Problem: in my left shoulder, 3 problems. Arthritis, a torn labrum (a ring of cartilage about the edge of a joint surface of a bone, in this case, around the shoulder joint--doc described it as a donut), and several bone spurs.

Solution: arthroscopic surgery to remove a tiny piece of distal clavicle, repair the labrum, and shave the bone spurs.

Surgery went smoothly, and the tear wasn't as bad as we feared (which would have significantly increased recovery time). No immobilizer, just a sling. I can remove the sling for short periods to shower starting Sunday.

They gave me a nerve block shot up in my neck, which deadened my entire arm all day yesterday. It was like carrying around a piece of meat. The nerve block wore off in the middle of the night. Fortunately, I had already started with the painkillers (oxycontin and oxycodone). Unfortunately, they were wearing off with the nerve block. I always believed that I had a relatively high pain tolerance, and I think this reinforces that. No previous pain approaches this. It's just past excruciating and approaching debilitating--at least without the drugs. They make it merely a constant ache (unless I move wrong--then owie!).

I'll get a better idea of recovery when I go next week for the followup, but the doc said that he'd have me lifting the heavy weights again in no time.

The Rocket Scientist has of course gone above and beyond. She stayed home from work today, so by the time she has to go back on Monday, I may be functional.

Of course, anyone who lives within driving distance is welcome to visit. I'm not going anywhere for a while

The really bad news is that while I'm on the hillbilly heroin, no grape squeezings!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Have a nice bottle standing up as an incentive!

Mumford was a sadist.

This is the year of aging ungracefully for us.

Speedy recovery, jugs.

Jugs - Take care of yourself.

juggernt -- hope you're feeling better by now. I had surgery for a torn labrum in the early 90s, and it was incredibly painful for several days afterwards. Once the constant serious pain subsided, it was still a few weeks before I could move my shoulder/arm much. Don't feel bad about acknowledging how painful it is -- I've had other surgeries (ankle, knee, hernia) and the shoulder surgery was the most painful immediately after. Hang in there, it'll feel better soon. Be diligent about PT, at least for the first month or so -- a frustrating, time-consuming hassle but well worth it in the end.

MLV has to have knee surgery again - We are not pleased

Yeah, this will be her third surgery, knee, wrist and now knee again. Not enjoyable.

Last time she had the knee we lived in a 4th floor walk-up apartment so at least we don't have to do that again

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Juggs!

JCT - same for MLV! Knee surgery sucks (as I'm sure you both know) - several of my friends underwent it.

Thanks, will pass that along. No questino knee surgery blows

My labrador just had ACL surgery 12 days ago. She's fine!
I just didn't need that expense during mailer season

Quote:

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My labrador just had ACL surgery 12 days ago. She's fine!

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Does she have the full leg brace? That's always fun...

Sadly, becuase of my previous surgery, I won't know if i need to jsut have the deal with the meniscus or have a full acl reconstruction until they are in the knee. Yikes.

Again, best of luck with it MLV. I'm currently still singing the praises of Oxycontin and Vicodin, despite the fact that I'm healing 100% faster than was to be expected. I know yours is way more serious than mine, since it impacts mobility (mine was just an excuse for not doing housework)

who needs an excuse for not doing housework???

Seriously, thanks for the good wishes. The big day is april 18, so I have a little while to obsess before then.

Duh! I am confident that even with all of the pre-surgery crap we will be able to make it to philly... now to get the plane tickets.

Did I mention how much "No wine/alcohol because you're on painkillers" sucks???