I saw my shoulder surgeon for the final time yesterday; final check following my surgery for torn rotator cuff, torn labrum, torn bicep tendon, and bone spurs. It is now exactly 18 weeks since my surgery. I’ve spent many weeks on the physical therapy table below, looking at a great photo of Arnold Palmer. He looks so calm and his grip is very solid. His glove hand is perfectly perpendicular to the shaft, which is interesting.
In today’s report there’s some good news and bad news. Seems like there’s never just good news in these reports. Someday.
Good News
I’ve made some progress in the last 2-3 weeks, following a cortisone shot. In physical therapy my range of motion is increasing quicker now than it was. That’s probably thanks to the shot and simply time to heal. The doc said I can cut down my physical therapy sessions from twice a week to once a week, and he suggested that I only need to go about 4-6 more times. He said I have good strength in my arm.
Bad News
Though I’m only prescribed another 4-6 weeks of PT, that doesn’t mean I’ll be “done” by then. Not even close. Because of my frozen shoulder condition, the doc said it would probably be another year and a half before I have full motion in my right arm. He doesn’t see me playing golf at all in 2019.
What Now?
What am I to do now? I’ve been playing multiple rounds of golf per week for decades (when there’s no snow). I’ve built up a popular, one-man golf blog based on mostly on-course testing and evaluation of golf gear. I could cover golf apparel, travel, and maybe a few accessories here and there without actually playing I suppose. I can’t swing a damn club so there go any club reviews, grip reviews, ball reviews and so on. Where’s the motivation going to come from?
I’m not mad and I’m not sad about the situation. I guess I’m just accepting it. The odd thing is that I haven’t missed playing golf. Not at all. Perhaps knowing I can’t play is why. Honestly, my frustration level and my bank account haven’t missed playing.
Prior to the 2018 season I had struggled with my game the previous two years. I fantasized about quitting. When 2018 hit I made some gear changes which re-sparked my game and enjoyment a bit so I stuck with it. But now it is looking like I won’t play until perhaps late 2020, and I’ve already gone seven months without playing. I’ll be starting over completely. Golf is hard enough as it is, to have to start over. And how much power will I have when I come back?
I don’t have the answers to any of these questions/issues at this point. I’m just taking it one tight-shoulder day at a time.
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