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ortho appt very confusing

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Posted 9/9/2014 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
Over the last 7 months I have had exams from a NP, GP, standard ortho and two surgeons who are shoulder specialists. Every one of them had the same conclusion with differences in severity. Everyone was preparing me for surgery to correct three partial tears in the rotator cuff and misc other issues. Two MRIs, many Xrays and months of PT.

Today I get the results from a MRI with contrast. The Doc says its not torn, there is no arthritis, no impingement, abnormal fluid or spurring. Current Doc says its frozen and needs MUA (NOT the neck). Followed by a few months of PT rehab.

How can everything be so different depending on which specialist you see? Now don't get me wrong, I totally agree with the no surgery plan. I am just really confused. If this isn't rotator tear I NEVER want to feel that pain.

He did say that even though EMG came back clean there is an obvious issue with radial and ulnar nerve. It just "isnt enough to be seen on the test." I forgot to ask him about the deltoid tear.

So they are scheduling the MUA and will begin therapy the next day. Docs said the treatment will put me back at work in a few months. I guess we will see. I really hope so.
Posted 9/9/2014 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Daesin,
My wife has a shoulder rotator tear and, after two failed arthroscopic surgeries the surgeon announced that it could not be fixed. She tried Pt after each surgery, twice as long as was originally Rxed but no go. I am happy for you that your MRI showed no tear as hers did show a definite injury. In other words, I would lean towards trusting the MRI and keep up with your PT. . . . Q

Post Edited (quincy17) : 9/10/2014 12:42:56 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/9/2014 11:47 PM (GMT 0)
Daesin, a lot of thing can vary with the MRI's, the age of the machine, difference in how the radiologists reads it. I would go with the MRI with contrast over the original one. I am so glad to read that the dr is scheduling the MUA rather than surgery.

Take care
Posted 9/10/2014 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Q and Susie here and tears in shoulders and knees are virtually impossible to repair or prevent retear. You got lucky here and there are more failed surgeries than not with these so lifetime of issues . Hopefully this will get you going and back to work and out of pain.

I would much rather them read a test wrong in my favor than wrong and operate and not find anything.
Posted 9/11/2014 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
I am thrilled that they didn't find surgery worthy issues...just waiting for the other shoe to kick me. Time and again things look bright and then I get a thunderbolt in the chest. The thought of being back in my life without pain is a dream. I am holding hope that its true this time.
Still have to get through a few things but I am ready. If they can make the shoulder pain better and settle down the tingles and numbness I would be thrilled. Still have neuro consult but that shouldn't be too bad.

I so appreciate all of the support and education this forum has provided. You guys are wonderful. Thank you thank you thank you!
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