Finally...

The surgeon who operated on my broken shoulder finally released me from his care...

Am I 100% ? No, but I can do pretty much everything I used to do, only now with a bit of difficulty.

Hopefully, that will get better with time.

My Shoulder Is Still Healing

Unfortunately, our insurance ran out re: my physical therapy visits.

I've been going for 3 months (three, then two times a week) and my latest x-ray this week shows I'm still not healed completely or have the range of motion my doctor wanted.  In parting, my PT and her assistant came up with a stretch and strength exercise program for me to do every day at home to maintain what I have gotten back (which is actually a lot!) and to maybe progress a bit more.

I'm finding out it's a long road to complete recovery after a severe injury.  And, I've seen at least one other person that had a more severe injury than mine while going to PT...

This is my first x-ray after surgery was done...

On The Mend With Adult Coloring Pages

www.coloring-pages-adults.com/

Life was a bit difficult after surgery.

The  surgery with a few complications (I see a bone health specialist this week) went well for the most part after dislocating and fracturing my shoulder November 20 in a fall outdoors.

But, I didn't do all that well with the shoulder block they gave me before going into surgery.  I had a bit of trouble with my breathing coming out of surgery because of it that wasn't comfortable.  And, of course immediately after surgery for anything and then for maybe a day after life just isn't too great.   I ended up with 2 screws in my shoulder: a small one and a much larger one underneath it for good measure.

But, I've been going to my 3 x a week physical therapy sessions that just this week dropped to 2 x a week and doing home exercises since December and my range of motion is returning.  It's a painful process, but I'm doing it and getting there.  My two PTs are working wonders. I'm proud to say that other than putting my hair into a ponytail (hubby had to learn how to do a ponytail) to be completed in a messy bun by myself and hooking and unhooking my seat belt (I couldn't drive either), I've pretty much done everything else for myself (all of the personal stuff), unlike others I understand.  Counting the time after the accident, waiting for surgery and time after the surgery I was in a sling for 7 whole weeks.  I could write an article on how to get through your daily life after shoulder surgery - hints and tricks: the best clothes to wear, how to shower, how to wash your hair, how to dress yourself,  how to get your shoulder sling off and on yourself, etc.  Why the surgeon's office or the physical therapist doesn't share any tips is beyond me.  I know an article would help someone going through the surgery I had so maybe I will eventually do that here in my blog.

Anyway, after spending some money on a few adult coloring books and some coloring pencils, I found a great site that has FREE pages to print out and color with a lot of different themes.  I've printed out a few and they do print out well.  I could have put the money I spent on coloring books into some better coloring pencils!  But, the books were fun to shop for...

On to the link -www.coloring-pages-adults.com/

Accidents - They Do Tend To Happen At The Most Inconvenient Time...

right before the holidays.

Last Friday I tripped outside over a low fence that keeps Chico out of the backyard.  My left shoulder took the impact when I hit the ground.  The force was so hard it was like I'd been shot in the shoulder or something - meaning how far my shoulder shot back.  I will never forget that feeling.

I was taken to the ER by ambulance with a posterior dislocated shoulder  (which I later learned about only 3% are - most are anterior).  And it is true, a dislocated shoulder hurts like hell!!!  It was excruciating pain!!!  At one point, hubby told me I had 7 young guys around me helping, too bad I wasn't younger and/or not in so much pain - I would have enjoyed that...He said he didn't see why there had to be that many...  :op  I don't know if this is everywhere, but when you call 911 here both the first responders and firetruck arrive to help.  As you always hear - A great group of dedicated guys...

Once the x-rays came back, in the ER, I learned that I had also fractured one of the bones in my shoulder.  A trip to a specialist/surgeon yesterday revealed just how bad it was.  Unfortunately, I need rotator cuff surgery and the repair of the fracture using screws.  Then, 6 more weeks in a sling and another 4 months before the doctor could call it complete recovery (hopefully).  That would also include physical therapy.

Regarding range of motion - the doctor said he thinks he can get me back to raising my arm to at least shoulder level.  Let's hope with a determined will and extra attention to physical therapy I can get it further.

It was a lot to take in and accept...At least it's my left shoulder and I'm right handed.  And, of course other things could have been worse.

The surgery is set for next Wednesday, December 2, 2015.