Labrum

Tyler made it. His surgery began at 9:15 am and we were home by about 12:45 pm today. Uncle Dave took Gabi to IHOP and shopping during the surgery (thanks Uncle Dave!) and my parents brought Ben and I a couple breakfast sandwiches from McDonalds to tide us over. Needless to say, we were antsy. It was disheartening when Dr. Came out at about 11 am and Ben says, "give us some good news, doc" and he says, "I just can't give you any on this one..."

Dr. Graham used an example for what the inside of his shoulder looked like..."it looked as if someone put a small grenade in his shoulder." Our looks of anticipation for the surgery to be done became looks of disbelief and sadness. Dr. Graham said he actually had to step back and look when he put the scope in and couldn't believe how bad it was. He told us that it is the worst labrum tear he has ever seen in a young person...wow. And more bad news...the tear went down into the tendon to the bicep...Dr. Graham explained how instead of a tear it was more like shredding. There had definitely been trauma and much. He anchored as much of the labrum as he could (about 1/2) but just had to remove the remainder. He also took nearly all of his cartilage in his shoulder, leaving us with the outlook of arthritis for Tyler's future. It's just hard to believe that sports can take such a toll on our bodies the way it does. We have already been told that by the time Tyler is 30 yrs old he will probably have to have a total knee replacement because of his torn meniscus. And now his shoulder. Dr. Graham explained that MUCH rest and healing will be needed and he told us he will not be able to let him "slide" through and sign off this time. It will be vital that everything heals correctly and then therapy is utilized. It will probably be May or June before things are close to normal for him. Thank you for prayers and we ask that you continue them. It's Tyler's right arm and he will have it in a sling for a while. I am not sure how he will write in school and just do the "little" things. I know that when the Lord closes one door, another opens and all things happen according to His plan. I trust He has a plan.

So here we are, New Year's Eve. Tyler's girlfriend, Abby, made her way over to visit and spend the evening. We have played a couple board games, watched television and played some wii. We have enjoyed the fireplace and ate wings from Tyler's fav (Buffalo Wild Wings) and Chinese food! Saw a quote that I really like..."Here's to the bright new year, and a fond farewell to the old; here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold."

Happy 2010!