As expected, I need shoulder surgery. It is scheduled for August 22, just 11 days from now. My gynecologist (of all people) who I respect and trust recommended an orthopedic surgeon who she says is the "best in the Sacramento area" and he specializes in shoulder injuries. He is a team doctor for the Sacramento River Cats minor league baseball team as well. I was immediately onboard.
I had a Zoom appointment with Dr. Hirahara yesterday. He asked me what is going on with my shoulder. I replied, "From what I've heard it is pretty messed up." He answered, "I would totally agree with your assessment." The surgery will be done arthroscopically as an outpatient but will require several small incisions to reach all the tears. The doctor went on to shoot down my thought of waiting until after we move in October saying that it needs to be done sooner rather than later. Since the tendon is totally detached from the rotator cuff it needs to be done before it becomes too difficult to stretch and repair.
Today was a bit of a madhouse since it went from 'okay I need surgery" to full speed ahead with preparation for doing it in a week and a half! This afternoon I had an appointment with my primary care doctor to do an EKG and exam to clear me for surgery. I have a pre-op appointment with Dr. Hirahara tomorrow afternoon then blood work in a few days. Finally I need a Covid test 3 days prior.
AND my computer decided that it was on its last legs so I bought a new one this morning. In its defense my Dell was 7-1/2 years old and running Windows 7. It started making a whirring noise that would not stop for two days and I was afraid it would crap out on me. I am typing this on my brand new state-or-the-art HP with Windows 11. There is still a ton to learn and do but all my photos and documents are downloaded along with access to most websites I use often.
What I am still pondering and wondering how the hell I am going to manage this is the recovery and rehab. I woefully under estimated how involved that would be. I will be in a sling for four weeks and am not supposed to move my shoulder or upper arm away from my body. Physical therapy will start after one week with one of the doctors preferred PTs. I will be assessed each week for months by the PT and told what to do that next week. Then there will be NO LIFTING for 4 -6 months.
You may recall that we are moving the middle of October - two months away. Packing and moving boxes will be pretty much not allowed. I'm going to have to recruit a couple friends and relatives to help me with that. Lou will have a ton of his own packing to do. At least by then the sling will be gone.
Throughout the day numerous questions have come to mind regarding NO use of my right arm beyond moving the fingers a bit. I am right handed in case you didn't know that. My dominate hand/arm will be useless. Some questions that popped into my head.
How will I wash/shower? Baths will be out of the question.
How will I cook or eat? Lou will be helping a lot.
How will I comb my hair? Or wash my hair?
How will I get dressed? Or undressed?
How will I type? Or write my blogs? Or use a mouse?
How will I open wine? May need screw tops.
How will I even do the simplest things with no use of my right arm? My left arm will get strong and likely be exhausted. But how many things can you do with one arm? Let alone your nondominate arm?
There are a ton of other "how will I's" and I think of new ones constantly. I guess it will be a real learning curve. I don't want to cheat and use the arm when I shouldn't be. If I am going through all the surgery, I will damn well do what they tell me since I don't want to go through all this again.
Everyone, including me and my doctor, are amazed that such a simple thing as pushing back a chair could do this much damage. It still boggles my mind. And the pain and limitations are still fairly minimal.
I'll keep you posted as my shoulder saga continues. Crazy and pretty unbelievable.
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