Perspective - Strike Out . or Home Run?
As I sit on my couch trying to find a comfortable position due to pain in my shoulder following rotator cuff surgery, I find myself so grateful for this uncomfortable but timely medical leave. While carrying a glass microwave tray to the sink in my work break room to clean it, I slipped on liquid and tried to catch myself on the counter with my right elbow to save the glass tray from breaking.
My shoulder gave out and I hit the floor but the glass tray is unharmed. SCORE!
Instead, I broke myself. STRIKE ONE!
My first thought was horror and embarrassment since it was around 2:00 p.m. and there were probably 30 co-workers on their lunch or afternoon breaks. No one seemed to notice. I quickly evaluated the damage noting pain in the right shoulder and a twisted right ankle. I pulled myself up (OUCH, no harm done?) and tried to sneak away. A male co-worker came up to ask me if I was okay and reminded me that I had to report my accident to my manager. (You've got to be kidding me). I agreed and went to my desk.
He came by my desk later to see how I was and if I had reported the accident yet. OH MY GOSH. Relax already. So, I sent an email to my manager officially informing her that I had fallen and a concerned co-worker was insisting that I report it.
After several months of physical therapy, my shoulder continued to decline spreading to my arm and hand and eventually an MRI was ordering showing a SLAP tear http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00627 and damage to shoulder muscles, ligaments and tendons. STRIKE TWO!
I had surgery on February 5 which revealed that the bicep tendon had continued to fray and tear and had finally split down the middle and tore completely free of the shoulder socket. The socket was cleaned up including shaving part of the collarbone. Would I ever get full use of my arm again? STRIKE THREE???
My husband brought me home from surgery, no complications, and the next day presented me with this beautiful bouquet of roses, chocolate roses. What a romantic. SCORE!
So now what? The bicep tendon was too damaged to be reattached. I am not allowed, or really able, to move my right arm by myself for 6 to 8 weeks. But the physical therapist can and it is not fun. Then the long road of physical therapy. Besides needing my right hand for my job at work, I play piano, paint, garden, assist my husband with remodeling projects, love on babies in the church nursery ... I need my right arm.
But guess what??? For years I've been encouraged to publish my witty storytelling skills. These "adventures" focus on the comical side of personal challenges in health, family and community. This accident has given me the time to research options, get to know some of the blogging community, set up a website and nail down some options to generate a little side income via eCommerce. HOME RUN!
Recent Comments
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As an Acupuncturist, I'd recommend getting Acupuncture in addition to Physical Therapy. Check if your insurance covers Acupuncture. Many do these day, especially Workman's (or Workwoman's/Workperson's) Comp.
Ouch! that sounds extremely painful. Take good care of yourself and hope you feel a lot better very soon :)
Yes, a blessing in disguise. I have a similar story. Forced to learn Internet marketing due to an ornery tumor on my colon. :-)
Glad we both found some answers here. To your success!!!
BTW... thanks for following. I just reciprocated.