Well, some good news for a change.I found myself in the same places as some of the people on this site. I originally injured my shoulder 8-07. After months of PT, then a serious SLAP repair with front and back capsule shift, PT rehab and to top it off discovering damage to the vertabre in my neck. Now, the good news. My shoulder is finally healed. I can raise my arms, still carefully, reach behind my back, use weights at the gym and swim with both arms again!! It is still a little wierd, using it and still worrying that I might tear something again. I had my last PT visit yesterday and I feel like I just quit a job. I have been going to PT or doctors visits so long I am having a little trouble returning to normal life..
I also found out today that all the bulging discs and nerve root entrapment in C-4,5,6,7 have almost straightened themselves out by using the cervical traction unit at home. Tne bone spurs are of course still there, but no radiating pain... I saw my chiropractor for a sore back after preparing for Gustav and she took some new xrays and they looked sooooo much better. The curve is back in my neck!! I still won't let her touch my neck but she is cool with that...

I do feel for everyone who continues to struggle with pain and injurys. Just wanted everyone to know that sometimes everything does finally fall into place.

My best to you all..

Kelly, Glad to hear all is well!

Brian

Awsome!

Sky

Kelly,

Excellent News - I'm so glad to hear that things are finally looking better. I can't tell you how much this site has helped me to understand the procedure and recovery. It has also been a great spot to find some level ground when everything looks bleak (going through that rough period with you - between the shoulder, your neck, insurance, the assorted opinions, and then the spider bite -- geez man...).

My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 11th (doing OK, - had a cortisone shot in late July). Check in from time to time after the 11th to see how I do on the recovery side.

Nothing but the best to you (I can't wait to be able to start swimming again...)

Maxi

great kelly - glad to hear that you are improving! It was nice of you to write about it. It provides encouragement. I had the cervical thing going on too for a while after surgery and believe it's finally getting better. I didn't use the cervical traction device, but wrap a folded towel around neck (fastened in front) at night to bed. Helps stabilize this area while sleeping. Best wishes,

Carla

Well, I hope everyone finally does get some good news. I had quite a spell of some hard times, but I think things are turning around. I consider myself very lucky, not just concerning my shoulder. I was down on the coast of Florida snorkeling. It was right before the hurricane. I was in about 5 feet of water when I noticed a large school of bait fish swimming very fast past me. I had made it a point to not get in where they were. I turned to see what was to my right and I came about an arms length away from a bull shark. Well, thank God my shoulder was healed becasue I moved at an alarming rate out of the water. All body parts intact.. Wheeeee!!! Then my orhtopedist got hit by a drunk driver while riding his bike while training for a triathalon in Hawaii. He was thrown over his handlebars and landed in loose gravel. I saw him the next day and he was road rash from pinky to little toe (his words). Nothing broken.. I think we both had a gaurdian angel. I will be down at the beach again this weekend. Hopefully no more wildlife.. But I think my luck is looking up. I hope it rubs off on everyone here and keeps going.

Maxi, my best to you.. I will check in on you from time to time. You will be swimming in no time... It took me a couple weeks to retrain my left arm how to swim! I must have looked hilarious...

Take care!!