I went for an ultrasound last week.

Sunday August 26th at 6:38 pm I was called by my doctor.  “Ultrasound results are back.  Don’t use your right arm.  No Tennis.  No wheelchair alone up hills.  use your left as much as you can”

Life changing.

For how long I ask?  My physio answers by saying I can keep playing tennis in the future.  Adapted tennis.  No overhead serve.   I feel at that moment it is over.  My recreation has ended.  Adapted wheelchair tennis?  “You can only hit balls below the shoulder.”  I cannot imagine it.  Competing with an underhand serve?  Not returning high balls?

Now my fight comes forward, for a second, my mind shows me how it will work out.  The fight fades quickly.  I listen to my physio.  “It may not heal.  In most cases it doesn’t.  It depends on weather it wants to.  You must keep it moving.  Reduce the inflammation first then we see what happens.”

I am still able to do the three exercises I was assigned a month ago.  One of them has been modified.  I can still do my lower body exercises.

I have to reduce the use of my crutches.  Try to stay out of my chair.  Using my cane on steps without rails and moving on slopes.  I will have to walk with an aid as much as possible.  Walking causes pain and open sores So more time sitting and in bed…

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Working hard to stick with the changes.  Three weeks now.

Last week I was told I will damage my arm if I play again without modifications.   Sadness prevails as I look at my  favorite activity diminishing.  I think of what life would be like without a fitness activity that I enjoy in so many ways.  An activity that I planned to grow old with.  An activity that I planned to play with friends and family and participate as an equal.

I have now started to swing with my left arm.  I will swing a few minutes a day until the inflammation has decreased and when I have finally been given the green light to start to rebuild strength.