Improvements. Finally got time off work approved. Good thing I still have some vacation time.
Bought some bigger clothes (casual lounge-wear). Universal recommendation is to get big/baggy clothing so it’s easier to get on and off. Even got a couple pairs of front-closure bras for when my shoulder is somewhat healed. I watched and the videos and tried the supposedly easy methods to either front or back closure brans on with one hand. Suffice it to say my spouse is going to be dong that part for me for 6 weeks, and then we'll see. Front will be easier at some point, and I'll have to go out in public eventually (mainly physical therapy).
Another widely recommended tip is to use pump bottles whenever possible for soap, shampoo, lotion, etc. Everything I have is either a bar, flip, or screw-top. Somewhat recently found fantastic bar shampoo and conditioner. Nertz can't use that for a while. Probably. Oh well. Got a couple hopefully fun soap scents that weren't too expensive. Pretty sure it's going to dry my skin out. Figured at least if it doesn't smell bad, might be more sufferable. I'm not normally a poofy loofah person, but the handle around one's wrist suddenly makes perfect sense when you only have one arm and don't want to drop things.
Not sure what else to do. Aside from the painful stretches they gave me to keep my range of motion up. Nasty stuff. The word "excruiating" comes to mind, but they're not as bad once the stretch is released. Problem is if one gets frozen shoulder, due to lack of use, recovery could increase from 6-12 months, to 2 1/2+ years. Interesting how perspective makes it more bearable. It's already torn, and they're going to repair it, so what's the biggie if it's slightly more torn for them to fix?
No NSAIDS/anti-inflammatory remedies starting Monday. I started reducing the amount I take and was unpleasantly surprised how much pain I was in. Bringing out the topicals: bio-freeze, salonpas, Deep Blue, whatever can take the edge off. Looking into topical lidocane too. I know they normally don't smell great. The price you pay for relief. Someone clearly went to a lot of effort on the one product I saw labeled "fruity." Uhm, ok. Good luck with that one.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Surgery Paperwork Stress
Maybe I'm programmed incorrectly, that I will always find something to stress about. This week's stress is over taking time off work.
Initially the doctor’s office said plan to take 6-12 weeks off work. Sounds good. 6 weeks non-negotiable will be confined to a sling. My job is typing for speed, so that’s not going to happen.
Earlier this week the office (finally) got around to completing the paperwork required for me to take time off. They suggested I would only need 2-3 weeks. Ahem. At 2 weeks, I wonder if I’ll still be icing and moping around in pain a lot. I won’t be able to drive, type, and at that point who knows how well I’ll even be at hygiene and getting dressed (thus staying home and moping). I asked them to please check with the surgeon, as this was quite a bit less than previously estimated. They said fine, they’ll submit for 6 weeks. (sigh)
Then they complete the paperwork (due Tuesday, this is pushing it), provided me with a copy and it said 10 days off work. What the ?? I contacted them and politely asked to help me understand where this was coming from. Initial response was “oh, that’s to let work know that I might need to take time off intermittently to go to follow-up appointments or physical therapy. Uhm, ok, that’s not very clear the way it reads . . . They made a comment how this is how they fill it out for people who can’t work more than 3 days in a row. Great. Open it up for them that I could potentially work Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, have Wednesday off, and finish up the week Thursday, Friday. You can’t open the window like that for some places. Don’t give them any ideas implying I can be back to work after 10 days if that’s not what you mean. I’m already freaking out about pain and the arduous recovery proces . . . let's please not add this on top.
Initially the doctor’s office said plan to take 6-12 weeks off work. Sounds good. 6 weeks non-negotiable will be confined to a sling. My job is typing for speed, so that’s not going to happen.
Earlier this week the office (finally) got around to completing the paperwork required for me to take time off. They suggested I would only need 2-3 weeks. Ahem. At 2 weeks, I wonder if I’ll still be icing and moping around in pain a lot. I won’t be able to drive, type, and at that point who knows how well I’ll even be at hygiene and getting dressed (thus staying home and moping). I asked them to please check with the surgeon, as this was quite a bit less than previously estimated. They said fine, they’ll submit for 6 weeks. (sigh)
Then they complete the paperwork (due Tuesday, this is pushing it), provided me with a copy and it said 10 days off work. What the ?? I contacted them and politely asked to help me understand where this was coming from. Initial response was “oh, that’s to let work know that I might need to take time off intermittently to go to follow-up appointments or physical therapy. Uhm, ok, that’s not very clear the way it reads . . . They made a comment how this is how they fill it out for people who can’t work more than 3 days in a row. Great. Open it up for them that I could potentially work Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, have Wednesday off, and finish up the week Thursday, Friday. You can’t open the window like that for some places. Don’t give them any ideas implying I can be back to work after 10 days if that’s not what you mean. I’m already freaking out about pain and the arduous recovery proces . . . let's please not add this on top.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Stamina
Sure, my left arm and hand are weaker and out of practice. Beyond muscle and fine motor skill though, requires stamina. It's not that everything requires a ton of strength, but it takes forever to get through it, and then you go on to the next thing. Or you will once you have surgery. Seems unanimously recommended to get a shower chair because even though your shoulder has nothing to do with standing, you'll be so freaking tired. If you go with the recommended detachable shower head, you have to use your hand and arm almost all the time. You have to use your arm the entire time to wet, soap, rinse, the entire time. You can't simply stand there to rinse. It’s not that you’ve never used your opposite hand/arm before, but you’re going to be using it constantly. From one frustrating or tiring task to the next.
It’s mentally exhausting more than you’d think, too. It gets better, but for a while, glack.
Unfortunately I practiced so much with the left hand/arm the last few days, that shoulder now hurts too. I give up. For now.
It’s mentally exhausting more than you’d think, too. It gets better, but for a while, glack.
Unfortunately I practiced so much with the left hand/arm the last few days, that shoulder now hurts too. I give up. For now.
Monday, February 24, 2025
Lighter On-line Window Shopping
I took a break from perusing practical convenience/helper items, and looked at silly tshirts that say something like “I survived surgery” or “I’m sorry for what I said during physical therapy" or "recovery mode: On." Cute idea, but not very practable to read them if one has a big sling across your abdomen for 6 weeks. Oh well. It was an amusing respite.
I have compiled a list of recommended items, but really only got a few so far. My spouse's co-worker recommended tank-tops. Got a couple oversized tanks, and some super baggy lose pants, as oversized is your friend in one-handed world. Although people swear by the shower chair and wedge pillows, holding off on those for now. I have Amazon Prime, for supposedly faster shipping in case I decide I need them after all (don't get me started about the free 6-month Prime account they offered me pre-COVID. 3 month shipping for some items. Oye.)
I have compiled a list of recommended items, but really only got a few so far. My spouse's co-worker recommended tank-tops. Got a couple oversized tanks, and some super baggy lose pants, as oversized is your friend in one-handed world. Although people swear by the shower chair and wedge pillows, holding off on those for now. I have Amazon Prime, for supposedly faster shipping in case I decide I need them after all (don't get me started about the free 6-month Prime account they offered me pre-COVID. 3 month shipping for some items. Oye.)
Friday, February 21, 2025
Shoulder Considerations and Preparation
Wow, there’s a lot I need to do prior to this surgery. Luckily I’ve been made aware of some things to buy or practice, but wow, there’s a lot.
Thank goodness for you-tube. Found some videos that demonstrate how to get dressed and undressed, and yes, bathroom considerations of all kinds. For example bar soaps might slip out of ones hand, whereas pump dispensers are easier.
Sounds like I might want to get a sling to practice with, since it can be recommended to have a spare one anyway. It’s one thing to practice only using your other hand/arm, but to keep your surgical arm where it needs to be, not lose one’s balance, sounds like it’s a bit tougher than I might anticipate. Practicing opening medicine bottles. How short should I get my hair cut this time? Hair washing for 3+ months one arm may get tiring pretty quick.
Still re-calibrating my head to accept that this surgery will be so much worse than last year’s. Last year's major surgery involved removal and shuffling of internal organs, but it wasn’t that bad, all things considered with. I felt considerably better after 3 weeks, and had no restrictions at 6 weeks. This one we’re looking at 6 weeks in a sling, 6 months of physical therapy, and hoping pain subsides by 9-12 months later. Yikes.
Thank goodness for you-tube. Found some videos that demonstrate how to get dressed and undressed, and yes, bathroom considerations of all kinds. For example bar soaps might slip out of ones hand, whereas pump dispensers are easier.
Sounds like I might want to get a sling to practice with, since it can be recommended to have a spare one anyway. It’s one thing to practice only using your other hand/arm, but to keep your surgical arm where it needs to be, not lose one’s balance, sounds like it’s a bit tougher than I might anticipate. Practicing opening medicine bottles. How short should I get my hair cut this time? Hair washing for 3+ months one arm may get tiring pretty quick.
Still re-calibrating my head to accept that this surgery will be so much worse than last year’s. Last year's major surgery involved removal and shuffling of internal organs, but it wasn’t that bad, all things considered with. I felt considerably better after 3 weeks, and had no restrictions at 6 weeks. This one we’re looking at 6 weeks in a sling, 6 months of physical therapy, and hoping pain subsides by 9-12 months later. Yikes.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Who's Ready for Shoulder Surgery
Interesting how helpful it is to keep digital records. In addition to the blog, I journal both on a computer and on paper. I like physical paper writing, but the Ctrl-F function is priceless. I did a search for the world “shoulder” and the first mention I found was March 28, 2024. Whined a lot more about it in my personal journal than on-line. I can’t recall exactly what exercises I did, but I have some suspicions. We got a new mattress around the same time though, and I attempted to rationalize away that maybe I slept on my side wrong or was acclimatizing to the new mattress. I did the exact same exercises on each arm, so it didn’t make sense to me that only one hurt. I should have gone to a doc sooner, but I doubt it would’ve helped. My knee was so much worse, that was my main concern at the time. Since I couldn’t pin-point an exact injury or event, they probably still would have dismissed it as mild inflammation. Based on how much my knee was down-played, as my shoulder got worse, I thought, well, they probably won’t do anything about that either, so why bother?
Anyway, shoulder specialist confirmed my rotator cuff is badly torn, one part “hanging on by a thread” and my bicep is also torn and in need of repair. My theory is that I tore it a little at first, and then gradually tore it more and more as I continued to exercise the rest of the year. Yes it kept hurting, but whenever I did ask, they said do exercises and it’ll be fine. Throw more nsaids at it, and it’ll be fine. Maybe I need to get my pcp to prescribe high-dose prescription nsaids every couple of months, and that’s fine too. Nope, it was not fine. I could have said sure, it was from an injury, but I wouldn’t have know what to tell them I did that caused it. in hindsight maybe I could’ve said I did so many different exercises that day, I wasn’t sure which one it was. I’m not a good creative liar, I guess. Or didn’t think I could pull one over on this. But in hindsight, maybe that would’ve been interesting to try. Oh well.
This surgery is scheduled for March 27. Here’s the sucky part. I won’t be able to do anything with that arm (or hand, probably) for 6 weeks, which includes typing or writing. Even now, typing hurts, and they said if it irritates things, I might need to lay off typing for 12 weeks initially to prevent a slower overall recovery. I could try hunt and peck with my non-dominant hand, but that would probably drive me nuts (compared to easily typing 50+ wpm). I have a talk-to-text app on the phone, but it doesn’t do punctuation, so that still seems tedious to add (when I do use it). I will need physical therapy rehab for at least 6 months. Whoa. Already this seems so much worse than last year’s, even though that was classified as “major” surgery and made some top lists for how painful it is. That sounds like a cake-walk compared to this. 6-12 weeks being one-handed and half a year of rehab. Plus my insurance isn’t as good this year, so it’s likely going to be more costly.
In the meantime, they gave me some stretches for range of motion I can practice now to get in the best shape possible before the knife hits. (kidding. I am not a fan of any surgery and joke about being sliced open, even if it’s minimally invasive).
My knee physical therapist said with this development, he’d release me from weekly visits if I promised to keep up the exercises as much as possible. This way we save as many visits as possible, given that insurance has maximum visits they will cover. I won’t be able to continue some of the knee-related exercises after the surgery, as they involve laying on my bad arm. At least I have a good PT to work with, as they said I could ask for them again for my shoulder rehab. It’s gonna be a long year.
On a bright note we finally have central heat again after a month. It sounds like high pressure air being pumped into a bouncy-house, after the relatively quiet space heater.
Anyway, shoulder specialist confirmed my rotator cuff is badly torn, one part “hanging on by a thread” and my bicep is also torn and in need of repair. My theory is that I tore it a little at first, and then gradually tore it more and more as I continued to exercise the rest of the year. Yes it kept hurting, but whenever I did ask, they said do exercises and it’ll be fine. Throw more nsaids at it, and it’ll be fine. Maybe I need to get my pcp to prescribe high-dose prescription nsaids every couple of months, and that’s fine too. Nope, it was not fine. I could have said sure, it was from an injury, but I wouldn’t have know what to tell them I did that caused it. in hindsight maybe I could’ve said I did so many different exercises that day, I wasn’t sure which one it was. I’m not a good creative liar, I guess. Or didn’t think I could pull one over on this. But in hindsight, maybe that would’ve been interesting to try. Oh well.
This surgery is scheduled for March 27. Here’s the sucky part. I won’t be able to do anything with that arm (or hand, probably) for 6 weeks, which includes typing or writing. Even now, typing hurts, and they said if it irritates things, I might need to lay off typing for 12 weeks initially to prevent a slower overall recovery. I could try hunt and peck with my non-dominant hand, but that would probably drive me nuts (compared to easily typing 50+ wpm). I have a talk-to-text app on the phone, but it doesn’t do punctuation, so that still seems tedious to add (when I do use it). I will need physical therapy rehab for at least 6 months. Whoa. Already this seems so much worse than last year’s, even though that was classified as “major” surgery and made some top lists for how painful it is. That sounds like a cake-walk compared to this. 6-12 weeks being one-handed and half a year of rehab. Plus my insurance isn’t as good this year, so it’s likely going to be more costly.
In the meantime, they gave me some stretches for range of motion I can practice now to get in the best shape possible before the knife hits. (kidding. I am not a fan of any surgery and joke about being sliced open, even if it’s minimally invasive).
My knee physical therapist said with this development, he’d release me from weekly visits if I promised to keep up the exercises as much as possible. This way we save as many visits as possible, given that insurance has maximum visits they will cover. I won’t be able to continue some of the knee-related exercises after the surgery, as they involve laying on my bad arm. At least I have a good PT to work with, as they said I could ask for them again for my shoulder rehab. It’s gonna be a long year.
On a bright note we finally have central heat again after a month. It sounds like high pressure air being pumped into a bouncy-house, after the relatively quiet space heater.
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Anger & Fear Lead to the Dark Side
I should apologize for all my negativity lately. I yelled at the rental management agency here instead of real life in order to blow off steam. I realize directing open hatred towards them in real life wouldn’t accomplish anything.
A chunk of the rest, I think, has been driven by fear. I feel like I must be so delicate lately, is any or everything going to permanently damage me? Even if we get my shoulder fixed, that’s still going to be a lingering question. Previous PT experience for my feet; I felt like they were always saying buck up, doesn’t matter that things hurt. I figured I’m getting older, maybe I am more sensitive to pain and my body isn’t as tough as it used to be, but I needed to push through it. Now it seems pushing has torn up my knee and my shoulder. Not even doing strenuous exercises. What the heck. I used to mentally roll my eyes at health care providers who said I could strength exercises without weights because even one pound is very heavy. Whatever. I figured they must get a lot of patients that are elderly and about to break. I didn’t think I had already become one of those people.
I realize I’m thinking a few steps ahead, but how the heck do I know what pain is good or bad anymore? Exercises after surgery always hurt, and I’m sure it’s normal. Not everything is going to be sunshine and daisies. But it frightens me that my body seem so feeble that stretching can snap tendons or ligaments completely through. I thought I had built up gradually enough – took over a year to work up to 10 pounds, and even then, barely felt comfortable moving up from 8 pound weights. Meanwhile I read or get advice that I’m still going too slowly, or I need to do more, faster, harder . . . I guess I have hard evidence now to tell such people to back off. Right now my shoulder is in pain even when resting. That scares me. It hurts more with the slightest expenditure of effort, such as typing or picking up a pen. The rate that it’s gone downhill in the last month scares me. If you wonder why I don’t slap more pain meds/patches/creams on it, sometimes I’m afraid covering up the pain will only allow me to accidentally injure it more quickly, because I don’t feel how much it’s hurting. So I wait until evening to throw pain meds on it so I can sleep. Otherwise when I take things throughout the day, and it still hurts so much, I can’t take more. Not being able to do anything but wait doesn’t help my anxiety. The whole thing is a crappy situation.
I'm praticing using my opposite hand and arm more. Used a knife and didn't cut myself. Not ready to write or mouse with my opposite hand yet.
Trying to eat healhy but I'm hungry a lot, despite getting more protein.
A chunk of the rest, I think, has been driven by fear. I feel like I must be so delicate lately, is any or everything going to permanently damage me? Even if we get my shoulder fixed, that’s still going to be a lingering question. Previous PT experience for my feet; I felt like they were always saying buck up, doesn’t matter that things hurt. I figured I’m getting older, maybe I am more sensitive to pain and my body isn’t as tough as it used to be, but I needed to push through it. Now it seems pushing has torn up my knee and my shoulder. Not even doing strenuous exercises. What the heck. I used to mentally roll my eyes at health care providers who said I could strength exercises without weights because even one pound is very heavy. Whatever. I figured they must get a lot of patients that are elderly and about to break. I didn’t think I had already become one of those people.
I realize I’m thinking a few steps ahead, but how the heck do I know what pain is good or bad anymore? Exercises after surgery always hurt, and I’m sure it’s normal. Not everything is going to be sunshine and daisies. But it frightens me that my body seem so feeble that stretching can snap tendons or ligaments completely through. I thought I had built up gradually enough – took over a year to work up to 10 pounds, and even then, barely felt comfortable moving up from 8 pound weights. Meanwhile I read or get advice that I’m still going too slowly, or I need to do more, faster, harder . . . I guess I have hard evidence now to tell such people to back off. Right now my shoulder is in pain even when resting. That scares me. It hurts more with the slightest expenditure of effort, such as typing or picking up a pen. The rate that it’s gone downhill in the last month scares me. If you wonder why I don’t slap more pain meds/patches/creams on it, sometimes I’m afraid covering up the pain will only allow me to accidentally injure it more quickly, because I don’t feel how much it’s hurting. So I wait until evening to throw pain meds on it so I can sleep. Otherwise when I take things throughout the day, and it still hurts so much, I can’t take more. Not being able to do anything but wait doesn’t help my anxiety. The whole thing is a crappy situation.
I'm praticing using my opposite hand and arm more. Used a knife and didn't cut myself. Not ready to write or mouse with my opposite hand yet.
Trying to eat healhy but I'm hungry a lot, despite getting more protein.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Still waiting for MRI shoulder followup
Started practicing using my non-dominant hand, in case I do need surgery. Not much else I can do while I wait to find the prognosis. It’s interesting how many things become awkward. I can eat, brush my teeth ok. Opening a door that seems designed to open with the opposite hand is weird. Door opening is the type of thing one can usually navigate either way. But if you only had one hand to use . . . I usually give up and use the arm that makes sense with the way the door is angled, because it doesn’t seem worth the trouble.
Went out of town for holiday and my exercises went out the window. I did them at first, but my hip got so tight . . . . I tried to do the stretches alone 2-3 times a day and couldn’t loosen things up. it was painful enough I thought, I’m on vacation, I’m supposed to be having a good time, to heck with this. The other challenge is that the stretch involves using my bad arm/shoulder. My knee is already torn completely through. It might not make a huge difference if I delay PT exercises. There might still be hope for my shoulder. After my trip I started up knee exercises again slowly, but I’m not going to over-do it. Would rather wait a bit to meet with the shoulder expert. Then they might be able to confirm exactly what movements will or will not create more damage. Almost all of the exercised I’d been given previously hurt, but they always say yeah, it’s still good for you. Now that we have more detailed MRI imaging, and multiple tears, I’d like to confirm what’s ok.
Went out of town for holiday and my exercises went out the window. I did them at first, but my hip got so tight . . . . I tried to do the stretches alone 2-3 times a day and couldn’t loosen things up. it was painful enough I thought, I’m on vacation, I’m supposed to be having a good time, to heck with this. The other challenge is that the stretch involves using my bad arm/shoulder. My knee is already torn completely through. It might not make a huge difference if I delay PT exercises. There might still be hope for my shoulder. After my trip I started up knee exercises again slowly, but I’m not going to over-do it. Would rather wait a bit to meet with the shoulder expert. Then they might be able to confirm exactly what movements will or will not create more damage. Almost all of the exercised I’d been given previously hurt, but they always say yeah, it’s still good for you. Now that we have more detailed MRI imaging, and multiple tears, I’d like to confirm what’s ok.
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Defeated
Feeling more defeated today. I did get some holy basil, and with a couple of warmer days, my chest felt significantly better. Then it got cold again. Today I can hardly talk without coughing and choking. Looking into heat lights for the bathroom since that’s the coldest room right now. Yes, one can steam things up several minutes to warm things up, but why? My spouse loves hot steamy showers anyway, so a heated light might be a good permanent addition.
Only doing a minimum non-heart-raising exercises which is stupid. I might as well put future appointments on hold, since I'm not going to make as much progress as I would if I could breathe normally. Heavy duty prescription and professional strenth bio-freeze numbs it enough to get to sleep at night. But as I may have mentioned, seems pretty redic to have to go to such an extent, or to have to put things on hold until we get indoor temperature control. Maybe I can resume PT in March or April, for the brief window before it gets too hot (which is May). There's no way I can deal with 100+ temperatures where it "cools" down to 85-90 at 2am. I've got doctor appointments by then. I'll have to ask for a note. (And maybe look for a cheap lawyer.)
Work is unpleasant. All around, just irritating environment.
Only doing a minimum non-heart-raising exercises which is stupid. I might as well put future appointments on hold, since I'm not going to make as much progress as I would if I could breathe normally. Heavy duty prescription and professional strenth bio-freeze numbs it enough to get to sleep at night. But as I may have mentioned, seems pretty redic to have to go to such an extent, or to have to put things on hold until we get indoor temperature control. Maybe I can resume PT in March or April, for the brief window before it gets too hot (which is May). There's no way I can deal with 100+ temperatures where it "cools" down to 85-90 at 2am. I've got doctor appointments by then. I'll have to ask for a note. (And maybe look for a cheap lawyer.)
Work is unpleasant. All around, just irritating environment.
Friday, January 24, 2025
P is for Pleurisy
Still in a world of hurt. Here’s what I’ve tried so far.
• Meloxicam 15mg – supposedly one of the stronger prescription NSAIDs one can get.
• Heating pad.
• Warm water vapor
• Drinking warm liquids
• Salonpas
• Supplements: ginger, turmeric, garlic, and vitamin C.
The fact that salonpas on top of a prescription anti-inflammatory isn't kicking it has me concerned. Have I become immune to nsaid power? It didn’t help much for my shoulder, but the fact that it’s partially torn could have something to do with that. I could try pro strength biofreeze. Wonder if the strong smell would be too bothersome. After all, coughing makes it worse. Guess it’s worth a shot?
Only other thing I can think of is digging out those old cloth masks from COVID. Breathing in cold air is what kills me. In cold winters, I’d always try to put a scarf over my face. Most of us know how warm air feels with those masks, right? Where the heck did I put those . . . Looking online there are a few other herbs that may or may not help. Evaluating possibilities for overnight Amazon shipment. But when additional searches say said items may or may not be harmful for ingestion . . .
One could question if I have a cold. Sure. No other symptoms though, and this came on exactly when the heat went out. I’ve had bouts of this in the past, so it feels suspiciously familiar, and the causality of cold air is know and logical. Sure, could be wrong.
The real question is, should I keep doing my blasted PT exercises or not? The biggest thing I see online for pleurisy is rest, rest, rest, and remove the trigger. Can’t remove the trigger yet. Tried doing only a few reps of the exercises slowly, then stopping. But this could require a dozen or more mini-exercise sessions, and if it’s aggravating things . . . Do I cancel my PT appointments until we get his in remission? Eeesh.
As nice as it is that I happened to have meloxicam on-hand, I still think one shouldn't have to go to such extremes because of sub-par living conditions. We can buy another space heater, humidifier, and so on, but should we have to because the owner is too cheap to fix things?
• Meloxicam 15mg – supposedly one of the stronger prescription NSAIDs one can get.
• Heating pad.
• Warm water vapor
• Drinking warm liquids
• Salonpas
• Supplements: ginger, turmeric, garlic, and vitamin C.
The fact that salonpas on top of a prescription anti-inflammatory isn't kicking it has me concerned. Have I become immune to nsaid power? It didn’t help much for my shoulder, but the fact that it’s partially torn could have something to do with that. I could try pro strength biofreeze. Wonder if the strong smell would be too bothersome. After all, coughing makes it worse. Guess it’s worth a shot?
Only other thing I can think of is digging out those old cloth masks from COVID. Breathing in cold air is what kills me. In cold winters, I’d always try to put a scarf over my face. Most of us know how warm air feels with those masks, right? Where the heck did I put those . . . Looking online there are a few other herbs that may or may not help. Evaluating possibilities for overnight Amazon shipment. But when additional searches say said items may or may not be harmful for ingestion . . .
One could question if I have a cold. Sure. No other symptoms though, and this came on exactly when the heat went out. I’ve had bouts of this in the past, so it feels suspiciously familiar, and the causality of cold air is know and logical. Sure, could be wrong.
The real question is, should I keep doing my blasted PT exercises or not? The biggest thing I see online for pleurisy is rest, rest, rest, and remove the trigger. Can’t remove the trigger yet. Tried doing only a few reps of the exercises slowly, then stopping. But this could require a dozen or more mini-exercise sessions, and if it’s aggravating things . . . Do I cancel my PT appointments until we get his in remission? Eeesh.
As nice as it is that I happened to have meloxicam on-hand, I still think one shouldn't have to go to such extremes because of sub-par living conditions. We can buy another space heater, humidifier, and so on, but should we have to because the owner is too cheap to fix things?
Monday, January 20, 2025
MRI follow-up: Unpleasant waiting game
Cortisone shot helped a bit for 2 weeks, then went back to hurting almost as much as it was before. Had a crappy MRI experience. Suffice it to say I found out how severely claustrophobic I am, and how rude MRI techs are. They covered my one arm and told me the other might get burned by the MRI machine. I wasn’t in a good head-space to posses the logic to ask why they couldn’t simply cover my other arm. Luckily I didn’t get burned, but that didn’t help stress levels, when you’re told not to move, but to try to curl up like a pill bug to not touch the sides. It’s not like one can just down some alcohol beforehand and melt into it and take a nap.
Anyway, I get to wait more than a month for an appointment to tell me if there’s even sufficient information collected. I aske for the report, but since I’m not a clinician, I can’t decipher it very well. It noted there was too much movement. Gee, shaking and hyperventilating does that. Or hey, what I can do to prevent further damage in the meantime. I could glean enough to figure out there are multiple tears. I’ve stopped doing the exercises previously given, but I’m wary of even a normal morning stretch now.
It sounds like the problem is that unless I cite a specific injury and date, they think nothing can possibly be wrong. I tore the knee, and now my shoulder gradually. They act as if that’s not possible. Ok, fine, I guess I tore something last April? Judging by the increased amount of pain, it still seems like something’s progressed a lot since then.
Reading the report, a few terms stood out that don’t sound promising. Rotator cuff: high-grade tear…involving approximately 75% of the breadth of the tendon at the critical zone… yeah, that’s about all I got. Mild tendinopathy and bursitis. Why not. More fun to add to the mix.
Searches on the web repeatedly call it rotator cuff “disease” so there’s that fun word again. What else can I do besides waiting for my muscles to atrophy while I avoid doing anything, and being paranoid about every tiny twinge. It's going to be a long few weeks.
Anyway, I get to wait more than a month for an appointment to tell me if there’s even sufficient information collected. I aske for the report, but since I’m not a clinician, I can’t decipher it very well. It noted there was too much movement. Gee, shaking and hyperventilating does that. Or hey, what I can do to prevent further damage in the meantime. I could glean enough to figure out there are multiple tears. I’ve stopped doing the exercises previously given, but I’m wary of even a normal morning stretch now.
It sounds like the problem is that unless I cite a specific injury and date, they think nothing can possibly be wrong. I tore the knee, and now my shoulder gradually. They act as if that’s not possible. Ok, fine, I guess I tore something last April? Judging by the increased amount of pain, it still seems like something’s progressed a lot since then.
Reading the report, a few terms stood out that don’t sound promising. Rotator cuff: high-grade tear…involving approximately 75% of the breadth of the tendon at the critical zone… yeah, that’s about all I got. Mild tendinopathy and bursitis. Why not. More fun to add to the mix.
Searches on the web repeatedly call it rotator cuff “disease” so there’s that fun word again. What else can I do besides waiting for my muscles to atrophy while I avoid doing anything, and being paranoid about every tiny twinge. It's going to be a long few weeks.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Knee PT Dragging on
When I said PT was going well, maybe that wasn’t completely accurate. The guy is nice and encouraging, but the exercises are still hard, and it doesn’t feel like I’m getting any better at them. He said it takes at least 6 weeks to build muscle. January 6 would have been one month, so phooey, that’s still 2 more weeks. I’m certainly getting my heart-rate up and exercising, though. Strength cardio, right?
Still, it gets some of my muscles so tight I stretch and stretch and it still hurts. By the time I barely get things loosened up, it’s time to exercise and get tight again. Sometimes it’s time to exercise before I can get all the knots worked out. Since it doesn’t feel like I’m making much progress, the word “futile” comes to mind a lot. Every other day I'll chuck the exercise band when I'm done with it, I'm so fed up with it. Then I can't recall where I tossed it, when I need it the next day.
Finally got permission to get an MRI on my shoulder now, since it’s been bothering me since last April and it’s getting worse. I almost begged PT guy to suggest some exercises. He gave me a couple and the stretch alone caused more pain afterwards, so I stopped.
Still, it gets some of my muscles so tight I stretch and stretch and it still hurts. By the time I barely get things loosened up, it’s time to exercise and get tight again. Sometimes it’s time to exercise before I can get all the knots worked out. Since it doesn’t feel like I’m making much progress, the word “futile” comes to mind a lot. Every other day I'll chuck the exercise band when I'm done with it, I'm so fed up with it. Then I can't recall where I tossed it, when I need it the next day.
Finally got permission to get an MRI on my shoulder now, since it’s been bothering me since last April and it’s getting worse. I almost begged PT guy to suggest some exercises. He gave me a couple and the stretch alone caused more pain afterwards, so I stopped.
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
New Years, Physical Therapy & Cortisone
New Year’s is as good a time as any for reflection, right?
Physical Therapy for the knee is going well. Exercises are piling up more and more. Might be a fun time to get the new scale I’ve been eyeing for a few months. See if I’m trading out more muscle for fat even if I’m not losing weight.
Looking at investing in a couple of pieces of exercise equipment so I can more easily do PT at home and keep it going long after appointments end. If nothing else, it’ll be a decent source of exercise. Maybe there will be NY sales on some exercise equipment, huh?
The shoulder got so much worse this last month, I haven’t done as much of those exercises. Trying to get approval from insurance to do an MRI to verify what’s going on in there. Might do PT for the shoulder eventually, but I’m not sure what movements or exercises might cause damage. It was only dull pain off and on last spring; now it’s sharp cutting pain that doesn’t subside when not in use.
Got my first cortisone shot in the shoulder yesterday. Funny, the tidbits that I’m learning. They seem to recommend those steroid injections for joints all the time, (especially knees) to get the joint to last longer. But upon reading, there are indications that multiple injections can actually cause more joint damage. What the? If you ”fail” to improve with steroids, some insurances will allow you to try Synvisc. Friend of mine said her care nurse said Synvisc can delay or prevent damage to the joint better. Darn it that insurance makes you try the damaging stuff first, huh? Likely because it’s cheaper. Sure, get lots of injections to delay the costly surgeries, hoping you’ll hop to a different insurance plan by the time you need to have the joint replaced. But why allow something priced in-between if it could delay and prevent damage if it’s not the cheapest option. Idk; I haven’t researched Synvisc much since it’s not an option yet.
Physical Therapy for the knee is going well. Exercises are piling up more and more. Might be a fun time to get the new scale I’ve been eyeing for a few months. See if I’m trading out more muscle for fat even if I’m not losing weight.
Looking at investing in a couple of pieces of exercise equipment so I can more easily do PT at home and keep it going long after appointments end. If nothing else, it’ll be a decent source of exercise. Maybe there will be NY sales on some exercise equipment, huh?
The shoulder got so much worse this last month, I haven’t done as much of those exercises. Trying to get approval from insurance to do an MRI to verify what’s going on in there. Might do PT for the shoulder eventually, but I’m not sure what movements or exercises might cause damage. It was only dull pain off and on last spring; now it’s sharp cutting pain that doesn’t subside when not in use.
Got my first cortisone shot in the shoulder yesterday. Funny, the tidbits that I’m learning. They seem to recommend those steroid injections for joints all the time, (especially knees) to get the joint to last longer. But upon reading, there are indications that multiple injections can actually cause more joint damage. What the? If you ”fail” to improve with steroids, some insurances will allow you to try Synvisc. Friend of mine said her care nurse said Synvisc can delay or prevent damage to the joint better. Darn it that insurance makes you try the damaging stuff first, huh? Likely because it’s cheaper. Sure, get lots of injections to delay the costly surgeries, hoping you’ll hop to a different insurance plan by the time you need to have the joint replaced. But why allow something priced in-between if it could delay and prevent damage if it’s not the cheapest option. Idk; I haven’t researched Synvisc much since it’s not an option yet.
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