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?

Yes, I have been neglectfull....Sorry!

I am going to make a concerted effort to start blogging again. I had gotten so wrapped up in my "at home" business that all of my fun times on here suffered. But alas, no more!

So, if you are interested in an update; here is a synopsis of my life since my last post!

I turned 37 May 29th of this year....woohoo. Only three more years and I hit the big 40. But didn't I just hear something about 40 being the new 30? Whatever the hell that is supposed to mean, right? My eldest daughter turned 18 on the 30th--yes, the day after my birthday.

So I really started feeling old knowing I now have an 18 year old in college. Geesh, someone get my a drink! Please!

Logan, another daughter turned 11 in June and Heather turned 16. So I now have 18, 16, 13, 11 and my son who is 8 and will be 9 in January. Wow, I am old!

At the end of the summer we had our first vacation as a family in years. It was absolutely wonderful. We were in Nags Head and I went boogie boarding....oh what fun. We had so much fun we wanted to stay longer; but unless you are made of money or can grow it on trees, that wasn't happening. I did get quite irritated as I normally do with the freaking stupid drivers. People think just because they are in another state they shouldn't do the speed limit. Of course, many were residents; but get a grip people. If you are going to drive, at least do somewhere close to the speed limit. I don't how many times we went down the main drag and people were doing 15 to 20 miles under the speed limit. Just so you know, the limit is 50mph; so going 30mph is a big deal when you are doing the speed limit and come up on someone going that slow. Definite road hazard.

All was great until the last day. I noticed my back was sore but for the life of me couldn't figure out why. Now, take into affect that I had been doing quite a bit of driving and of course the boogie boarding and getting knocked on my arse by the waves. HEHE! I wondered why I was sore? That is laughable isn't it?

The drive home was excruciating and that is not an exaggeration. At times the pain was so bad in my lower back I wanted to scream. By the time we got home (after driving 3-4 hours) I wanted my husband to shoot me just to put me out of my misery. I am sure at times he wishes he could do that; but this time he was just nice enough to help me out.

I rested for about a week or so; doing absolutely nothing because of the pain and it seemed to be getting better. SEEMED; what an interesting word. After a week of some relief, the pain was back full force and just kept getting worse. After another week or so I had had it and decided to visit my doctor. He initially put me on anti-inflammatory, pain meds and a muscle relaxer. Within 3 days I was calling crying the pain was so bad; at this point he had me going for physical therapy which helped cause more pain. We finally decided that I needed an MRI.

I thought maybe there was something going on because the pain was so intense. But I didn't really think it was anything that couldn't be taken care of through time. Boy was I wrong! I have been on physical therapy and a mix of drugs including a course of steroids for over two months and it isn't getting any better. With the results of my MRI finally in; we could make a more educated decision.

NEUROSURGEON

I visited the Neurosurgeon yesterday. Although my choices for treatment of the now diagnosed L4-L5 "large" disk herniation along with a L5-S1 bulge aren't much different from what I have been doing; there is one or two slight variations. Now I am scheduled for an epidural steroid injection along with the possibility of having back surgery.

I am trying to hold off on the back surgery decision until I see how these injections fair. I do not want surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. Although not being able to move, stand, sit and even lay down for any length of time is difficult; the worst is the pain I get in my "love triangle" region and the numbness. Which at times can interfere with "bodily functions"! Yes, you just need to know that correct? LOL

So, aside from all of that drama the family and I are doing well. The kids are doing well in school, Logan is playing soccer and my 13 and 8 year old want to join in on the soccer playing as well. It definitely helps that my husband played soccer for most of his young adult life; so he is our family expert when it comes to all things soccer.

Have you missed me?

My pc has become part of my business so much that when I am done with work; I have not desire to do anymore of the ole hunk of metal and plastic. Sad, so sad. I weep for the FUN days of sitting on my ass doing nothing in front of my lover (computer). ;)

How is everyone doing? I need to revist the blogs! I have a birthday coming up next week; the 29th to be exact. I don't mind getting older; I just don't like being reminded of it; especially when my 17 year old turns 18 the day after my birthday. In case you can't do the math; that is the 30th. My birthday is the 29th and hers is the 30th.

On the medical front! My hubby's hernia surgery went well. He is still a bit sore; but hey; he finally wants SEX; so I know he is feeling better. I haven't been able to accomplish the whole SEX thing though because I had an ovarian cyst rupture over the weekend which has left the whole lower portion of my abdomen in total agony. Sharp, seering pain!


Well, I have missed everyone less last few weeks. I miss chatting with my 'Demon' buddy and all the ladies that venture to his site. I miss writing and most of all, just chilling on the pc.

Hopefully I can come on tomorrow....and bore you some more! :)