Milestone upon milestone has been happening lately. I have made great progress in physical therapy. I don't know if I have already posted this, but I have 95 degrees flexation and -20 degrees extension. However, that may have changed today as my arm has flattened even more! I am getting excited for my next surgery and cannot wait to see how much flexibility I gain after it :)


This past week has been a challenging one on many different levels. In the case of my arm, the wire has begun to "pinch" me more frequently. I feels like when you get your hand caugt in a three ring binder. The only difference is you can remove your hand from the binder. It comes from out of nowhere and takes me by surprise. The pain varies in how long it lasts. Sometimes it's a quick 1-2-3 pinch. Other times, I have to breathe through it because I can't handle it. Sometimes the pain flares up at inopportune times, like when I am in the middle of lecture. It's awkward to explain to your class that the reason why you squealed in the middle of translations is because you have a wire directly under your skin.

I also have notetakers for all my classes but my English class...which, to be honest, is the most crucial. I talked to my Professor and after a class debate, a girl has volunteered to share her notes with me. Let's hope DSS approves her before the midterm!

But all I have done is complain so far. I haven't actually told you my milestones. At dinner one night, I absentmindedly began cutting my meat with my right hand, something that has not happened since before the accident. I was so surprised that I could do it! I also have begun to write again! It's not much and my hand tires after a bit, but I can last a good while. On Saturday, while at lunch with my immediate and extended family, I showed them that I can pick up and eat small pieces of food!!! Saunday at Church, I was also able to support the chalice without dropping it.

Those are small beans compared to today. Today I was able to extend my extention, and lift a one pound weight with my arm. Now, one pound does not seem like that much, but it feels like much more when you have been un
able to use an arm since July. I can lift the weight over my head, to the side, and towards my body. I was so happy I began to dance in the therapists office! Apparently, it is the first time I have danced since before the accident. Like REALLY danced! I was twirling and moving to the beat of the music because I have realized that even the smallest accomplishment, like lifting a pound, is a cause for celebration.

I have included some of the most recent x-rays so you all could see them and celebrate the small things with me!

The top image is my arm at full flex. from the side. You can see those pesky wires I complain about so often! The bone is almost fully healed and I dare you to count the number of screws in this bionic mass!








The Bottom image is my arm from above, at full extension. You can see the pin, wire, bracket, screws, and new bone that has formed at the left edge of the pin. After the pin is removed in Jan, the bone will slide back into place and hopefully my arm will be back to "normal".