Update on Recovery after Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

I don't know what happened to January - one day I was celebrating Christmas and the next day it was February 1st! For benefit reasons, I decided to have my shoulder surgery sooner than later, so I had total shoulder replacement surgery (on my right shoulder) on February 3, 2012. I was a little apprehensive about the surgery, but I tried to not think of it much. The surgery day was sort of an ordeal, I got bumped from the first surgery in the a.m. to a noon surgery and then after surgery, I was in recovery until after 5:00pm - my poor parents were freaking out! All went well (we think) and I have been recovering at my parents house. The first few days were very rough and then things eased up a bit. I was not able to get my arm up to the computer or use the mouse until this weekend (and it is still an effort). So far, I am only permitted to do some small gentle stretches and can't pick up anything heavier than a fork with my right arm. But here's the rub - I can pick up the fork, but I can't get it up to my mouth!!! :) Needless to say, I am eating just fine with my left hand - not much keeps me from eating. That said, on Saturday, I got some sort of stomach flu and was sick in bed all weekend. After all that, my whole body was so sore, that I didn't even notice the pain in my shoulder! :) I see the surgeon tomorrow (first pre-op appointment) and once they determine that the replacement parts are in the right place and healing properly, I think that they will send me to physical therapy. I have been told that the pt is grueling - I will need to get back range of motion and strength (most of which I lost prior to the surgery). I am kind of sick of pt - I have had more than my share of it these last few years, but I know how important it is and I will work hard to get good motion back. The other arm will need surgery in the future, but I don't even want to think about it - I am not spending all of 2012 recovering from surgeries! PS: Someone told me that there is a video of a shoulder replacement surgery on YouTube, but I chose not to watch what was being done to my body - some things are better not dwelled upon!).

All else with me is good - aside from the stomach upset, I have been feeling well and keeping busy. Now I am kind of bored - there are a lot of things that I can't do with one arm - especially driving. I don't know why I keep paying car insurance - I can't drive more than I can!!! Today, I directed my dad in how to make chicken salad - I had cooked the chicken and froze it before I went into the hospital, so we pulled it out of the freezer and while my mom worked, my dad chopped the chicken, parsley, celery and mixed it with the spices and mayo so that we could have it for lunch - too funny - working in the kitchen with my dad is an odd "bonus" of all these illnesses/recoveries. We bake a great apple cake together too!

My sister and Hannah dropped by and took me to Panera Bread for a bowl of soup as a surprise (I had the cream of chicken with rice - yummy) - it was nice to get out. Mom and Dad joined us. It was a quiet, casual affair. I was craving a Linzer Cookie, but they didn't have any. I was actually surprised that they didn't seem to have anything special for Valentine's Day. Oh well, I will have to find my Linzer Cookie somewhere else.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day! I know that a lot of single people don't like Valentine's Day, but for the most part I have always liked it. I do remember a few single years when it seemed as if everyone in the office, but me, received a big bouquet of flowers or candy or a singing telegram. I also remember friends and co-workers coming in after Valentine's Day with their stories of romantic dinners and even engagements. I guess that some of those times were sort of depressing, but I actually always like the holiday. Something abut all the bright reds and pinks during the dreary part of winter - something to help get over the doldrums of winter. I know, this year, Baltimore really hasn't experienced the doldrums of winter, but we usually do! And yes, I understand all the complaints that it is a holiday designed to sell greeting cards, candy and flowers - but really, are those things that bad! No one is telling people to go out and mortgage their house to buy a Valentine's Day gift! I know, like all holidays and celebrations, people have gotten carried away with the gift giving and the hopes and dreams related to the holiday, but the sentiment should be the real thought - letting someone know that they are special really should be all that is needed. Okay, I guess that I could do with a few less lovey dovey Hallmark Movies, but for the most part - all the romance in the air (and on tv) are pretty nice.
So, whatever your love-life status is, enjoy the day, enjoy the sentiment, lighten up a little or at least just enjoy the bright colors of the holiday! Happy Valentine's Day.