Europe is experiencing an extreme heat wave this week. On Monday, a temperature of 33.1°C / 92 F was recorded in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, which makes it the hottest day in Ireland in more than more than 135 years. The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland was 33.3 C at Kilkenny Castle on June 26th, 1887. Temperatures in London and Paris have topped 40 C / 104 F, so I am thankful for the relatively moderate climate here. Today’s high temperature has dropped back into the high 20s C / lows 80s F, with cooler days for the rest of the week. I have been working from home, with the window shut and blinds drawn during the day.
Two weeks after first testing positive for COVID, I finally got a negative antigen test result on Monday. Most of the symptoms had abated after the first week. However I’ve been cautious about socializing with friends, given how transmissible the latest variant is. Needless to say it’s been a rather boring two weeks. Work continues to be slow, as many colleagues as well as clients take their summer holidays.
Last week, I had another check up on my arm at Tallaght University Hospital. It has been 12 weeks since the surgery to repair my distal bicep tendon. After waiting about an hour and a half, I saw a doctor (yet another new one) who spent only a few minutes looking me over before sending me off to the occupational therapist. At this point, it’s all about the physiotherapy to rebuild strength. The usual OT guy I had seen in the past took his time testing my grip strength (at about 80% now) and range of motion (at 100%). There are still some things that are difficult to do, like twisting a tight jar lid open. I had been referred to the Mater Hospital in Dublin city centre for a full physiotherapy program, but it had been three weeks since they called me just to confirm I was on their waiting list. Coincidentally, when I got home from my checkup, the Mater Hospital finally called me back and said they could see me the next day (Friday).
It’s about a half hour walk from Sprangers Yard to the Mater Hospital, compared to the almost hour it takes on the Luas light rail tramline to get to Tallaght University Hospital. The public Mater Hospital dates back to 1861, although the Mater Private Hospital was opened in 1986; fun fact — the latter was built on the site of No 7 Eccles Street, the home of the main character (Leopold Bloom) in James Joyce’s Ulysses. All together the campus is a sprawling complex of old and new buildings with various entrances, levels, and wings. I was given detailed directions on how to find the physiotherapy department and arrived right on time for my appointment. The therapist who saw me was a Scottish man, probably in his early 40s, who tested my arm strength by having me push against him in various positions / directions. He was very helpful in showing me exercises I can do on my own to build up strength using a resistance band or other everyday objects instead of weighted dumbbells (although it might be worth investing in a few of those). The appointment lasted about 20 minutes, and he said he wanted me to come back in about three weeks to check on my progress. I have been fairly lax in doing the exercises every day, as my arm feels more or less fine as it is — it’s only when I try to do certain things that I’m reminded that I don’t have strength I did before. I’m using an app on my phone to set reminders for myself, so hopefully that will get me into the habit of doing the exercises consistently.
Until next time….
