A Songwriter's Journey

On July 7th, 2015, the anesthesiologist said, “take deep breaths” as he placed the oxygen mask on my face……

Nearly everything about my left elbow surgery has been different than my right elbow surgery (detailed in my previous blog post). There was NO severe pain in the first 12 hours post-op as with the right. There was no need to keep me overnight at the hospital – I was home by 4:30 pm!
Having gone through this before so much was easier that first week. The cast/splint was much lighter (at my request). When it came off a week later the elbow was not nearly as swollen as the right had been! I again started PT right away and was soon able to touch my nose, ears and importantly, wash my hair with both hands!
Two days ago the 7 stitches were removed and I continue to exercise – so much so that I felt the urge, no, the need to try to play my guitar…. I brought the guitar out to the living room, sat on the piano bench and started playing “Sunshine On My Shoulders”!!! Then I played the instrumental part to Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bookends”! No pain, no restriction just maybe some muscle weakness from the atrophy of not playing for 6 months! That I can do something about! 🙂

A lot about having a chronic medical condition has to do with the mental aspect! Having gone through this surgery 3 years ago helped in allowing me to actually visualize how things were going to happen! This time wasn’t as emotional. I was scared last time – having to deal with the unknown. This time has had more to do with “enduring” the process! One of my mental tricks I use when I am hurting a lot is, I sit up, take a breath, and say to myself, “I CAN DO THIS”! Even if it is just getting out of bed in the morning!

I also could not have gotten through all this without Debbie! Her love, strength and determination keeps me calm regardless of what is being faced!

There is still much to do to get this elbow back into shape but the one thing I know is….
I CAN DO THIS!!!

Love, Dave