Three Week Report

Today is three weeks since surgery. I will say that I am starting to feel better, although there are still some sore spots in my shoulder especially when doing the exercises I have to increase range of motion. I am also finding that I get tired a bit more easily, which is interesting as I have not really been doing a lot of physical activities. The highly technicolor bruises that are on the upper arm have faded considerably.

The surgery bills are starting to roll in, and between the hospital and surgeon the total for two hours in surgery and about 90 minutes in recovery is close to $30,000 (at least that is what my insurance company has been billed.) But, for that price, I got some pictures that I can share with you (click to make them larger, then click again to zoom more). These are of the inside of my shoulder during surgery. I actually find it fascinating since most people won't ever get to see full color pictures of the inside of their body. The first set shows the red inflammation in the tendon and the tear in the rotator cuff, plus the tool that was used to shave away part of the bone. The second set shows the repair to the tendon, which was sutured to two small posts that were inserted into the bone. The sutures and posts are all made of a sugar compound that will dissolve in about 2 years.

Note that these pictures are not quite as graphic as the video I posted earlier of an operation- so even if you are a bit squeamish, you might find these interesting.