bbgonnabe’s BodyBlog

On the 15th, I saw the ortho again. To test his theory that the problem is inflammation in the acromio-clavicular joint, he injected the joint with a mixture of cortisone and a steroid. If that didn’t work, he was planning to do another MRI. Well, I’ve had increasing improvement since the injection! Certain movements no longer cause pain and I can do more of the re-hab exercises without pain. If needed I can have another injection in a week or two.

The orthopaedic surgeon said the inflammation of this joint is a common problem with people that lift weights. If left untreated, the body heals itself by dissolving some of the bone that juts out over the shoulder (acromion) thus severing the joint. This stops the pain and is not considered detrimental.

I am relieved that this has nothing to do with the surgery and does not require another MRI. I am encouraged that I will be able to return to bench pressing at some point. My bi’s, tri’s and delts are still quite weak but I should be able to gain strength more quickly now that I know that I will not be doing more damage if I push through the pain.

I’ve changed my perspective on my weight training. I’m going to think in terms of fitness now and not attempt true bodybuilding. With the impact of multiple medications on my metablolism, having much more significant weight (fat) loss just isn’t realistic.

On another note, my workout partner is MIA. We couldn’t do any upper body together and due to a knee injury we had to stop doing legs together. A couple of weeks ago he had some kind of accident and injured his shoulder and took a blow to the head. That’s the last I’ve heard from him (not returning my calls).

Progress has been very slow on rebuilding strength, partly because I am trying to work through pain without doing more damage.  After a setback some weeks ago, I am only at 15lb for 20 reps on the bicep cable curl and 5lb on front delt raises.  I am primariy doing rehab exercises.  Pressing movements hurt my shoulder too much.
The ortho says the pain is due to a problem with the acromio-clavicular joint, not the surgery.  This joint connects the collarbone (clavicle) to the bone that covers the shoulder joint itself (acromion).  This pain is part of the pain that I had prior to the surgery.  I get pain when I do raise my arm straight in front of me or across my chest, turn my car’s steering wheel, reach up to adjust my glasses or hold a phone to my ear. It also hurts when I do front delt raises and bicep curls.
I see the ortho again in two weeks.  He will order another MRI if it hasn’t resolved.  It’s now been four weeks with little change.

I don’t think the surgery was a waste.  I definitely had a SLAP tear per the MRI.  I am concerned about having a second surgery and having my arm atrophy again or even further.

I’ve grown weary of leg work and am just doing cardio for now.