The Vent and Rant Thread

[wannabee]

Now for a really really big rant, just get me started on pharmacy and medical. Or lets not!

Meanwhile will someone turn down the sun. 100 fires in our state right now. Many others too. I brought my 14 year old cocker to work today less she perishes at home alone in the heat.

[bjones6416]

My shoulder's worse. I was hoping that the cortisone shot and physical therapy would work, and I did have some early success, although I haven't gotten rid of any of the pain when reaching behind me. I put off the MRI because I haven't met any of my health insurance deductible, but both the Dr and the PT say I have to get one now since I've lost both range of motion and strength in the last couple of weeks. I've been very conscientious about my therapy, but I've also been trying to get moved and I may have overdone it carrying boxes.

I'm just afraid the MRI results are going to put me on the road to surgery, and the thought of dealing with an immobilized dominant arm while living alone is not something I feel up to coping with right now. On the other hand, my PT says that if I do need surgery, much better to do it before I lose any more strength. Oh well, better to know what I'm dealing with anyway. Calling to schedule MRI for next week.

[red_phoenix]

Good luck Betty.

[ProfCrash]

Good luck Betty. I hope that the news is good and that you are able to avoid surgery.

Please ask for help from folks. I remember calling the office at my apartment to have the facilities guys come and change a light bulb. I had a broken elbow and didn't want to be on a step stool with one working arm. Once I explained that, they were cool and came over and took care of small, stupid things I should have been able to do on my own but couldn't.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by bjones6416

My shoulder's worse. I was hoping that the cortisone shot and physical therapy would work, and I did have some early success, although I haven't gotten rid of any of the pain when reaching behind me. I put off the MRI because I haven't met any of my health insurance deductible, but both the Dr and the PT say I have to get one now since I've lost both range of motion and strength in the last couple of weeks. I've been very conscientious about my therapy, but I've also been trying to get moved and I may have overdone it carrying boxes.

I'm just afraid the MRI results are going to put me on the road to surgery, and the thought of dealing with an immobilized dominant arm while living alone is not something I feel up to coping with right now. On the other hand, my PT says that if I do need surgery, much better to do it before I lose any more strength. Oh well, better to know what I'm dealing with anyway. Calling to schedule MRI for next week.

Can't hurt to see what they say, assuming it doesn't cost an arm and a leg (yeah I just made that up. ). I've found that they tend to "push" mri's though when they are not really necessary. And even after evaluation you don't HAVE to do anything. As you say it may only be due to the moving. Your choice. Good Luck!

[bjones6416]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Can't hurt to see what they say, assuming it doesn't cost an arm and a leg (yeah I just made that up. ). I've found that they tend to "push" mri's though when they are not really necessary. And even after evaluation you don't HAVE to do anything. As you say it may only be due to the moving. Your choice. Good Luck!

Yeah, he's been okay with me pushing the MRI back so far, and since my PT agreed with me it seemed like it was okay to wait. When I last saw the ortho, though, he said he wants to see an MRI before seeing me again. Then the PT caved on me yesterday and agreed that he too would like me to have one before he does anything else. My deductible is $350, so it will cost me at least that. Not too bad, I guess, but I've got a lot of expenses right now.

[pdurrant]

Originally Posted by bjones6416

I'm just afraid the MRI results are going to put me on the road to surgery, and the thought of dealing with an immobilized dominant arm while living alone is not something I feel up to coping with right now. On the other hand, my PT says that if I do need surgery, much better to do it before I lose any more strength. Oh well, better to know what I'm dealing with anyway. Calling to schedule MRI for next week.

Ouch. My left shoulder started to freeze* in Summer 2011. The physiotherapy exercises didn't do a lot to help, but physical manipulation by an osteopath improved it considerably, and it's now almost back to it's pre-frozen state.

Of course, every shoulder is different, and no doubt some do require surgery. Best wishes for a successful treatment.



*That is, its movement became restricted: I was unable to put my arm behind my back, and movements that I could still manage became painful.

[Stitchawl]

I was going to ask... Have you tried alternative forms of treatment. Surgeons told me I needed to have both my knees REPLACED. Then I found a good Osteopath who treated me just a couple of times, right before I began my diet and exercise. Part of that exercise was walking 5-10km almost every day. Before the Osteopath I couldn't walk 200 yards without severe pain, and hadn't been able for almost three years. Now I can climb 24 flights of stairs without stopping...
A few years ago, other surgeons wanted to fuse my lumbar vertebrae. I lucked into meeting a wonderful physiologist who convinced me to try her exercises before I gave into to the surgeon. In just a few months I had taken off the back brace I was in, and stopped all pain medications. You know how active I am now.

Please consider it before you permit surgery.


Stitchawl

[bjones6416]

I've been trying to work through it with physical therapy since November, and I intend to continue on that path unless I really have to do something else. I love my PT, and he is all for avoiding surgery if possible. I do active as well as passive exercises specific to the rotator cuff (every day!) , and he does manual joint mobilizations and e-stim therapy. However, on Monday I subluxed (dislocated momentarily) my shoulder during my exercises at home, and he's concerned about the worsening instability. About 35% of people over 55 have asymptomatic rotator cuff tears, so that's why I've been trying this first -- so nobody will point to the MRI and take the easy route of assuming that must be the problem if there is a tear. At some point, though, we need a clearer picture of what is going on.

I'm pretty sure nobody would be more reluctant than I am right now to have shoulder surgery. So no, I'm not rushing in to anything. I am pretty miserable though.

[ProfCrash]

Miserable is bad. If surgery will make you less miserable, then have the surgery. Just go to Thailand to have it. Stitchawl will come over and keep you company. (winks)

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

Miserable is bad. If surgery will make you less miserable, then have the surgery. Just go to Thailand to have it. Stitchawl will come over and keep you company. (winks)

[Stitchawl]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

Miserable is bad. If surgery will make you less miserable, then have the surgery. Just go to Thailand to have it. Stitchawl will come over and keep you company. (winks)

Originally Posted by kennyc

If she gives the exercise a chance for a couple of months first, we'll be all moved in and settled again in Thailand! Right now plans are to move in the beginning of June, so we'll BE there waiting. I'm always happy to play 'tour guide.' I love seeing old places through new eyes. That's 'real' exploration!


Stitchawl

[bjones6416]

Originally Posted by Stitchawl

If she gives the exercise a chance for a couple of months first, we'll be all moved in and settled again in Thailand! Right now plans are to move in the beginning of June, so we'll BE there waiting. I'm always happy to play 'tour guide.' I love seeing old places through new eyes. That's 'real' exploration!


Stitchawl

Hey, I've actually got family (kind of -- my nephew's in-laws and various relatives) in Bangkok. I'm all set!

[orlok]

I'm sitting at the tyre shop having been told all 4 tyres need replacing (so that's why I was sliding about all over the place in the snow yesterday), to then be told all my brake pads need replacing. and just this moment they have come out to tell me the wheels need realigning. For an extra fee, naturally. Oh well, at least the wi-fi here is free...

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by orlok

I'm sitting at the tyre shop having been told all 4 tyres need replacing (so that's why I was sliding about all over the place in the snow yesterday), to then be told all my brake pads need replacing. and just this moment they have come out to tell me the wheels need realigning. For an extra fee, naturally. Oh well, at least the wi-fi here is free...

It's like hospitals, best avoided.

Good Luck! I need a bunch of work on my car as well, including new tires(note proper spelling ) a new windshield (windscreen? ) and other stuff but am doing my best to ignore it.