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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Nov 27, 2007 22:07:54 GMT -5
In Meditations I have updates from p50 to 55---thanks to all who have been praying for me. ;DWell I've completed 7 weeks since surgery & heading toward the magic 8 weeks.---then the hard work really begins. I've already been moved to modified harder exercises. Modified strength has started by way of isometric exercises. The number is climbing & I figured if I did all of them in a row they would last over 1 hr per set. My range of motion is improving but my lifting is still very weak. The Rotator cuff ligament & muscle seem to be calming down--which I'm really grateful for. Thank the force. I do have a very tight upper arm muscle which, from what I'm hearing is protecting the shoulder. I'm still taking vicadin for therapy--it relaxes me but doesn't take away the pain---of course if anyone has had shoulder surgery you know how therapists can "stretch" the shoulder---all I can say is a big OUCH! I'm using motrin when I'm not in therapy to at least help the muscles work a bit better. I keep several hours between the meds. I'm still using the cream Extremty or Icy-hot to help. I am doing therapy 3 times a week plus anywhere from 2 to 3 times a day at home. With the holidays here the timing is going to be very interesting. At least I know I'm getting better on the left side. The sad thing is my right shoulder is now jamming up a bit more--never sure when it's going to happen. I'm still kind of hoping the doctor will take care of the right one in mid or end of January-08 or at least very beginning of Feb. I think he'd like to wait for 6 months. Crossing fingers I can get my left arm working a whole lot better in the next month or so. So I can the other side done, get healed, do therapy & at least be 50%+ ready for the summer time. I hope the force will be with me for all of this.
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Post by Cara Drume on Nov 28, 2007 10:04:18 GMT -5
Even better than the Force, God will be with you through everything. So will we.
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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Nov 30, 2007 23:34:06 GMT -5
:)Thank you. I am now officially at week 8 since left shoulder surgery. Everything seems to be moving along on schedule--though I wish I could move it along faster---patience, patience, & more patience. I still have pain but now it's between motrin & vicadin--need for therapy. They have added 6 new exercises & they deleted only 3. So I'm up to about 1 hr & 1/2 per therapy session when I do it all at home completely & I've been told to do the whole set about 2 to 3 times a day. I have 5 "stick" exercises--- :)I'm using the green detachable plastic blade from my Random sabers hilt. I have 1 exercise which is a stretch which really pushes the limit (oh for wishing I could use the force to help : --when I do 1 it takes me almost a minute to complete it & I'm required to 10 at this time--at the moment I can only do 5. That plastic blade feels like I'm lifting umpteen pounds when in reality it weighs very little. You find out just HOW WEAK your muscles are when they shake while you're lifting that very light blade/stick. I know in time I will get stronger. I look forward to that day ;D. They keep reminding me this was one of the worst joint surgeries a person can have & the some of the worst therapies to go through---I don't think I'd wish this even on a Sith. I'm moving forward each day a little bit more but it's going to take much time to retrain & reteach my left muscle what it's supposed to do, which it has forgotten. My muscle learned for over 10 yrs that it didn't have to do certain things, like lifting above my head, etc. One thing I do know that ;DStar Wars & being a ;D Jedi has given me goals to set for myself. I think if I hadn't become a Jedi costumer I would just be passive here at home & let the shoulder just do it's thing because I'm NOT at all fond of doing exercises. I would avoid them. I mean who in the world once to be in doing painful things? But I want to be able dress in my Jedi uniform, put on my robe & boots, carry my lightsaber again & maybe actually learn how to use it correctly with some moves. Plus I want to continue to travel. So thanks to Star Wars & being a Jedi I have a reason to get stronger each day. Thank you to the members of TJA who are supporting me to help me get through this. I'm saying the Jedi Code on a daily basis plus doing the best I can at Jedi relaxation techniques. ;D
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Post by acalsohei on Dec 1, 2007 16:59:39 GMT -5
Glsd to hear you are making more progress, Jan-Qui! Keep up the good work, you know the rewards are worth it in the long run.
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Post by Ani-Chay Pinn on Dec 2, 2007 23:18:12 GMT -5
Aaaaah, the 'stick exercise' sound perfect for early lightsaber practice. All joint surgeries sound most painful and difficult to me. You have my admiration for how much you've done with it!
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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Dec 4, 2007 22:22:53 GMT -5
:)Thank you I have good news /bad :'(news updates news My left shoulder is definitely improving & the trigger point is settling down. My rotator cuff muscle tightens up a lot because it's trying to "protect" the shoulder from injury & because of the new "items" inside it thus causing a lot of " ouch" when stretched. I have a couple of very good therapists (a lady & gentleman)--depends on what time of day I can get in, though I personally think one of them is better because the therapist really works at massaging the tight area before beginning the "stretching", which they really push hard on. BIG OUCH! Today he had my left arm pointing to the ceiling while I was standing---that's no mean feat either because he did it for me--I have just barely enough strength to raise my arm to about waist level by myself--but that in itself is an improvement. I can now reach with my left hand to my right shoulder---somthing I haven't done in years. Points for me ;DI have some very hard exercises which I am making myself do because I've got to make those muscles get back to work--they've been in "hiatis for over 10 yrs. because of the arthritis---I feel like a baby taking 1st steps in learning how to use my arm again. I definitely am using my plastic random sabers green blade for my "stick" exercises--it reminds me I have a goal to aim for--- ;Dgetting to actually use my lightsabers ;D. :)Also I do not need to wear a sling anymore on the left. Though I'm toying with doing for my right arm. bad news The right shoulder is starting to deteriorate quicker because it has to help the left shoulder & it's not used to doing that. My right arm is now starting to "jam" up more often & I'm feeling tingling in my fingers so the therapists have told me we have to get "creative" on how I can do my exercises so I don't overwork the right shoulder. I go into see my doctor this month & his point last time was my left shoulder has to be able to do as much as the right shoulder is doing at the present time. I think I'm very close to that level now. I'm hoping he will decide I can get the right shoulder done in January 08 so I can then get it started on healing. So it will be most interesting to see how I will be able to maintain my left shoulder getting better so it can help my right shoulder. The therapists figure most likely both shoulders should be fully operational by next January 09. So 08 will be therapy central for me both at home, out patient & even if I go to any event (I will have to maintain a therapy routine) I wouldn't wish this even on a Sith Lord. When I succeed getting this all done I should have arms that actually will be able to work so in turn I will be able to help others when asked. It'll be rather interesting if I can reach all my pouches on my utility belt without assistance ;D. Just please pray that I can maintain my patience to walk the therapy path while healing--sometimes there are moments I feel my shoulders & kind of want to give up but then I, so far have been able to keep myself motivated to keep up the exercise routines I MUST & NEED to do. Wanting to continue in costuming in Star Wars is helping me a great deal to maintain my focus----but IT'S NOT EASY. I hate to exercise & even have a greater difficulty in maintaining doing the exercises. The doctor gave me permission to drive my car but Quicher has put her foot down & said NOPE. She's concerned that my right shoulder might "jam" up while I'm driving & that I could injure my left, which is still in it's very tender stage of healing. She doesn't want me behind the wheel till both shoulders are done & they are working properly & with much less pain. So it most likely means I won't be driving till maybe springtime.
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Post by Cara Drume on Dec 5, 2007 9:51:50 GMT -5
Keep hanging in there, jan-Qui. We're all pulling for you.
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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Dec 11, 2007 23:24:56 GMT -5
:)I know my shoulder is doing better--though sometimes I do wonder about it. I've been able at home to finally cut back on pain meds & still do therapy at home. I've got some ointments that are helping with the tightness in the muscle area around the shoulder. I've also finally got some vitamin e cream for the incision & it's showing progress. I have a couple of exercises that are a bear but they are getting better. Today one of the exercises which is a stretch & I mean stretch didn't feel so painful it actually felt like I actually stretched maybe only a millimeter or so but it felt :)pretty good finally. The ball exercise is a bit harder but it will get there slowly. I've had to get a bit creative with some exercises because my right shoulder can't handle doing as much. I told Quicher & the therapist it's going to be interesting to see me doing 2 kinds of therapy---IF the doctor goes along with me & gets my other shoulder done , hopefully in January 08 or early Feb. I'll have to maintain the left & won't be able to do anything with the right at the very beginning. This will slow me down but then I can make progress with both of them. Weight training for the left will be coming eventually--still not ready for that but I'm able to carry things a bit heavier then a glass of water finally & it doesn't bother the shoulder, of course I assist it as much as I can.
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Post by Nova Darklighter on Dec 13, 2007 5:55:28 GMT -5
Keep plugging away, it will improve.
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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Dec 14, 2007 21:28:30 GMT -5
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D Thanks all for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YIPEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m at week 10 since surgery & WOW have I had a few dramatic improvements. We had very bad weather for 2 days so I was not able to do outpatient physical therapy except for today. I was not sure what would happen but we soon found out. The therapist was extremely happy with me as I was. Ok the positive updates are the following: 1. I’m not taking vicadin any more ;D. During this last week I took as little Motrin as I could get by with while doing my therapy at home because the weather was soooooooooo bad. Since I knew I was going to therapy today, Frid Dec. 14, I decided I had better pick up on the Motrin quantity so I could handle the out patient therapy. So for therapy I took 4 Motrin, which from what I’ve been told by Quicher is the Doctor’s prescription dosage. Also I have a homeopathic pill called Arnica Relief that I’m permitted to take along with the Motrin. I also am using Extremety & Arnica Gell for the muscle stiffness. All of that did NOT eliminate the pain but it helped the muscles do their job. When I say the therapist stretches my shoulder I MEAN the therapist REALLY REALLY STRETCHES the shoulder to maximium limit & beyond---I’ve decided that’s the worst part of therapy & the MOST PAINFUL but it has to be done. ;DThe shoulder is loosening up a tiny bit at a time. 2. The therapist now has put me on 1lb. wgts for doing 1 exercise so when I got home I weighed my metal Random Saber lightsaber hilt to see how much it weighed. I’m NOW able to use it for 4 of my exercises. Good bye to toy lightsaber till the right shoulder needs it. 3. ;DMy left arm can now raise almost to shoulder level in certain positions & I can touch my right shoulder with my left hand---1st time in I have no idea how long it’s been. So range of motion is most definitely improving. Now I have to get the strength back to be able to do a lot more. 4. I think one of the most important things that happened to me tonight was I WAS ABLE TO REACH MY F/X YODA LIGHTSABER with my left hand without help. I was ABLE to remove it from the display & actually with my left hand slow twirl the saber a tiny bit & it felt SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD & without pain. I mentioned to the therapist that when I see the doctor on my next appointment & he xrays my right shoulder he can set up the date to get the right shoulder done. Also then I’d be doing therapy for 2 shoulders in different ways. The therapist said not a problem. I’m still not able to put a coat on by myself, do a “boarding house” reach or lift much & I still have pains (but those pains are more muscle stiffness & stretching to improve), but this Jedi is definitely on the mend, at least on the left side.
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Post by Ani-Chay Pinn on Dec 15, 2007 21:45:33 GMT -5
Wow, glad to here things are going so well. But as Han Solo says, 'Don't get thingyy' and be very careful in that icy weather you're having! Let us know when the other shoulder will be done.
Your exercises remind me of something I'm working toward. I'm still in unpacking mode in my new apartment. I'm getting close to getting the office part done and then there's the last room to do, the sewing room. That's where all my Jedi stuff is packed in stacks of boxes. Once I get the sewing room in shape, I can finally make use of the enclosed backyard and do some lightsaber practice. I would be awfully nice to be able to do a little twirling for the DragonCon parade next year, which I could never do since I had no place to practice.
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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Dec 18, 2007 22:54:20 GMT -5
:)Thank you Ani & everyone for their support during these healing times. I promise I won't get "thingyy". It's just nice to hold a normal hilt in my left hand again. I haven't even thought of attempting to get my ROTJ f/x down---I know that's too long & heavy just yet. Update: I went to the doctor on Monday, Dec 17. He said everything is looking good. I know the therapists are very pleased with me. I know everyone at home is also noticing a huge difference in my arm movement but I also know I'm no where near out of the "woods" for complete usage of left shoulder yet. :)It is coming along. Today I went to therapy & had forgotten ::)to take my motrin so I did it without any meds---I could tell the pain was sharper ???but with the therapists help it was managable. I kind of forgot my meds because my computer is acting up & I know I have to do a system restore on it--- ???not looking forward to it but necessary if I want the memory back. I got back home & promptly took my meds, better late then not at all . Back to my shoulder---I asked the doctor about surgery for my right shoulder because it's been really acting up---he said not till the left one is much stronger & has more mobility. He doesn't want me to be in dual pain.(of course I'm in that right now). He wanted to have me have shots & therapy with the right shoulder & I said no. I know shots & therapy won't work for the right side because now I have to be "creative" with how I do my exercises so I don't stress the right shoulder. I have the same problem with the right that I had with the left---bone on bone arthritis & a spur. I get to see him at the end of January but............ something came up that might mean I might have to have another surgeon--we're looking into that--I don't know all the particulars but if I have to get another surgeon then what I'll do is go to the new surgeon for his 2nd opinion on the right shoulder & see how soon he's willing to do it. So for right now the right shoulder is sort of "up in the air to get done . I know my doctor would like me to wait at least 6 months before the other surgery but that would put me at April--& judging by how long it's taking now, I'd be barely out of the sling by sometime in May. I know I'll be doing therapy for a long time whether it's just at home or outpatient but I'd rather get the right shoulder done asap so even though it'll hurt & be a problem then I can therapy both of them & they'll be healing. I'm able to do many things on my own--taking care of myself, etc. Too hard to put a coat on with sleeves but it's coming. Quicher forbids me driving my car because she's concerned with turning the steering wheel & our weather has been bad--so quick reactions & me don't go very good.
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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Dec 26, 2007 20:57:42 GMT -5
Simply stated my shoulder is getting better & stronger . I just am not sure when the right one will get done, hopefully before March 08.
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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Jan 4, 2008 23:58:44 GMT -5
Greetings Fellow Jedi Happy New Year to All. Thank you for all your support during my shoulder recovery. The left shoulder is doing very well according to my therapist & I'm doing my best to take the least amount of meds I can even though I'm going to be in therapy for a long time to come. I'm up to about 27 exercises for the left shoulder alone. Almost goofed because I was attempting to compensate & almost got "golfers" elbow---& I don't golf. I'm up to lifting 3 pounds with the left arm & a new exercise that makes me lift 20 pounds. That's a hard one--my right shoulder definitely doesn't like that one. I've had to modify many exercises because having the right arm help the left arm my right shoulder has deteriorated badly . It's jamming & hurting a lot more more. I've had a bit of prob with surgeons. The surgeon who did my left shoulder won't be able to do my right shoulder till maybe spring or later(due to something unexpected that came up) & that simply is a no go. I would not be able to do NO EVENTS AT ALL in spring or summer. I have a possible wedding & retirement party to attend so far & hopefully 1 or 2 other things that are not planned. He did say if it locked up then he'd do it & suggested shots & therapy in the interum but I know that won't help so another surgeon has been suggested that I should go to & I will see him on January 10. I'm really hoping I can get the right shoulder done by the end of January or very beginning of February so I have a couple of weeks before Conooga Con---that is if I'm even able to get to there. Quicher & I REALLY hoping we can. I'll just be a Jedi with a sling on. I now know what I'll be expected to do or not do & I'm right hand dominant so it may even get better faster. I won't push it any harder then I pushed the left. I figure I'll be doing therapy even at Dragon Con, if I get there. I already know what exercises that will be mandatory to do in a hotel room & how to do them. I also figure then for 2009 my shoulders will be all repaired & I can get on with much more fun stuff. I'm going to attempt small events---I REEEALLLLY HOPE SO. Right now I'm REEEAALLY missing going to any events in Jedi uniform. Quicher agrees me with that. I did wear modified Jedi on Xmas & on New Years Eve. I just had to, to get through the Holidays. I wore my glitter tunic at Dragon Con. I was even able to put on my good lightsaber hilt on the correct side or the 1st time since Dragon Con.
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Post by Jan-Qui Coran on Jan 7, 2008 22:58:32 GMT -5
:-[I'm kind of in a slump at the moment. the good news ;DThe left shoulder is doing much better. Doing more strength exercises & found out that the muscles under my arm are very very weak so they will take much time to get stronger. No prob. Just more therapy & continued exercises. the down side Attempting to get a new surgeon for my right shoulder has become a bit of a problem. I thought I'd be going on Jan 10 but found out the surgeon does shoulders but NOT shoulder reconstruction---I had received the wrong info as to what he did. So now I have an appt with his partner who supposedly does do shoulder reconstruction. I had hoped by mid January to get the right one done but that's out so now I'm aiming for the 1st week in February or the last week in February at the latest. The surgeon who did my left shoulder won't be available to do the right till either spring or summer & that is way toooooo long to wait. The right shoulder is degrading fast. I've also been in kind of slump because I haven't been able to dress in costume for awhile to do events & it's kind of gotten me down just a bit. I just am hoping I don't let that get me too far down that I give up doing my exercises. I want to get better. I have no prob lifting my costume saber hilt up--it's getting very light to the touch in my left hand--so that is good.
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