Surgery or not surgery for the collarbone? Yesterday morning, very early, Mom had an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon about her broken collarbone. After a terrible experience with an orthopedic surgeon for her broken ankle seven years ago, she was ready to be firm, stand her ground, and fight if needed.
It turns out the surgeon is totally awesome. He came in and looked over the x-rays, and then explained to Mom what he saw and what he felt her options were. Surgery or not, the healing time would be about the same. Four weeks in a sling, then two weeks in a sling when she is doing stuff, followed by slowly getting back to normal use of her right arm and shoulder. No playing football, soccer, or any other contact sports for twelve weeks, LOL.
The collarbone broke into two pieces. One piece, number two above, has a sharp point on it. Mom has felt it all week and has worried it would poke out of her skin. In the x-ray you can see it is right on the skin, and causing a small bubble there. Most likely it won’t break through, but if conditions are right, it could.
Because of this, Mom opted to do the surgery next week. Once it is done, we can start putting the whole stupid incident behind us. They will make a two inch or so incision in her shoulder and use a couple screws to fasten a plate to the two bone pieces and clean up the couple of fragments that are in the area. The surgery is only about an hour long.
No, we didn’t want surgery, but it is the best option. One day we will all look back on this time an only think about our joke from yesterday! One of the hardest things is not being able to give Mom hugs for a while as we are all huggers, and Olivia can’t do her leap. We also had to cancel our big trip out east to Maryland for Olivia’s Summit Trial the beginning of April. Still, we are thankful for a good surgeon and place for Mom to have the procedure done. It is hard to believe, but some things are more important than nose work. We are all together and that is what matters most.
I’m joining Brian’s Home Blog in the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
prayers for a safe surgery and quick recovery.. it only takes a split second to change our lives completely. Poor pups will wonder why they can’t do what they always do.
We can still do most things we always do as Mom walks us on hands free leashes all the time anyway. It is just that everything is slow and she has to be so careful.
We support your mom’s decision and wish her well with a speedy and pain-free recovery time. Hugs to all of you♥
We hope it all passes quickly and soon we will have the collarbone in the rear view mirror.
we cross all fingers… and we wish your mama all the best and the surgeon a fab hand for the procedure… hugs and potp
Thanks, boys.
We’re so glad your Mom got a better surgeon this time. It seems to us that she made the best decision. We’re sure the surgery will go well and she’ll be on her way to recovery soon!
It really looks awful. I’m glad you are doing the surgery. Feel good. Puppies will take great care of you
Mom is dreading surgery, kind of scared but it is the right thing to do.
We wish your Mom all the best with that surgery and we hope all normal gets to her quickly!
We hope so too. Everything is a bit odd right now.
Oops. I forgot to say thanks for joining Angel Brian’s Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
It’s the best option and you have tons of prayers coming your way.
Have a fabulous day and enjoy being together. Scritches to the precious pups. ♥
It needs to be done, but Mom isn’t a surgery fan. She will be alright.
Good decision your mom made! We always knew she was a bit screwy. Now it will be confirmed. Prayers, gentle hugs, and healing songs!
LOL! Is this a joke idea for next week on the blog???
Good decision for a complete recovery, and hopefully, the less painful path. Sending healing thoughts for a simple surgery and quick healing.
Thank you. That pointy piece is the problem but surgery will fix it.
Ouch seeing the xray I can say YEP that sharp thing needs to be put in it’s proper place.
I’m glad the surgeon is on Mom’s favorite list. Having a good doc makes everything easier .
Sending all kinds of gentle hugs and wishes.
Cecilia
If she didn’t like him or he pushed and tried to sell surgery she would not have done it. He is very nice and honest.
Sounds like a smart surgeon who gave you options ~ so sending you lots of cyber hugs and to your sweet doggies too ~ be well ~
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you. We will all be happiest Monday night when Mom is back home after surgery and healing can start.
Good luck, that sounds hurtfully
It is not a good situation but surgery will get things back in order.
Sending your Mom Power of the Paw and prayers for a successful surgery. That X-ray is scary.
She can feel things moving around in her shoulder sometimes when she moves and says it makes her feel sick to her stomach. That will all stop with surgery.
Wow! that xray is wild! That bone is so pointy! Good decision about the surgery. Fingers and paws crossed over for all to go well. It’s always something! Have a great weekend. your friend Chester
Mom is scared of surgery but she knows it is the right decision because that naughty bone causes most of her pain right now. We will take good care of her.
Since it has to happen, I am praying it all goes well and healing after is textbook perfect.
We sure hope it all goes well too.
We are so sorry to hear you won’t get to go on your big trip, but getting your Mom healthy is a number one priority. This sounds like her best bet! Sending POTP for fast healing!
xoxo,
Rosy and Sunny
We have a couple other trip ideas that would be fun if we can get into the trials. One involves going through NM… Time will tell, but first Mom has to get back to 100% which should be by the end of April.
Phooey about the surgery but glad your Mom has found someone who can take proper care of her. And as for those hugs, just think how much more they’ll be appreciated once your Mom has healed. It’s a bummer about the cancelled trip but Mom’s well-being is more important. Sending hugs and tail wags for a full and speedy recovery.
She didn’t want to cancel, but she knew she should not try to travel so far less than a month after surgery. Hopefully Olivia can get into one of the May Summit Trials and we can travel then. Once the surgery is done, we can start the recovery process and look forward to greener pastures.
We missed this post (and several others) while out of town, so unsure of your surgery date, but do so wish you the best, and tho it sounds as tho the surgery is brief, the recovery is long. So sorry you’re cancelling a Maryland visit, perhaps we might have met! But this did sound very critical/important to have done. May all those pastures be a very “bright green” … take care, Ann & June
Thank you. Recovery time is about the same with or without surgery, but because of the break, surgery is the best option.