Home stretch

This week in therapy we started strengthening my shoulder muscles and doing some major stretching.  I've actually been working up a sweat!  We've started out using yellow resistance bands for strengthening.  Also, I've started using some kind of a machine that I can only describe as an exercise bike for the arms.  I can already tell a difference just from this week!  I'm able to lift my arm enough to touch my face now.  Last week I couldn't do it very easily.  I've been doing really well at keeping up with my therapy at home.  In fact, I think I may be going above and beyond what I should be doing.  I'm so anxious to get back to my life!  Work, driving, leaving the house whenever I feel like it and being back with my baby, Max. 

To help pass the time I've been reading the Walking Dead Compendium One which I think is books 1-48.  I finished it the other night and have already started on Compendium Two which is books 49-96.  I've also been watching a lot of TV, playing a lot of facebook games, and lots of exercising.  I'm starting to get bored....

Making progress

Almost 5 weeks after surgery!  I missed both therapy appointments last week.  I was sick one of the days and the other day my therapist was sick.  I worked extra hard at home to make sure I didn't lose any movement.  When I went back to therapy this week she was impressed with my progress.  She stretched my arm muscles even further and thinks I'm ready for muscle strengthening exercises.  So next week we are going to start using bands for resistance with my exercises.  Also, since they had to cut into part of my rotator cuff during surgery, I haven't been allowed to rotate my arm outward.  Next week I am going to start working on that movement.  Lots of hard work and pain but I'm looking forward to it.  I'm thinking within the next 3 -4 weeks I will be driving again and starting back to work.  Yipee! 

Not feelin' so hot

I haven't been feeling so hot the past couple of days.  My stomach has been upset and nauseous.  The one thing I hate the most is when I'm hungry but feel like I'm going to get sick if I eat.  Hopefully I'll start feeling better soon.

Yesterday I had my stitches removed.  It was one continuous stitch with bows tied at each end.  Two snips and they pulled them out.  Very little pain (yay)!  I have therapy twice a week.  It's been going well.  Lots of stretching the muscles.  I've started working on moving my arm myself.  Lifting it straight up and out to the side.  I've been having trouble lifting it straight up.  It's a bit difficult and causes some muscle pain.  It disappoints me that it's so hard to do.  I keep reminding myself that I did just have surgery 2 weeks ago.  Things aren't going to work perfectly afterwards.  That's why I have therapy.  Also my arm muscles haven't worked right for about 5 years so it's going to take some time to build them back up.  I have made some progress though.  I am able to brush my teeth by myself and feed myself.  The more things I can do on my own the better it makes me feel.   I'm hoping to be back at work within 4 weeks.  I'm already bored and actually want to go back! 

On Saturday night I spent the evening at my house.  I've been living with my mom and Jim while I recuperate.  I had to leave my dog Max behind.  I've missed him so much!  I spent the evening with him and he was on my lap the whole night.  I invited my dad over to hang out for awhile and my nieces were there too.  We ate some Papa John's pizza which did not sit well with me. 

That's all I have for now!