This will be my last installment of the shoulder surgery chronicles, though I may add photos of the surgery scar healing process at one year. I know that the scar it would leave was one of the things I initially fretted about before the surgery. Anyway, I’m six and a half months in and doing well. Physical therapy is clicking along, I can do a lot of things without pain that I was no longer able to do before surgery. The best part is, it no longer hurts all the time!
Nowadays in physical therapy, we are focusing on gentle strengthening. The goal is to work my way back into weightlifting and calisthenics, or body weight training. Modifications will be necessary, and there are a few exercises my medical team has suggested wouldn’t be wise to do again. These include pullups/chin-ups, rock climbing, and activities that put excessive strain on the scapular muscle group.
The only exercise I feel I am really going to miss, is the chin-ups and pullups. I have always considered that to be the pinnacle of my physical fitness. To do these correctly and unsupported, especially as a female, takes a lot of upper body strength and endurance, which means a lot of training. However, I sustain my gratitude for what I have gained back, and what I have yet to achieve.
In conclusion, I have to thank my surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Grantham, for being the one to finally fix my shoulder properly. Next, my Physical therapist Will, who took great care of me in the first part of my physical therapy journey.
From keeping a watchful eye on my minor surgery complication, to being my cheerleader whilst making sure I wasn’t overdoing it with exercises. He always had encouraging words when I felt discouraged from a setback, or when I felt impatient with my (slower than I’d like) progress.
Last but certainly not least, my beautiful family for their understanding, patience, and unconditional love. My dear husband was an excellent home care nurse and my main support. Thank you for always having ice packs at the ready, frequently helping adjust my mountain of pillows, joining me for my walks in the woods, and so much more.
Thank you all so much, for playing a vital part in changing my life for the better. I am eternally grateful.
Do you have a shoulder surgery recovery story to tell? I invite you to share it! Especially if it involves the condition of scapular dyskinesis. It is supposedly a rare condition, which means our stories are hard to find. Feel free to share any surgery recovery tips, how you are doing now, or adaptations and workarounds you have discovered in pursuit of a healthy, fulfilling life. Anything you feel comfortable sharing as it pertains to the topic.
Happy healing and thriving!
Musecal Mind 