Physical CHALLENGES

Reaching the age of 77 this summer has brought its health challenges. After a fall at home several months ago, suddenly my shoulder was very painful and I couldn't use it. Well, no problem except when you want to reach for something or try to get clothes on or off. Not fun, so a trip to an orthopedic doctor came back with the diagnosis of slightly torn rotator cuff. I didn't even know I had one until my left shoulder started to ache and then the pain went down my arm.

Well, the treatment I chose was a steroid shot and exercises to do at home. i remember asking my doctor if the shot would hurt and he said I don't think so. Which was silly because I've been getting monthly shots in my left eye for over a year for some vision problems after my cataract surgery. Of course, they numb your eye with drops. Well, the shot didn't hurt and helped so much. Now I'm doing daily exercises and improving lots. Thanks to hubby who has stepped up to the plate and helped lots with daily tasks. Here's a poem I wrote about it.

Torn Rotator Cuff

A teacher always there

twenty four hours

night and day a reminder

of my humanness.

A dull ache unless I try

to move quickly then

pain increases, mobility

is optional, stiffness rules.

What life's lessons

await me from this?

I ask, the same answer

comes............patience.