Now, I'm not going to start complaining. At the end of it all my shoulder will be in great shape (the Kansas City Chiefs have called asking if I can be a fill-in QB), and I know of friends with far more significant health concerns.
Off we go on the healing road!
Surgery went well. In addition to expected repairs the surgeon took care of some bone spurs and bursitis. A nerve block has provided incredible pain management. Started physical therapy today with range of motion evaluation and two very light weight exercises. The physiotherapist described my shoulder as supple...a very good situation. ROM was also pretty good.
I've received excellent care at Maynard Rehab and Recovery! They provide a special weighted blanket to speed recovery!
Surgeon Post Op appointment on Monday.
In a few hours I will have a third shoulder surgery. The first was in 2008 to repair a right side ruptured bicep tendon and, discovered once the surgery started, a torn and floating rotator cuff. All fixed up very nicely...until 2020, when the right shoulder repair re-tore. Again, all fixed up nicely (was not under warranty). After several years of off and on PT, the left shoulder tore. An MRI showed a torn cuff, torn labrum, and torn bicep tendon. Prognosis for full repair and recovery is very good.
Interestingly I get asked how I managed to have two damaged shoulders. Throwing too many overweight Americans into the backs of ambulances in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
After blistering July days with heat indexes of 110, August has graced us with unseasonably cool weather with daily highs of the upper 70s. But, with that has come a TON of rain, causing flash flooding and some fatalities. As well, can't cut the grass, so it looks almost like a prairie....
Marvin is hanging in there. Very tired daily, but in surprisingly good spirits. Still no guess how long he'll be with us. We have him in Hospice care (Transitions in Raleigh) and they have been incredible. Something I didn't know: Once a Hospice patient all medical expenses are covered, which includes things like hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, other durable medical equipment, and medications. They also have a short-term care facility where we were able to give him a break from us for a few days....no cost to us or him. Incredible program that I've known about for decades, but hadn't appreciate the depth of what they provide.
On other fronts: our church was told, quite unexpectedly, in mid-June that our pastor was being re-appointed to another church (United Methodist Church traditionally moves pastors every 4-5 years based on congregational needs). This usually is decided in April for a July 1 move. So, this was quite the surprise.
While we went through some frustration, I have met and had lunch with the incoming pastor and am excited for our future. I also know our out-going pastor's skills and talents are need elsewhere. While we'll miss our current pastor, we welcome our incoming one.
It's been quite a year. After recovering from his broken leg Papa got diagnosed with cancer. He's at peace with the prognosis....on Hospice. We've decided I won't look for work for the time being so we can make sure someone is always available for him. Again, he's at peace with the situation. He's tired, yet resilient. We don't know how long he has. Each day with him is a gift, though. So thankful we're able to have him living with us.
Alex didn't get accepted to college in Sweden due to their lack of understanding how NC homeschooling works. We'll try again this year.
