The mystery is solved. I saw the ortho and he said MRI shows a small labrum tear. This caused small cysts in shoulder. This has also caused cartilage to be wearing out. This is all causing pain. Small bone spur causes pain when lifting arm out to side.
Here's his strategy: 1st -try anti-inflammatory meds
if no relief =
2nd -try cortizone shot
(in other words-treat symptoms)
He said he could do arthroscopic surgery and reattach the small tear, BUT it could leave me with a stiff shoulder which has it's own problems.
So--we wait and deal with symptoms as long as possible to put off surgery.
HERE'S WHERE MY JAW DROPPED: He said years from now I might need a "total shoulder replacement". (Just a possibility). I am thinking, uh, "no thanks!" I'll take one order of arthroscopic surgery in the future please, and that will be fine thank you.
He is VERY SURPRISED that I can't ever remember a time my shoulder was injured (specifically popped out). I guess mine looks like it was popped out at some point. Geez................
Thanks for your patience in this l-o-n-g note.
Momateach -- who can't reach (sorry bad pun)
