Arm injury update #3...News not good...in need of advice

grcsftbll said:

It's scarier in theory than reality. I've only had minor surgeries (wisdom teeth out for example). But they put in an IV and tell you to count backwards from 100. You get to about 98 and the next thing you know you're waking up in recovery. You literally remember nothing, it's like a very, very deep sleep with no dreams. Then, done. So once you're through it you realize you were scared for no good reason, but if I had to do it again I'd still be nervous even knowing that! Just human nature

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It sounds like it's not so bad from what you describe. I kinda remember a little bit of what my brother went through when he had his ACL and MCL reconstructed. His recovery wasn't fun as far as learning how to walk again. I imagine my surgery will probably be similar without the complicated recovery and rehab.

I think the recovery is usually the worst part so if that's not expected to be too bad, I think you'll be fine

Three...just have it casted and risk further problems when I'm in my 40's or later?

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As someone who ignored a torn ACL and multiple shoulder injuries including a torn labrum from wrestling when I was younger, I will tell you without a doubt that option three is a no go!

Sure, I won a state championship and was nationally ranked, but here 25 years later, it really does not seem worth it when I can barely raise my right hand above my head and nearly fall on my face getting out of bed every morning.

Take care of your body.

DNeeld said:

As someone who ignored a torn ACL and multiple shoulder injuries including a torn labrum from wrestling when I was younger, I will tell you without a doubt that option three is a no go!

Sure, I won a state championship and was nationally ranked, but here 25 years later, it really does not seem worth it when I can barely raise my right hand above my head and nearly fall on my face getting out of bed every morning.

Take care of your body.

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I know all about what my brother went through with his ACL/MCL tear and recovery after having it reconstructed. The funny thing is, as the news that I have to have surgery sunk in...I started getting really depressed about it knowing I'll be losing my summer and my fall while I recover. I know when my brother had his reconstruction surgery, I ribbed him to death. If anything just to make him laugh because he was depressed losing the last half of football, all of basketball and baseball when he was a Sophomore. Now since I'm depressed and looking at my cast...for the first time since this injury happened...I cried. Not a little bit...I actually wailed. I hate that I'm losing my summer and fall. But through my tears, my 18 year old brother, who heads to college this year was doing terrible things to me much like I did him when he was recovering just to make me laugh. I called him terrible through my laughing and playfully slapped his shoulder with my good arm.

My mom knows that I need surgery. We haven't had the discussion yet as to what were doing. My mom get off at her job at 4 and should be home at 5. My dad asked me what I thought and what I wanted since I'm the one going under the knife. I said I want to have the surgery. I don't want to have pain when I'm middle aged addicted to oxycodone so I can function. But I think I should have a second opinion. My dad called after we got home and that appointment is Monday. I could be operated on the Monday of the following week.

Best of luck. I agree with those who say get a second opinion and if the second opinion also recommends the surgery I'd do that. Haven't had it done myself but know a few who have and they all seemed to have healed just fine.

The real issue is if the 2nd opinion disagrees with the first. Then you are in a bit of limbo.

Sweet Lou said:

Best of luck. I agree with those who say get a second opinion and if the second opinion also recommends the surgery I'd do that. Haven't had it done myself but know a few who have and they all seemed to have healed just fine.

The real issue is if the 2nd opinion disagrees with the first. Then you are in a bit of limbo.

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I get my second opinion on Monday. If opinions match...I'll get the surgery done there. What will drive me nuts is not being able to do anything.

Good luck Gabby. You will be surprised as to how fast time actually flies by. My dd had spinal fusion surgery in July of 2014. Will be two years already at the end of July. She could not do any sports/exercise for an entire year, and is now back to playing softball, and doing cheerleading for two sports in high school. She has remarked several times that she can't believe how fast the year went by while she was restricted.

My opinion for you (of course talk to parents/doctors as they get the most input) get it done as soon as possible. Get it fixed. The faster you get it fixed the faster you can start recovery and back to normal. And don't worry about the plate/screws. Once it heals up you don't even realize it is in there. (so says DD with 3 titanium rods, and 18 screws in her spine)

Sweet Lou said:

Best of luck. I agree with those who say get a second opinion and if the second opinion also recommends the surgery I'd do that. Haven't had it done myself but know a few who have and they all seemed to have healed just fine.

The real issue is if the 2nd opinion disagrees with the first. Then you are in a bit of limbo.

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I get my second opinion on Monday. If opinions match...I'll get the surgery done there. What will drive me nuts is not being able to do anything.

I have a plate in my arm. I never notice it at all.

It seems like you know the correct answer. I think you just wanted to come here and have people tell you you're not crazy, and that your thinking is correct.

As far as we can tell, you're not crazy, and your thinking is correct. Of course, any teenager is, by definition, a bit loopy. (I have FOUR teenagers.)

My only advice is, when it comes to recovery, get a good sports PT, and do ALL the exercises. Every day. All of them. You would be amazed that most people don't, and those are the ones sitting around in a few decades wishing they had. A few months of annoying PT exercises will save you decades of aggravation.

Best of luck to you.

BobInMadison said:

]My only advice is, when it comes to recovery, get a good sports PT, and do ALL the exercises. Every day. All of them. You would be amazed that most people don't, and those are the ones sitting around in a few decades wishing they had. A few months of annoying PT exercises will save you decades of aggravation.

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This ^^^ is VERY good advice.