I posted something about bursitis ten or so days ago, but today I saw an orthopedic surgeon who says a torn tendon is more likely, based on what hurts. He says bursitis shouldn't cause pain when activating the triceps, which is something I thought just from looking at internet drawings of where the bursa lies.
He thinks the bursitis is a result of the torn tendon. Still, we don't know for sure until we do an MRI next week.
He expressed the opinion that someone my age (57) ought not to be lifting heavy and said this was probably a direct result of that. Assuming I can get back to lifting, he said higher reps would be safer. I'm a bit despondent because the goal I've had for myself was a 300 lb bench and I was getting very close, and now I think it's probably out of my reach.
Until I can start benching again, how effective are chest flies in maintaining upper body strength? Any other suggestions on alternative exercises that don't require triceps?