Sunday, July 15, 2007

Getting on with life

I saw the Dr last Wednesday for the last time. We talked about the nagging pain I've been having versus the full range of motion and continued strengthening of my shoulder. I told him that I'm ready to get on with life, more specifically riding, but the continuing pain was quite bothersome. So he injected my AC (acromioclavicular) joint, which he thought to be irritated by the fact that it was ever so slightly narrowed - partially by age, and partially by the surgery. And wah-lah! I feel like a new person! Okay, well, new in an old person sort of way. That done, I will allow him to move to West Virginia if he must. I still think we need the likes of him around here, but I can't blame him for taking advantage of a new opportunity.
So finally I got to ride yesterday! Not my horse, of course, but old faithful Bullwinkle. It felt good to get around the ring and realize I can still walk, trot and canter reasonably well. The legs are still there. I haven't lost as much strength as I thought, and I was surprised that I was not tired out. Bullwinkle ran out of steam before I did. My shoulder felt good throughout. I hope I'll have opportunities to ride another horse or two before I get back on Biff. Stacey's plans to show him in September will likely keep me from riding him much - if at all - before then.
I see my physical therapist this week for the last time too. I still need to continue an exercise program at home, but I don't think I'll need to go in to see him. Too bad, because I've enjoyed meeting everyone there and its been very educational. I'm fascinated with the work that they do. As a matter of fact, I'm seriously considering studying the work they do. The paperwork to attend COD has been started. I just can't quit my day job to do it, so we'll see if I can work it out.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

Life in the Fast Lane...

We finally have DSL. Whew! All that trying to convince Marv that it was time, was to no avail, so I just did it myself. Oh, and who do I find here zipping thru cyberspace this morning when I got up???? I'll give you a hint. He's the one who was the stick in the mud all along. Go figure.
So now as I slowly learn how to do the things I couldn't even attempt before, you can see that I have my flickr account going and am starting to upload pictures. Unfortunately, on his last storm chasing trip, Evan let go of the tripod for a moment and the high winds near the tornados in Canada took out the brand new camera, smashing the lens to bits. So it will likely be awhile before there are more new photos. At least Eric can look at Baron's smiling face, and all of you can see Biff, and Merlin, Stacey's most snuggly and very large cat.
I am still distressed about the pains in my shoulder and collarbone area, and about the abandonment by my Dr and my therapist. My new therapist is really quite wonderful and I like his take on things. I'd like to keep him as a personal trainer, but at $50 a pop, twice a week, he's kind of expensive. I've got two more sessions with him and one last appointment with my Dr before he leaves. We'll see what the concensus is after that.