The surgeries are done. I've been sliced in 5 spots, the rough edges have been smoothed and the bone has been cut. What an interesting experience in different ways.* The dull pervasive pain is gone. Before December 16th it was getting worse and always present. I remember my father saying that he lived with it too. I didn't want to be 66 and saying I've been living with it for 25 years. I'm too young. It's such a relief to not be sitting here wondering how much ibuprophin is too much.
* The system. The medical system was interesting. I'm so thankful that I have health insurance. All I had to do was show the cards and it all happened. I was also amazed at how accomidating work was. All I said was I needed this surgery and my employer put in place the short term disibility paperwork. I complain about work sometimes, but I'm really very fortunate. In total I was gone somewhere around 4 1/2 weeks for both shoulders.
* The health technology. (5) 1/2 inch scars. That's all that's left. With as much as they did I'm amazed that I'm as good as I am this quickly. The micro surgery is amazing. The drugs are interesting too. I'm always impressed with how quickly they can put you to sleep. They say "goodnight" and you're asleep. It went as planned both times. I also had something called "the pain pump" for a few days. Basically it's a disposable pump filled with pain medicine that's fed through a tube to the surgery site. Let me tell ya, pulling it out was freaky, 4 or 5 inches of tube from under the skin. I'm glad my wife helped me out with that!
