Hey everyone, just popping in with a little update on the healing journey. And yes, there’s a new ache in town, but let’s start with the good news!
First, the ankles! They seem to be cooperating nicely. I think they’re finally ready for physical therapy. Even my notoriously slow-healing left foot incision is *almost* completely closed. Fun fact: my visiting nurse, Allie, has been coming weekly this whole time because of that stubborn little wound. So, a big shout-out to Allie for her patience and expertise!
Now, for the not-so-fun part. Ever since a day or so after we lost Finnegan, my shoulder has been staging a full-blown rebellion. It’s been in *agony*. I’m doing my best to baby it, but let’s be real, when your primary modes of transportation are a walker and a wheelchair, you’re gonna use your arms. So, when I see the doctor on Friday, that shoulder is getting some serious attention along with my ankles. I’m hoping to get the green light for physical therapy, but I need to know if I need any modifications to how I do things. Plus, let’s be honest, I could really use some pain relief. This shoulder pain is worse than anything I experienced with my ankles. I’m a little hesitant about another cortisone shot, though. I’m afraid that without the pain to keep me in check, I’ll just end up overdoing it and making things even worse. Any recommendations for pain relief are welcome!
On a brighter note, the sting of losing Finnegan is starting to fade as my routine adjusts. And Albus? Oh, Albus has been an absolute *rock*. He’s got this old soul hidden beneath all that puppy energy, and he’s constantly finding ways to make me smile with his silly antics. Now that he’s not worried about bothering his brother, he’s operating at 110% all the time. Except when he naps, and those naps are EPIC. One minute he’s tearing around the house like a tiny tornado, the next he’s just…out. Flat on his side, snoring away. It’s hilarious. He’s been such a balm to my wounded heart, and I’m so incredibly grateful we decided to adopt him, even with everything else going on.
Speaking of Albus, I neglected to share that we had his doggie DNA done, and with thirteen breeds in the mix, he’s the perfect dog for Taylor Swift…lol When I was looking at Petfinder, I was literally excluding chihuahuas, because I typically don’t enjoy the temperament that breed often has. Anyway, in a surprise twist, Albus’ most dominant breed is, you guessed it, chihuahua, clocking in at 28% of his DNA.
Work is going well! I’m really enjoying being back, but I’m definitely glad I stuck with part-time for now. Everything just takes longer with the mobility issues, and jumping straight into full-time would have been overwhelming. Plus, I need the flexibility for physical therapy (fingers crossed!). Funny story: yesterday, when I logged in, I sent my usual group email to say hello. Someone asked how I was, and I mentioned I was having a clumsy morning – spilled my coffee *twice* by bumping the table with my wheelchair, dropping things left and right. I joked that as long as I didn’t end up with any broken bones, I was good. I immediately got two replies: “DO NOT EVEN JOKE” and “haha…no seriously, don’t even kid about that.” It’s nice to be missed and appreciated! I’m so lucky to work in a place where my opinions are valued, and I have the freedom to do my job my way as long as I get things done.
Finally, Dave and I went out to dinner on Thursday night at 1754 House, which was a much-needed change of pace for me. It was a beautiful evening, so we ate on the patio, which also made it easier to navigate in the wheelchair. I know I’ve mentioned this before, but the world is just not designed for those in a wheelchair. Doors have lips, ramps fall short of the level they’re supposed to get you to, corridors have no room to turn… the list goes on and on. But on this night, there were no obstacles, just a clear path from the parking lot to the table and a delicious dinner. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
So, that’s the update! Wish me luck at the doctor’s on Friday. Hopefully, I’ll be on the road to recovery (again!) soon. And thanks for reading!