Hi Delia!

Well I'm happy that the physical therapy is helping. As for anesthesia, I've always been fine with it but my brother gets extremely nauseous after anesthesia, so I understand why you would want to avoid that!

I think a lot of these problems that afflict us when we get older can be treated best with physical therapy rather than painkillers and other meds. It takes more work and there is no instant gratification, but the work provides a sense of accomplishment that is priceless.

You mentioned your rotator cuff. I'm plagued with osteoarthritis (thanks Mom!) and that's why I had my knees replaced. I do get pain in my left shoulder and arthritis has chewed through the cartilage that was there. But I manage in the gym, use over the counter pain meds like Aleve, and don't push exercising to the point of pain. When I asked the shoulder surgeon for advice after diagnosis he said, "Yeah. Avoid me!"

Physician humor I guess. I am one of the lucky knee replacement patients, and I worked very hard both before and after surgery.

I think your positive outlook is far more powerful than any pill or scalpel. Keep up the great work, it is inspirational!

Joe