Some relief

Alright, here's the story....

I laid my motorcycle down last Sunday. I'm doing alright and the bike didn't get a scratch. I have no idea how it happened, I guess just the rookie drive in me. I got a little tiny bit of road burn on my elbow, and a good bit on my right hand. The big deal was I dislocated my left shoulder. It was painful. I spent 3 hours in the emergency room and ended up popping it back in myself while I was in the x-ray lab. The tech was having me move my elbow out to get it to where she could take the x-ray. It was so painful, but I did it anyway and low and behold- it popped back in and the horrible pain went away almost immediately. I still have soreness, and I can't raise my right arm up in the air without tears. (Thank goodness for 600 mg. Ibuprofen)

I went to the orthopedic doctor last Wednesday and he was literally a quack. The ER doctor put me in a sling with a swath. A swath actually wraps around my stomach just above my belly button and holds my arm in place. It took a little bit to get used to. Anyway, the orthopedic doctor was very rude, he didn't want to answer any questions or outline a plan of treatment. He is one of those doctors who immediately wants to do surgery. He told me to leave it in the sling, completely immobile for 3 weeks, then come back and see him. That sounded like a bad idea to me. Using it helps the muscles maintain strength, so I thought small exercises would help. Needless to say, I made an appointment for a second opinion on Thursday and I like my new orthopedic doctor better. He answered all my questions, assured me that from looking at my x-rays he can tell I only stretched tendons and I did not damage any tissue. He showed me several small exercises I need to do and told me to try to use the hand, but still wear the sling. I go back and 3 weeks and start physical therapy.

Having 1 arm puts a severe damper on everyday life. My car is manual, so I have to stabilize the wheel with my knee to shift. I have a horrible time getting clothes on and off. My mom has been a tremendous help. She and my Dad left today for Las Vegas for a week. She was going on a work conference and he was going to accompany her for pleasure. She didn't want to go and we cried about it last night because I'm pretty pitiful and I don't have anybody here to help me. I did pretty good all day though. I went to my apartment and packed 2 closets and the computer desk- all with 1 hand. I even got myself a bath and in pajamas. I get frustrated, have a good cry, then I just remind myself to be patient and eventually I get whatever it is I'm trying to do, done.

Anyway, I'm off to bed. Tomorrow is another long day at work and the beginning of another long week. :(

Hope everyone is doing well!
Ash