After much pain, soul searching, cure searching, kicking with fins and general advise seeking, I've elected to have arthroscopic surgery to treat my "shoulder impingement syndrome" which I guess is tendonitis....The fact that I made the decision before consulting the USMC forum may be inexcusable, but, be that as it may, I'm on the docket for two weeks from today...
The surgery, as I, a layman, understand it, will widen the subacromial space allowing unimpeded movement of my supraspinatus (one of the rotator cuffs) muscle and tendon and biseps tendon....
I ain't looking for sympathy or an explanation...but I'd love to hear from someone who's had this type of procedure and can outline their recovery process...I was planning on making some waves in the 55-59 age group at Coral Gables in May but realize now I may just be a cheerleader...I'm keeping the Chesapeake Bay swim on my June calendar even if I can just kick my way across...I'd love to know what to expect..Thanks
Bruce,
I've had 3 shoulder surgeries (both sides), both open and arthroscopic. I think you've made a good decision. Until the surgeon goes in and actually sees what is going on, you can't actually predict what kind of recovery to expect or how long it might take to get back to the level you desire. The impingement could be the result of a number of possibilities. I fooled around way too long with alternative remedies and was constantly having to take time off from training because of the pain. I kept aggravating the problem and by the time I went to an orthopedist I'd done a lot of damage. You're a lot smarter than I was.
The arthroscopic surgery was the quickest recovery and everyone I know who's had it, has been successful in recovering their former level of performance. Good luck! I wish you patience in your rehab; follow your doctor's and PT's advice and suggestions. Work on developing excellent technique. I also hope that 2006 will be a very good year for you and lead to pain free years to follow.
Nancy
Bruce,
I've had 3 shoulder surgeries (both sides), both open and arthroscopic. I think you've made a good decision. Until the surgeon goes in and actually sees what is going on, you can't actually predict what kind of recovery to expect or how long it might take to get back to the level you desire. The impingement could be the result of a number of possibilities. I fooled around way too long with alternative remedies and was constantly having to take time off from training because of the pain. I kept aggravating the problem and by the time I went to an orthopedist I'd done a lot of damage. You're a lot smarter than I was.
The arthroscopic surgery was the quickest recovery and everyone I know who's had it, has been successful in recovering their former level of performance. Good luck! I wish you patience in your rehab; follow your doctor's and PT's advice and suggestions. Work on developing excellent technique. I also hope that 2006 will be a very good year for you and lead to pain free years to follow.
Nancy
