The second opinion thought there was a chance that the intense pain was caused by nerve damage around the scapula - and after going to the nerve specialist and being tested we learned that my nerves are fine.  The one difference between 1st and 2nd opinion was that #2 said he could perform the entire procedure with the scope. I have a SLAP tear, a level III separation from the orignal fall that is causing considerable impingement and I guess the fix is trimming the ends of the separated structure and either letting it scar over or trying to pull it back in place (I can raise my arm pretty much all the way front to back - slowly, but from the side the max is about 10 O'clock). Ortho one who has known me for a long time seems to have been very straightforward about not trying to guesstimate the damage in the joint until he gets inside. I asked surgeon #1 about doing the procedure with the scope and he said that he used to do it that way but found that it was difficult to get the stitches tight enough and for the procedure I need has found it better to use a combination of scope and incision.

 My last question was the ringer, I've known Ortho #1 for many years and felt very confident with him. I told him that I was ready to schedule the surgery, but was it possible to wait until after the 1st of the year.  He smiled and said that his shoulder was fine, it was up to me and how long I was willing to live with the condition. Then he saw that I was pretty serious and said that if I continue status quo - no new injuries. Doing the surgery in July or in January should not matter.  My pain management seemed to working - btw In January when I went in for a cortisone shot - I asked if I could milk my shoulder for a mini-tri in July, he gave me a look and said he doubted it.  That was January 08, I haven't done one lap in the pool since then, nor could I now if I wanted to. So I may add a few lines here and there over the next few months -- but I'm hoping to be on hold until after the 1st of the year.