SURGERY!

Well our extraordinary run of bad luck since coming back to Italy continues; it looks like I'll be going under the knife in a couple weeks or so. As you know, I have been having problems with my shoulder for a little over 5 months now. I've seen the orthopedist on base three times and after x-rays and two steroid injections, nothing worked and he had no idea what it was so this past week I had an MRI. This morning I received the following email from him:

...the MRI results point to a problem with the AC joint; degeneration. Ligaments, tendons and labrum are intact. My question is are you getting better after the steroid injection at the AC joint? Do you constant pain that you are considering surgery? The Aviano orthopedic surgeon will be here in late July and I have slots available. Call me

Since I am still in constant pain (or at least severe discomfort), it looks like surgery will be the way to go. I'll know more after I call him later this morning and get more details. I really don't want surgery but we've exhausted every other option.

This web article seems to be spot on in describing exactly what is wrong with my shoulder:

Osteoarthritis of the Acromioclavicular Joint

I wonder if I will ever be able to use my kettlebells again. Sigh.