Shoulder/Hand Update

[SheFly]

Well, I finally graduated from my physical therapy - yay! My shoulder is actually feeling great, and I am SO GLAD that I decided against the surgery for the SLAP tear. It seems the tendonitis in the rotator was really the culprit, and that now is under control. Of course, I do need to remember to do my exercises .

After 3.5 weeks in a splint for my hand injury, I returned to the quack (sorry, that is Dr. to some) on Weds. If smoke could have come out of my ears, it would have! I had an appt at 2:10. at 2:50, I finally went to the receptionist to see what was up - my file had gotten stuck with someone else's, so they brought me into an examining room. At 3:20, the quack/Dr. finally came in, asked how it was and then told me we were moving on to phase 2 - buddy taping my first and second fingers together 95% of the time for the next 3 - 3.5 weeks, and then I should come back. Five minutes of visit, no apologies for the hour plus wait, and not really a satisfactory response... I am NOT going back there. And what, pray tell, is buddy taping the fingers going to do????

The hand does feel a little better, but I still have some significant pain with certain actions - twisting lids, hitting my turn signal in the car, carrying items in my hand that require me to use the middle finger. If I really do have tendonitis as suspected by the quack/Dr., I suspect it is just going to take some time to heal.

The good news? It doesn't hurt when I ride

SheFly

[bmccasland]

Shefly - Yes, I agree a new Doc is in order. Maybe you could continue with the PT for your hand?

[Velobambina]

Great to hear you're on the mend. Glad it doesn't hurt when you ride!

I have yet to find a doc that is on time. Around here, you're lucky just to get an appointment.

Don't forget your shoulder injuries, girl. Take it from one who broke her clavicle, if you don't keep that shoulder strong and flexible, you will feel it.

[OakLeaf]

I waited 3 hours past my appointment time in a new doctor's office once. When I finally got in, they took my blood pressure and needless to say it was through the roof. "Oh, no, it can't be that high from stress, you need to be on medication!"

It's rare I ever see a doctor within an hour of the scheduled appointment.

But anyhow... glad you're healing! Keep it up!

[Tokie]

SheFly - can you be evaluated by a hand therapist (PT who specializes in hands only?) The orthopedists in my community who specialize in hand surgery refer their patients only to hand therapists). I think it could be worth your while! Wishing you better care and a speedy recovery! Tokie

[OakLeaf]

That reminds me, slightly OT but may be relevant.

I had therapy for a hand injury a couple of years ago. Referred by an MD, approved by my insurance, etc. At this particular clinic, all hand therapy is done by OTs. The modalities I got were stretching and strengthening exercises, I think I had a couple of sessions of ultrasound. IOW all modalities that a PT would use. But my insurance denied the claim because I'm not covered for OT. Wound up costing me almost $1000.

So if cost is a question for you, just be very sure that your insurance will cover the exact services, and don't rely on what your insurance tells the clinic, verify it yourself in your policy documents.