Hello everybody,
I would like to share a bit of a personal health history, in hope that someone
may offer advice (or consolation at least :-)
About 5 years ago while riding my bicycle I fell. I was going uphill (==slow)
but unfortunately I fell on an outstretched left hand.
As a result I damaged a tendon in my left shoulders.
Later on the orthopedic surgeon explained the damaged tendon's role is to stabilize the shoulder as it moves in the
shoulder socket.
At that time I was given an option to have a surgery to repair the damage.
I decided not to that. The surgery would be quite serious, on the other hand the shoulder seems to have been healing
OK. I could do most of the things I wanted to do.
As far as kayaking (which I took up a bit later) - I could paddle fine, except after long outings (several hours) I could feel some discomfort in the left shoulder.
Now, fast forward to 07 November 2008. The history repeats itself.
While riding my bike I fell again, on the same hand/shoulder. My shoulder is in pain. I cannot lift the
left hand higher than the chest level.
On Monday I am going to see a doctor again, and try to decide what's next.
As of now I think I will ask for an MRI which can be compared to the MRI I had done 5 years ago.

Here is what I consider:
a) If the current MRI shows even more damage I am inclined to ask for a surgery (if surgery is possible at all)
After all, I don't want permanent semi-disability and yes, I very much want to be able to kayak again!

b) If there is not much more damage that was in my shoulder already, I think I will try to rest it and hope it heals on it's own.
Unfortunately, based on the current symptoms this may be wishful thinking.

I would appreciate any advice, especially from someone who either has been through similar problem,
or who works in the medical field.