A swell solution

Feeling much better today, a definite improvement over yesterday.

A part of me feeling better is that I am slowly getting back into the groove of being at work etc. However, a much bigger part is because I went to see my surgeon today.

As I had hoped, seeing my surgeon has given me some definite closure on what caused the swelling on my shoulder and what the solution is. In fact the solution is already mostly done. Having that weight off my mind has made me feel about 100% better.

Interestingly, whilst over-exertion may have contributed to the swelling, it probably wasn't the cause. The real culprit was the knot at the end of my internal stitches. According to the surgeon the stitches last for about 60 days and as they start to break down they can release a bit of liquid which can be irritating. The knot itself can cause irritation too, particularly because there is so little flesh around the collar bone. It was this irritation that caused the swelling.

The solution was an easy one to. Today the surgeon simply cut open the swollen area and removed the stitches knot while I was in his office. Quick and easy. While he was in there he also cleaned up the swollen area and checked for infection, which there was none of thankfully. He took a swab to check for infection and also gave me some antibiotics to be safe. The good Doctor said that in his experience removing the knot usually solves the problem, so that is good news.

The whole process reassured me for a number of reasons. Firstly it wasn't entirely my fault that this happened. Secondly the solution was an easy one and it hasn't really changed my recovery/rehab outlook. I will have to take it a bit easy this week, but things should be back on track next week Lastly, the Doctor assured me that coming in to see him was completely the right thing to do, which I had been wondering about.

Feeling positive again.