A JOYFUL NOISE

Today was my first full day of therapy. Because of the nature of the surgery (decompression and bone filing) the therapist is starting me on passive range of motion. She basically stretches me out and see how much passive ROM I have. I don't have much movement on my own and it hurts a lot to have to move it around so much. In fact, even pulling my sheets up on my bed to straightening my sheets, etc hurts a lot. (ok....let me be honest. just USING my arm hurts). My therapist and I have concerns about my returning so soon to work in 12 days. She and I think that with my limited motion and not even being able lift anything (even a cup of coffee); the bone pain is very very painful and I had to call my doctor to give another pain medication to ease the pain. I still take it every 2-3 hours. My therapist told me that she will talk to my doctor and express her and my concern about returning to work full duty on March 10th. She doesn't think (due to my therapy and wor...

My 87 year old grandfather (my mother's dad) is in critical condition in the hospital in NYC. He is having a very hard time breathing and the doctor is doing all they can to help me feel comfortable. He is not a Christian. Because of Chinese beliefs and cultures, there has been some slight disagreement in the treatment options (mainly the fact should my grandmother sign or not a sign a DNR) that could be given to my grandfather. My grandmother wants everything done to help my grandfather, but my uncle's wife feels that we are torturing my grandfather to continue suffering by not signing any DNR forms. (Note: this has been my grandfathers 5th time in the hospital since September '09 with similar issues). My mom, dad, and I are trying to remain neutral and state our feelings of DNR (he is suffering and has been suffering very much...but we also believe that if it is God's will to let him live and get stronger that God can work in his heart) . It's a stressf...

Today was my post op visit with my doctor. He said that he was pleased with my healing progress and expects me to be in pain for some time. He showed me pictures of what he did inside my shoulder and explained all he did to me in great detail. Basically, he chipped away the "hook" looking bone and smooth it out (which was causing the impingement) and then he had to clean up A LOT of bursa that was around my shoulder and clavicle bone region. He told me that with all that he did to me I had every reason to be in pain for a while. I still have quit a bit of pain and tire very easily; I am still on narcotic pain medication and he gave me another medication to take only at night to help me sleep through the night without pain. He did want me to start PT asap. So, my initial evaluation is on Friday. I choose the same therapist that has been working with me from the beginning. The Dr. wants me to have PT 3x a week for 6 weeks! After some visits with PT, I should be able to return t...

Here is a short update since I am still very exhausted and can't sit up for long periods... Just thought I'd update you this way since many of you have asked how I have been doing. As I type this, I am typing with one hand...picking and poking each letter and number on the keyboard. I never realized how we take for granted two working hands/arms. I am almost helpless at this time. My Momma and Daddy has to help me open my medications bottles and measure out my medications. Momma had to help me shower this morning because I couldn't get my "football look" dressing wet....and I can't reach many places with just one arm/hand. My Daddy has to help plate my food and bring it to the table for me. He helps me cut up the meat.....and helps pour my drinks. I'm so thankful for my parents who unselfishly helps me. Yesterday I had my surgery. Everything went well and the doctor did find a small tear and repaired it. He also cleaned up the area around my bones and chip...

Things that I have been thinking of for over two years now: FLASHBACK: Rewind myself to my undergraduate classes and post-baccalaureate class,(8 YRS AGO!!) especially my special education classes. Loved it. Loved learning about special students and was actually extremely interested in emotional disturbed children area of special education. I graduated w/ a psych degree in 2002 w/ a minor in Special education. I took one post baccalaureate class because at first, I thought I should go ahead and go for my teaching licenses. I loved learning about Behavior Modification, but as I went through the class it was more evident teaching children wasn't for me. My mock behavior plans were well liked by my professor that it was (and still is) being used as a guide for other students to use when they write mock behavior plans. During my years at PVI and now at RTCSB, I continue to enjoy working with special needs clients, especially participating as a team member to help tho...

For over a month, me and two other folks (Jen and Pam) con coked a surprise baby shower for my best friend, Liz. Liz and Ben are adopting a baby and he should be here in a couple of weeks (yay). It was fun to plan this whole deal. It was SO hard to keep it a secret; the most fun part of it was that Ben, her hubby, was in on the plans too! We changed initial plans but eventually it came together. Pam was going to take Liz, Jenn and I out to "lunch" at Outback to "discuss" fund raising ideas. Ok so it started out around 8:30a.m. Saturday, Jan 16. Jen and Liz were outside Sharp Shopper trying to sell some baked goods as a fund raiser. Pam stopped by to drop off some hot chocolate and reminded the ladies about Outback (actually, Pam "invited" Jenn in front of Liz...but of course, we all knew who was going to be at outback! haha) I didn't get there till 10:15 because, well, I NEED A DAY TO SLEEP IN! I promised Liz to help her sell the goods...

You would think that someone who had gone through surgery almost every year or even twice a year (three times a year as a child) for 30 yrs would get used to it or even get used to hospitals, doctors, etc. No, I'm not scared of them; I just don't particularly care to be near it. Even if I have to visit a client or friend--it gives an uneasy feeling. I know most surgeries, if not all, is really "elective". You don't HAVE to have it, but it's suggested for your own health and comfort. I chose surgery since all the other non-surgery electives have "failed" and I have been in a great deal more pain than mid last year. I am constantly finding myself these past few months asking "why" and hearing no answers. Since October, my shoulder has been very sore; PLUS I've fallen twice and injured my back (ongoing PT now) I get myself all worked up and let the simple things in life or work affect me in a personal matter. It's not ...