Dislocated shoulder :-(

[Ringmaster]

The care here in the NHS is indeed of very high standard. Unfortunately there are cowboys in every profession.

I think this sums it up. Only takes one 'weak link' in the system to impact the service as a whole. Let's face it, there are doctors and nurses saving people's lives day in day out. I'd imagine the bureaucratic framework of the NHS can often be as much of a burden to the staff as it is to the patients.

Thankyou for the words of support by the way guys :-)

[Ringmaster]

Update:

I got referred finally, through my GP, and went to see the consultant yesterday at the hospital.

After an initial examination, moving my arm into various positions and telling him the history of events (as well as him seeming perplexed that I wasn't put in for an xray on my initial A&E visit), I went in for the xray.

And the results were worrying - a 'bony bankart', which basically means that as well as the usual soft tissue damage sustained in a typical dislocation, the force of the trauma sheared some bone off the glenoid (the socket). Which explains why it kept popping out in a certain position!

The consultant said surgery was needed, sent me for a CT scan, and I've had a call this morning to confirm keyhole surgery on the shoulder a week today. Which is a right result. Very happy that they've got me in so fast.

So quite a quick turn of events, which has proved the NHS in this instance at least to be absolutely brilliant in diagnosis and care. Maybe worth mentioning that it's not my local hospital (the one I initially visited on the day of the accident) as I couldn't get a referral date there.

Onwards and upwards



I

[Christophski]

Well done and fingers crossed for you it solves it.

[Ringmaster]

Thanks mate. I think whatever happens, my days of heavy lifting are going to be put firmly on hold. I might try to find a more 'cardio' based hobby to replace the weights, probably for at least 6-8 months, then gradually build up with very light weights. And I don't think I'll ever do another overhead press in my life.

I'm a big fan of Ronnie O'Sullivan, and reading how he's introduced running into his lifestyle and become hooked on it and certainly has me interested. Something like that sounds up my street. I go bat***** crazy if I can't exercise. Constantly got the blues, fed up etc. So after the operation I need to have a good look at things and make some important decisions.

Trying to stay positive through it all anyway, just glad there's some light at the end of the old tunnel!

[Christophski]

Yeh im back to basics too mate and im never overhead pressing in my life again... its the one that always makes it twinge if its going to! Good luck and remember this so you arent ever tempted to even be egged on into it again.

Hope you come out after your reflective time with the right plan for you

[Rocco]

I hope a quick recovery mate

Did you warm up properly?



By the way, are you on body builder competitions?

Any pictures of your worked body?

[Ringmaster]

It's scary even thinking about putting your arm in that position isn't it?! Best of luck getting back to normality with it yourself mate

Guess it's just a case of being very patient, and mindful of your limits.

I could do with losing a bit of beer fat anyway so maybe being forced into cardio is a blessing in disguise!!

[Ringmaster]

Rocco, yes, I did warm up. Typically I'd do a set of 20 reps with low weight, slow and focussing on form. Then go in pyramids, so first proper set would be 15 reps with a pair of 22kg dumbbells, then 10 reps with 27kg, then the heavy set of 5 reps (or more if possible) with a pair of 30/32kg.

I was on the heavy set, third rep, halfway up.... crunch.

I've no pics like that I'm afraid mate, I'm by no means 'ripped' or anything. Just in decent shape and pretty strong (how fickle that strength can be though!)

If anything it just offsets the guinness and chips ;-)

[Cottis]

That all sounds good news to me. Aerobic is much better for you than anaerobic exercise. Long term health for your heart rather than doing stuff that will encourage longer term arthritis. Just steer clear of road running, as this will help you knacker other joints. Get out in the country and do forest running like the great man Ronnie. Just try not to fall over and break your ankle (although it might help you win the UK snooker champs) If I lived in the Lakes, I would do fell running for sure. Perfect scenery, fresh air and fantastic trails. I make do with offroad mountain biking, as the only running I do, is to the car when it is raining.

All the best for a successful op and recovery.

[Ringmaster]

All wise words Cottis. I do love the outdoors, that sounds like something I could warm to. Unlike Ronnie I'm not mesmerisingly good at snooker, but I'm half decent, managed a 65 break a few years ago - however my regular Monday night game has now obviously come to an abrupt end. No way I can stretch my arm out to play a shot now :-( In time maybe.

You don't bloody realise what you've got til it's gone. This has certainly made me look at things in a different light. Massive respect to those who have much worse luck than me - soldiers losing limbs etc. How some of them rehabilitate themselves is immensely impressive.

I can only count myself extremely lucky when you weigh it up like that.