Hips, shoulders, knees and toes............

[Guest guest]

I hope you just sang that! I am right there with all of this ortho stuff.

Around 2005-2007 I had FOUR torn rotator cuff surgeries. I had the right one

repaired. Then it froze after many months of excrutiating PT. They all kept

saying I had a low tolerance for pain!! HA!! They have NO idea!! So the

surgeon finally went back in. It was a mess, but he fixed it up. PT once

again. Then the other shoulder tore (no reason for either, they just did). Had

the surgery, then the PT. Was pretty much healed and then my arm was jarred

suddenly and it re-tore. Back to the operating table.

The first shoulder surgery was THE worst! I was sent home right after the

surgery. I was told the drugs would keep my shoulder and arm asleep for at

least 10-13 hours. As soon as I got home, I sat down in a chair and I could

move my fingers. Then the pain started. It hurt so bad I could not even

breathe. I finally called the surgeon and he could not believe it was not still

numb. He told me to take extra Vicadin. I should have INSISTED he admit me to

the hospital. It was AWFUL. But I did survive.

Then in 2008 I had my hip replaced. In two months I am getting both knees

replaced. I am really hoping I can make it two months. The last couple of days

have been horrible. My right knee in particular won't stay in place. It keeps

slipping out of joint. And since I am over compensating, my left knee is

killing me too. I am having to walk all stiff legged. It is fine when I am

sitting.

I have to conduct an orchestra concert in two weeks. I hope I do not fall off

the podium or the stage!! Plus I hope I can just STAND there for the duration

of the concert! I am waiting until July 22 for my surgery because I am the

principal clarinet player in three bands. I am needed at all 20+ summer

concerts. I don't want to miss them either.

And yes, I have had feet problems, too. But I won't get into that right

now.......

This all really stinks!

Take care!

in PA