I didn't want to hijack ehirsh's thread regarding her shoulder bone spur, so decided to start a different thread (although I think this makes at least 4 of us currently with shoulder issues).

My official diagnosis is sever tendonitis in my rotator cuff, and a laberal SLAP tear (this is the cartilege that runs front to back, and where the bicep inserts in the shoulder). Right now, I have had 2 PT's look at the MRI readings and talk to me about my diagnosis and prognosis. Both are friends of mine, and both are cyclists (and they've been treating DH for about a year).

I am faced with some uncertainty. We currently don't know how much of the pain and ROM issues are a result of the tendonitis vs. the laberal tear. The only way to repair the tear is through arthroscopic surgery, and full recovery is SIX MONTHS . If I don't decide to have this surgery SOON, I likely won't have it at all this year - it will mean losing the race season if I do.

I am concerned about losing the race season, and not being able to compete this year. Some of you have watched my progress last season, and I am doing [fairly] well both on the road and in 'cross. I am not a spring chicken anymore, and feel that if I lose this season, I won't be able to come back and compete at the same level the next year... And not knowing for sure if the surgery will be the right answer is making the decision extremely difficult.

While I know none of you can counsel me in one direction over another, I would appreciate any insights or thoughts you may have.

Thanks for "listening".

SheFly