As most of you well know, I've been having problems with my left shoulder for the past year and a half. My coach wants me to get surgery asap right after NCAA's (if I make it that far). So a couple of Fridays (Jan 30th) ago, I had an MRI. Very interesting experience. I discovered that MRIs are both underrated and overrated. I got some dye injected into my shoulder to add some contrast so tears would show up better if there were any. The doctor had me lie down on a bed, and put an x-ray machine over, that displayed my bones then and there live! She had a metal rod, and was moving it around my shoulder, looking for the best entrance for a needle to get straight to the joint. After picking a spot, she put a bunch of sanitizing gunk on my shoulder that turned it yellowish-rust. Then injected some stuff into my shoulder.
Then I proceeded to the MRI itself. I had to take out my hearing aids, since they have metal in them, and I was putting my body into a big white magnetic coffin. Having to hold perfectly still for 20 minutes wasn't that hard, since I had no room to move. The ceiling of the coffin was about two inches from my face, so I'm pretty sure I was cross-eyed when my eyes were open. (About 90% I just rested my eyelids.)
After getting all that done, I waited impatiently Monday for results. The doctor was out til Thursday!
I finally got my results on Friday (the 6th), I expected to hear that they found nothing. That's what happened to a few swimmers, but when they scoped, they actually found something. With me, however, they found a labral tear. I don't know how little or big it is, etc., I'm hoping to get the MRI images from my doctor so I can take a peek myself. Or at least get a meeting with my doctor so we know what's going on, and exactly what he thinks.
The most relieving thing about all this? Now I know it's not mental. Sometimes I was convinced it was.
4 comments:
I can't imagine you making up a injury. You are always so task oriented and focused.
I hope things turn out to be fixable with the least amount of surgery.
Good luck! Will you get to post some pictures??? That would be cool to see.
I have the same problem-if something hurts, I'm convinced it's mental. I think it's Mom's fault.
Yea, everything is always Mom's fault. But guess what? You are now the Mom! Actually with Grandma here I am realizing how mean I am. I always think the way she is acting is in her head but I also know that probably most of it is physiologic. I think of Vickie Hodgson, now there is a very nice and compassionate person. I think to be more like her but it is hard. My first thought is to go to your room until you are better!
I think it will be a small tear, wiht you being as functional as you are. Cured with therapy/rest or very minor surgery. In the meantime, Smile, Swim fast and, above all, Enjoy!
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