Well, here's the deal on my shoulder.
First off, I will not be doing the Hyvee race this weekend. I am extremely disappointed, to say the least. I have put in 5 long months of training. I have worked so hard, I am so ready, but I am trying to make the right decision and not make the situation any worse.
The MRI suggests that I do have a SLAP lesion or tear - which is
"A superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion is an injury to the part of the shoulder called the labrum. The labrum is the cuff of cartilage that extends the socket part of the shoulder blade to better accept the ball end of the arm bone. A SLAP lesion is a tear that occurs where the tendon of the biceps muscle meets the labrum".
"A superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesion is an injury to the part of the shoulder called the labrum. The labrum is the cuff of cartilage that extends the socket part of the shoulder blade to better accept the ball end of the arm bone. A SLAP lesion is a tear that occurs where the tendon of the biceps muscle meets the labrum".
Basically from what I've read you have a layer of cartilage in your shoulder socket that helps keep the shoulder in place...when this gets damaged you have a SLAP lesion or tear. It's most common among pitchers because of the repetitive overhead motion, but I guess it can happen to swimmers to. If you are really interested you can read more here or there is lots of information on line.
I also have some other cartilage fraying at the anterior of the shoulder and possible Hill-Sachs lesion which is caused by shoulder dislocation....I've never dislocated my shoulder before, unless this injury dislocated it. Which I believe it did at least partially. I also have some tendonosis and bursal surface fraying...whatever the heck that means. Basically, my shoulder is totally messed up.
I have been referred to an Orthopedist, but my doctor thought the next step would be orthoscopic surgery to get a better look at what's going on, but I'll wait to see what the Dr. says. Apparently this is not something that generally heals itself or is improved through physical therapy. So that's where I'm at. I have no idea what this means to my future races, or how quickly I will need to do something. I do know that I'm in alot of pain and want it to go away.
I am so sorry about your shoulder! I will definitely keep you in my thoughts and prayers...hope you will have a quick recovery, whatever the solutions is, and be back to racing soon.
ReplyDeleteAt least you found out before you hurt yourself worse, right?
ReplyDeleteOh Michael, I am so sorry... Hang in there, will be praying for a speedy recovery :)
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, Michael. I know how disappointed you must be, but you've made the right decision. You'll be back in no time!
ReplyDeleteso sorry for the crappy timing! but you're definitely doing the right thing. keep your head up & best of luck for a quick recovery.
ReplyDelete*sigh*
ReplyDelete:(
I'm so sorry...
Oh, man, how disappointing. I sure hope the doctors have you on the road to recovery soon!
ReplyDeleteOh no! I'm sooo sorry! I know how dissapointed you must be. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that this turns out not to be as bad as it seems and that you will soon be on the road to recovery.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Oh Michael, I'm so very sorry :(. It sounds like you are doing the right thing though. I hope you have a plan of action soon that puts you on the road to recovery....who knows, maybe a century ride could be a cool fall alternative ?????
ReplyDeleteReally sorry to hear about your shoulder. Hopefully you can get a full diagnosis soon to know what you are dealing with and what to do next.
ReplyDeleteThis is probably too early to think about, but sometime you might want to try to determine why you got this injury. Whether it was simply from overuse from training, or some technical glitch in your swimming stroke or something.
I'm sorry! What crappy news. :( I hope things can heal fast for you. ((( hugs )))
ReplyDeleteIt sucks! But you're doing the right thing. I hope your surgeon comes up with a good plan of action for you.
ReplyDeleteOh no! Michael I'm sorry to hear this! What a disappointment after all of your training for sure! Many healing thoughts and prayers coming your way.
ReplyDeleteMichael, do your best to keep positive! Thinking of you.... You are doing all the right things. Lots of prayers. Don't despair!!
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ReplyDeleteOh no. I'm so sorry Michael. I'm glad you're getting some answers and hope the pain goes away quickly. :-(
ReplyDeleteDamn it. Coming from someone who is perpetually injured, I just wanna say that THIS STINKS....and that shoulders sucks. The bright side is that you have your racing legs to keep you going and that THIS will heal. You know at first when something happens the doctors kinda sensationalize and scare the sh*t out of you with their medical lingo.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow you're gonna be my bike angel friend! Seriously! I'm gonna channel all that good tri energy you send out into the world!
Rest up and be back soon! I need a friend for Wisconsin!
Thanks for your visit Michael :)
ReplyDeleteIm very sorry about your shoulder, but it's important to stay positive.
Shame for the race, but now the most important is to recover.
Hope you get better soon.
Sorry to hear about your shoulder Micheal, tough break after all of your hard work. It's a tough blow but you are a tough athlete and I am sure that you will bounce back stronger than ever. Good luck with the recovery!
ReplyDeleteMichael, I'm so sorry about your shoulder and about your triathlon.
ReplyDeleteThe timing sucks.
I'm sure you will be able to come back from this. I don't know much about shoulder injuries, but my thought is that it's good that swimming is low impact. Hopefully once it's dealt with, you'll be able to get back to it. Then you can come back even stronger next season.
oh no!! i am so sorry :( i hope that the docs know what to do right away - no guessing and experimenting - so you can heal quickly!
ReplyDeletePlease see a shoulder specialist. I've found that shoulders are beyond most orthopedics unless they focus on it.
ReplyDeleteAgain, feel better.
I am so sorry to be reading this. You must be devastated. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI just happend upon this blog today and wanted to offer some words of encouragement. My family has been through 4 of these surgeries. My youngest son was a catcher and never got the velocity back in throwing that he had prior to surgery, but all are still active in many different types of activities that require the use of their shoulders. It took a little time to recover, but for all it was worth it. There is light at the end of the tunnel. It just stinks that it happens period. Our doc was the one for the U.S. Ski team and we were thankful for his expert hands. Choose your doc carefully and good luck.
ReplyDeleteMichael - so sorry that the shoulder injury is more that rest and Motrin can cure. I am a surgery nurse and it sounds like surgery is a good possiblity.
ReplyDeleteWhen you select your surgeon - and yes a regular Orthopod can treat you - just ask how many procedures he/she has done. And ask how many procedures with the kind of technique is being done on you. Try to find a surgeon who has done at least 20+ procedures.
Talking with another patient who is about 8 weeks post-op may be helpful. That person can discuss PT and rehab with you.
Best of luck. You can probably still ride a stationary bike or walk to keep up your cardiovascular fitness.
Hyvee 2012!!