It’s been a struggle since having thumb surgery to keep the momentum up for physio, I’ve had to adapt it to be standing exercises only. But I’m also battling the sheer exhaustion I’ve been feeling too

I felt I had gotten back into a good rhythm  but then this last week, I switched from the post surgical bandage, to a hard cast. And that has flared up the swelling and pain in the hand, which has had a knock on effect.

Thankfully the psoas pain is still gone, and it’s that fact which keeps me thinking to try my best to keep up basics moves, to ensure it stays away. I can’t wait to be able to get out walking again too, weather permitting.

The Aerobic step is being used the most, as it’s easy to have a chair beside it for stability, and do step ups, the hip flexion, abduction and extension on there, as well as lunges onto the step, all while being supported.

I’m hoping as the pain relief doses decrease and pain itself decreases in the hand, I can do more and more. This week I’ve introduced some household chores to help out, like washing clothes, tidying a bit. Do you guys have any motivation, or physio advice??

Now I’m not as ruled by pain,( famous last words, or tempting fate?) this week I’ve started to try and get on with things, physio as usual for hips, but also help with some jobs around the house, as I like to try some independence. Such as making my own coffee with my left hand, doing some tidying up, washing clothes etc. I’m sure those that live alone are way more independent than I am. Honestly I could not have got through this first 2 weeks without the help and support of my husband. He’s been a lifesaver. My movement today on Youtube shorts

Getting used to the cast is also a Biggie, as I get claustrophobic if a jumper clings too much, so I know mentally having a cast is a challenge for me. But I’ve found ice keeps intrusive thoughts away, and exercising the fingers, or distracting myself with a good movie. Celebrate each day as a victory and a day closer to 20th may. One week down 5 more to go!!

My mission this week is to ditch as many doses as I can, I’ve stopped the morphine as it wrecks your tummy, and you don’t get many either so had to wean off. But I’d like to ditch the extra tramadol too. And to get out and about. I feel like I’ve been too trapped indoors. Admittedly rain is the biggest culprit, I’m terrified about getting the cast wet 🥺 but I have bought this cast cover just in case, as we have a camping adventure to do in may. I got it super cheap from Asda Available here

So far I keep failing at night with pain relief, unless I take morphine, which just isn’t an option, had to swap it for tramadol and hope for the best. As with tramadol it either lets you sleep, or it keeps you up all night 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ but you never know which it will be.

I’m also experimenting with sleeping positions, as perhaps if I’m not bolt upright perhaps I’d sleep better. I’ve had the odd night success of sleeping on my side and not taking pain meds, but I need it to be consistent. A goal to work towards for sure. Especially for camping coming up in a few weeks time. Both excited yet terrified.

*side note* the operated Elbow is really giving me a lot of pain and weakness, some days trying to lift a duvet is so painful, I don’t know what I’ve done, I did have this pain before surgery, but since surgery it’s got worse