Faron, I think you're turning into the Bionic man!

LOL! I'd rather NOT be! Only the left knee is bionic now. Hope it stays that way! Of course, the "extra attention" I get at some sporting-events, airports, etc.....;-)

Faron

I hear you loud and clear, I had hand surgery twice this past year and the second one is still painful and it's my dominant hand. I have to be patient but it sure is hard to do.

Take great mender tea pills by plum flower from amazon. They did amazing things for my ankles and my shoulder too. You take 8 pills twice a day (they're like little bbs). But don't take if you are on blood thinners. They're full of natural herbs and such that help healing and fight inflammation.

That's great news, Faron! My shoulder is about the same. I had an MRI on Friday - we were in the middle of the scans and the d#@@&n scanner overheated and wouldn't restart! The young lady operating the machine had to call Siemens, and after a couple of long conversations it was determined that a repair person was needed. So now I have to reschedule and take more time off work. Hopefully they can use the pictures she already took and we don't have to start over, b/c I found it to be a rather unpleasant experience.

Keep up the good work!

Donna

Oh no MSMEOW!

What a maddening event!!! I'd be a little frosted too! Any updates on your reschedule?

AD- I now take a baby aspirin a day now. Used to be a full 325mg for many years. Wonder if those pills would be applicable still?

Yaya- Uff.....TWO hand surgeries? Gadz...What for?

Faron

Faron, I'm rescheduled for tomorrow afternoon. The gal in scheduling made sure the machine had been repaired before she made the appointment! And they gave me a Darden gift card, which was a nice gesture.

Donna

Msmeow- That's awesome! Hopefully you don't have to be in there as long?! Can they use some of the 1st imaging series?

Mimi- You're TOO kind! There's about TEN "small-movement" (but tough) exercises now. I can only get about half done in a day!

* I just did 90 (3 sets of 30) band-stretches with the band placed about belly-button level on the hinge side of door. Close door, & while keeping shoulders DOWN thru the movement, back upright & straight, pull toward your sides. Your upper-arms & forearms will be @ 90deg here.

* The hard part now....as your elbows near your rib-cage, the movement needs to be completed with the shoulder-blades being squeezed together. The chest kinda naturally comes up a little at the end.

* Done correctly, you feel the HELD-DOWN shoulder-socket rotating back as you squeeze the blades. SUBTLE, but important! After 3 weeks of this, I'm getting much better at "the movement".

* Another version of this is putting the band at head-level in the door. Using nearly straight arms, and shoulders DOWN, squeeze the blades together as arms come down. Elbows don't need to move past rib-cage. Last 1/3 of movement is from...guess what?!?!?! The shoulder-blade SQUEEZE! ;-)

Faron

I think the pills would be ok to try if it's just aspirin at half dose...

Faron, how did I miss this post? So happy you're feeling better! I forgot, did you ever get an MRI when the pain first began?

I'm about ready to cry "uncle!" with mine. If I weren't so obstinate! :)

AD- I'll ask my PA I see this Thu. if she has an opinion. I'll probably get some if ok!

Oak! - No MRI done....just normal X-rays, 4 different angles.

I mentioned a couple posts up...since I'm feeling stronger/better, that I don't think an MRI is needed. It's FINALLY improving!!!

Now....s'pose I'd better start in on some of those exercises....Uff!

Faron

Just be careful, Faron. If the cuff is torn it will always be weak. Don't over do it!

Faron, I have some of the exercise bands from a few weeks of PT several years ago. They are great! Good for you for doing so well with your at-home program too. Glad you are feeling better.

Ugh, I got bad news today...I need rotator cuff surgery! I'm hoping to get it scheduled for Monday. Doc says I will probably need a week off work. Physical therapy to follow after a couple weeks of healing.

As they say, getting old ain't for sissies!

Donna

Donna, good luck with your surgery!

Hopefully you'll have good support post surgery.

Glad you are improving, Faron! Donna, I am sorry to hear you have to have surgery. I hope all goes well for you.

Donna, sorry about having to have surgery. Will you come back and give me a blow by blow update, especially the pain afterwards which I hear is really bad, and what clothes you can easily put on and most importantly, take off? lol.

Yes, Oakley, I will! I find now that pullovers like T shirts are easier than button up. Seems odd, but I guess it's cause I can bend over and let gravity help. Probably the stretchy fabric helps, too.

Donna

Sorry to hear this Donna, but you will do great! Two men I work with have had this surgery in the past year. First guy did so well, the second one used the same surgeon. That doc's motto is "it's not a marathan, it's a sprint". Take it slow. Neither of them mentioned having a hard time with pain, but both did mention sleeping/laying flat. I think that took a few weeks for both. Hope you have a comfy recliner. I saw the second guy last week, it was his first day driving. He was doing great. Let us know how you are doing!