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.

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.

Feelin a little bummed

I know - I haven't posted anything in a while. It seems that the status of my shoulder healing dominates my thoughts and my posts, and I figure that isn't all that interesting to anyone. But that's what is on my mind so you might as well hear about it anyway. I've had my good days and my not so good days. I wish I could report that I feel as good as new, but I still don't. I realize that I may not ever feel the same as I did before. But it is still the goal. I've had some days with some unexpected increase in the pain and swelling around the ol' collarbone. My Physical Therapist convinced me finally to see the Dr about it and he did xray it again and assure me that all is well with the healing process and the hardware. Further discussions with my therapist brought us both to the thinking that I have some adhesions that are pulling and causing the pain. Massaging the scar and the area around it is supposed to loosen that up. I sure hope so. There is also the possibility of irritation from the hardware. Time will tell on that one, and if it really does continue to be a problem more surgery would be needed. If I sound a little discouraged, it could be so. My Dr informed me that he is leaving for a new position in West Virginia, and so I will have to follow up with someone new in the future. I have one more appointment with him before he leaves, and it's likely that I'll be cut loose at that point anyway, but still I feel distressed. Then today, my therapist told me she is moving to the Bartlett office and so I'll have to switch to a different therapist! I feel insecure about the annoying pains that continue - however normal they may be - and I feel like my support system is dissolving. I'll get back to you once I perk up a bit....

My life in a nutshell

Being a nut, it is often too easy to live life in a shell. I don't mean too, but thats the way it is I guess. I'm sitting here feeling incredibly sad that I didn't realize Phil was going to Ted's concert. I really, really wanted to go, but knew that I was not really up to the drive if it was just going to be Mom & me. I love to hear his choir, and to be with him when he is doing something he loves so much. But I didn't pursue the issue adequately, and I missed it. I wish you could experience what I feel when I listen to my brother sing with his friends in such beautiful places. This looks like the church that Mom & I saw Opus sing in last fall, but I could be wrong. I see that Bill Cope is back with the choir, and I am happy about that. I'm sorry I missed it.
In other news - news that you may be very tired of hearing about - I've hit a bit of a set back in my physical therapy. Apparently, I've got angry and inflamed attachments to my collarbone. I'm frustrated and disappointed, but I guess we just need to slow things back down for a bit and see if my shoulder can catch up to my desire to get moving.
Spent Mother's Day hangin' with Mom, Dad too, Phil & Christie, and Zachary. That Z is sooo cute! I wish Meghan and Sarah could have been with us too. Not to mention Ted, Becky, Bill & Eliz, Eric, Chandra, Stacey, and so on...
Evan is off chasing storms this week. He's working on this trip and will be again on another trip this summer. Cool thing that he gets to get paid to do the things he loves to do. I certainly don't wish for any damage and destruction, but I hope he gets some good storms to chase. And naturally, I want him chasing the storms not the other way around!
Stacey had just one week off between horse shows last week and this week is off to Milwaukee for a 4 day show. A 4 day show usually means she will be away from home for about 6 days. She showed our horse Biff two weeks ago, and he looked beautiful taking a 3rd place in a good sized class. She will take him again the weekend of June 1 to Springfield and see what he can do. They are a gorgeous pair to watch. Well that is if he behaves himself! Maybe I can get a decent picture or two then. Last time my hands were shaking so that my pics were all out of focus.