And the MRI says.....

So....the good news is NO rotator damage. Woo-Hoo!! I just about danced on the examining table when I heard this. However, the MRI does in fact show I've got fluid and lots of inflamation which of course means bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis. Apparently, the area that's affected is supposed to be round and mine is FLAT, FLAT, FLAT.

The treatment plan is as follows:
I have to apply an expensive anti-inflamatory gel 4x's per day and ice 2x's per day. I have to report in @ 3 weeks with if I'm seeing any improvement and if so they'll continue me on the gel/ice for another 3 weeks when I'll then meet w/ my Dr for my follow-up appt. In addition, during the next 3-6 weeks I'm cut off from anything that could bring strain or added pain to my shoulder. No rugby, no weights, no lifting, no anything except walking the dog or running.

If at my 6 week check-up I'm doing well, the Dr will then allow me to start adding a little bit of weight to my shoulder and I'll do some "at home" PT (which is really light weights @ the gym with the goal of gradually increasing the weight). This will continue as long as I'm progressing with the ultimate goal of hitting the pitch again.

If I am not doing any better @ my 6 week check-up, the next phase will be injections (basically cortisone) into the area where the aggravation is and I'll follow the same plan for gradually adding weight, activity, etc. with the goal of being able to play rugby again or possibly not.

If we try injections and that doesn't work.....then we're likely looking @ surgery to drain the fluid, clean up the scar tissue and such and most likely even remove the bicep tendon altogether. Oh and my retirement from rugby will also have to take place if if hasn't already by that point.

This will be a process & take lots of patience, routine and commitment on my part. My doctor is GREAT!! And she had no problem with telling me to my face that if I want to have any chance of playing again or participating in any activity at capacity again that I gotta adhere to the treatment plan 100%.

I hope to participate in some of the Summer 7's fitness practices b/c we all know there's nothing better than running in the heat & humidity. And I definately look forward to drinking beer on the sidelines while cheering everyone else on for however long that I have do so.

As the saying goes: "I might be outta commission, but I'm still on the pitch".

www.tullycrineturtle.blogspot.com