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,
Thanks for the update! I'll bet you're glad it over. Remember to take it slowly. No one takes this advice to heart until it's too late but...a word to the wise. Be the first one!
Make some goals that are technique oriented, kick a lot and improve your core strength, learn new drills, feel your stroke - anything but speed goals and distance goals. I'll tell why. If you have speed and/or yardage goals you will up the ante every time you achieve one. We all tend to do that and it's not long before they are unrealistic for your rehab situation. Never forget that for many months you are in a recovery situation, you are a recovering injured athlete and in the long run going slowly now, will pay off down the road. Going too fast now will definitely impact your ability to be the best you can be (as a recovering injured athlete) in August for the Worlds.
Have fun with your recovery, improve your technique, enjoy being in the water, and treasure your opportunity for a second chance to do what you love.
Nancy
Bruce,
Thanks for the update! I'll bet you're glad it over. Remember to take it slowly. No one takes this advice to heart until it's too late but...a word to the wise. Be the first one!
Make some goals that are technique oriented, kick a lot and improve your core strength, learn new drills, feel your stroke - anything but speed goals and distance goals. I'll tell why. If you have speed and/or yardage goals you will up the ante every time you achieve one. We all tend to do that and it's not long before they are unrealistic for your rehab situation. Never forget that for many months you are in a recovery situation, you are a recovering injured athlete and in the long run going slowly now, will pay off down the road. Going too fast now will definitely impact your ability to be the best you can be (as a recovering injured athlete) in August for the Worlds.
Have fun with your recovery, improve your technique, enjoy being in the water, and treasure your opportunity for a second chance to do what you love.
Nancy
