A Grateful Shoutout!

 

Okay, so I’m new to the physical therapy thing. Well, not totally new, but it has been a longtime since I had knee surgery and had four weeks of physical therapy.

Then again, I think I’ve had more issues this past few months than I’ve had in a long time.  However, I’m definitely on the mend and wanted to give a shoutout to the occupational therapist that has been working with me!

When I went to the orthopedic doctor and he told me movement was the best solution for me, I wanted to scream and I wanted to punch him. Since I am a rule follower, I started therapy last week and friends, it wasn’t pretty.

The sweet therapist, about 12 years old, smiled and said…”Show me your best fist!” I chuckled and said, “well, here you go!” My pinky and ring finger were super cooperative, but my middle finger and my index finger wanted nothing to do with this little game!

So gently, she put my hand in hot compresses to loosen things up. Then after that, she gently supported my hand while having me try to move the fingers. This was less than two weeks after the fall and my fingers had been wrapped and she did cut me some slack, but we worked through some basic movements and then, she sent me home with a paper and told me to do several repetitions, two-three times a day. She also fitted me with a compression glove to help with the swelling.

I worked really hard to do y exercises and wear my glove often. I wanted Grace to be proud of me (my people pleaser personality!) After five days, I returned and there was definitely improvement, especially with the middle finger! I’m thinking there’s a reason for that, but not really sure.

That darn index/pointer finger was still not cooperating. Today, major progress…measurable progress and although it’s not much, it is moving. I grabbed marbles and I moved pennies around. I was pretty darn pleased! I’ve gone from an ace bandage to a double splint to tender tape, to a compression glove and now, I have buddy tape…something that encourages the index finger to move along with the middle finger!

I have enjoyed the things that I’ve learned from this process. Number 1, physical/occupational therapy is for real. They know what they are doing and they like seeing you improve! Number 2, although this compression glove is an Isotoner brand, it’s ugly! I was hoping for something a little more fashionable…maybe a Tiffany blue or the option for a bedazzled design. I guess it’s not stylish because they don’t want you to wear it forever.

With this being my first time navigating the insurance and medical bills on my own, I’m very impressed with myself. I’ve learned that places are slow to bill you most of the time but in the event, you need to make payments, they are really easy to work with. I haven’t had to do that yet, but with a huge deductible policy, I’ve had to ask to make sure I can handle it.

Finally, I have learned that I can adapt. If I need to do something, I can do it or I can ask for help. That’s not to say it’s always easy, but I know, soon, I’ll be back to “normal” and I’m grateful.

As I approach my 63^rd birthday and my fun weekend ahead with Katie, Anthony and my Gabriel, I realize, this is the first time I’ve used my index finger to type since I fell on June 5! You go girl!