Just a note to let you know that the outpatient surgery on my left rotator
cuff went well yesterday.  Indeed, the cuff was completely torn (this was
the same one that was repaired last June!)  The dr had to put anchors and
screws in to hold things together.  I am relatively pain free at this
point--but a little unsteady on my feet due to the pain meds!  The biggest
problem is that I have a "pillow" sling that's that size of a small 6-pack
cooler!!  In June, I had the standard pillow sling which holds your forearm
out away from your chest about 6 inches.  Due to the installation of "extra
hardware" during this surgery, though, the dr has me confined in this super
large sling.  The pillow is at least 10 inches thick and forces my forearm
to be parallel with the front of my chest!  Quite an unusual position, but
I'm about to get the hang of maneuvering through doorways and around
corners.  The hardest part is getting in and out of bed with just one good
arm!!

All in all, I can't complain.  I'll be in this giant sling for at least a
week.  I'll see the dr at the end of this week and will likely begin rehab
sometime after that appointment.

Thanks for all your concern!  I'll keep you posted.