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When I was in high school, I had a partially separated shoulder injury acquired while playing football. In order to be able to practice and play, I used topical ointments to mask the pain.

For many years following high school, my shoulder would bother me by becoming painful again. Sometimes this was the result of overuse and other times it resulted simply from how I positioned it during sleep. There was discomfort, but not bad enough to see a doctor. It was always short-term, never lasting more than a day or two. After a couple of days, my shoulder would be back to normal.

Then, following a motorcycle wreck, I had a reason to see an orthopedist. Though surgery was an option, we tried to allow the shoulder to heal without resorting to it. But, this was not to be the case.

After several months, the bones had not healed as they should have and it became necessary for my doctor to perform a surgical procedure to re-break the bone and insert a bone graft. It was during my recovery from this that I began the long process of physical therapy.

By the time that I was finished with rehab, my shoulder was not back to 100% – it was about 110%! I had forgotten what it felt like to be completely pain-free. Now, my shoulder never bothers me – it doesn’t matter if I sleep on it or if I use it all day long. I couldn’t believe that I had tolerated the pain and discomfort for 25 years.

My repaired shoulder felt better that my undamaged shoulder!

Two years ago, while racing in Florida, I sustained another shoulder injury from another motorcycle wreck. I know it sounds funny now, but all I could think about while laying on the ground, holding my shoulder, was “I’m fixing to have two good shoulders”. I knew that this injury was going to require surgery and that following the rehab process, it would be better than new.

Having said all this, I’m not saying that you should or shouldn’t have surgery. That is a decision that only you can make. What I am saying is that if your orthopedist recommends surgery, then get a second opinion. If the diagnosis is confirmed, then do some more research to find the best possible surgeon available – like I did.

My surgeon was Dr. Godsil who practices at the Auburn Orthopedic Clinic in Auburn Alabama. Because of my hobby (motorcycle racing), I’ve kept Dr. Godsil busy with a lot of broken bones. Dr. Godsil has always done a wonderful job of putting me back together.

Research the surgery, ask questions, ask for references and find the absolutely best surgeon available. Surgery was the best option for me. I owe my newfound quality of life with two pain-free shoulders to my orthopedic surgeon – Dr. Godsil.