Three weeks after left shoulder replacement surgery, I’m navigating physical therapy pain, muscle rebuilding, and daily recovery challenges as a sickle cell warrior. Here’s what this phase looks like and how I’m pushing forward.
Week 3 Post-Surgery: Pain, PT, and Pushing Through
Today marks exactly 3 weeks since my left shoulder replacement, and let me tell you—Physical Therapy still hurts.
It’s just as intense as week 2, if not more.
If I haven’t said it before: full recovery from this kind of surgery takes about 12 weeks.
That’s the same amount of time it took after my right shoulder replacement back in 2017.
So I’m not surprised… but I am sore.
What I Forgot About Muscle Weakness
Here’s what I didn’t remember:
Just how weak the muscles become when you haven’t used them in years.
I hadn’t really used my shoulders since December 2018.
Instead, I medicated the pain and kept “buying time,” as I called it—trying to avoid the inevitable.
But building back that muscle structure now?
It’s no joke.
It hurts.
This journey reminded me of something else I once overcame:
After I came out of the coma, it took me a year and a half before I could walk confidently without feeling like I’d fall over.
Back then, I needed my son near me just to move around safely.
And while the coma didn’t come with as much physical pain, I did fall—a lot.
I fell off hospital beds, wheelchairs, my bed at home, and even while walking around the house.
(It’s okay—you can chuckle a little. I did too.)
PT Update: New Goals, New Exercises
Today’s PT session came with a new two-page set of seven additional exercises, added on top of what I already had.
One new tool we worked with?
The hand cycle—which I was thrilled to find out I actually own at home!
It’s brand new, still in the box, and was gifted to me two years ago by my cousin.
I finally opened it.
I finally used it.
Blessings. Always blessings. 🌟
Pain Levels + Recovery Goals
- Pain Scale: Around 4–5 most of the time
- With meds (1–2x a day): Drops to around 1–2
- Medication Timing: Every 6–10 hours
- New Goal: Be able to drive again by August 1
I’m pushing hard—even when it hurts—because I know the strength is coming back.
Not all pain is harmful.
Sometimes it’s just the sound of growth echoing through your body.
Final Reflection
Recovery is a winding road, but I’m still walking it—sometimes limping, sometimes laughing, always leaning on God.
There’s power in progress, even when it’s slow.
And if you’re reading this and feeling discouraged on your own healing journey, please hear this:
You’re not behind. You’re rebuilding.
We don’t always choose our pain, but we can choose to keep moving through it—one day, one rep, one deep breath at a time.
Scripture, Connection & Comfort
My favorite Bible verse—and the one that has carried me through every trial—is:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
That verse has never failed to bring me peace, even in the hardest moments.
Just the other day, I met an elderly woman in the waiting room who reminded me of this same verse.
She told me that she repeats it daily and wants her granddaughter to learn to do the same.
Her granddaughter has endured four strokes and a hip surgery, and can barely walk—
Yet this woman still speaks life over her loved one.
It was a reminder of one of my greatest blessings:
Along my path, I’ve always met someone who understands what I’m going through.
No matter what you’re facing—
You are not alone.
Never forget that. 💛
Phoenix: Live Love Laugh 
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