September 2024
Gary Scheiner MS, CDCES
Owner, Clinical Director
Shouldering the Load for Four Years
Back in the summer of 2020 I did something to trigger a shoulder injury that led to a nasty bout of adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). The limited range of motion and diminished strength were nothing compared to the intense pain that came with most arm movements. When it did not clear up on its own by the following spring, I began seeking treatment. What followed over the next 3+ years is something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I had multiple cortisone injections and saw two different orthopedic surgeons who performed a total of four different procedures. Between surgeries were countless (and painful) physical therapy sessions. At one point, when things seemed to be at a complete standstill, I sought out an array of “creative” solutions: acupuncture, therapeutic massage, and active release therapy just to name a few. I did my stretching exercises religiously everyy day before and after work and continued to exercise regularly in hopes of loosening it up. It wasn’t until a final “manipulation” procedure that I finally started to recover. Why am I sharing all this? Because there are many parallels between treatments for an orthopedic injury and treatment of diabetes. They both take work and sacrifice. Different approaches work for different people. And in almost every case, treatment is a process and not a simple snap of magical medical fingers. Effective treatment takes patience, persistence, and a certain degree of trial and error. When we try something that doesn’t work, it is not a sign of failure – it just gets us one step closer to the right answer. I have a sign in my office that reads:“The greatest teacher failure is.” It’s a quote from Yoda, the diminutive (yet powerful) character from the Star Wars saga. Wiser words were never spoken.So don’t forget… diabetes management is a process. It will be filled with trials and tribulations, just like my drawn-out battle with frozen shoulder. I was lucky to find the right doctor who chose the right procedure at the right time. Maybe we can do the same for you and your diabetes. And if we can’t, we’ll keep trying until we help you reach our personal goals. That’s what partners do – there’s no giving up around here. I hope you find this month’s edition of Diabetes Bites informative and entertaining. If you prefer to get your diabetes information by listening rather than reading, check out Think Like A Pancreas: The Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. As always, please reach out if there is anything we can do to assist you with making diabetes management better and easier: call 610-642-6055 or send an email to info@integrateddiabetes.com. Your Partner In The Process,
Gary Scheiner MS, CDCES
Owner, Clinical Director
