Update on the life of a stamper, Lois Folla

Hello Friends,

I’ve waited and waited to share with you what has been going on until I knew exactly the outcome. So here it is.

On December 27, 2021, I woke up with pain on my left side (shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist, and hand). I had no idea what it was from but gave it a month to go away. By the end of January, I knew I’d need to find out what was wrong. After going to my PCP and Rheumatologist I was sent to an orthopedic which I finally saw in April 2022. The MRI of my left shoulder showed I had Frozen Left Shoulder and started physical therapy. At my F/U apt a month later Dr Schafer needed to also evaluate my right shoulder because of the pain. He looked at the right shoulder and said I was getting Frozen Shoulder in that one too!

Since my left shoulder did not show any improvement after 12 physical therapy appointments we decided I needed surgery. On May 4, I had left shoulder surgery and it turned out to be a blessing. We were about to get some range of motion back much quicker because of it. Now that my left Shoulder was doing better, I knew it was time to address my right shoulder.

Last week the MRI on my right shoulder showed a tear in my rotator cup and surgery is set up for either August 16 or 18. While I was having pt for my left shoulder I was also doing all the exercises on my right. Since it’s only getting worse, the only option is surgery. They will have me start physical therapy a week after surgery where you normally wait 4 to 5 weeks. Since they are worried I will get stiff, they will be treating my recovery aggressively. I will have a sling on my dominant side (right) for five weeks. If you have ever had this done or had a sling on that long, please leave a comment or email me at stampwithlois@gmail.com with how you survived. I would really appreciate it!

I will barely have enough time to recover from this surgery before my next surgery on Oct 11.

Needless to say, I have not been able to stamp all in 2022 so far. I have not been able to hold classes or even have playtime at my home. I miss it so much. I will have some things going on in 2023 but I’m extremely hopeful I will be able to start to hold classes at our home again.

I want to thank all of you who needed Stampin’ Up! products and ordered through me. November will be my 22nd anniversary with Stampin’ Up! and it’s in God’s hands if I’m able to stay active as a demonstrator. A demonstrator only needs $300 of sales each quarter and I am so excited when I hit that.

I apologize for not being able to share projects or blogged much this year. The pain has been unbearable and sitting at my desk and typing is very difficult. Right now I’m running on adrenaline.

Since I will be in a sling after either August 16 or 18, for 5 weeks and still have challengers after that for a little while, I will not be able to blog. I look forward to creating again and blogging!

I personally don’t feel I’m ready to give up Stampin’ Up! after almost 22 years. I still truly love what I do and enjoy sharing creativity through my blog and classes.

If you are still reading this, thank you so much for your time and patience!

I will try to blog a few times before my surgery. I do not like putting personal things on my blog but I’ve been MIA for so long now, that I felt I needed to.

I have to admit, my office has been staying pretty neat all this year… HAHAHA Which is funny and sad at the same time.

May you have a wonderful and safe rest of the Summer and an awesome Fall!

God Bless and see you soon!

Lois