Slow and Steady wins the Race has become my motto these days…
Today I wanted to share some life updates — no crafts, no recipes, just real life. I have an update on my shoulder surgery and some really exciting news (if you haven’t heard), but we’ll get to that in a bit. Let’s start with a HUGE life lesson that seems to be kicking my butt.
Last year, I had some serious trouble with my right shoulder (my dominant arm, of course). I woke up one morning, thinking that I had slept on it funny. About a month after the fact, I thought I better get it looked at. After several doctors appointments, physical therapy and multiple cortisone shots, it was decided that I needed an MRI.
The MRI showed a tear in my rotator cuff and arthritis in my AC joint. Good times, right? To make a long story short, surgery was scheduled for January 12th. The doctor told me it would be a good 6-8 months for total recovery. Phew, that just seemed like a long time, but necessary… While in surgery, they did a third procedure, removing a bone spur (which may have caused the tear in my rotator cuff). I had three small incisions and one larger one. I’ll spare you the gore of those pictures (wink).
I was in a sling for 3 weeks — and pretty doped up on pain killers. Knowing I had a long recovery ahead of me didn’t prepare me for the day to day restrictions. Sigh. Here’s a pic of how I look most days. I snapped this the week after surgery, as you can see I’m sporting my fancy sling. Can you say hot mess? No makeup and messy hair (don’t care). Ha!
Well, I’m officially six weeks post-op and having to practice the art of patience. I still can’t shower on my own, dry my hair, style my hair, put a bra on myself, and so much more. I’m still wearing elastic pants and button down shirts too. It’s humbling and, if I had to be perfectly honest, it’s getting old. I cried quite a bit this past weekend, after finding out from my physical therapist that it could be another three weeks before I can resume some of these restrictions. The upside is that I can drive…
Right now, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday I get up with my husband around 6:30 a.m, so he can assist me with my bra. I head out around 8:15 a.m. to stop by and see my sister at her place of employment, where she pulls my hair up in the backseat of my CRV. Is that love or what? Then I’m off to physical therapy for an hour to an hour and a half. I usually take a long nap after PT, pain is exhausting, that is a fact.
Computer work has to be done in spurts and I haven’t picked up my camera in weeks. For a creative person, this has been incredibly challenging. You have a gazillion ideas going through your head and can’t do anything but jot them down in a notebook. To keep my mind off of all the work I should be doing, I’ve done a lot of Netflix binge watching…. I’m officially hooked on Scandal, How to get away with Murder and disturbed by The Making of a Murderer series (I could write a whole post about this show).
All in all, I have to remind myself daily that slow and steady wins the race… I certainly don’t want to rush this process, because I can’t imagine having to go through it again. I’m having to practice patience every. single. day. I’ve realized how much I take for granted in having two functioning arms and my gratitude for my sister and husband is off the charts!
Maybe you’re facing something and it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope this post reminds you that you’re not alone and YOU CAN DO IT! Here’s an 8×10 print of my new motto if you’re interested! I’ll be hanging it in my multi-purpose room as a daily reminder and inspiration!
*Please Note: All printables and downloads designed by Live Laugh Rowe are for PERSONAL USE ONLY. Please do not alter the file or claim it as your own. This file is not intended for resale, nor are the printed versions of this file. Font: Faith & Glory
PRINT ‘SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE’ PRINTABLE
Now, about that exciting news!!! On January 14th (two days after surgery), I received an e-mail announcing that I had won the Design Dash challenge!! What the wha??? I think I read the e-mail a dozen times before handing the phone to mom and asking her if I was reading it correctly.
Woo Hoo! I honestly don’t think it completely settled in for a week or so due to the pain killers, but I am so incredibly honored. Many thanks to those of you who voted for my Boho Chic room. I’ll be featured in the March issue of Domino Magazine. Sooo stinking exciting!! A BIG THANKS to La-Z-Boy for the opportunity to participate in the event!
So, there you have a quick update on what’s been happening around these parts! I’ve been blessed to have some blog friends help out with guest posts and I hired some help as well… things have stayed afloat while I’ve been recovering and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank YOU for being such a big part of this blog too. Without the readers, this blog is nothing. I hope you leave today feeling loved, in the loop and encouraged. HUGS all around!
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Michelle says
Hi Kelly:
I was really touched by your “Slow and Steady” post and wish you a full recovery. It takes time, but you will persevere with daily healing and patience. My mom went through the same thing a few years ago when she had elbow surgery–I had to help her with a lot of the same things your husband has to do for you right now and even though it is very frustrating being limited like that, you will get it back little by little (which was the purpose of your post).
Hang in there–sending positive, healing thoughts your way!!!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Michelle. I really appreciated your comment…and appreciate your positive thoughts. 🙂 Have a GREAT day. xo.
Liz says
Take care Kelly. I guess it takes patience. Your’ll be fine. Your room is beautiful!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Liz! I appreciate it. Creating that room was so much fun! Didn’t expect to win, but I couldn’t be happier. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your day. HUGS.
Suzanne Cleveland MOBILE AL says
THANK you for sharing this…..I need to remind myself everyday of that motto: Slow and steady …..please continue to get better and you have a lot of people who care about you.
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Suzanne! It’s a great motto and one to be reminded of more often. I am truly blessed to have so much love and support during this healing process. 🙂 Have a great day! xo.
Linda S says
After breaking a kneecap in a car accident and two years later my right wrist in a fall, I know what you mean about being patient. God taught me to be humble during those times and so grateful for the little things in life including personal hygiene functions! Hang in there! Linda
Kelly Rowe says
Thank you so much Linda! I appreciate your sweet words and it’s always nice to hear from people who can truly relate. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your day. HUGS.
Jessica | Petal + Ply says
I hope you’re feeling much better soon! Hang in there. Big congratulations on the Design Dash challenge win! Well deserved. Loved your room. 🙂
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Jessica! Appreciate your kind words. The Design Dash was such a great experience. Felt blessed to be apart of…and then you win it…that’s was just CRAZY. 🙂 Have a great evening. xo.
Shonee says
Such a good reminder for us all! So sorry about what you are going through. I can only jmagine the difficulty. I, impressed by your good attitude and wish you a speedy recovery! And I’m a firm believer that sometimes having a good hard cry is very beneficial both physically and emotionally. Good luck!
Shonee
http://www.hawthorneandmain.com
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks so much Shonee! I appreciated your sweet comment. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your week. HUGS.
Laura Petersen says
Kelly, slow and steady is a good moto! Arent we blessed to have Angels here on earth to assist us in our times of need. Their wings are hidden but we know they are there. 🙂 I hope you continue to heal and congrats on your victory!!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Laura! You are so correct in saying that we are blessed to have Angels here on earth. 🙂 I am truly blessed. Have a great evening. xo.
Alexis says
Slow and steady – it’s so true! I can only imagine how frustrating this must be for you. I hope you will continue to heal and gain your strength. Sending lots of love and healing thoughts your way.
Kelly Rowe says
Thank you so much Alexis! I really appreciate it. I know that patience is key and that can be challenging some days. Bloggers live in a mode where we needed to have it done yesterday, so taking things slow and steady is so appropriate for me right now. 🙂 Have a great day. HUGS.
Kelly says
WOW – congrats on your big win – that is amazing and the room looks great!!!! I love this post . . . I know how slow and steady goes. I shattered my ankle and tore every ligament in the joint. . . recovery was crazy . . . It was a huge victory to be able to get dressed standing up – lol. Congrats on making it this far and having such a great attitude and motto about it! `
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Kelly! I appreciated your comment. It’s nice hearing from those who can relate and understand the journey involved in healing. I’m blessed to be so far along and although I have a ways to go, the “slow and steady” motto will be a great reminder till I am 100%. Enjoy the rest of your day. xo.
shar says
Get well soon, Kelly! Thank you for the lovely printable and congratulations on the win!
Kelly Rowe says
Thanks Shar! I appreciate it. 🙂 Have a great day. HUGS.
Kim says
Oh girl do I get what you are going through. I had hip replacement surgery on Dec 14. I am just now able to really do all I want to do and it is NOT comfortable yet. That PT thing. Ugh. So necessary but man is it exhausting and hard to make yourself do. My biggest challenge was putting on my socks and shoes. Geez who would have ever thought I’d need kids to do that for me. Progress is my word this year. Patience goes right along with it though. I hope that you are on the mend and things are getting back to normal.