update and critters

[owlmoose]

Went to the doctor and the news was good -- she was very impressed with my range of motion. So the immobilizer is out and a much lighter-weight sling is in, probably only for a week or so. Physical therapy is next. Probably six months, the doctor said, although the PTs may have a more specific estimate. I blanched a little at the thought of being in therapy so long, although of course I shouldn't really be surprised. Well, whatever it takes. I really don't want to end up back here in another 13 years.

Had dinner with the usual crew yesterday. It was my turn to organize but I was at a loss, so E suggested Rivoli. The food is very good, but the real attraction is the furry animals that live in the lovely little garden out back. The owners put out cat food in order to attract all manner of local wildlife: raccoons, feral cats, possums. Last night we saw three raccoons and a skunk. The latter was a lovely creature with its huge bushy tail and a sleek pelt. The contrast between black and white fur is so striking. I had to control the urge to go out there and pet it (okay, so that wasn't too difficult). And watching raccoons eat and gambol is always fun. They are such clever beasties -- you can see it in their glittering eyes. I wish T had been there with a camera. Oddly enough I can't find any photos out on the web; I'd have thought that other diners might have taken pictures in the past, or that the restaurant itself would have publicity photos, but no luck. Good company, good food, good fuzzy cuteness: just a nice evening all around.

Comments

[plantgirl.livejournal.com]

We have a skunk that's been nosing around here. They are oddly handsome. But I've had to clean up after one, so my urge to pet them is minimal!

[owlmoose.livejournal.com]

But I've had to clean up after one, so my urge to pet them is minimal!

That's smart. :) I knew it was a silly impulse, but it just looked sooooo soft and sleek and strokalbe. I wonder if skunk fur really is as soft and warm as it appears.

[waterowl.livejournal.com]

Glad you're getting better though I know you wish it was faster. IME they tend to give you the worst case estimate for therapy. It could be six months, but it may be less depending on how fast you heal and how diligent you are with your exercises. A lot of folks don't take care of themselves as well as they should. Good luck!

[owlmoose.livejournal.com]

Thanks! For my RSI I was in PT for a year and a half, so in that light six monhts doesn't seem that bad at all. Of course, since the previous injury was work-related I was able to do it on company time; for this I need to find my own time. I am... moderately diligent about exercises. Could be better, could be worse. I have an appointment tomorrow morning, so we'll see what they say!

I

[kunstarniki.livejournal.com]

So very glad you are not sentenced to more weeks of immobilization. Now you can put away your sign. With a light weight sling you can go around looking broodily romantic and claim you were injured during the War on ... (let me see, Drugs? Poverty? Terrorism?) Weather!

I hope the PT does not prove too onerous. Perhaps you can do twice the exercises for half the time! LOL

Re: I

[owlmoose.livejournal.com]

Given what has caused us the most damage in recent months maybe we *should* declare a war on weather...

I hope the PT does not prove too onerous. Perhaps you can do twice the exercises for half the time!

I don't think it works that way but perhaps I will suggest it, see what the therapist says. ;)

[anonamys.livejournal.com]

We've started to learn specific problems and treatments in school this quarter, and we started with the shoulder. (Convenient, eh?) The general guidelines (and this varies a lot, of course) are that you can return to most activity in 12 weeks and unrestrained activity in 20 weeks after a dislocation. We also learned that it is very important that the patient continue to exercise their shoulder muscles even after the 20 weeks to help prevent another dislocation.

I'd ask you all kinds of questions about your specific injury, but it'd probably bore everyone. But, if you ever want to talk about what I'm learning, just give me a call! I can tell you what my teachers say is the way to treat it. :)

[owlmoose.livejournal.com]

I was hoping you would weigh in... :) Personally, I don't think we have to worry about boring people in the comments, so I'd say fire away, but of course if you'd rather not that's fine. Thanks for the phone offer! I may have more intelligent questions to ask after my first PT appointment tomorrow.