I went in to see my general doctor a week
ago after sustaining a shoulder injury 1
week prior. X-rays showed a shoulder
separation and was told to immobilize it
(which is actually more painful) and
referred out to ortho. Ended up seeing
the new young doctor in the practice who
never acknowledged the separation, didn't
look at the x-rays because they were
taking a long time to load on the computer
and spoke only about rotator cuff damage
and dislocation which was not evident from
the exam. I went through a partial
rotator cuff tear on my other shoulder 10
years ago and the pain is not similar and
did not have the constant popping with
movement. The doctor wants me to do six
weeks of physical therapy and follow up
from there. I am in a considerable amount
of pain (only end up sleeping a couple
hours a night because of it). Unsure if
getting a second opinion is best next
step.
"Current medical status: X-ray - the
glenohumeral joint is intact, the
acromioclavicular joint is borderline
widened, no evidence of accute fracture.
further evaluation of the
acromioclavicular joint needed. weight
bearing evaluation if clinically
warranted.
Current medical treatment: ibuporfen 600mg
3x daily for 1 week. Office visits -
general doctor 1/21, orthopedic 1/25.
Physical therapy to start next week."
If you suspect that the young
orthopedist's knowledge and experience is
limited, you may ask for a second opinion
from another orthopedist. That is your
right... but try not to change doctors
very often. Further, it's not possible to
diagnose the type of injury by comparing
the pain of the current situation with a
similar injury from the past. You can try
the physical therapy and wait to see the
results.
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