I probably shouldn't even post this but maybe I'll feel better just putting it into words. I am feeling a little emotional today because not only am I tired with dealing with a painful shoulder but I have been referred to yet another doctor and I don't think the week is over yet.
Several weeks ago I took a really hard fall and injured my left shoulder. I went to the ER, followed up with my family doctor and my orthopedic doctor a couple of times. Last week I had 2 arthrograms and 2 MRIs. The second set was done because the quality of the first one was questioned. Tomorrow I get the results. I am so hoping that no surgery is indicated but I do want it to get better.
So, I've had this constant pain in my shoulder and yet what has weighed more heavily on my mind is the discovery of a breast lump. I've talked to my Gyn doc about this and I see him tomorrow. It will probably be fine...most lumps are but it needs to get checked.
That brings me to today. I faithfully get my dental check-ups and cleanings every 6 months and today was my routine visit. My hygienist mentions that for the first time she notices the slightest bit of puffiness in my gums. I told her that I haven't flossed very much in the last few weeks because lifting my arm has been so painful. No problem. Then she asks me how long this reddened area on the soft palate of my mouth has been present. I told her I didn't even know I had such an area. Next thing I know my dentist is in looking at it and I have to see an oral surgeon for consultation. My dentist said it is probably nothing but it has the appearance of early squamous cell cancer. My history of SCC of my upper lip makes me high risk so he doesn't want to observe it for changes. My appointment is July 6 and I am really hoping it is just plain gone by then and I can cancel it. I've got photographs so I can watch for improvement.
It has helped to write this out and it doesn't seem so bad after all. Everything is complicated by having a mechanical valve and coumadin though. Be it surgery, biopsies, or even just the need for pre-medication makes things a bit more complicated.
I hope to soon post that no shoulder surgery is needed, the lump is benign, and the red patch on the roof of my mouth just plain disappeared! If you've got room on your prayer list pencil in my name alright?
Several weeks ago I took a really hard fall and injured my left shoulder. I went to the ER, followed up with my family doctor and my orthopedic doctor a couple of times. Last week I had 2 arthrograms and 2 MRIs. The second set was done because the quality of the first one was questioned. Tomorrow I get the results. I am so hoping that no surgery is indicated but I do want it to get better.
So, I've had this constant pain in my shoulder and yet what has weighed more heavily on my mind is the discovery of a breast lump. I've talked to my Gyn doc about this and I see him tomorrow. It will probably be fine...most lumps are but it needs to get checked.
That brings me to today. I faithfully get my dental check-ups and cleanings every 6 months and today was my routine visit. My hygienist mentions that for the first time she notices the slightest bit of puffiness in my gums. I told her that I haven't flossed very much in the last few weeks because lifting my arm has been so painful. No problem. Then she asks me how long this reddened area on the soft palate of my mouth has been present. I told her I didn't even know I had such an area. Next thing I know my dentist is in looking at it and I have to see an oral surgeon for consultation. My dentist said it is probably nothing but it has the appearance of early squamous cell cancer. My history of SCC of my upper lip makes me high risk so he doesn't want to observe it for changes. My appointment is July 6 and I am really hoping it is just plain gone by then and I can cancel it. I've got photographs so I can watch for improvement.
It has helped to write this out and it doesn't seem so bad after all. Everything is complicated by having a mechanical valve and coumadin though. Be it surgery, biopsies, or even just the need for pre-medication makes things a bit more complicated.
I hope to soon post that no shoulder surgery is needed, the lump is benign, and the red patch on the roof of my mouth just plain disappeared! If you've got room on your prayer list pencil in my name alright?
