Frickin Pissed! Need To Vent! Need the help!

[flexdaddyz71]

Finally went to see a bone and joint specialist today. After two years a chronic right shoulder pain (dull at rest/sharp on heavy lifts) I got some bad news. After exam and x-rays the doctor stated "stop the heavy lifting... there's nothing to prove, years of heavy lifting is the cause" Then he showed me the x-rays. Acromioclavicular Arthristis is the bottom line. Basically, traumatic injury to the lateral end of my claivle (collar-bone) There were three cyst lining the border of the injuried site.

Basically, the end of your collar bone is supposed to be smooth and rounded. Mine looks like the points of a circular saw blade with three cyst in between the sharp tips.

The doctor gave me a local and some cortizone. Told me to rest it for 10 days and return for a follow-up appointment. I was in such shock and pissed off about waiting 2 1/2 hours in the waiting room and what he had told me that I drew a blank when I had a chance to ask questions. I did asked while viewing the x-ray if surgery was an option? He said that he could excise (reshape & shorten) the end of the clavicle. I talked to my buddy that owns my gym. He told me that I need to see another doctor. He recommended a doctor that has helped several local bodybuilders with similar injuries. I'm seriously thinking about getting a second opinion.

Guys! This is where I need your advice and input. First, will the cortizone shots give long-term or short-term relief? Got the shot about 12 hours ago and it still hurts? WTF? What is my doctors goal? Is this end of my bodybuilding dreams or will the surgery permamently fix the injury? What would you guys do in my shoes? Thanks for any input weather it be negative or positive. I'm freakin out! FLEX

 

[Big_Joe]

Get a second opinion. Go to someone that has helped other lifters. Of course the bone head that never lifted in his life will tell you to stop because he thinks you are a meat head for doing it in the first place. Go to someone that has helped other lifters. You might even want to ask around at other gyms that have a lot of heavy lifters. You could even try emailing to gyms that have nig named guys at them and see hwo they use.

The cort. shot is like a bandaid. Maybe it will take some of the pain away but don't expect much.

The bone growth on your collar bones is cause from repeated strain on this area of the bone. It gets thicker there to protect it's self. I would have a good surgeon, one that's done a lot of BB'rs shoulders, to reshape the end of the bone. Stay off it for six months and start off light.

 

[sparkie34]

That sucks Flex. Sorry to hear it. I don't know about the surgery but the cortizone all depends on the person. Sometimes people get a couple months of relief out of it and others it has no effect at all. Good luck to you bro.

 

[flexdaddyz71]

Yeah! I haven't hardly slept a wink! I've been on the net, on and off, most of the night. Hopefully, I'll get somebody thats had the surgery to correct this painful injury. I've never been under the knife, so I'm not quite understanding why everything I read states that surgery is the last resort. I'm no expert, but looking at my x-rays compared to what found the the net, mine is pretty bad.

 

[GUARDIAN]

I had the same thing bro. Though a physical and an MRI should of been the way to diagnose it. Your AC should show up white hot on the MRI.

The surgery was the best thing I ever did to fix it. It was from all the years of heavy benching. I couldnt sleep at all. Every time i would roll over onto my shoulder i was in agony. i couldnt lift. i had difficulty putting on shirts and jackets. it was a nightmare.

the surgery was a breeze. let me know if u have any questions u want cleared up. the unfortunate part is PT is not very successful.

 

[flexdaddyz71]

Same here with the pain. I even have a hard time putting a seat-belt on with just my right hand. Crazy, cause I can still lift heavy, I just have to block the pain and focus on the lifts. Generally, I don't feel the pain unless I lockout or go extremely deep. My shoulder lets me know real quick, almost like a electric shock followed by instance failure of that rep. I combat this by taking 600mg of Ibuprofen/600mg of Acetaminophen about an hour before each workout usually curves the pain to about nell. I know this isn't very smart and over time this can be harmful. I have taken three extended breaks without visiting a doctor over the past few years. First break was nearly 4 months, came back and started light. The first time I went for 8 reps with 100's on incline DB press, I felt it. Laid off for 6 weeks, then this last time 3 months. It's probably hammer time, so I'll have to figure out how to stay modivated after the surgery.

 

[GUARDIAN]

Same here with the pain. I even have a hard time putting a seat-belt on with just my right hand. Crazy, cause I can still lift heavy, I just have to block the pain and focus on the lifts. Generally, I don't feel the pain unless I lockout or go extremely deep. My shoulder lets me know real quick, almost like a electric shock followed by instance failure of that rep. I combat this by taking 600mg of Ibuprofen/600mg of Acetaminophen about an hour before each workout usually curves the pain to about nell. I know this isn't very smart and over time this can be harmful. I have taken three extended breaks without visiting a doctor over the past few years. First break was nearly 4 months, came back and started light. The first time I went for 8 reps with 100's on incline DB press, I felt it. Laid off for 6 weeks, then this last time 3 months. It's probably hammer time, so I'll have to figure out how to stay modivated after the surgery.

dont do the cortisone shots if they are offered.

 

[flexdaddyz71]

dont do the cortisone shots if they are offered.

Just gave you 10% karma. Not usre what that works out too. Thanks Again!

 

[dabuffguy]

dont do the cortisone shots if they are offered.

+1


Corizone is nasty shit. Very bad for your ligaments.

 

[flexdaddyz71]

Just made an appt. with a sports orthopedic surgeon for July 1. Now, I gotta get my questions lined up. He has worked with all the regional college football and baseball teams! Hopefully, this will be a good thing.

 

[Advisor_x]

second opinion, find a doctor that specializes in sport medice

 

[halfcenturian]

Finally went to see a bone and joint specialist today. After two years a chronic right shoulder pain (dull at rest/sharp on heavy lifts) I got some bad news. After exam and x-rays the doctor stated "stop the heavy lifting... there's nothing to prove, years of heavy lifting is the cause" Then he showed me the x-rays. Acromioclavicular Arthristis is the bottom line. Basically, traumatic injury to the lateral end of my claivle (collar-bone) There were three cyst lining the border of the injuried site.

Basically, the end of your collar bone is supposed to be smooth and rounded. Mine looks like the points of a circular saw blade with three cyst in between the sharp tips.

The doctor gave me a local and some cortizone. Told me to rest it for 10 days and return for a follow-up appointment. I was in such shock and pissed off about waiting 2 1/2 hours in the waiting room and what he had told me that I drew a blank when I had a chance to ask questions. I did asked while viewing the x-ray if surgery was an option? He said that he could excise (reshape & shorten) the end of the clavicle. I talked to my buddy that owns my gym. He told me that I need to see another doctor. He recommended a doctor that has helped several local bodybuilders with similar injuries. I'm seriously thinking about getting a second opinion.

Guys! This is where I need your advice and input. First, will the cortizone shots give long-term or short-term relief? Got the shot about 12 hours ago and it still hurts? WTF? What is my doctors goal? Is this end of my bodybuilding dreams or will the surgery permamently fix the injury? What would you guys do in my shoes? Thanks for any input weather it be negative or positive. I'm freakin out! FLEX

There is a minimally invasive arthroscopic procedure called a "sub-acromial decompression." They go in with a scope and a little burr and smooth out the under side on the acromion. You go home with 2 band aids. No knives. Talk to an Orthopedic surgeon in your area that specializes in shoulder injuries. The down time on THIS procedure in minimal. And no more pain or snap, craclke, pop when you raise your arm. PM if you want more details.

 

[1999TL]

I guess my brother is right. He's a physician and hetells me not to lift heavy b/c he sees so many shoulder injuries. Can't get big without lifting heavy though. what to do, what to do....

 

[glover]

I've had bone spurs removed and rotator cuff repair. May not be the same as yours but aside from some nerve problems occasionally I can now bench again. I would opt for the surgery if your ortho thinks he can fix it. They can do wonders these days. Fixed my elbow too. And the only regret you have after is not doing the surgery sooner.

 

[redman32]

Get it fixed I'm 34 yrs had mine fix at the sports med clinic best thing I ever did gonna start my first post surgery cycle monday.

 

[timtim]

find the best docs in the area and set up appts with them all. no cortisone anymore. its poison.

 

[Donnie Darko]

I hope things get better for you soon FlexDaddy.

 

[GUARDIAN]

Get it fixed I'm 34 yrs had mine fix at the sports med clinic best thing I ever did gonna start my first post surgery cycle monday.

+1

 

[flexdaddyz71]

Thanks Guys! I feel a lot better after reading your comments! One questions... What s the big deal with cortisone???? We leave for our cruise on the 26th of July. So, hopefully I can get it fixed the first week of Aug. About how long till I can do another cycle after the surgery??? Ya'll know me. LOL

 

[GUARDIAN]

Thanks Guys! I feel a lot better after reading your comments! One questions... What s the big deal with cortisone???? We leave for our cruise on the 26th of July. So, hopefully I can get it fixed the first week of Aug. About how long till I can do another cycle after the surgery. Ya'll know me. LOL

I waited 6 months.

 

[Donnie Darko]

Cortisol will be catabolic for you. Even though cortisol can tear away at damaged tissue, it also tears away at good tissue (catabolism). If you can get surgery soon to repair this, you should be ready to go this winter with getting badass again.

 

[flexdaddyz71]

Dammit! I had two killer cycles lined up.... Hell, I love just staring at my goodies. Better than money on the bank. I will just crush legs for 3 months post-op and then work back into the upper body stuff. What bodyparts/exercises can I keep using for upper body???

 

[Donnie Darko]

Dammit! I had two killer cycles lined up.... Hell, I love just staring at my goodies. Better than money on the bank. I will just crush legs for 3 months post-op and then work back into the upper body stuff. What bodyparts/exercises can I keep using for upper body???

Should do okay with anything that doesn't involve using your shoulders, even to hold or balance weights...meaning squats of any kind or stiff leg deadlifts may be out of the question unless your doctor clears you on that.

 

[Donnie Darko]

There would be left....leg presses, possibly hack squats since your shoulder would be cushioned somewhat, leg curls, and leg extensions. I would not even rely on smith machine squats since that is still weight upon the collar bone and shoulders.

 

[flexdaddyz71]

Donnie your right! Thanks man! I'm gonna post a question about exercises that don't invovle the shoulders. Lets see what the posse has to say....