To Scan or Not to Scan, that is the question :)

[OakLeaf]

I'd just caution that shoulders are very complex and no matter how good your PT is, if he specializes in the spine, he might not be the best for you right at the moment. You speak so highly of him that hopefully he will know and admit when he's out of his depth - which is the problem I had this summer - and refer you to a shoulder specialist.

I was going to stay out of this discussion since everyone already knows what my opinion is - but can I say I'm glad that you made the decision you did? I really think that with neuromusculoskeletal issues, imaging, especially static imaging, is way more likely to come up with red herrings (like the neck DJD that we both have) and, worse, incidental findings on other body systems, than it is to nail down the actual source of your symptoms.

[Catrin]

Good words Oakleaf. The only PTs I've found who specialize in shoulders aren't in my network Bill doesn't really specialize in the spine but he has a broad range of expertise, keeps up on research, and if he has a client that he needs to do extra research on he does so. He did wonders on my hamstring and quad injury - while that is far from the shoulders I hope he can help on this as well. I suppose I should call the original place that my dr. referred me to to see if they actually DO have a shoulder specialist. I've just had mixed results from that facility in the past which doesn't help my confidence going there.

I hear you about red herrings - I remember the whiplash injury when my doctor focused far too much on the bone spur and bulging disk in my neck when it turned out to be the whiplash itself that was causing all of the problems.

I am noticing more pain in that shoulder...unsure if there is actually more there OR if I've given myself permission to admit that it exists. I do tend to ignore pain whenever possible and it's been like this for years... I am also concerned that the wrong PT will flare up my whiplash injury while trying to treat my shoulder.

[Catrin]

I saw my doctor today and got a copy of the x-ray report. He had wanted me to get the MRI immediately, but we are putting it off for 4 weeks until I get a bit of intentional physical therapy. Thankfully this counts toward my deductible, and if I do need surgery the insurance company will want the PT anyway. I am feeling pretty dejected about all of this, quite frankly.

The x-ray shows calcification in two separate parts of my shoulder - one or both are in the joint capsule, and there may be tendinitis along with it. We need more information and detail and the MRI will provide that. I can tell that he is concerned about this, and now my other shoulder is troubling me (probably compensating). This seems the most cost-effective approach and hopefully no surgery of any kind will be needed. We know it is quite long-term and probably chronic at this point in time. What I get for being stubborn and ignoring it all these years. It hurts now though, and that is different. Bah.

To distract myself from all of this I went to see the IMAX 3D Hobbit

[emily_in_nc]

Bummer, sorry Catrin. I would be dejected too. I hope things will not be too bad for you and that the PT will help give some relief.

[Crankin]

I like the way you distracted yourself.
Hoping the PT sends some relief your way and you can avoid surgery.

[OakLeaf]

Sending good thoughts for your PT.

[Catrin]

What is a bit concerning is the OTHER shoulder is currently more painful than the bad one. I do think that is from compensation however, and there will be no gym exercises that hurt. Or exercises that I can't perform properly due to range of motion problems - which thankfully is just limited to front squats and overhead presses - at least until my PT clears it. My doc sees no reason to limit other things since they don't hurt and are good for me.

You know, there was a time I would have distracted myself with a big restaurant meal - at some point distraction became a good movie and a KIND bar