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If it’s not one thing…

July 30th, 2014 · 7 Comments

… it’s another, and the other is a broken clavicle (collar bone).

Playing basketball this morning, my feet got tangled up with the feet of another guy who is bigger than me, I fell on my shoulder and he fell on top. I heard a crunch and got the wind knocked out of me for a few seconds, but didn’t feel a lot of pain. But when I stood up I knew there was something wrong with my right shoulder.

Got in to see the orthopedic surgeon this afternoon and had some x-rays. He said it won’t heal on it’s own. The broken ends that are supposed to be part of one bone are over an inch apart and will never grow back together. So next week I go in to have a plate and screws put in. Hopefully this will happen Tuesday if I can get the pre-op physical done in time, but if not, then Friday.

To make it worse, I think I slightly fractured a rib on the opposite side which actually hurts more than the shoulder. Coughing is torture, and don’t make me laugh! But that will easily heal on it’s own.

Surgery is getting to be routine for me!

Tags: Family Updates

7 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Donna // Jul 30, 2014 at 5:33 pm

    Boy, sometimes your basketball buddies play a bit rough. But I assume the fun of the game is worth all the injuries you have had? I was going to type “take it easy” but I’m sure no one has to tell you that! Hope you aren’t in too much pain. Let me know if you need anything.

  • 2 Mom // Jul 30, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    You are falling apart! I’m so sorry.

  • 3 Richard // Jul 30, 2014 at 7:24 pm

    See. 60 year old’s are not supposed to be playing basketball! We’re supposed to be sitting in rocking chairs. This may really throw off your jump shot after you heal.

  • 4 Dale // Jul 31, 2014 at 4:57 am

    I’m glad my shoulder break was one that would heal without surgery. It is best to get it set. I knew a hiker on the AT that broke his and didn’t get it set and it always bothered him even wearing his pack.

  • 5 Dianna // Jul 31, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    Oh no! And I was just telling my brother last Saturday what good shape you’re in from all the basketball you’re playing. Sure hope they can get you in next Tuesday.

  • 6 Daryl // Jul 31, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    I got all the pre-op done today, and the surgery is scheduled for Tuesday about noon.

    I made it through the night with two half Vicodins. It’s mostly my rib. I can feel it move at times, so either I totally broke one or the ligaments between them came loose

    Dale, I was glad when he said he wanted to operate. I remember your stories about the shoulder always being sore, and also I knew that the bone pieces were so far apart that they would never mend on their own.

    I’m actually not intimidated at all by surgery like this. It’s kind of an adventure, and though the recovery will be long and not without pain, it’s part of the adventure. Something different…

    Richard, your recliner doesn’t rock, so you’re not quite there yet.

    I know that basketball is dangerous and that almost all of my injuries over the past several years were a result of “court action”, I think the benefits to my heart and overall health are worth the risk. What’s a broken bone when your heart is strong?

  • 7 Don // Jul 31, 2014 at 6:45 pm

    Ouchie! I remember the broken ribs I had and how they kept me out of work for several weeks.

    No fun but glad you’re getting the plate for the shoulder.

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