Surgery?

[ILoveLukey]

Hi all of you wonderful supportive people.  Well, after 2 years of shoulder pain (hence my addiction to pain pills), and having 4 different doctors tell me something different, we finally got to the bottom of it. Received a call from my latest surgeon informing me, (after a bone scan and an MRI last week) that I do INDEED have a torn rotator cuff. To make a long story short, went to family physician 2 years ago and was told that I  just had  bad arthritis in my shoulder. He treated me with steroid shots (more painful than childbirth.LOL) for a few times. Then he decided I had something more serious than arthritis and recommedned I go to an orthopedic surgeon, which I did. He said "torn rotator cuff"....lets do arthroscopic surgery. I held off and changed jobs to a different town.  Then I went to yet another surgeon. Told me I probably had rotator cuff tears and recommended physical therapy. I opted not to do that because I spoke to too many people that had rotator cuff tears who informed me that it does no good, do not waste your money......you need the surgery. Went to this new surgeon last week and he said no it is not a torn rotator cuff, it is a pinched nerve.  Ok.......sent me for bone scan and MRI last week. Finally we got to the bottom of it..he called me last night (tail between leggs) and said it is in fact a torn rotator cuff.  See you on the 18th of April and we will discuss options for repair. WOW.....what a journey I have been on.Meantime of course became addicted to pain pills.  On Suboxone for past 2 months.  My addiction therapist said when I have the surgery, i need to take the pain medicine that is prescribed AS prescribed, then go back on the Subs.  I am so very relieved to finally know what is wrong but anxious about putting all of this time into the Subs and then having to go off and then on again.........viscious circle.  Sorry this was long but I have waited so long to finally find out what was really wrong and now that I know I have to deal with the on -again-off-again bull.  Thanks....needed to vent.(Guess I didn't make a long story short after all........ROFL)

[confused456]

I hope that you surgery goes well and at least you know for sure what is going on now. Best of luck to you.

[ILoveLukey]

Thank you feohmoon and Chi-Chi-Lover for responding. Your caring and input is much appreciated.  And yes, of course, it is my right shoulder (right handed). I just pray that my Sub Doc knows what he is doing. I am already nervous from hearing the Sub withdrawal stories........Thanks again guys.

[Chi_Chi_Lover]

I fractured my shoulder this past summer after 4 months into my recovery from pain pills. It was a tough time because I would not let them give me any opiate pill killers or do surgery till I went through rehab and did some exercising in our pool myself. They thought I was going to have to have rotator cuff surgery. I am very thankful I waited it out but I know how painful this can be. They told me breaking a shoulder is the most painful break especially since I was right handed and it was my right shoulder. I now can use both arms...Left and/or right pretty cool. I have about 80-90% useage of my right shoulder now and that's good enough for me.

You must have abused the pain pills along the way since you have been on Suboxone. I really wish you the best and hope when the surgery is behind you that you are able to get off the pain pills and Suboxone. I wish you the best, I really can feel your pain.

Chi Chi

[ILoveLukey]

Thank you so much for the inspiration.........not to mention reading that "long story made short"   LOL..............God bless you.

[feohmoon]

That must really be a weight off your shoulders just to know finally.  
Obviously you are a strong enough person to have endured all this, sounds to me like it the resolution is not far off now.
Try not to worry regarding the pain meds and accept them as just that.  Take exactly as directed, you will be fine.
Awesome job on your journey thus far...you have just about go this beat!
Continue posting...we will all help you out.
Peace