Under the Knife

Stephen finally had his surgery on Monday, the 26th. The surgeon who replaced my shoulder a couple of years ago is also Stephen's doctor, whom I trust a great deal (and that's hard to come by). Knowing the doctor from personal experience was a huge help in my comfort and stress level. Stephen had a couple of torn tendons reattached and a SLAP repair. Overall, it went smoothly and he is now in the recovery process. His first day home was great - we ran errands and he didn't have a whole lot of pain. Today, however, he was in a great deal of pain and could not get comfortable. I am positive that his nerve block wore off, which sucks! Stephen will remain in his sling for 6-8 weeks. Following that, he will finally be able to attend physical therapy around the 6th week. Sadly (not so much for him), he will be out of work for 3 months, if not longer.

Stephen hopes to find a new job while out on disability, but with the economy the way it is, it's a long shot. Cross your fingers! He plans on meeting with a career counselor through PCC while he is off of work, as well. He'd really like to figure out what he wants to do long-term and hopefully get an idea of where to begin with a new career, as well as schooling needed.

This is all going to be a very long process, but in the end, Stephen will be much happier. He hasn't been able to lift weights or work out for months at a time, for nearly 4 years. He's been in pain for that same amount of time and we are lucky that he was able to get disability through work. Yay benefits!

Please keep Stephen in your thoughts and prayers over the next few months; he's going to need it!