For a few months I have been in physical therapy three times a week for the shoulder that started hurting a LOT when I was painting my old house. You might recall that X-rays and the MRI revealed that I have a torn rotator cuff, bone spurs, and bursitis. They didn't test the other shoulder because I was still using it. I had a cortisone shot in June.
I admit that I continued to paint while I was in pain. I took pain pills until I got nauseated so I could do some of the ceilings. The painting is still unfinished, since eventually I did have enough sense to stop. I will have to go finish up one of these days unless I get lucky and my house sells.
In the meantime, I have continued to get the weekly massages by the Vampire, also. I moved myself other than things I was totally unable to lift, and those were moved by professional movers. I did the rest. So sure me. I believe I have actually had the tear since I taught judo.
Today I was re-evaluated by the GQ crew (the doctor and his PA). The pain isn't gone, and I told the PA that I would be calling him some very bad names tonight after we did the range of motions. He just smiled. It didn't hurt him at all. The doctor re-did the same things, and I will be calling him Dr Bad Names all night. I have lost a lot of strength. I have slightly improved movement, but it still hurts.
December 19 I am tentatively scheduled for rotator cuff repair and to get the bone spurs removed. The spurs are just causing me more damage that cannot heal. I have mixed feelings. I go through days when I think I can live with this forever, and I have days when I want to get a fork and fix it myself.
For about 2 weeks, I will be able to do almost nothing. I live alone with two dogs that have to be collared and leashed and taken outside every time they pee. Cooking is not an issue - I don't eat much and can deal with that part. Cleaning won't be a big problem, since two weeks without cleaning house won't kill anything. I should be able to read books and use the computer, if I can get it on my lap. I can wear sweat clothes for a while, that isn't any big deal either. Pain is something I can handle. Even the six months healing time with more physical therapy is OK. I worry about being able to take care of my dogs - and washing my hair.
So, my choices are to let the bone spurs continue to cause damage to my shoulder, continue to let my arm get weaker, and have the tear never improve - or I can have the surgery and just deal with it. The doctor gave me a speech about the size of the cuts. I told him I didn't care about that, but he should feel free to cut out the scar from my skin cancer on my shoulder and replace it with a new one.
I hope the Child doesn't tell me I have to postpone. I think she works extra hours around Christmas. In January, I believe she will also be in classes. Luckily, I have some great new neighbors who love my dogs and will probably be glad to give me a hand.
Or maybe a shoulder.
10 comments:
Oh I'm so sorry you are hurting so much. I'll bet your neighbors will help you a lot if you do have the surgery. Gosh things can get to be a hassle as we get older and have things go wrong with our bodies. I wish you the best of luck how ever you decide to go. Paula
please don't wait:) the doc who did my elbow told me that he could live with the numbness and tingeling but when you start to lose strength its hard to get it back. i for one hate to go through pt vampires but if it helps my knee i don't know we shall see. Have a good week
Deb
ditto, don't wait please! My dad had rotator cuff surgery and is doing great until his appendix burst but that's another story. He really is fine now, glad he did it. You have great neighbors, they will help with the girls! rose~
Good luck whatever you decide to do. Should I change our plans and plan to visit you to help instead of you coming to Florida?
Martha :-)
Honestly?? Have the surgery and deal with it. In the long run, it will improve your quality of life. You're looking at an inconvenience for a little while versus pain, worsening pain, for the rest of your life! Your neighbors can help with the dogs, and all else, you can prepare for. Good luck!!
xoxo ~Myra
Just make sure you listen to the Doc and don't do ANYTHING with that shoulder (or arm) until they say you can. You can really screw up good work by not following the post-op instructions on shoulder surgeries.
You should get the shoulder repaired. I'm sure your neighbors will help with the dogs.
Missie
You know I would love to take care of Molly!! I wish I was closer to you because I would totally spoil those dogs while you were healing.
Terra
You are right; you have met so many people who love you and your dogs that I am sure someone will be willing to help out...I don't know what to say about washing your hair, though! Jae
Lord, I can feel your pain.
I 've had cortisone a few times in my shoulders from--you guessed it--Aikido...and it hurts enough that at night I sleep on a heating pad...I need to do something about it but just can't seem to find the right time...
I hope your goes well. Be a good role model for me?
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