat in the chair for my final TENS and heating pad treatments, I handed my therapist the card I’d written and simply took in the small conversations happening around me.
My physical therapist was meeting a new patient – one who has been having shoulder pain.
I smiled as I listened to his kind words of assurance that he was going to take good care of her.
He’ll hold to his word too.
The dreaded beeps went off signaling the end of my session.
I hugged each therapist as I left, thanked them, and wished them a Merry Christmas.
As I headed out, I asked the gal at the front desk to remove all of my future appointments.
It was bittersweet.
I am incredibly thankful for the people God has brought into my life through this experience and how much He’s changed me since I first walked through those PT doors.
To God be the glory.
Filed under: This-n-That | 1 Comment »
AuburnChick's Adventures 