 Poster: A snowHead
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Thanks guys.
It could be worse-that's what I'm telling myself. I think the shock (feeling a bit teary) is more the impact on my vanity that I am indestructible.. ("It's just a flesh wound.." to quote Monty Python)
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Perty, don't change, keep on doing what you are doing, perhaps with a little more care for personal preservation.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Sat 27-04-24 7:07; edited 1 time in total
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Perty, merely a scratch…good luck.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@dan100, great that you got to ski again. Because my consultant (not that I've seen him yet after 3 visits - only his junior staff) and physiotherapist were absolutely adamant I do not ski again until next season, I felt I had to take their advice, however you are younger and probably bound a bit better than I do.
@Perty, sad that you have osteoporosis (it's a shock when in one's 50's), but I'm sure you will take the medication and get downgraded to osteopenia, especially as you are sporty and ski. It's strange that I can get my arm up my back, but still can't lift very far forwards.
I'll be seeing a private consultant on Thurs, hopefully to give me some answers as to what they can do and when I can have an MRI scan.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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So all good here but have been referred bs k to consultant due to a plateauing in range of movement. Definitely soft tissue problems. Won’t see the specialist until the 20th. Hopefully there isn’t too much trauma. Kind of want to start golfing soon but swing doesn’t feel comfortable yet
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Work and life have got in the way of more visits to the physio for me. I’m probably doing exercises around 3 days per week. I can feel a slow improvement reaching behind my back and things have settled down if I don’t overdo it. I don’t think I need to see a medic, though this final piece of the jigsaw is taking some time. @dan100, curious as to where your sticking points are?
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Can’t. Lift arm in front of me to vertical. When physio manipulates there is an area of real muscular pain difficult to
Deacribe. Still struggle with arm behind back
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Although I can place my arm around the back now, the problem is lifting the arm up and out at the front.
On Sunday I had an MRI scan which was a little uncomfortable, as my shoulder was placed in a cuff and arm in a position it's not used to. The results will come back in a week, only then will I know if surgery is needed (which I'm dreading as it will put my recovery back by months, but needs must), I'm trying to stay positive.
First day back at work, which will be interesting (making curtains and blinds is a lifting, stretching kind of job).
The consultant I met last week said there was bruising, this is because the physio is brutal when pummelling me to release tight muscle, it is bloody painful and even taking 2 paracetamol beforehand doesn't help. Does anyone else have physiotherapy this painful?
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To keep your thoughts positive, I had a quad break in my humerous ball (split in to 4 equal quarters) . I got surgery & 9 screws inserted to hold it together.
I was lucky as I have private medical & have access to a lot of physio & i will be honest, it payed off big time.
I have better movement in my broken shoulder than I do in the non broken one & I put that down to all the physio, it hasn't affected me at all, can still play golf (at least I have an excuse now) & after 3 years it stopped getting picked up at airport scanners (muscles grows around it seemingly)
the physio is hard work but it pays off big time.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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My physio was painful early on, but I’m talking about the first 5-8 weeks where I was put through my paces by Edouard in France. He really knew his stuff and manipulated my shoulder and arm to help get things moving which was a bit wince inducing at times. No bruising as a result though, thank goodness and I always felt better for it afterwards.
This thread has reminded me to crack on with a few moves this evening! I’ve already done lifting 2kg weights above my head (kettle was on so I did those when making tea). Time to tackle the hand behind back exercises.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I’ve just remembered I got a follow up thing which was weird and relieving at the same time.
They inserted a needle in between the ball & cuff in my shoulder, pumped air into it, then they popped apart, not painful a bit like cracking a knuckle but a hell of a lot louder.
That definitely freed my arm up
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My physio was painful. Because, like@Jonny996, I had an ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, the physio could use force at an earlier stage to force the joint beyond the limit you could normally achieve.
It was painful and scary l. It is acknowledged to be a painful and lengthy recovery, so don't get to worried by it. I think that knowledge actually helped me as I felt the pain was normal and expected.
All injuries are.different though
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You know it makes sense.
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Thanks for all the replies. The physio laughed when I told her I'd taken 2 paracetamol beforehand, her reply was - 'ha that won't do a thing'! I'll just have to grin and bear it.
I think the NHS physios haven't got time or don't do 'the pummelling', as a friend with the same injury as me, hasn't had any painful or uncomfortable sessions, Going privately you obviously get more time and better treatment per session, but it is like going into a torture chamber 
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Fingers crossed you don’t need op. I’m hoping I don’t need any intervention or at least nothing major and tend to suspect if it’s a partial tear it will be just leave it
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Mrs NBT, Initially I had an NHS physio who was an upper limb specialist. She was fab, but could only see me every 4 and I went private in between.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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How's everyone doing? I'm still doing some exercises to improve reach behind, and it can see it's slowly improving. Strength training is becoming more of a focus. I've booked myself in for a 10km run in early Sept-an event with a difference-around a vineyard with wine shots and cheese en route! https://www.run-bacchus.com (looks a total hoot and only 10 miles up the road). To that end I put on my running shoes and ran round my "usual" circuit a couple of times over the last 2 weeks. It's a shade over 4 miles which I just about achieved-albeit slowly with a bit of walking. However, having not really done any running for 3 years (my excuse is that we got the dog at the time), I realise my tendons have really tightened up and I have had to refrain from going out again, as I was getting knock on pain down into my foot. Old age! Grrrr!! Now my focus has to be on exercises to stretch them.
I've not been back to the physio for my shoulder-mainly cos of logistical difficulties. In light of the osteoporosis diagnosis, I've pulled the trigger on body armour for next season and following @dan100's success with the male version, bought the women's Demon top, which actually seems to fit quite well. It remains to be see whether this requires a new ski jacket to accommodate the broader shoulders-I fear it will.I think I'll also splash out on some slimline armoured shorts too.
On Sunday morning, with some trepidation given the horrendous list of possible side effects, I took the first tablet of the osteoporosis treatment. (one tablet to take once per week, with a lot of water, on an empty stomach, sit/stand up for at least the next 30 mins and don't eat anything). So far so good, but I guess it will need to build up in my system before I know whether the treatment is bearable.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Saw the specialist last night. His view was shoulder is doing fine and that he was more than happy with the strength being displayed so not minded at this stage to do a further scan. Back to physio, though I have been doing weight exercises at least once a day. His view is that these injuries very often take at least 12 months to settle down.
@Perty - I just viewed as a midlayer. I think on a hot day it will be a little sweaty and I may take a view on back protector but will ski in it next year ( I broke my collar bone 14 years ago as well). Good luck with the medication and hope it works.
I've been going to the gym for fitness. I used to run with my goldie up to about 2018 then started to have problems with knees and plantar fasciatis, but have been going to the gym regularly since last September. Not sure my old goldie (now 14) would thank me if I took him running - the young one might.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@dan100, Ha! If only I could run with Spud the Jack Russell. However, he has to be on the lead on the road, and all it would take is for him to dart off to chase a squirrel or sniff a blade of grass and I'd end up tripping over him and taking another trip to A&E. He's only 8kgs, but in full "Geoff mode" ie Geoff Capes doing the truck pull in the World's Strongest Man competition (for those under a certain age this cultural reference point will require Google  ), he can easily pull a human along.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I am 10 days short of a year from the accident, 11 month from the op.
I don't even think about it now, back to full bore mountain biking and 3 ski trips ticked off. Both biking and skiing I try and stay in control though. Very occasionally I get a slight twinge, but can sleep for ours on that side without problem. I now have equal mobility with the other shoulder, but that is not spring chicken like. I get no pain whatsoever from any of the metalwork. I think a brace or protector may well increase slightly my chance of a fall so am not going to bother.
Keep exercising, give it time.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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At last some good news. The (private) MRI scan revealed my injury is bad and will be a long, slow recovery, however I do not need surgery. The relief is huge.
Also a friend has managed to get me a quick appointment with the 'best' shoulder physiotherapist in our area. She is so booked up that I wasn't able to see her before now, even though every medical person I've come across has mentioned her. She'll take a look at my shoulder, but I won't necessarily be able to continue treatment with her. A stiff shoulder class in the hospital gym has been mentioned. In the meantime I'm onto strengthening bands.
How is everyone else fairing?
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@Perty, I came off the Alendronic acid tablets last year. My dexa scan showed a result from osteoporosis back down to osteopenia, which was good news.
I also wear hip protector shorts when skiing and mtbiking.
@Frosty the Snowman, Lovely to hear from someone further along and giving hope to us with many more months to go.
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Good to hear everyone’s improving! My good news this week is that, at last, my fracture has healed enough to start physio - 4 months after the break! Had an assessment on Monday, in Trauma Clinic and, I’ve been referred for ongoing treatment. Should get a date for 1st appointment next week and I’ve got some exercises to get on with in the meantime. Consultant did say that I may need surgery later down the line - very much depends on how much function I get back with just physio!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Scarletgirl, What a relief for you.
I finally got to see the shoulder physio at my local hospital (this happened through a friend). She was absolutely amazing. She explained what my injury was, how it was going to mend, how long and what exercises to do, when and how often. She explained that some of the physios do not like patients having private help then using the NHS (which is what I've been doing). Going privately was a necessity due to long waiting lists and appointments only every 3 weeks. I feel lucky to have seen her. She's giving me another session (in her lunch hour) in a couple of weeks, but in the meantime I'm still seeing the private physio, who is so rough when massaging and the pummelling is painful. 
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Saw the physio for first time in a month. Pleased with progress. Shame manipulation hurts so much ! Consultant warns expect at least 12 months to get full range. going to try and swing a golf club for the first time this year.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Hi everyone- how are you all doing? The last few weeks I’ve been a bit less assiduous with exercising my arm in relation to ROM, probably because it feels normal 95% of the time. I still feel the tug at the back of my upper arm when I do proper stretching exercises. The range behind my back is also getting better (nearly but not quite there re bra fastening  ) I’m just over 6 months post accident.
I’ve done 4 weeks on the osteoporosis tablets, and thankfully, despite the list of horrendous side effects, all is good-I’ve barely had any. Such a relief.
I realise I need to work on strength and flexibility irrespective of my accident-things that it’s easy to take for granted until the body tells you you can’t assume you can simply launch into vigorous exercise without consequences! Off to buy some more weights this morning!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I've now got equal movement in both shoulders 
Did a full weights session on Wednesday that included 4 shoulder sets and a chest one. It was a bit sore for 24 hrs but fine today. Will do another tomorrow.
Will be 1 yr post op next week.
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Wow, such good news everyone.
I've had my last fracture clinic appointment, but left with a 6 months open chance to book an appointment if things stagnate or go downhill (a steroid injection was mentioned). Work has been an eye opener and squeezing lemons the other day to make curd was a bit of a struggle, (yes I'm that weak ).
Lots of physio sessions still.
Bad news - I'm not to go out mtbing in the near future. Good news - progress is going well and I am allowed to work but not too many hours.
Just hoping that the skiing accident doesn't affect my confidence and I'm not thinking there's a hidden obstacle under every piste.
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Oh nooo@Scarletgirl! Hopefully the surgery will do the trick. Now is perhaps not the time to make any decisions about skiing next year.. “the darkest hour is just before the dawn” etc.
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Poster: A snowHead
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@Scarletgirl, how very disappointing. Fingers crossed that the surgery will do the trick and that you will be able to look forward with optimism soon.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@Scarletgirl, I had my op end of June last year and was skiing at Christmas.
The op allows you to crack on with physio quicker than without intervention.
Very disappointing to waste nearly half a year, but try and stay positive. I feel good now that mine was hinging at an early stage after reading in this 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Thanks to everyone for your supportive & encouraging comments. Absolutely right @Perty that perhaps I shouldn’t make any decision just yet! Once winter arrives & I start getting the ski reports again, I’ll be rearing to go, hopefully
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Scarletgirl, Please don't think about giving up skiing. My physio said my recovery would be 18 months, but now they've changed it to another 6 months, so now a year in total (which i can cope with).
Time will soon pass for you and before you know it, things will start to be normal again.
Keep going and post on here whenever you need to. Sending big hugs.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I bought those weights I mentioned, and have been comfortably pushing a 3kg weight above my head, horizontally out to the side and to the front. Though I can still feel the injured arm is weaker than the right one, it's getting stronger. I'm not really experiencing any pain or kickback in my shoulder from it which is good. I need a set of 4kg weights next.
All this has made me realise that, now I suppose I'm officially middle aged, you really do lose it if you don't use it! I'm much more aware of how I need to get my leg muscles working and improve my ROM etc (stiff ankles..who knew they were a thing?).
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Perty, wise words
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How is everyone?
I had my last private physio session. She pummelled me so hard that she used ulta sound to calm the injured area down, since this session the shoulder has been slightly sore. There are new exercises to do with a yellow band, but I only do 3 sets once a day and lots of stretching (which is hard to remember). I still have some NHS physiotherapy sessions and she is keen that I still see her for a few more months.
Every day I can do more and everyweek I find one more thing to struggle with (cleaning out a friend's guinea pigs and handling the giant box that needs sorting). But on the whole things are definitely on the mend and I feel more confident about being able to ski in 2025.
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@Mrs NBT, Good to hear of your progress.
Mr CvS (9 months on) mainly struggles now with putting a card/ticket through the car window into the machine at car park exits at toll booths and the like. There is something about achieving the right angle and height that remains elusive! He also still can`t quite follow right through on a golf swing either. Most of the other regular stuff he used to do he can now do again.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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I think I’m pretty lucky. I feel completely normal 99% of the time and barely ever think about my injury. ROM behind my back isn’t quite as good as my right arm, but not bad. I think with a bit more concentrated effort I should be able to equalise it- I just haven’t bothered to try. (Your post may just galvanise me into action!). I’m lifting weights and that’s where I really notice the difference in strength on either side, but that is work in progress. Happy days!
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Hi everyone! Had my operation just over 3 weeks ago - plate & screws into the broken humerus! Another 3 weeks before a check x-ray and still wearing a sling when out & about! Physio appointment booked and everything crossed that I’ll resume ‘normal’ activities mid September, starting with a bit of jogging, which I’m itching to do! Consultant very confident that I’ll be skiing this coming season
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FAQ
I had no issues with skiing - fortunately didn't test it with a bad fall - there was an embarassing one where i fell backwards off the top of a mogul 
Feels like I’ve gone back to square one with another 3 month recovery time ahead! Having had to cancel so many events, holidays, summer festivals this year I will have to seriously think about whether I want to return to skiing next year 
