I had a needle jabbed into my shoulder joint today...

[fenchurch]

I went back in to see the orthopedic surgeon today to go over my MRI results.

The good news? No signs of bursitis, no signs at all of even the early stages of arthritis, no tears in the rotator cuff.

The bad news? See above. No signs of anything. And yet, there's obviously a problem. I'm actually rather grateful that it's not just a matter of the rather nebulous "lingering pain" -- you can HEAR the joint popping when I move the arm around. It's pretty hard to ignore.

So, the next step is to try to narrow down where, exactly, the source of the problem might be... and to do that, the OS injected cortisone into the joint between the clavicle and scapula. And can I just say OWWWWW. Even with the numbing he did first, it still hurt. I can't imagine what it would have been like without the local anesthetic. If this turns out to be the problem, then it's a matter of having some damage in the cartilage in the joint... which is the sort of thing that won't necessarily turn up in an MRI.

If it doesn't have any effect, then we move on to the tendon that runs through the middle of the shoulder joint. Not looking forward to that. Also not looking forward to the surgery involved if either of those turns out to be the problem (at which point, you better believe I'll be getting a second opinion).

I must say that I do like my OS. He actually takes time with his patients and makes a real effort to explain what he's doing and what he thinks may be going on (completely with visual aids). I really appreciate that.

So, now my shoulder has a sort of dull ache... not sure if it's from being jabbed or from being moved all over the place in the exam.

In much better news, tomte and gidgiddoni moved back to the area this last weekend!!! Huzzah! More specifically, they've been staying with us over the weekend until the moving company dropped off their stuff at their new place today (and possibly staying for another night, since the new place is now filled to the brim with boxes). I would have been even happier if they'd found a place to rent closer to our house... but they managed to luck into a great house, just down the road from where Gid will be working. Even better, they're not too far from Uwajimaya, so I can use them as my spies to watch for the arrival of fresh passionfruit!

Oh yeah, and I hate, hate, hate that we're the last time zone in the US to get Heroes.

*Stares impatiently at the clock*

Comments

[petzipellepingo.livejournal.com]

He actually takes time with his patients and makes a real effort to explain what he's doing and what he thinks may be going on (completely with visual aids). I really appreciate that.

And that sound make all the difference because you feel like he's making a real effort to help you as opposed to just collecting his fee. Sending good shoulder vibes along.
Heroes was excellent, although, IMO, not as great as last week.

[rosiewook.livejournal.com]

I had a cortisone shot once. Never want one again! Those suckers HURT! I can't imagine having to get one in a shoulder that's been sore for that long. Poor thing!

Here's hoping they can figure out what's going on.

As for Heroes? I never watch it until the next day, so I'm always having to see everyone rave about it. I get jealous. :)

[pmgoose.livejournal.com]

*HUGS*

[nmissi.livejournal.com]

Ick. I'm still shuddering in sympathy. I know how you hate needles. I hope hubby was generous with the tea and sympathy after such an ordeal.

Fingers crossed that the problem doesn't require surgery. Thanks for the update, I'd been wondering if they found anything in the MRI.

hugs and happy thoughts in your direction...

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

Oooh Ouch! I hope that they figure it out soon, but at least all the things it isn't are good news.

[typographer.livejournal.com]

Ook?

[tomte.livejournal.com]

If only passionfruit were also a topical anaesthetic, you'd be set.

Hmm. Now I feel like I should be whistling the "Mission: Impossible" theme every time I walk into Uwajimaya. Maybe I will. Eventually I'll graduate to wearing dark glasses, sidling up to a clerk and whispering, "Rice. 50 lbs. Jasmine."