Saw a PA in Waltham, MA today, affiliated with a doc/practice recommended to me, to get my shoulder checked. Pretty quick, efficient visit. Xrays show the anchor screw for my rotator cuff repair is good. A little arthritis seems to be the issue. She offered me a cortisone shot which I happily accepted. We could have tried other anti-inflammatories for a few weeks, but I'm not getting much relief with them the last few weeks, so why bother waiting?

PS Medicare with a supplement vs Advantage plan is so worth it to me. No need to ask for a referral or "permission", no worries about what network the provider was in as long as Medicare was accepted. My cost was likely $0. I believe I met my deductible seeing a dermatologist last month.

I got the cortisone shot. It was done with ultrasound guidance, which was my preference, as sometimes a better result is achieved. Take it easy on the shoulder for a few days, after that no restrictions. If not improved in six weeks, I will see her and she will order an MRI. I'm hoping the cortisone shot will do the trick.

I guess I'll test it out with some planks at the gym later this week.....

 

I purchased a new mountain bike , which I plan to use around our neighbourhood for some light exercise. I really haven't been into fitness much in my adult life, but I move around a lot all day long whether at work or home. They were blowing bikes out on clearance at our local retailer and I picked on up real cheap, it was too good to pass up.

 

Nice what did you get?

 

Lainey do you think the swings in temperature could be causing pain in your shoulder. I had an injury on one of my shoulders and when we have large temp swings it sometimes bothers me.

 

Do you know if you are on Medicare you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a specialist? You tell them you are self referring. Just make sure they accept Medicare patients.

 

Oh just a pedestrian version of CCM mountain bike, 26 inch tires, 21 speed, dual suspension to soften the ride, and old school Shimano gears ! lol. Normally a five hundred dollar bike they cleared out at $149, too good to resist.

 

Not sure robb. I'm pleased that I did get good results with the shot. It is improved, if it stays the way it is with occasional discomfort I'm OK. We'll see what they say in five more weeks. I'd accept an MRI to get a real diagnosis. Shoulder surgery does not sound too appealing....if they need to poke a few holes and go in and clean up bone spurs that is not as bad as rotator cuff surgery......

Morris/Dean, I'm not sure that applies with Advantage plans? I know I can self refer and I did for my shoulder. The ortho for my foot issue did ask I have my PCP send over a referral.

 

Another plug for joining your local YMCA.
Just like S2KI brought some great social contacts into my life, the Y has done the same.
Two years ago one of the instructors incorporated the spin bike into our routine. I was a bit intimidated as I had been on the spin bike maybe twice before for very short increments. I didn't think I'd have interest in the spin bike. I've seen how whipped people are leaving a spin class.

However, that class really appealed to me and still does. We are on and off the bike during the class, alternating with some weight/core work when not on the bike. I enjoyed it the time on the bike enough that I bought spin shoes and started attending a class that is spin only. It's a good workout and I have made more social contacts.

For the second year in a row, I'm participating in a fund raising spin a thon. It's just a 45 minute slot, so that as many members with interest can participate, and I expect the routine will be the same, however, the energy will be higher than normal as we will have a purpose. Many people are in financial need so they can attend programs at the Y. The fundraiser benefits those people.

The Y is my happy place. I can work on staying healthy and every now and again lend a hand too!