A Day In Sacramento

What a busy day. This is the day that I have been waiting for - a visit with the Orthopedic Shoulder Specialist in Sacramento, CA.

On our way, we stopped for an early lunch at The Virgin Sturgeon on the American River. Even though the sun was not shinning brightly it was very pleasant and the ambiance of this funky little restaurant was great. I have been to this place a couple times in the past during the summer. At this time of the year the propane stove is burning and the patrons sit as close to it as they can. This is opposite to the summer time when everyone wants to sit at the windows edge to enjoy watching all the boats going by. Our table was in front of the stove as we were there when they opened at 11:30 AM. We both ordered the Smoked Salmon Salad with red onion, dried cranberries, glazed walnuts and a honey mustard dressing. Delicious!

Then, it was time to go to my medical appointment. The doctor was "working me in" between surgeries he was performing at the hospital across the street. Shoulder e-rays were taken prior to seeing the doctor so he could assess them as well as the MRI that I hand carried to the appointment. He reviewed everything with us on the monitor and explained that all of the bones looked good with no cracks or chips. His assessment of the MRI was consistent with the local orthopedic doctor. The short and long of it is: 1-minimize pain, 2-strengthen arm muscles by daily physical therapy, 3-return in three weeks for review of anticipated progress.

I had a choice of going to Physical Therapy in my home town or have his physical therapist provide instruction for a home program. I was so glad that I chose to have his staff provide instruction. It was very thorough. The greatest part was the new approach to Physical Therapy, at least from my perspective. In time past, PT was referenced as "pain and torture". Not so, anymore. All exercises are to be stopped when pain level increases. The focus is to increase strength in my arm to support the shoulder mechanisms. 

In three weeks, we will know more and surgery may be discussed. But, all conservative treatment will be used before seriously considering surgery because surgical repair may not be possible because of the extent of the tendon tear across the top of my shoulder. It may not be possible to reconnect the tendon because of the length of the tear. The MRI is quite startling! Overall, I am so happy that I went to this doctor. He and his whole office were excellent - friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.

I am optimistic and look forward to starting my home exercise program.

  
Since Arden Fair Mall was nearby, we stopped in to do a little shopping for a holiday blouse for me to wear with a long black skirt to a Holiday Party next week. After being drawn to a "little number in Nordstroms, costing $1, 365.00" every thing I looked at thereafter seemed like a real bargain! In another store I was able to get not one but two blouses that I really like and they were 40% off. Now, that is my kind of shopping. That was the only thing I needed or wanted. It was a very good day and we had a lot of fun.

Wishing you a Fabulous Day.