Phoenix: Live Love Laugh

Four weeks after shoulder replacement surgery, I’m off narcotics, gaining strength, and starting to see real progress. Here’s what recovery looks like—plus a few reflections on shared pain and support from unexpected places.

Recovery Week 4: From Pain to Progress

Finally!
These last three days have been the best I’ve felt since surgery. 🙌🏽

Sure, there’s still some stiffness and mild pain, but I’d rate it at about a 2 to 3 on the pain scale—and that’s low enough for Tylenol only!
No more narcotics!
Can we get a YEAHHH and a Yeepie!!! 🙏🏽✨

Tamela Mann’s Double Knee Journey: Relatable and Real

This past week, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks.
I follow Tamela Mann (yes, the singer and actress we all love) on Instagram, and she posted that she recently had double knee replacement surgery.

Both knees.
At the same time.
Oh. My. Goodness.

Her husband, David Mann, was recording her hospital discharge and helping her into the car. But when the car door accidentally tapped her knee and she began to cry—he turned off the camera. He said he couldn’t bear to see her in pain.

And honestly, I nearly cried too.
Unless you’ve been through joint replacement, you have no idea how much pain comes with it—especially when paired with something like sickle cell disease.

I’m Choosing to Journal, Not Record

I applaud Tamela’s bravery in wanting to document her journey publicly.
But for me?
I’ll keep journaling.

Because while the world may not see my tears, God does—
And it’s only by His strength that I endure this life of pain.

Progress Report: A Bun, 30+ Exercises, and a Test Drive 🚗

This week, six new strengthening exercises were added to my already packed routine (which I’ve nicknamed “The Dirty Thirty”).
The good news?
I’m improving—and I see the progress!

💫 Personal Goal:
I won’t be satisfied until I can confidently put my hair up in a bun.
(If you’ve ever had shoulder surgery, you know that’s a serious milestone.)

Today, I even decided to try driving again.
My Physical Therapy office is only five minutes away, no turns.
I took it slow and safe.
Still can’t park confidently—need more strength in my left hand for that—but it felt good to take that step.

A Flashback to 2017: The Pain You Can’t Hide

This isn’t my first shoulder replacement.

Back in 2017, I had my right shoulder replaced.
Before surgery, that summer, I visited New York—already in stage 3 pain.

I remember being in Burlington, and a woman accidentally brushed against my shoulder.
I let out a scream so loud, she was shocked—and deeply apologetic.
But it wasn’t her fault.
The pain was just that severe.

Another moment:
Riding the train, a toddler on his mother’s lap kept innocently kicking my arm.
I had to get up and stand away from everyone, because every movement felt like fire. 🔥

Final Thoughts and Gratitude

I’m sending prayers for a speedy recovery to Mrs. Mann—and I’ll definitely be following her healing journey.

As for me?
I’m thankful, I’m moving, and I’m healing—one stretch, one breath, one PT session at a time.

And if you’re walking this road too…
You are not alone.
God sees your pain, and He strengthens you even when no one else understands it.

These exercises work my triceps

I have to do a few other exercises for strengthening but I think the progress I have seen has been satisfying . I won’t be happy until I can put my hair up in a bun.

Thanks for reading the recovering journey.