Shoulder....Venting

[Catrin]

Thanks Pax! I also hear you about your knee. For me, those shin splints I got in my OTHER leg in October is still hanging around. I still think that part of that was due to my changed gait from the knee injury and repair.

I tried to find a closer shoulder Ortho, the one I've been seeing for my shoulder injections is quite some distance away. I figure that fixing my torn shoulder will eventually have to happen since it's deteriorating...so I should find someone closer. Getting to the surgeon's office after a surgery is hard enough, but 25 miles away makes it quite difficult when you can't drive yet.

So a good friend recommended someone and I called his office. He is with the same overall group as my current Ortho and he looked up his notes on me to decide if he could take over my care and...he passed. He passed because of the level of arthritic change in my OTHER shoulder and he did not think that he could provide proper care for BOTH shoulders.

Don't get me wrong, I am glad the Ortho was honest, but it's the first time that I've had a specialist turn me down (at all), but especially for that reason. A bit surreal for me. Sure wish I had known just how bad the shoulders were before I started competitive kettlebell training, but that's life.

[Pax]

That sucks that the surgeon turned you down, had the same thing happen to me in FL. Two ortho docs looked at my knee and declined their services, too much scar tissue in the joint. Took a few tries to find a doc who would take on my care... and when we go back to FL in the fall I have to find yet another doctor. Remember when it used to be if you got sick or injured you went to the doctor and they provided care?

[Crankin]

To play devil's advocate, I might be, after the initial being angry, glad they did this. It means they don't have the skills to help you and they are being honest. Better than messing you up, even more, which we know can happen. It doesn't mean there isn't someone who could help, but s/he might be far away.
On my own little level, I have had to do this a few times. Usually, it's just to the intake person, but sometimes I am not the right therapist for someone or someone's family member.

[Catrin]

True, I'm NOT upset and for that very reason. I guess that this really struck home on just how bad my shoulders are. I've been trying to fool myself and ignore pain, especially for the arthritic shoulder. It's sobering when they tell you it's so bad that all they can do is to replace it when it further deteriorates. I am far from pressing for surgery for either of them, from what I've been told it's dicey to replace a shoulder for someone as young as I who still wants to be active, and I can tolerate it's current condition for a very long time (hopefully). What I'm saying was that this was a wake-up call. The surgeon who turned me down has 40+ years of experience and specializes in shoulders...(but he doesn't do replacements). I DO want to find someone closer to me who is qualified to deal with both...for sure.

[Crankin]

I don't blame you in not wanting the surgery, until it's absolutely necessary. But why would it be a contraindication for an active person? Usually they like that. And, being younger.