Shoulder dislocation with glenoid fracture in jiu jitsu competition
Hi all,
Last Sunday, during a Brazilian jiu jitsu competition, I dislocated my shoulder. The pain was immense... the worst i have ever experienced, and I had to be taken by car across a city to an a&e to have my shoulder reset under morphine and penthrox. During the accident itself, I had my arm extended whilst posted when my shoulder dislocated, which then made me also fall on my shoulder. I'm +100kg, so I fell hard.
At the fracture clinic the following day, I was told that I also have a glenoid fracture. Despite being classed as 'urgent', I have an MRI arthrogram booked on June 15th. Initally, I thought this was way too long. However, I now understand it's best to have the MRA done when not in the acute phase of the injury, so the delay makes sense now. I was signed off work for an initial period of two weeks (I do a mix of WFH and field work but majority WFH).
I have been in some discomfort since the accident with lots of broken sleep, which is expected. My arm is in a sling, and I am still getting bouts of aching/burning pain. When I remove it to shower, it feels very unstable, and I have to hold my arm. There have been times when transitioning from standing to sitting or from standing to bed where my shoulder feels very unsteady and I can feel/sense a slipping feeling or movement, quite unpleasant. I am unable to dress myself and do many basic tasks.
I have to walk very slowly due to the discomfort in my shoulder, which can be described as a heavy feeling/pressure. Sitting for meals can also be difficult, and I can do this for no longer than 5/10 minutes. I have been prescribed tramadol and naproxen, although I try to avoid taking tramadol as the side effects for the first couple hours are unpleasant (sweating, increased heart rate anxiety etc).
This is my first major injury, so I would appreciate any advice regarding the following.
Due to my current discomfort, I think it'll be difficult to even wfh as I can not sit at a desk. Should I extend my sick leave until the MRI is completed? Sitting at a desk for prolonged periods is just something I can't do right now.
Is it correct that even though it is deemed urgent, I still have to wait 4 weeks for an MRI A scan (NHS England)?
How likely is it that the labrum and other tissues are torn? When the accident happened, I could hear and feel a tearing sound...so I guess likely. Will I require surgery? The Dr indicated this may be the case.
At 40 years old, are my Brazilian jiu jitsu days over? I really hope it isn't the case. However, with a job, a busy family life, and the memory of how much it hurts to dislocate a shoulder, is it worth the risk of it happening again.
Thank you, I would appreciate advice and reflections on similar experiences.