Spoonie Vs Broken Shoulder: Physical Therapy

I can sum up this phase of healing from a fall as EXHAUSTING and FRUSTRATING. I learned how to wash myself, and get into and out of clothing and my sling while I was in Inpatient Rehab. I came home February first from my Rehab/hospital stay.

Managing by myself was in turns scary, frustrating, and “I can do this!” My dear friends helped by buying groceries, and bringing ready-to-heat meals. My daughter was a great help in getting my medication and other stuff organized and in reach.

That first night home was daunting. I was petrified of falling out of bed. I guess this was to be expected as my fall happened because of my bed frame. Even though my daughter covered the box spring down past the frame with a thick comforter, it felt unsafe.

Home Care For Healing

My doctors ordered Home Care for nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. A nurse is coming on the days that my immunoglobulin infusion is due. I can’t do it one-handed.

Physical therapy has been giving me exercises to improve my balance and strengthen my legs.

Occupational therapy has given me exercises to keep my right elbow, wrist, and fingers moving on my broken shoulder side. They have also been a huge help in figuring out how to do household and kitchen tasks one handed.

Outpatient Physical Therapy

I started outpatient therapy on my right shoulder yesterday at 5 weeks post-fracture. My arm had been feeling pretty good, but the therapy is irritating it. I know that I have to work at getting my range of motion back, so I don’t get a frozen shoulder. But geez louise, I’m not a fan of this process.

I have six more weeks of physical therapy. I have to keep reminding myself to take it one day at a time. It’s too overwhelming when I think about the whole process.

A Bright Spot

My Christmas cactus is covered in blooms and buds!! It’s never bloomed before! It’s like a breath of spring while the snow swirls outside my window. I think we all need some flowers in February.

They are providing me with much needed nature therapy. I haven’t gotten to the park since mid-January.

Wrap Up

Yesterday, I was able to draw up and give myself my immunoglobulin therapy all by myself. Left-handed at that! Nice to know since my home nurse was done. My daughter came over just in case I had trouble with the syringe and medication bottles, but I could do it myself. Happy dance!!

Till next time, Kathy

Finally, if you’d like early notification of a new post, please enter your email address below. Subscribers also get access to the Subscriber’s Only Resource Library.

Sharing is caring!