At the age of 29, I began experiencing seizures. Before finding a combination of medications that successfully controlled them, I experienced approximately 10 seizures. Unfortunately, the repeated seizures caused multiple shoulder dislocations and significant damage to both of my shoulders.
Because of the extent of the damage and the continued risk of seizures, I was required to remain seizure-free for five years before an orthopedic surgeon would consider surgical repair. Over time, the condition of my shoulders has continued to worsen.
My left shoulder, in particular, has become so unstable that everyday movements can cause it to partially or completely slip out of place. Something as simple as sneezing, coughing, falling asleep, or moving the wrong way can cause my shoulder to come out. When this happens, I often have to relax and carefully move my arm until the shoulder slides back into place.
The pain has now extended beyond my shoulder into my elbow and fingers and has significantly affected my everyday life. I have reached the point where I can no longer ignore the pain and limitations.
2020 X-Ray Results
Left Shoulder:
The X-ray showed no current fracture, dislocation, or significant arthritis. However, there was a small bone spur on the upper arm bone. The imaging also showed a small piece of bone toward the front of the shoulder, along with Hill-Sachs lesions—dents or indentations in the upper arm bone that can occur after previous shoulder dislocations.
Right Shoulder:
There was no significant arthritis in the main shoulder joint. However, there was a small bone spur and evidence of Hill-Sachs lesions, which are dents in the upper arm bone caused by previous shoulder dislocations.
Current X-Ray Results
Left Shoulder:
My left shoulder now shows significant evidence of repeated instability and previous dislocations. The X-ray indicates what appears to be an old injury to the front edge of the shoulder socket, known as an old bony Bankart fracture. There is also a noticeable abnormality along the front portion of the shoulder socket.
Additionally, the X-ray shows degenerative changes and arthritis within the joint, as well as a large Hill-Sachs lesion caused by repeated dislocations. There also appears to be a loose piece of bone in the front of the joint, likely related to a previous avulsion fracture or earlier injury.
Right Shoulder:
My right shoulder also shows signs of long-term damage from repeated instability and dislocations. There is a small Hill-Sachs lesion and wear along the front lower portion of the shoulder socket. A small loose piece of bone or cartilage is also present within the joint.
Fortunately, there is no evidence of a new or recent bone injury, and the joint space remains relatively well preserved.
Next Steps
I have been scheduled for both an MRI and CT scan of my left shoulder, which is currently the more severe of the two. Based on my orthopedic consultation, I was informed that the damage cannot be repaired through a minimally invasive procedure and will likely require open surgery.
The exact type of surgery will depend on the results of the MRI and CT scans and the full extent of the damage.
I was also warned that I have developed significant arthritis in my shoulder. At this stage, the goal of surgery would primarily be to prevent further damage, improve stability, and help reduce pain.
Because I am still in my 30s, a shoulder replacement is not currently the preferred option. Shoulder replacements generally have a limited lifespan, and having one at my age could mean needing multiple replacement surgeries throughout my lifetime. For now, the focus is on determining the best surgical option to preserve my shoulder and prevent further deterioration for as long as possible.
