A Surgery Update & Lessons in Patience
I went in to see my surgeon and physical therapist this week, and I won't sugarcoat it. It was rough. While they were poking and examining my hand, I almost fainted. Twice. The pain crept up on me fast: cold sweats, dizziness, laying flat on my back with a cold cloth on my forehead. Not exactly a glamorous moment, but hey, that's the reality.
Starting Physical Therapy
The good news? We're on track. The stitches are out, the cast has been cleaned, and now the real work begins: physical therapy, twice a week, plus exercises at home three times a day.
The not-so-great news? My thumb is barely moving. I cannot pinch. I cannot touch my fingers together. The tendon they relocated came from my wrist, which is now weak and needs its own range-of-motion work. When the therapist tried to guide my thumb through the exercises, the pain was so intense we had to stop. This is full-on rehabilitation, relearning how to use a body part I've had my whole life.
It has given me a whole new appreciation for anyone who has ever had to relearn how to walk, or grip, or simply function after a serious injury. No judgment, only profound respect.
What's Been Working (and What Hasn't)
Working: Staying in the game mentally. Even on the hard days, I've been showing up, for my members, for my Midlife Muscle Makeover challenge calls, for myself. Having a purpose outside of the injury keeps me moving forward.
Not working: Expecting fast results. The thumb is not cooperating on my schedule, and the moments I've fixated on how long this is taking are the moments I've spiraled the most. I've had my dark days. I've sat there wondering how I'm ever going to grip a weight again. And that mindset? It doesn't help.
5 Tips for Anyone Going Through a Difficult Season
Whether you're navigating an injury, a loss, a health scare, or just a really hard stretch, these are the reminders keeping me grounded:
Set your red lines. Know what you'll push through and what you won't compromise on. Advocate for yourself clearly with doctors, therapists, and anyone on your care team.
Take it day by day, literally. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is recovery. Zoom out too far and it becomes overwhelming. Stay in the day you're in.
Feel it, then redirect. You're allowed to grieve what you've lost temporarily. Have your moment. Then consciously choose to move forward. The victim stance is easy to fall into, but it keeps you stuck.
Celebrate micro-progress. My thumb moved a millimeter more today than yesterday. That counts. Stop waiting for the big milestone and honor the small ones.
Don't take your health for granted. This one hit me hard. We walk around assuming our bodies will just work. They deserve our gratitude and our care, especially when they're fighting to heal.
Taking It Day By Day
If you're in a season where you're feeling stuck, whether it's an injury, a plateau, or just not knowing where to start, you don't have to figure it out alone. I work with women every day who are ready to stop putting themselves last and start building strength from the inside out. If that's you, I'd love to support you. Apply for coaching today and let's build your comeback together.
