Today, I was discharged from physical therapy for my elbow tendinopathy in my left arm. I've come a long way over these past 8 weeks and doubled my grip strength in my left hand. My right hand also grew stronger.
I've still got a lot of work to do at home because my left arm is still weaker than it was before my injury, and the overall goal is for my left arm to be ten percent stronger than my non-dominant arm. It's about 10 points weaker. There are still a few more tools I need to get for my elbow, plus some lymphedema supplies for my arms.
That said, I feel really good about how far my elbow has come, and I'm grateful to the clinic for getting me to this point where I truly feel the difference, and can tell I am almost back to where I need to be.
It's a good feeling.
I've done some physical therapy before, but never so targeted on a single injury, and never so helpful in a measurable way.
Next Wednesday, we'll do an assessment for my knees and walking, then I'll get my treatment plan and we'll see how the next eight weeks go with home therapy for my arms and PT in the clinic for my knees. I'm feeling a bit more nervous and vulnerable about working on my knees. Although my lipedema surgeries have helped so much with my actual lipedema-related pain, I still have unusually large thighs and my mobility is so poor lately—I feel embarrassed.
Before I became a mom, people knew me at work as the girl who walked so fast to or from the bus stop. I walked miles just to get to the store and carry groceries home in the Twin Cities because I didn't have a car. I used to walk everywhere. Now, I often struggle to walk anywhere… although we're hoping this will change soon with my antibiotics and PT.
My worst arthritis flare-up started a week ago—just hours before I started my new medications. I haven't been able to eat many fresh vegetables this week, but I notice an enormous difference in how I feel when I do, so I am hopeful that everything will come together soon. My flare-up is at least tapering off, it seems. I don't feel great, but I feel less pain than I did a few days ago. I think things will get better, the more I can put all of these pieces together: a better PCP, physical therapy, my many home exercises, the YMCA, anti-inflammatory groceries, new medications, the right supplements, compression, clean water, stress management, etc.
One of the hardest things about this disease is simply having the resources to keep it all going without dropping some balls.
Sophie also finished up her week at sewing camp at Project Free to Fly today! That's a picture of the projects she made in camp at the top of this post. She's excited to practice more with her sewing machine over the summer.
Tomorrow, she's starting swim lessons at the YMCA. I recently began renewing my membership to the Y. Their monthly fees went up, but they've approved me for a discounted rate around $27 a month.
On Sunday, both Sophie and I are strangely excited to have nowhere to go because we need a break from all of the appointments. Sophie has gained a new appreciation for how busy my days get with therapy, appointments, exercise—aka disease management—mixed in with household chores and writing work… as I can manage those tasks.
While she waits for me, however, she gets to read, and that's been great for keeping Sophie sharp while school is out of session. Speaking of school, I finally sent out my letter to let the school know how my health and finances are going, so my fingers are crossed that they will take Sophie on for a discounted rate again in 4th grade. Hopefully, it will help that she got all As on her final report card?
We'll see what happens.
All in all, I am tired but hopeful about the future. There is still an enormous amount of work to be done and details to figure out, but many great things are happening here.
I just happen to be out of the energy to write more about it this evening!
Things are on the upswing. The sky is the limit.🎉
So glad to hear there is a glimmer on the horizon, but the best news of all for you was the new primary care person who actually listens and cares to help. Even better, though, is Sophie's straight A report! Well done, Sophie - you are awesome!