So, I start this entry at the finale of week 4 post-op, which concluded with a successful week in Physical Therapy where goals were met, and the 1-month post-op visit with Brad, Dr. Khalfayan’s PA.
I titled this entry as “Reality Bites” due to the fact that, again, unrealistic expectations often will lead to disappointment. I had the thought earlier this week that the definition of “Reality” should be “where Theory converges with Execution/Performance.” You might have the unrealistic expectation that you are going to be ahead of the average, but then the physical fact that healing occurs at a fairly set rate, and regardless of who you think you will be, there are only so many factors that can influence that rate of healing.
I have come to the realization that this is, in-fact, a very long road to recovery. Theory and knowledge of the healing process and Rotator Cuff function would have clearly defined that fact. But when you go into the procedure with unrealistic expectations of beating the “protocol,” it set me up for being unprepared for some of the typical ups and downs that occur with recovery.
So, my PT, David Dahl, has had the unfortunate task of having to “talk me off of the ledge” a couple of times this week. Bringing things back into perspective that we have met the goals of the protocol, as well as that this is only week 4 after surgery, of what Dr. Khalfayan has predicted to be a 10-12 month recovery to full function. With that perspective, I have to keep in mind that this is roughly 1/12 of the way in the process. Brad at my 4-week post-op visit drove this point home as well, stating that being at this point in the recovery process is exactly where they want to see me, not ahead of schedule, and not behind. In their experience, Brad included that the individuals who are ahead of the protocol and schedule often are more at risk for re-tear/failure of repair. The individuals who are way ahead of schedule often falsely gain confidence and push activities past what the repair can handle to which leads to the failure of the repair.
To re-focus on the positives, I am sleeping in bed propped up. As well as sleeping in bed, I am also now able to make it through a better part of the night sleeping roughly 3 hours at a time, before changing positions, and then going back to sleep. I have also been able to sleep a few hours without my sling on, with is a very welcomed change! I have been driving this week for short distances as well as spending a little time at work doing some light computer work and paper work. All of these seem minor, but feel like exponential gains from 1-2 weeks ago. Progress is occurring!!
I titled this entry as “Reality Bites” due to the fact that, again, unrealistic expectations often will lead to disappointment. I had the thought earlier this week that the definition of “Reality” should be “where Theory converges with Execution/Performance.” You might have the unrealistic expectation that you are going to be ahead of the average, but then the physical fact that healing occurs at a fairly set rate, and regardless of who you think you will be, there are only so many factors that can influence that rate of healing.
I have come to the realization that this is, in-fact, a very long road to recovery. Theory and knowledge of the healing process and Rotator Cuff function would have clearly defined that fact. But when you go into the procedure with unrealistic expectations of beating the “protocol,” it set me up for being unprepared for some of the typical ups and downs that occur with recovery.
So, my PT, David Dahl, has had the unfortunate task of having to “talk me off of the ledge” a couple of times this week. Bringing things back into perspective that we have met the goals of the protocol, as well as that this is only week 4 after surgery, of what Dr. Khalfayan has predicted to be a 10-12 month recovery to full function. With that perspective, I have to keep in mind that this is roughly 1/12 of the way in the process. Brad at my 4-week post-op visit drove this point home as well, stating that being at this point in the recovery process is exactly where they want to see me, not ahead of schedule, and not behind. In their experience, Brad included that the individuals who are ahead of the protocol and schedule often are more at risk for re-tear/failure of repair. The individuals who are way ahead of schedule often falsely gain confidence and push activities past what the repair can handle to which leads to the failure of the repair.
To re-focus on the positives, I am sleeping in bed propped up. As well as sleeping in bed, I am also now able to make it through a better part of the night sleeping roughly 3 hours at a time, before changing positions, and then going back to sleep. I have also been able to sleep a few hours without my sling on, with is a very welcomed change! I have been driving this week for short distances as well as spending a little time at work doing some light computer work and paper work. All of these seem minor, but feel like exponential gains from 1-2 weeks ago. Progress is occurring!!