Sunday, September 25, 2016

The formal PT phase is over...

...and now it is up to me alone.

CIGNA has decided that I will have to finish on my own, and I cannot say that I entirely disagree with their decision.  My progress has been very good, and although the pain level is not yet at zero, it will be the strengthening which will take me the rest of the way.  The ASTYM therapy has, perhaps, reached the point of diminishing returns, as is inevitable, anyway.

My therapist has given me exercises to complete -- some daily and some every other day.  Eccentric loading is still painful, and I expect it to improve through exercise.  My first evaluation score, made upon my first arrival, was 14, meaning I was in a lot of pain and very limited.  My second evaluation score, made two weeks ago, was a 63 out of a possible 80.  My therapist was working on a plan to get me to 80 points -- full restoration of range of motion, activities, and zero pain when we got the news that CIGNA said I would have to finish solo.  I have her plan in hand, and now I must execute.  I do have recourse with CIGNA should I not get to that "80" in a month or two.

I am working toward having both my arm and my hamstring at 100% by year's end.  I hope the hamstring can be ready for running by November 1, 2016.  I can work on building the aerobic base via exercise bike and cross-country skier until I am strong enough to use a real bike.  One-legged squats will let me know when I am ready for running.

The quest for wholeness and wellness continues...

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

The light at the end of the tunnel...

...may not be an oncoming train after all.

I hit an important milestone with respect to the ruptured distal biceps tendon: I completed three curl "super sets" (30 repetitions each) using a ten pound dumbbell. My "super set" is 10 reps each of curls with the palms up, palms down and palms facing inward. Such a workout impacts the biceps and all the forearm muscles. This was my third such workout in the rehab process, but the first one completed within 48 hours of the previous workout -- and with no injury pain. This week, and another week or two at this weight, I can then move up to 15 pounds for a couple of weeks. After that, I will not just be doing rehab work on my arm, but can start a full workout regiment.  This will be my last post on this matter, as this milestone restores me to 90% of normal activities.

Grateful for a good doctor, grateful for your prayers, most grateful for my Great Physician Who is overseeing everything.

My hamstring issue is nearing resolution.  There are times when I have no pain at all, but then again, I am not loading it with running at this point.  Tomorrow is evaluation day at physical therapy, so I will post more after that session.