I have had pain in my shoulder since last spring. While not aware exactly when it happened, the pain started after a couple of weeks using a DVD that incorporated hand weights. Rest didn't help, so saw my GP a couple of times over the months. He diagnosed tendinitis, took NSAIDs, had cortisone shot.... didn't help. So I went to an orthopedist last week, and it turned out that I have a torn rotator cuff and he says I need surgery. I have an MRI next week and will know more afterward, but the doctor was sure that I have the tear.
This is not entirely off topic, this has definitely affected exercise, which in turn affects weight loss. In one way I was relieved. Whenever I have pain, I feel like I
should just work through it and
never ever complain. I felt like such a wimp going to the doctor. I actually apologized to my gp for bothering him. I hate the "rate your pain from 0 to 10" thing. I can imagine bad pain, so I put childbirth and a kidney stone at about 7 or 8, so I said that this pain was about a 1 or 2. I don't really know why I tend to minimize my pain.
Anyway, the diagnosis validated my pain. From what I have read, the surgery and recovery is pretty bad. I have not found many personal accounts and was wondering if anyone here has been through it.
I probably won't have the surgery for several months, but I have started planning. A few years ago when I had surgery on my foot I stopped a good weight loss streak and gained about 40 pounds. I have such a fear of that happening again, so I must make plans that will not allow that to happen. So far I have come up with:
*I will tell my friends at church, "Thank you, but no meals being brought in."
*My husband and grown sons will just simply have to cook me my normal food.
*To help with the "poor me, I am in pain, or bored, so I deserve junk food" I am going to buy a plastic container that has a top that opens with two hands for DH and sons to keep their junk in. That container will go on the top shelf. Even in my weakest moments, I won't be able to get it down and open it with one good arm!
Any other ideas? Anyone here gone through the rotator cuff surgery?
It is so great to have all of you for venting and getting advice!