Forgive me in advance for this post is a little wordy. My intent is to answer many of the frequently asked questions I am getting concerning my shoulder surgery last Monday. I should probably let you know that this blog entry is being written by my wife while I dictate, as I am still unable to use a keyboard.
I think the original injury to my shoulder happened about 5 years ago while playing water volleyball in Puerto Vallarta. During the flight home my shoulder was really hurting me. Through the years with weight training and the like I have continued to tear my rotator cuff. Injuring this tendon is quite common. It eventually got so bad that I made an appointment to see a shoulder specialist. An MRI showed that I had a tear about the size of a dime and if left untreated would continue to tear away from the bone completely. Dr Ragsdale said he would recommend surgery to repair my rotator cuff and to reconnect my bicep. Because I knew my December schedule was going to be insane, I postponed the surgery until after the first of the year.
The weeks leading up to surgery I was also dealing with an abscessed molar. The Sunday before my surgery I was experiencing incredible pain and concerned that I was developing a sinus infection in addition to my bad tooth. The night previous to the surgery I slept very little because of my tooth pain. Early in the morning I called the emergency number for the Endodontist. I went in to see him at 7:30am, and after evaluating the tooth he was sure it was fractured and recommended that it be extracted. After the extraction I went to the hospital to be admitted for my shoulder surgery.
We arrived at the hospital at noon and didn’t go into surgery until 4:30. I had a difficult time while in the recovery room because my oxygen levels wouldn’t stay in a normal range. Although they shouldn’t have, I was discharged about 11:00 pm. After sleeping about four hours I woke up with shortness of breath and could not even take my asthma medicine. Dr Ragsdale sent me to the hospital where I stayed for the next 30 hours. While in the ER, they discovered that the block I had been given to completely numb my shoulder had also affected my diaphragm.
I had one lung (not the restaurant) but literally only had use of one lung as the other lung was compressed due to the block. The block wearing off is both a good and bad thing. The more it wears off the better my lungs work but without the block I feel the full pain of my surgery of which I have to tell you is one of the most painful things I have ever experienced.
Well that brings you up to date, at this point I am on pretty heavy medication every four hours and am having a difficult time finding a comfortable place to sleep. My family has been amazing for their care and patience with me. My wife especially can really empathize with me as she has had shoulder surgery twice, one on each side. I have no idea how long the recovery time will take; I will most likely be in a sling for six weeks and have physical therapy for six weeks.
Well, if you are still reading this mini-novel, thank you. Feel free to drop me an e-mail. My wife will be the person reading and writing my emails as I dictate
Thanks again for your continued prayers. I hope to see you all soon.
Praying for your recovery, cold, and Karen because we know she really is the one in pain.
Love ya,
TJ
Posted by: TJ | January 14, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Dennis~ Praying for you daily! I'm with TJ... I'll be praying for Karen too! :) Praying for a quick recovery of all your aches and pains~!
~Lisa~
Posted by: Lisa | January 16, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Dennis,
You and your family are in our prayers. Get better soon..
The Vandehey's
Posted by: angie | January 16, 2008 at 12:36 PM
Wow! You do know how to party!
Seriously, I had no idea you were dealing with all of this. I'm amazed that you made it through the Christmas season in one piece.
My family and I are praying for a speedy recovery for you.
Matt (and the rest of the Joneses)
Posted by: Matt Jones | January 16, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Dennis,
I'm so sorry about everything you are having to deal with...doesn't sound very fun:(
Work just isn't the same without you.
Get well and you and your family are in my prayers!
Love ya lots,
Dorine
Posted by: dorine | January 16, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Dennis, so good to hear from you...even if it is Karen typing! We've all been praying for you and know that you will be better than new when this is all over and done with. Just relax and enjoy the time you have to rest. You're missed. You're loved.
Posted by: Sue R | January 18, 2008 at 03:51 PM