by eleen 10 Jan 2015

I am a bit frustrated. Went in for a shoulder operation in the past week and wish I could get to my machine. I've promised myself to try to do at least one productive project a day this year - even if it is cutting the backing. But so far so good at least no pain and I am starting with Physio in the week. At least I can get along pretty well. When I battle I just think of a lady I know who was born without one of her arms. I've never heard her complain.

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by Patricia109 12 Jan 2015

When my husband had his first shoulder operation, he found that he could crack eggs with one hand. Took a bit of practice but he managed it in the end.
His biggest incentive was I was taking care of the kids, so he had to wait for his breakfast. He was half way through cooking the eggs by the time I was ready to start.
So keep on Keeping On.

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eleen by eleen 13 Jan 2015

O yes you can not imagine what I've learned to do with one hand. I can put in my earrings and even use the dental floss. Cutting meat is a different story but for now when nobody is looking my hand is good enough. My terapist allows me to take of the sling for certain periods and then I use my front arm and hand quite well, like she showed me. Must say I even tried to bargain for a bit of driving. She said yes - for after a week to travel 4km to my work ( I can work with only one arm) but then I stretched it to pick up the kids another 20Km single trip and when I said to do the odd shopping she said no to all. Just laughed and said well I tried.

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by noah 12 Jan 2015

so true you never miss the water till the well goes dry :):)Will pray for you keep going GIRLY!!!!hugs

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eleen by eleen 13 Jan 2015

Yes one tend to forget what you really have and complain about what you don't have. I am counting my blessings (and they are so many).

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by sdrise 12 Jan 2015

You are being productive ...healing every day that is work... Suzanne

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eleen by eleen 13 Jan 2015

So true. My new year's resolution is to take beteer care of my health and to live more healthy - exercise, food wise and one of my biggest problems is all the hours in front of the computer.

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by lbrow 11 Jan 2015

Don't forget, Patience is a Virtue. I'm glad you are not having pain. Healing takes time and the PT will help you, I've found attitude is over half the battle and you have a great one. I once worked with a girl who had only 1 arm(born that way). she was a clerk typist at the AFB and could really type with that one hand, she was amazing to watch. Hope you'll soon be "right as rain"/Lillian

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eleen by eleen 13 Jan 2015

Had my 1st PT session on Monday and is due for a 2nd on Thursday - it is going far better than what I've expected. The worst part is that I am not allowed to drive but at least I have many willing chauffeurs.

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by dragonflyer 10 Jan 2015

Patience...healing takes time...

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Yes you are so right. I have to go through this otherwise I might end up not to embroider again.

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by Leaha 10 Jan 2015

Glad you had the surgery if needed and that all appears to have gone well. You have forgotten you are achieving your goal everyday without exerting a lot of effort right now. That goal is one step at a time, heal, do as Dr., orders, take treatments and work at usage of arm. That sounds to me like a pretty productive day! Mark the days off and write down the accomplishment of that day and you will see how much productivity you are really having. It's not just about sewing.

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

So true. Luckily I've managed to do a lot of things before I went in. I even spring-cleaned all my cupboards. I have so mauch to be grateful for. My family is so supportive.

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by pldc 10 Jan 2015

baby steps eleen & patience too. You don't want to undo all the good that has been done. I know just how you feel!~hugs~

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Yes I remember that you were off for a long time and was glad to see you back. Thanks for your advice. :)

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by gerryb 10 Jan 2015

Agree...attitude can play a big part in your recovery! Have had shoulder replacement & know what you are going through. Hold on...time & PT will completely heal & you can get back to all the projects..and even do them faster with no pain!!

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Good to read this then I realise that I have to keep my spirits up. xx

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by airyfairy 10 Jan 2015

Don't try and do too much. Your shoulder needs to recover. Little steps first.

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Thanks Sarah I am sure going to try. Something that I am grateful for is that it is not arthritis related. My mom has osteoarthritis and she battles daily.

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by jrob Moderator 10 Jan 2015

Great attitude. We can always find someone worse off than ourselves to think about. You can always shop and get your projects for later gathered up and put together.

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Yes - I can not begin to tell you how I admire her - I do not no how she does a lot of things. How does she cut her meat etc. I think she will appreciate it to know that she is an inspiration. Apart from that my dad used to say we must always remember that what we have is through the grace of God. times like this reminds me that it is not only monetary blessings but also health and mind.

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by graceandham 10 Jan 2015

Yes, I agree with others - you daily project right now will be little projects about your shoulder improvement and maybe keeping your spirits up.

I'm praying you get a great result from the surgery and physio.

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Thank you - yes I do too. Before the op I could not move my arm properly without pain anymore. Hopefully this would be something of the past.

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by cfidl 10 Jan 2015

If I were there I would help you get to where you want to be!

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Ahh you are so kind. About two years ago my husband broke his leg/ankle and he was bedridden for months. I even had to help him bath as he was not allowed to lower the leg. He is now my "slave" - I think I irritate him for getting along pretty well. He wants to help with everything.

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by 02kar Moderator 10 Jan 2015

I've had shoulder surgery and know the frustration you are going through. Be patient and get that shoulder moving again and strengthened. Your therapy is the most important project of the day for a while. Your machine will wait patiently. Follow the therapist's advice and don't mess up the doctor's hard work.

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Thank you for the advice -it is good to hear from others who also had this before. I am currently doing the exercises to the letter. Can not believe how stiff your arm becomes and obviously no lifting is allowed.

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by mrskiki 10 Jan 2015

Don't push yourself too soon. Be sure to take it slow so not to set yourself back. Good luck with your recovery. Hugs. Nan W

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Thank you Nan - Now that the anesthetics is worn off I find sleeping is worst. I used to sleep on this side and would not be allowed to do so for at least 6 weeks. Currently the sling prevents me to accidentally roll over.

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by eggyannie 10 Jan 2015

chin up lady all will soon be ok and you can get back on the machine and soon catch up. In the mean time have a bit of a rest and dream up a few more projects and put them into a note book.

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Thank you - good advice. So far so good - must admit I am counting the days - day 4 now and I am surprised how much I can do with one arm. I even manage to stye my hair not to bad.

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by pennifold 10 Jan 2015

That's the spirit Eleen. There is always someone worse off than you. Hope you get to do your one project a day. Love Chris

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eleen by eleen 11 Jan 2015

Thank you Chris. Well since I can not actually do any real work yet I've started planning some projects. Also spend some time around the sites and bought a few designs. xxx

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