April 13, 2026
Surprisingly, later on April 2 (Thursday), Bruce got a call from the orthopedic doctor’s office. They had an opening next week because someone canceled. Bruce was happy to get in so quickly.
My surgery consultation was on April 7 (Tuesday), Bruce came back with me because he wanted to understand what would be involved. The surgeon was very honest with me. She talked to me about the results of the surgery and how it might not help as much as I hoped.
She answered my questions and Bruce’s questions. She drew diagrams and explained how the stomach and gallbladder work together. She explained how everyone’s body was different. She didn’t push for surgery and talked about how changes to my diet might be able to prevent the pain. I explained I was on a low fat diet and it was no longer helping with the constant pain.
She explained how the surgery works and the healing process from the surgery. I felt she did a much better job explaining than my GI doctor.
I went in thinking I needed surgery. After talking to the surgeon, I felt I needed to think about having surgery some more. She said, “If you decide you want surgery, just call the office.”
I was a lot less stressed about the surgery before talking to the surgeon. Now, having to decide if I want surgery, I am stressed.
By the way, she mentioned that people taking GL-1 for weight loss often have their gallbladder swell up like a balloon. Those gallbladders have to be removed.
Bruce’s appointment with the orthopedic doctor was on April 8 (Wednesday). I went back with Bruce. The doctor asked Bruce about what was wrong. Bruce explained that 30 years ago while sledding, he landed with his full weight on his right shoulder. Bruce also talked about all the various test done to try and figure out why he has shoulder pain. The doctor asked about Bruce’s range of movement. Bruce showed his range of movement and where sudden movements hurt. The doctor had Bruce push against his hands from various directions. Bruce has good strength in his arms.
The doctor explained how some soft tissue is between the bones and can’t be seen by the tests. He sent Bruce off for X-rays.
When the results of the X-rays came back, the doctor told Bruce that he had developed arthritis in his shoulder. Bruce also had grown a bone spur in his shoulder joint. The bone spur catches and causes a lot of pain. The doctor said to not let anyone talk Bruce into a shoulder replacement until he couldn’t do things he wanted to do.
The doctor thought a shot of medication in Bruce’s shoulder might help. The doctor said if it helps then he would have Bruce come every three month for a shot. If it didn’t help, in three months they would try something different to deal with the pain. Bruce said his shoulder hurt from the shot for three days and then it felt better for a week. It is once again giving him fits.
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