Evaluation and Therapy 8/1/13

 




                   Picture taken 7/13/13


     A lot of firsts today, as I started my therapy and re-hab on my right
shoulder.
     Dr. Silver, not only repaired my shoulder joint, but had to do a
full repair of my rotator cuff and re-anchor it. I told him that I could
feel each muscle take over, as I tried to lift my elbow less than an inch
off the brace.
    For the first time, I got to have this contraption, completely off. I
could tell as Sandy removed it, and the full weight of my arm hit
my repaired shoulder, that I have a long way to go. I have been in
this contraption since surgery on 7/12/13. My brace was lowered
from 90% to 50% on 7/23/13 and then lowered all the way, about
25% on 7/30/13.
    The brace is now in what they call, free moving position, and I can
hold my arm up, in the straps of the brace for about 5 seconds, before
I have to rest it back in the brace. The resistance caused by the weight
of the brace and my arm is to much for me, right now.
    At therapy, after the brace was taken off, I laid on a table, as the
therapist manipulated my arm. He kept telling me to relax and let
him move it, I told him, believe me I'm trying to relax. It felt very
strange after all these months since the accident, and now surgery
to have my shoulder working. Even if all the work was done by my
therapist. He gave me two shoulder exercises to work on.
    I then did ice and TENS unit therapy for about 20 minutes, then
Sandy, very slowly and carefully, put my brace back on. I will start
therapy full time  next week.
    Sandy, my wife and now my nurse, takes excellent care of this
old man. I thank God for her love always.
    Thank you for all the cards. Thank you for all the prayers and
concern from my family, and friends.
    May God Bless You All
              Bill Akers