Hi Skiffrace

I would never presume to offer advice on possible surgery. I have many friends though who have had injuries through sports, to shoulders and knees in particular, (most often from playing rugby). Some got surgery, some didn't. Most of them have soldiered on as you did in order to do the things that they loved.

My wife who is a homeopath recommends you get RUTA 6 and RUS TOX 6. Both homeopathic remedies in the sixth potency which are available from health shops etc. Take one pill every third or fourth waking hour or so alternating one and then the other. Try not to eat or drink (except water) or brush teeth etc for half an hour before or after a pill. Do this for four days, then alternate one pill daily for a week or so. Your body should be able to accelerate the healing process a bit.

We all run the risk of being put out of action for a while by the very activity we want to be in action to pursue, especially as we get older. The problem is that we still feel twenty inside and think we will bounce back with rapid recuperation from strains, sprains, breaks and dislocations.

The Point I am clumsily leading up to is an observation I made to myself after reading an article in Ocean Paddler recently on forward paddling, regarding paddle length and blade size. It occurred to me that as I get older, and inevitably weaker, I might compensate by reducing my paddle length and blade size appropriately.

Reading of your mishap I thought this might be a good way to build up strength again when you are able. Exercising the muscles and tendons you need for paddling, but with a low impact paddle that will ease you back into the zone without doing more damage.

I would also suggest that you stop cycling up hills. What an onerous pursuit that must be.

Etienne