But I'm feeling much better now...

[fenchurch]

Thanks for listening to me whine earlier this week... The last few days have actually been much better. My physical therapist thought that stretch I did in my sleep was actually a good sign, even though it hurt like the dickens, since it means I'm healing enough for those reflexes to start kicking in. PT went well on Thursday, giving me a bit more range of motion and pain relief, that's gotten even better today... plus they started working a bit on my other shoulder (I apparently tore something in my left shoulder, but until recently the pain in the right shoulder overshadowed it -- if it doesn't respond to treatment pretty quickly they're going to send me over for an MRI), so that's been a bit of a relief, too. The right arm is still pretty useless, but I can at least move it to more comfortable positions.

Now I'm trying to be extra careful not to over-do it, because with the slight increase in mobility has come the urge to really stretch and roll my shoulders, which would still be a Bad Thing. I can't believe how much I can move it compared to right after the accident, especially since it's still not anywhere near normal... I keep having to remind myself how bad it used to be. And then the cat will try to jump up on my broken shoulder while I'm typing (like just a minute ago) and I get a brief reminder. Ow.

Other positives for the week:

Yesterday I was able to unload and load the dishwasher. This made me so happy I called my mom and several friends to brag about it. Seriously, if you ever want to feel completely useless, get into a position where you can't even manage to do standard household chores.

Today, for the first time in three weeks, I'm not wearing a baggy button down shirt or a stretchy tank-top. Nope, I managed to get a t-shirt on this morning! Yay! I feel almost normal! Of course, it's a big baggy t-shirt I snagged it from rackham's part of the closet, but still...

The swelling has finally gone down in my hands enough that I was able to wear my wedding ring today!

I noticed yesterday that the last of my bruises (the one across my upper arm from the seatbelt, probably the source of the broken shoulder), has FINALLY faded out. The area is still sore, but is no longer discolored. (ETA: I jumped the gun on this... Rackham has informed me that it's definitely still visible especially toward the back, though fading.)

And finally, in non-recovery news, shaddyr recommended an absolutely fantastic Firefly/BtVS crossover fic called "Carving Out the Future" by Dreamfall (there are more chapters available out on LJ here: dreamfall_nnwm). Dreamfall has done an excellent job of capturing the characters' voices... of course, the downside is that it's a WIP, but the story is satisfying enough that even if it never gets finished, I think it'll still remain a favorite.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/opalescence_/]

My prayers continue to be with you for you recovery. I feel so badly that you're so hurt, but so grateful that you're alive.

[ayinhara.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that you are feeling better. After my shoulder surgery three years ago, I wore pull one, elasticized waist, pants for several weeks. After I got arm movement back, I couldn't stand the sight of those pants.

[mistraltoes.livejournal.com]

So glad that you're improving. And I know just how you feel about the dishes. :)

[fenchurche.livejournal.com]

I'm still doing those as well... but at least I no longer have to stick with the oversized baggy ones (for awhile there, I could only manage to wear sweatpants that were too big for me). Sounds like you know exactly what it's been like, too! I'm just so ready for it to be over. :-p

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

I am so glad you are recovering - try not to overdo it!

[queenofattolia.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear you're mending so fast -- but please take it easy. Before you know it you'll be stretching and reaching for things just like before, but only if you don't push yourself. :)

[rosiewook.livejournal.com]

I know the feeling of being able to do for yourself for the first time after being laid up. I'm glad you were able to get that accomplished! Before you know it, you'll be back to complaining about having to do chores.

Keep up the good progress!