Phoenix: Live Love Laugh

At 7 weeks post shoulder surgery, Andrea shares her latest progress, pain management with natural remedies, and returning to the classroom while preparing for another surgery. Healing continues—one day, one choice, one step at a time.

Recovery Week 7: Ready or Not—Here I Come!

Well, ready or not, school starts Monday…
And that means:
Back to the classroom I go.

Let’s just say I’m about 75% ready.

This Week’s Update: Natural Wins

This week was a much better pain week than the last—
Not because the pain disappeared,
But because I made a new choice:
I turned to natural remedies—and I’m so glad I did.

Sometimes we forget:

God has already given us what we need—through the earth He created.

Instead of depending on chemical-heavy medications that left me sleepy and drained, I leaned into what nature offers.
The pain is still there—but now it’s tolerable.
Enough for me to:

• Push harder in physical therapy
• Walk and sit longer
• Stay alert and energized
• Work part-time as I prepare for my next surgery (hopefully in December)

Comparing Both Surgeries: Not the Same Story

I can definitely feel that this left shoulder replacement is more painful than the right one I had in 2017.
I shared my concerns with my doctor, and he gently reminded me:

“Just because the surgeries are the same by name doesn’t mean the recovery will be identical.”

That was hard to hear… but true.

My right shoulder healed in 2–3 months.
There wasn’t much muscle weakness, so the pain was more manageable.
And while I didn’t return to “natural” movement, I did regain 100% functional ability—and I was thankful.

This time, there’s more swelling, inflammation, and fatigue—especially in the upper arm.
But still, I press on.

Wisdom from a Stranger

At Sam’s Club this weekend, I met a sweet woman—54 years old—
who shared that she had both hips replaced.
One side still gives her trouble from time to time.

And I thought to myself:

Maybe pain doesn’t always vanish.
Maybe it simply teaches us that we’re human…
And that we’re stronger than we think.

This too shall pass.
Recovery is just ahead.

A Personal Adjustment

On a side note—
I’ve made the decision to cut my teaching schedule down to 2–3 days a week.

I haven’t worked since May,
And though pain has been a constant companion,
I’m genuinely excited to return to the classroom—even if only part-time.

I know I’ll be out again for a while after my next surgery…
But life keeps going.
And so do I.

Final Reflection

My name is not my disease.
I have Sickle Cell, but it does not have me.
God created me with purpose, passion, and power beyond imagination.

Pain may slow me down—
And that’s okay.
But I will continue to fight,
Even with the pieces of strength I have left.