Torn Labrum and Bone Spurs

That was (refer to the title) the diagnosis in January when I finally saw an Orthopedist for  the shoulder pain I had been experiencing for the last year and a half.  Yes, I have been in pain for over a year.

Part of me knew there was something wrong with my shoulder, but in the back of my mind I was hoping all the working out and trying to strengthen my shoulder would help.  When in actualality it did more damage than good.  If there is ever a case when you should just stop and get further testing done, shoulder pain that isn't better within 6 months is definitely one.

Some back story:

Car, gravel driveway, flip flops and klutz.  Kind of get the picture now?  Am I surprised?  Nope, not in the least.  One summer day I was walking across the driveway as we were to head out on vacation, my driver side door was open on my car, my flip flop (the toe end) got stuck in my gravel driveway (with my feet still firmly planted in them).  I fell forward and to keep myself from doing a face plant I grabbed the door that was sitting open. 

As I went down my right arm took most of my weight and I landed partly on my knees, partly hanging from my arm and the door, with a slight twist.  I mean really, a twist.  As I went down I twisted towards my left arm. 

So instead of just going straight down, I did this sort of dance with the door and gravel.  Grab, twist, land....OUCH!  Really big OUCH!

But I guess since I was determined to have fun, I didn't pay attention to the pain in my shoulder.  Then, this past summer I fell in my bathroom.  Hit a wet spot, grabbed the door frame with the same (right) arm, but this time my arm ended up behind me and that was the thing that held me up...my arm.

When all was said and done, this January the Orthopedist diagnosed with me a torn labrum (cartilage), I had surgery and now I am 7 weeks into a pretty long recovery.  Four - six months just for the labrum to heal where they had to anchor it to the socket.  FUN, FUN!

I will be giving further information over the next few days if you can handle it and don't become too bored.  I will have pictures and all!  Isn't that SOOOO exciting?

Family weekend fun

Do you mind me whining? I think I am entitled; right? After five kids, husband, cat and snake; I should be tired right? Well, let me add in a weekend long soccer tournament that Low was in, hubby had to work all weekend (nights). It was just me and the kiddos.

All was not bad! Two of them got invited to a friends house to spend the day and night with; so Low and I had this time all to ourselves. Low is eleven and loves her soccer. It is her first year playing and she is doing very well; even some of the parents on the opposing teams made comments on how well she did in goal. But see, I transgressed. I need to get back on point....my pain! That is alll that is important right? Me? Not the fact that even though my daughter's team lost, they did awesome; or the fact that she has been hurting because she is not used to playing three games in two days. Na, didn't think so! The only one who matters is ME. Oh I crack me up sometimes! All kidding aside; I really am hurting. As some of my readers already know; I have a herniated disc; so certain types of activities cause quite a bit of pain. I also have tendonitis and what is diagnosed as a "shoulder impingement". The reason I bring this up again is explained further:

I went with Low on her field trip today to a local mine. Now, in order to find anything at this mine, you are put in some awful positions; like squating, bending or sitting on big rocks just so you can dig up the dirt to dump in a five gallon bucket. Once you have the bucket full or almost full; you take it over to the water troughs and use the screens to clean the rocks so that you can see what you have collected and pick what you want. Well, can you guess what a five gallon bucket; 3/4's full of dirt and rock; some the size of baseballs weighs? I don't, but I can say it was at least 20lbs.

While 20lbs isn't a huge amout; it is when you are having back/shoulder issues. So, by the end of our 4 hour visit; I was in quite a bit of pain. It didn't really settle in until I layed my butt down at home for some much needed rest. I went to get up to go to physical therapy and just wanted to cry. My therapist treated me well though and I did manage to get some of my exercises accomplished. So all in all, the pain didn't stop me too much. I just wanted to whine! Now, can I have some cheese?

Back to Low and her soccer. So now that I told you where some of my pain came from; I will tell you this; sitting in the cold air Saturday from 11am to 4pm didn't help the ole shoulder either. But I think Low had it a bit worse. She was the one getting all of the exercise in goal. Both Saturday and Sunday she had some awesome saves (diving, falling, sliding, jumping) and all I can say is that I am so proud of her. Now, she is also whinning; so with my hubby being off tomorrow; you might want to warn him of the two whinning girls in his house. Hubby might just want to leave so he doesn't have to put up with us! :)