I'm a pin cushion

Well, I've really gone and done it this time. If you know me at all, you know that I am a chronic shoulder-dislocater. For the past several weeks, I've been dealing with my latest dislocation-- the right shoulder this time, mind you. I apparently dislocated it while I slept. When Greg walked into the bedroom, the sound startled me, causing me to sit up quickly. That sudden movement is actually what popped it back into place.

I guess the good thing is that I already have shoulder immobilizers at home, so I was able to put it in a sling and go to work. As I walked through the halls, the fifth graders (My last year's fourth graders) simply replied, "Again?" Yes, again dammit! I guess it could have been worse, though. At least it went back in place without having to go to the hospital. I always hate when I cannot reset it because the paramedics have to come and they always ask the same questions repeatedly and look at poor Greg sideways because they think he's beating me up or something. In the midst of that excruciating pain, I always feel so sorry for my wonderful husband. He can't help me and people look at him like he's an abuser.

Anyway, one surgical group came very highly recommended by staff members as well as the nurse, so I agreed to see them. They were in network on the insurance and everything. However, I also researched and found another group that only deals with shoulder injuries. I liked the idea of them being shoulder specialists. They, too, were in network. I was really torn. What's a girl to do? I ended up going to see the group that was recommended by my peers. The people were nice enough, but the surgeon came in and said, "When I received my training, the only way to repair the shoulder of a chronic dislocater like yourself was to cut the whole thing open to fix it. Shoulder surgeries are much more advanced now. I can do your surgery, true, but you shouldn't want me to." Oooo-kaaaay. I appreciated the honesty and the fact that they were sending my paperwork ahead to a group of shoulder specialists they refer to and all, but still... What about my wasted copay?!

You already know where this conversation is going, don't you? I got the call from the shoulder specialists and... you guessed it. They were the same ones I considered calling in the first place! The doctor I'm scheduled to see is a former pro baseball player. I guess that's a neat thing. I just hope he is able to help me. I see him tomorrow afternoon, so I'll be able to update more after that.