Snow, ice, sleet and rain

It's that time of year again: winter is rearing its head and it's hard to know what to expect. This week, we've seen it all: snow, sleet, ice and rain, which makes getting around a real challenge with my bum shoulder. The one warning I did get from my doctor was to stay inside if it's icy out. Sage advice given that if you slip, your natural instinct is to put your arms out to stop the fall. Of course, that would be really bad for me. So imagine my horror when I walked up to the entrance of the physical therapy building and saw 10 or more feet of ice in front of me. I couldn't believe it. Here was a lawsuit ready to happen. I didn't have a number to call inside (it would've been nice to have someone help me across), so my first reaction was to leave and not risk the injury, But I was also pissed that they would allow patients be put in harm's way. So I slowly walked across the ice, made it safely inside and promptly told the check-in clerk at the desk the situation. Her reply? "Physical therapy is on the third floor." I couldn't believe it—no, "I'm so sorry, we'll have someone take care of the situation. Or we'll be sure to have someone walk you out when you leave." Nothing. Her lack of customer service and empathy reminded me of my encounter with the airline employees in Atlanta. I just don't get it. This was a building filled with people who are trained to heal other people, not send them to the emergency room.

On a positive note, I've made remarkable progress with my arm movement. Last Friday (my first day of therapy), I was only able to raise my arm 90º. Five days later, I was at 130º. My therapist was impressed given I had a full dislocation, so I'm hopeful that I'll continue to progress. (Now if I can only stay away from the ice.) People who know me, know that I'm naturally prone to falling. In fact, I've fallen on flat, dry pavement. (So please say a prayer for little old, clumsy me.)