Yesterday afternoon, I met with the orthopedic doctor of my choice!! I saw Dr Clark about 6.5 years ago with my elbow and liked him. He is very thorough, understanding, listens and explains everything. He showed me the MRI and explained everything so I could understand. The doctor that issued the MRI two years ago, never had me come back, period. Dr Clark said I do not need rotator cuff surgery at this time and he doesn’t recommend it at this time either. I can still do things on my own. He had me move my arms every which way. He did give me an injection into both shoulders and said that I need to learn a new way of how I lay to sleep. Oh joy, no more sleeping for quite some time. I’ve tried other ways before and I was up all night. But I will keep trying and Mark will sleep in the other bed so I can try and set up a new sleep position without worrying if I bother him or not. Last night I had to sit with heat on each shoulder for 20 minutes every hour tonight. But that didn't do well. I can’t sit for 40 minutes straight every hour!!!!! I can take Tylenol or my pain pills to help tonight. But after that the shots should have helped some. I can go to the pool but have to be careful not to over extend my arms. Geesh too many restrictions. Old age sucks. LOL I hope that the shots not only help my shoulder but the pain in my arm muscles. 🥴 I forgot to mention that. Oh well, I’m sure he knows, it all goes hand in hand. If or when I do need surgery I feel confident in him. Even Mark was impressed, that is quite a feather in Dr Clarks cap.
I'm so glad that I took the initiative to just call the doctor of my choice not settle for the ones that my PCP suggested. At the time I didn't know that I did not need a referral to see a specialist. My insurance doesn't require one, which I didn't know at first. Anyway I am very pleased with Dr Clark and if or when I do need the surgery I will fell comfortable with him. Now to just find a good cardiologist for Mark. But we are working on that too.
The injections seem to have helped. My right are was worse than my left so I had better put heat or ice on it today yet. Just changing the sheets today and then give both arms a break. Mark is great at helping, I just have to ask. I'm not good at asking for help so I have to work on that too.
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