Its a real pain in the...

Last August I had injured shoulder at work. Due to this being a work injury, I had to go through the workers comp thing. If any of you have had to deal with such things, you know that it can take forever, for anything to happen.

Oddly enough, the people from SAIF were a delight to work with. The doctors office which takes such claims, was the issue. I have always felt insurance was a scam on many levels. In this particular case, it was not SAIF, it was the doctors office milking it.

After trying to track down an office that would take my claim, I finally found a place. A friend of mine had worked there, and left due to not feeling good about her job. My brother had gone through the same office and his experience was not ideal either. I did however get the best doctor in the clinic.

What I realized was, I could have asked for nearly anything pill wise, and gotten it. I always lose disrespect for these types of doctors. Furthermore, my first appointments consisted of just "check ups". Listen buddy, I know my body, I have torn my shoulder before. I assure you, I would NOT be here if I didnt think something was seriously wrong. However, I was sent to PT a month later. I was fine with PT, I was not fine that it took 3 appointments to figure it out.

I knew ultimately I would end up in surgery, but I had to play the insurance game. Once I had completed my stint in PT, and it was ruled that I needed an MRI. I realized I could finally find another doctor. My PT clinic suggested seeking someone in Portland. Mainly because they didnt feel there was anyone that great in Salem. My two previous shoulder surgeries were done in Salem. Seeing how I am looking at round 3, I felt like she was on to something.

I found the doctor I wanted to see, they scheduled me an appointment pending my MRI results and doctors notes from the place I had been going to. Well apparently my office didnt want to let go of the cash cow.. because they would not send over the info. I had to see a doctor every 2 weeks, and the longer it took.. I would HAVE to see them. This is where I start complaining to SAIF, telling them they are being exploited. Who ever thought I would be on their side?

Anyway, that office lets me know my issue is too complex for their doctors. There were two other offices, both who had Oregon's top two shoulder doctors. They take care of all our athletes. Downside, none of their offices were even remotely close. But thankfully one had a small clinic twice a week at Meridian. Which would prevent me from going into the real traffic. I selected #2 in the state of Oregon.

After my appointment he made it clear that he did not want to do surgery on me, due to my age and it being the third one, but he felt like it was the only way to alleviate pain. So, he said call when you are ready to schedule an appointment.

Thankfully I was able to get in, within 2 weeks. With my work, we start getting super busy in May. I knew I needed about a month and a half of healing, so I could get back to work and be somewhat normal. I was scheduled for March 20th.

The pre-op part was a breeze, and out of all surgeries I have had, quite possibly the nicest experience I have ever had. I went in to get ready for my IV. The nurse joked around about putting whiskey in there for me, and when I woke up.. he asked if I had a hangover. The staff was fun! I was then taken to my room, where I officially woke up. When I was awake, I was awake and ready to go. Previous surgeries, I remember being so out of it.. that everything was a struggle. But I felt magical.

I called for the nurse, so I could go use the bathroom. Once I did, I was ready to get dressed and go home. Apparently this was shocking to them.. and the doctor showed up equally shocked that I was ready to leave. They had cleaned up my shoulder.. put some things back in place. But ultimately the over all damage I have, will require in the future a new shoulder. So he did the best he could.

They suggested not eating for a few hours, especially until I got home.. so I didnt get sick. Once we were in the car, I was ready to eat. So we picked up some food for the ride. I felt 100% normal, other than my shoulder being bandaged up and in a sling.

I came home to my couch bed, thinking I was going to crash. I tried to take a small nap, but didnt. By mid afternoon I had pulled out my laptop and started working from home. There was no one in my office who could do my work, and despite getting everything done for the next few weeks. Clients dont wait. I felt compelled to work, and so I did.

I took some pain meds through the day, and again around 2 am. The next morning I woke up at 10 am... I had not taken any pills in 8 hours. I was afraid to move, afraid of the potential pain. But.. there wasnt any! At that point, I didnt take another pain pill.

Furthermore, it was the best I had felt in ages! I didnt realize how pain was making me one incredibly grumpy and intolerant person. I looked back on some situations where I over-reacted and got upset and realized it was due to pain. I knew I was not acting like myself, but I didnt know why.

Crazy that even post op, I felt better than I did before.

So here I am, recovering, feeling amazing, and hoping for no injuries in the future!

Just a few days after surgery, due to not being on pain meds, I was able to go back to work, HOORAY!