Yusimi Valdes Miranda
Unstoppable and Strong after Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Yusimi Valdes Miranda’s shoulder injuries didn’t happen suddenly. The 39-year-old mother of three, who also cares for her five dogs and a horse, says the damage came from years of pushing herself too hard in the gym. Her high pain tolerance led her to ignore the discomfort she felt in both shoulders. It wasn’t until the pain got so bad that she couldn't do normal activities and care for her family that she decided to see a doctor.
“Imagine having three kids and not being able to lift or play with them,” said Yusimi. “Before my surgeries, I couldn’t throw a ball, I wasn't able to look back in the car. It was quite miserable.”
While Yusimi was experiencing pain in both shoulders, the pain in her left shoulder was the most significant. When she first met her doctor, Jason Walters, M.D., an orthopedic sports medicine doctor with the Broward Health Physician Group, Yusimi says they just clicked. She appreciated how patiently he explained things to her and how special it made her feel when he remembered details of her life from one visit to the next.
“The shoulder joint is one of the most used and complex joints in our body. Ignoring pain that doesn’t go away within a few days can lead to inflammation and worsening condition,” said Dr. Walters.
After first talking with Yusimi about her symptoms and performing a physical exam, Dr. Walters had her get an x-ray that showed no damage to her shoulder bones. The next step was an MRI, which Yusimi did right away.
At her next appointment, Dr. Walters explained she had a type of cartilage tear in the inner part of her left shoulder joint that is commonly referred to as a SLAP tear. She also had bursitis, which is inflammation in the fluid sacs that cushion the joint and a slight tear to her rotator cuff and bicep damage. Her right shoulder had similar damage, but because her symptoms were worse in her left shoulder, it was addressed first.
Dr. Walters gave her options, which included injections and physical therapy, but they were temporary solutions. The only permanent treatment for both shoulders was arthroscopic surgery. In early 2021, Yusimi had surgery on her left shoulder at Broward Health Imperial Point.
“Yusimi’s first surgery included an arthroscopic repair to the SLAP tear with subacromial decompression and partial acromioplasty,” said Dr. Walters.
The following fall, she had surgery on her right shoulder following a similar technique.
“In addition, we repaired a tear in the tissue that surrounds the shoulder socket known as the labrum using minimally invasive techniques and suture anchors. I was also able to take out inflammation in her shoulder and she was able to start physical therapy a few weeks after the procedure.”
After each surgery, Dr. Walters gave her step-by-step instructions on what to do as she recovered and rehabilitated her shoulders. Yusimi remembers that her doctor and his office staff were quick to respond anytime she called with questions.
Two years post-surgery, when she’s not actively caring for her children and pets, Yusimi’s back in the gym strength training and taking jazzercise classes.
When asked how she feels today, Yusimi said, “I feel unstoppable. I think I can do anything, because I honestly can. I feel so powerful when I go to the gym and can lift more weight than I ever thought possible.”
To learn more about orthopedic care visit BrowardHealth.org/Orthopedics.