No longer able to avoid the ortho doctor (long)

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-09-2009, 08:59 AM

In April 1999, I had an accident. I fell while on rollerblades, in motion, and dislocated my right shoulder so bad that it popped out three different ways. I went to various doctors and was finally diagnosed with MDI (multidirectional instability). With my frame being very loose, it was inevitable that something of this magnitude would happen.

I had two surgeries: one in 2000 and another one in 2001. They were to correct the loose tendons, ligaments, cracking, popping, grinding and shoulder slippage. I have four scars on my shoulder; three of the scars are from an orthoscopic procedure that also shaved part of my collarbone off, one is from the first surgery where all they did was tighten the front and shave the head of the bone in my upper arm that connects into my shoulder socket.

I went through multiple physiotherapy sessions to try to strengthen the area. I took bottles of Percocet (literally), Naproxen and even subjected myself to heated therapy with an ultrasound wand. I've tried rubber band stretching and strengthening exercises. It never did make my shoulder 100% and the second doctor that did my surgery told me that I'd need surgery every few years of the rest of my life.

The last time I had to see a doctor was in 2001. I moved and got settled in Calgary, then had a baby in 2003. I avoided a lot of strenuous activities and as of late, tried to go back to rollerblading and running. I needed a way to help get me back into shape that wasn't going to be hard on my shoulder, but the exercise I really like is pretty hard on my entire body. Even walking is hard because I have a habit of swinging my arms to get the most momentum that I can.

Over the last few weeks (I haven't exercised in about three), I've been experiencing some pain in the side of my shoulder. It extends down my arm and is pretty excruciating at times. It feels like someone is reaching into my shoulder and is pulling hard onto the muscle that's connected to my shoulder. This happens when I'm sitting down with my arms crossed and last night when I was laying down in bed, it felt that way too. I've had some slippage as of late when trying to lift laundry baskets, but this is way worse than the slippage. My arm will basically lock up and it hurts to straighten it out.

It seems that my only option at this point is to go to the doctor about it. Calgary has a lengthy wait for surgeries, but my concern is about having to wear another sling. I don't need a sling though, especially when this happens when I'm not doing anything at all.

I hate my body. Can I get a refund?

**Sassyclass** · 05-09-2009, 09:33 AM

Ouch! Just reading your description of your pain hurts me. I hope you can find some relief soon. I can't believe with all the technology the medical field has in this day and age, that you would have to have surgery so often for the rest of your life. As far as the refund, yeah you can get one, I've been waiting for mine to come for over 15 years now. They keep telling me it's on backorder

Cat

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-09-2009, 10:15 AM

I'm hoping that being in Canada will yield me a better set of results than when I was in the US. I had the first surgery when I was in the Marine Corps and then the second one was at UNC Chapel Hill. Both doctors were fantastic but my body just wants to go

.

My mom's side of the family has a whole slew of medical problems so this is only the beginning, sadly.

**mauimagic** · 05-10-2009, 01:14 AM

I wish you were here and could go to my orthopedics doctor. Although he is a surgeon - that is always his last choice - he prefers to heal by using the least invasive way possible - although he is a fantastic surgeon.

Since you're not here, the best I can offer is prayers and support for what you are going through. You sure have been through so much already.

Take care and keep in touch.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-10-2009, 10:38 AM

I ended up going to the walk-in clinic to get it looked at and we went through the usual drill: arms up, arms to the side, arms behind my back, pulling down on my arms, etc. She noticed it was trying to rotate inferior, which means it's trying to slip out of the front. We went ahead and did the screening questionnaire for the MRI and she has it set up. I'm on Naproxen for 30 days, then if it's not better she's going to go with Celebrex. DH is contacting his work to find out how much his coverage helps with physiotherapy and then after physio goes for a bit, we're going to see the orthopaedic surgeon.

I knew this was a long time coming and I'm hoping that physiotherapy helps more now than it did when I was younger. I'm not sure, though, because I'm in my 30s as opposed to being 20-something when I hurt it the first time.

We'll just have to see how things go.

**mauimagic** · 05-10-2009, 01:00 PM

I'm glad that you went in to get the process started. I've found that there really is a difference among physical therapists and perhaps yours will be a perfect match to help you recover. As you know it can be a slow process - I've been going twice a week since January and finally can see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep the good thoughts!!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 05-20-2009, 02:17 PM

I got a phone call this morning from the clinic that I initially went to a few weeks ago. They scheduled two MRI appointments for me, but they aren't until October 16th. This is good because that's far enough advance notice for physiotherapy to get going and for me to procure my medical records (at least the one from UNC Chapel Hill). I need to find out if they have my MRI films from both MRIs I had done at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

All is going well so far. The Naproxen is working pretty well, but I still have some issues with pain even when I'm on it.

**Gardengal18** · 05-31-2009, 10:38 PM

5 months Wait for an MRI???

Oh Nooooo... That would go over like a lead balloon in this country. People would NEVER tolerate that kind of wait time here in the USA! Yet another reason why Socialized Healthcare would never work in this country!