Has it really been more than two years since my shoulder surgery? I've totally lost track of how many days. There is probably an app or a website that could calculate it for me but I think 2 years plus 6 weeks is close enough now.'
I saw my surgeon for my two year post op visit in early July. Naturally the visit included an X-Ray. It always makes me wonder how doctors knew what was going on before X-rays were available, I thought I was totally prepared for the process; no metal like hooks on bras, no buttons so one does not have to undress for the X-ray. But the loose lace top I wore was a problem. The technician said knotty lace fabric (not naughty!) showed up as a jillion spots in an X-ray. So I had to change into the hated hospital gown.
I love how the X-ray is posted on the computer in the room and I can see what the doctor sees, My first orthopod did not have hat amenity in his office. When I first broke my shoulder I asked to see the X-ray. All he could do for me was bring me a very poor quality print out that was worthless. He couldn't or wouldn't even take me back to where he was able to look at the actual films. I should have known then to change doctors!
Anyway, all the pulling and pushing, hammering and screwing, stretching and crunching I have done in the last year seems to have had no ill effect and everything looks fine. My range of motion is amazing and he is very pleased with how I have done and his own handiwork. I have graduated to a "return in two years" schedule.
What Ihave learned as I enter the third post op year is that the healing is not over and the process continues. At one year post op I thought I was doing fine and had reached optimum recovery. But as I prepared for my two year post op exam I realized I had come along way in the second year. I bragged to my doctor about how well I was doing. Of course,I admitted, there were a few limitations but they were to be expected and, I believed, permanent.
Do I never learn? One of the "permanent" handicaps was the inability to hook a bra behind my back. I had to either do the front hook-twist maneuver or wear front closure bras. I was resigned even though I frequently tried. It was impossible. But within two weeks after my two year visit I unconsciously tried and I was able, with a bit of a struggle to do it! A small but significant step forward. Now I am almost always able to "hook up" normally. It's a little thing, I know, but a big step in feeling back to normal.
I do still have some discomfort. Some movements are no-nos. And sometimes there is a catch that accompanies an up and down motion that I don't like. If I overdo things my arm hurts but so does my un operated arm. It's good to have realistic expectations. The surgery was not a visit to the Fountain of Youth. But, even as I have been surprised by my progress in PO year 2, perhaps I will be surprised in PO year 3.
I hope so!
