"The Slump"

[AlArchie]

I was down in the shop yesterday, trying to get motivated on one of three or four carvings I have started, and finally just walked away, pretty well dejected. Couldn't understand why something I've enjoyed so much has become such a burden. Then it dawned on me....I have to go in to the doc tomorrow for a consultation on the results of some MRI's I had done last week. Both shoulders have torn rotator cuffs and any movement is uncomfortable at best and downright painfull sometimes. This has been chronic for about a year or more now, and I'm hoping maybe they can do something about it.

I'd carve for about five minutes then loose interest.....well, the interest was still there, it just hurt to continue. Kinda hard to concentrate when what your trying to concentrate on hurts. I don't mean to whine, here, just blowing off some steam about why I haven't felt like carving, and it finally dawned on me. "Hey, if it hurts to do that, don't do that!"

Al

[Hugh]

Hi Archie, that is a terrible situation to be in. You must be a fighter though, if you've come this far. You'll get to the doctor and get it fixed up, and be at it again in no time. Making yourself stay away from something like carving, is a sure way to get motivated. I work with fatigue every day, and understand a little of what your saying. I have a friend that comes to carve with me sometimes during the week. Often when he is there I forget my fatigue and will work with him for two or three hours and not know where the time went. I'm sure you will find a way to beat the pain. Have a Good Christmas.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Had a problem with my shoulder last year, couldn't raise my arm, went to the chiropractor, he adjusted it (which hurt like @#$%&) and then gave me a big rubber band called a "Theraband" and a couple of simple exercises.....the next day it was much better and by the end of the week it was gone! A medical doctor wanted to surgically remove an "impingment"!! Found out that if I had the impingment surgery done, the problem would have been ok for a couple of years but come back and then nothing could have been done about it! Oh and the shoulder is still fine!! luv dem karo practors! Sorry to hear about your problem Al, just wanted you to know this in case yours is the same thing....God bless!

[Kenny_S]

Kind of like Dave but mine was knee, The bone poper did the job and I avoided thousands of $ in surgery bills. Of course a torn rotater cup may be different.

ALA, I would check it out futher becore comitting to surgery as I have seen several of my friends who had surgery, one came out fine and the others didn't. They had several surgeries. Guess that is why the call it practicing medicine.
Pray you heal and recover soon.

[Bandaid]

I hope they get that cleared up for you real soon Al so you can get back in action. All the best.

[Ron Davidson]

I have been battling a torn rotator cuff for years and the only solution is some special excercises and getting a cortizone shot in my shoulder every once in awhile when it get real bad. I also have Rumitoid arthritis and they recently put me on remicade and it seems to be helping some too. Might be something that will help.

BTW I don't know how many have had cortizone shots but they hurt like (#%@*^)
Ron

[squbrigg]

Al, don't give up the ship yet my friend! Rest easy and carve when you're up to it. You'll enjoy it all the more. Once the doc fixes up your joint problems....maybe some nice shinny new plastic or stainless ones, you'll have your carving to do as therapy for your recovery and beyond. In the mean time, do you have a comfortable chair with arms? Rest your forearms on that for support as a temporary measure. Carving has been my salvation all through my own difficulty and while I can't carve for long, I can still carve! Good luck son with your doctor. They can fix you up as good as new, I'm sure.

Bob

[Nancy-G]

Keeping you in my thought and prayers Al.

[Colin-Partridge]

Al my friend sorry to hear of your problems. I can see why you dont want to carve because it hurts. I have had similar problems as you know but I find exercise it the best for me. I always feel better after I move the part that hurts. My worst time is when I first get up everything is stiff but once I get moving around I feel a lot better. Hope that the doctor can help you and that you are soon back to your old self. We will all say a prayer for you and it will have to work. Get better soon
Colin

[BasketballJones]

You're not alone Al, I tore mine for the third time a few weeks ago throwing a football (thought I was Big Ben instead of Big Ken). Surgery isn't as successful unless at least 2 of the 4 muscles are torn 3/4 of the way through; (my sister-in-law is an orthepedic surgeon so my doc wasn't lying). I'm going the rehab rather than surgical route. Surgery shortens the muscle and cuts nerves, the muscle tear heals itself with time and work if not torn all the way through. This time I'm rehabbing virtually non-resistant (no weights just 5 lb dumbsells) and swimming; it helps reduce the arthrisitis and bursitis that sets in. The best part about this rehab plan is I do it at home 4 times for 15 minutes, minus the pool. I didn't notice much improvement the first two weeks. But I carved yesterday and I can actually write now. The shoulder still pops and grinds but not as bad. And I'm still working. Keep us posted.