My Life in a Sling! – Rotator Cuff Surgery

Sounds painful, it’s tough not to move your arm. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Ina

HAVE HAD 4 ROTOR CUFF PROCEDURES-3 ON RIGHT 2 SCOPE 1 OPEN- HAVE FULL MOTION-SLEEPING ON RECLINER- PILLOW UNDER AND ON SIDE OF SHOULDER ALSO KEEP SLING HIGH ! AT LEAST 90 DEGREE ANGLE YOUR HAND CLOSE OR ABOVE HEART RELIEVES STRESS- WHEN TRYING TO SLEEP -ALSO NO PAIN MEDS —-AFTER 7 PM— TRY PM OVER COUNTER OR NYQUIL- ALSO FOR MOTION BEST THING FOR ME —TRY A HEATED POOL OR JACUZZI WORKS WONDERS 55 YEAR OLD MALE- GOD BLESS

I just came across this site and read some of the stories and found it very helpful. I had a tear on my left shoulder and had rotator cuff surgery on June 15, 2016. I have not experience any pain only a little soreness, but I noticed the back of my left hand is very swollen. I am wearing a sling and also using an ice pack. I am taking the pain medication twice a day since they are helping with the soreness. I am scheduled to see my doctor on June 28, 2016. I will give you all an update with my recovery. My husband has been helping me with bathing and cooking our meals.

Best wishes to you on your recovery and rehab. Hope it all goes off without a hitch and that the swelling is temporary.

I’ve been thinking about patients with rotator cuff surgery since hearing about the crackdown on pain meds. Here at “My Life in a Sling” I see we’ve all had different experiences–some people didn’t experience much pain and others, like me, found it very painful.

I had to use the strong pain med for probably 5-6 weeks (it wasn’t at all addictive though it did slow my GI tract down) then I was switched to Tramadol (I think that’s what it was called) which was absolutely worthless.

I hope for the sake of those who endure the pain of shoulder surgery, that physicians are coming up with innovative and EFFECTIVE ways to deal with the pain if they are going to quit giving the targeted meds from the crackdown.

For those newer to shoulder surgery, I’d be curious what your experience was on the meds, particularly if you were affected quite a bit by the pain.

Hello, Brenda.
Re post op pain, I had a reverse shoulder replacement in June and, while I wasn’t pain free, I didn’t think it was that bad. I used Tramadol which I found quite effective and I alternated with Tylenol. I now occasionally use Tylenol.

Dee, I’m glad your experience with the pain levels wasn’t too bad. And that Tramadol worked for you shows how variable all the medications are. I just find it fascinating how what doesn’t work for one works for something else. Thanks for posting.

Hi Brenda, I’m 4 weeks out of Rotator Cuff Repair. The day after surgery my family had to evacuate from Hurricane Matthew and we traveled in our travel trailer to a campsite upstate. My MD gave me Percocet, 7.5 mg and I also took Advil post op, per MD’s ok. The ES Tylenol did not help at all. I had 2 cm full thickness tears in 3 different tendons. Surgeon told me I was going to have a lot of pain and has also given me another refill on the Percocet. A coworker only had a Labral tear and she said she never took her pain pill but I am still requiring one in the morning and one at night. I don’t think that’s too much. Your body cannot heal and you can’t benefit from PT f you are tensed up. One post op man told me his PT suggested to ask his surgeon for a Valium RX to take before his PT. This man claimed it helped him tremendously. Good luck with your recovery. I expect to return to work after Thanksgiving on light duty status. There is no way I am going through this again

Ann,

I’m glad to hear they weren’t stingy with the medication regimen. Best wishes on your continued recovery. And I’m with you. I never want to do shoulder surgery again!

I had open rotator cuff surgery on nov 18, 2016 . Turns out I am allergic to all pain meds except tramadol. I have learned to take a tramadol with 2 extended release tylenol. This helps control the pain. My pain really didnt start again until about week 3 however I still have to sleep in the recliner.

OMG I WAS SO BLESSED! My pain never got terrible! After surgery took pian meds regular to stay ahead of the pain!! And the nerve block and the ball with meds for three days help so much never had horrible pain! Repair a full thickness tear bone spurs shaved bursitis and frozen shoulder!! Doc told me I had the real deal!! Then went back to driving school bus again surgery 8 months later!
So had second surgery in 8 mos it was so easy! But that sling!!

Hi guys I just had my surgery on Friday I haven’t had a lot of pain but I am very uncomfortable and my arm feels like it’s in a constant spasm …….I starting to get light shooting pains in my shoulder and a light burning sensation were I had tear under my arm my fingers are swollen as well and I don’t know if I should take my sling off to shower I have kept it on

Let us know how your check up went. I found this place called reboundwear.com They sell clothing specifically for people who are dealing with surgery. It is helpful to get dressed without needing to move your arm in a sling. check them out. It worked for my son when he went for surgery.

Great for you Rene. You were fortunate . I had rotator cuff repair on left arm in 2013 and block didn’t work so I was in miserable pain. I had same surgery plus bone spurs on right arm on December 29th. The first two days were extreme pain and the meds weren’t helping. I was on percocet, and flexeral. My arm is still very sensitive to pain and my elbow hurts wearing this sling and sleeping in it is a major challenge. I don’t want to ever do this again.

I was injured at work and suffered a full tear in my rotator cuff and shredded my bicep tendon. I was able to schedule surgery and expected good results. 8 anchors were required to re-attach my tendons and i had to get open surgery to repair the bicep which looked like it exploded. The nerve block was awesome, until it wore off. I started taking 2 of the 5-325 Percocet (as prescribed) around 2PM figuring that when the nerve block wore off around 7PM I’d have some painkillers already in me. I took 2 every 4 hours. Apparently I was taking sugar cubes. The pain never subsided. I was up for about 48 hours straight before i felt any relief. I took Motrin in between and that seemed more effective. I changed ice packs regularly. Its been 6 weeks since surgery, I’ve started PT to a very small degree. Its getting better but I still get cramping and at times it seems like I can feel every anchor in my arm. I’ve basically moved into my living room because I cannot lay flat. My recliner is my new bed. I recommend having lots of ice, lots of help and lots of patience. Good Luck !!

Pamela,
Wondering if the fingers on your left hand are swollen as well and has it resolved?

I had a right reverse total shoulder replacement in June and about three to four weeks afterwards (still in a sling) my right wrist and fingers became mildly swollen, making it a challenge to make a fist. There was a fair amount of swelling under my arm and, of course being in a sling most of the time for six weeks doesn’t help. By gravity it seeps downward and then, I am told, can take quite awhile for the body to reabsorb. It’s better now but not gone and I was wondering about others’ experiences. Thanks in advance.

OMG… i thought i was the only person going threw this hell!!… and hell it is.. im in new zealand and have had to ops to dominant left shoulder rotorcuff .. 9yrs and still the pain discomfort, swelling,veins bursting,fingers numb, movement quarter of what it was… and right arm well … that dosent help me much other than straining it in the rotorcuff doing vaccuming… my heart goes out to u all..
REGARDS PIXIE

Sorry to hear that Scott, I hope it will get better soon.

Just passed the 6th week of post op. I miss a good night sleep. Hope you’re doing well now.
Ken

I am scheduled for surgery on March 29th. Just wondering if you were able to manage taking the sling off and on by yourself. Since I live alone, I am nervous about that aspect of the surgery/recovery. Do you think I will need assistance to bathe/get dressed/etc.? Good luck with your recovery.

I had mine done dec 20 and for the first week i would recommend help with bathing and dressing it after that its not to bad except for having 5 kids lol lots of luck to you! Kelly

I had mine on March 29th, so you and I must be at about the same place right now. I am back to work, though not by choice (I have no benefits).

I’m pretty sore, and afraid to remove the sling because of resulting pain, but I do it. I talk myself through my shower and dressing every morning, and am very very careful.

Oddly, I’m sleeping well, curled on my other side with sore shoulder and sling propped on top of me. The pendulum exercises and arm raises are trying, but I know themore I do, the stronger I will be, themore thepain will lessen.

Good luck, and stay strong.

L

Hi, I had mine 5 days ago. Mine was a complete tear of rotator cuff and was displaced about a inch from where it should be connected to bone. I am surprisingly doing well. I have very little pain and my sutures have healed well and had a full shower today and washing the surgery site with soap. I am however leery of undoing the repair and trying to wear the sling all the time. I am sleeping well also. I am down to about one or two pain pills a day, and probably don’t need any, but taking some just because I have them. I could have gone to work yesterday if I had to, but am staying home because when I get back it will be back to the grind. I am feeling a little guilty staying at home and watching TV all the time, when I can go back to work 🙁

I had my first PT and did the pendulum thing. I saw my doc today as well. She was surprised how little pain I have. She however wanted to me to take it easy and use the cast all the time. The sling is bulky and looks awkward :(. This is the one down side to the surgery :(. I wish I could get back to hiking and other activities.

Anyway, I am a 45 years old male, and this surgery has been really a breeze given it was arthroscopic surgery. I have had 4 back surgeries (two L5-S1 fusions) and three knee surgeries (ACL reconstruction) and now the rotator cuff surgery. Pain-wise this surgery has been night and day compared to the back surgeries. I think my doc did an awesome job where the post surgery pain has been minimal. The PT person said most other patients experience a lot of pain like mentioned in some of the posts here. So I guess I’m one of the lucky ones. I hope my recovery will be as good as the surgery experience.

Good luck to all the folks having the same surgery. Don’t worry about the post surgery pain, just do the surgery and get your arm back to how it was.

-Nalin

Glad it’s been smooth so far, Nalin. So your PT and doc are believers in the start PT early thing. As mine have been. So I’d be curious–if you happen to think of it at the time, I’d love to hear a report of how you’re doing between weeks 4-8, since that’s the time I found most difficult of the whole shebang (I’m 11 weeks post op today).

Hi BK,

Thanks. Yes, I will let you know how I’m doing in 4-8 weeks time. That is when I get rid of the sling. Yes, the PT was on the 4th day after surgery. Given your comments I suspect I will also have harder times coming. The doc said that the pain will go back up in the coming weeks and then go back down finally. I guess the pain is related to the PT exercises. I am sure they will give PT exercises which will make it inflamed and painful in the coming days. In fact the doc said I will have to do refill of the pain meds. I was not sure this is needed. In any case we will find out in the coming weeks.

-Nalin

Hooray for sleep! The hideous, never ending insomnia finally stopped at some point last week. I can also sleep lying on the operated side for a while (something I thought would NEVER happen, even before the surgery, due to the pain on that side). I am grateful for the healing power of the body!

Nalin – Maybe you will be one of the lucky ones! I honestly think that each surgery is different because each injury is different. So many factors to take into account, besides just age, gender, health level, etc. If you waited a year to get the surgery, like I did, the torn tendons may shrink to the point that they have to be stretched to the limit to be reattached to the bone. If you had a lot of old scar tissue and the surgeon decides to debride it all, you may be in a lot more pain than the person with relatively little scar tissue. I know my surgeon ended up removing even more scar tissue during my second surgery, and the internal workings of my shoulder were already inflamed and traumatized to begin with. My worst pain was during the 3rd and 4th week after my 2nd surgery (and I was still immobilized with no PT allowed due to complications with one of the screws getting pulled back out of the bone after the 1st surgery). After the 4th week and finally starting PT, I am actually in much LESS pain. I also think that it is a huge bonus that you are sleeping well so soon in the recovery process. I had wicked insomnia for about 7.5 weeks which was so debilitating and negatively affected every aspect of my life. If you have little pain and are sleeping well only 5 days out, I have a feeling you will do great during PT and recovery 😀

Hi Demetra,

Yes, you are probably right, The doc did tell me to do the surgery within 2 months of the injury or I will have complications, making surgery harder. I did my surgery within a month of the injury. You are right about each injury being unique. I guess pain is also relative. I can handle a lot of pain usually. In any case glad you are doing well yourself after the second surgery. I hope this is my first and the last surgery on my shoulder.

Ok, here’s my two week update. It was exactly two weeks ago I had my surgery. I am doing fine so far. I went for PT yesterday and got some good stretch exercises done. I am mostly pain free right now. I am back at work and typing away, given I’m on the computer all the time. I do get sharp pains in my shoulder occasionally, but is not a big deal.

I am really stressed out about wearing this sling at work and walking around. I feel I am cheating all the folks with the sling on. People look at me like I’m really messed up, which I’m NOT. So to get around it I stay in my office as much as possible and try not to venture out. I even keep the door partially closed so folks don’t see me with my sling on.

I don’t think I’ve recovered by any means. I do feel a lot of weakness in the hand. If anything, the only issue I have is my neck is very stiff and I have some neck pain. I do mess with my neck all the time, twisting/bending it till I hear a cracking sound. I am down to about one pain pill a day now. I am eager to get back to slowly working out. I did a hike last week of about 7 miles round trip (mostly flat terrain). Would have gone for a lot more if not for it getting dark. One guy joked saying “one hand hiking… eh?”. the upcoming weekend I can see myself going on a longer hike. I do all this with my sling on.

Can’t wait to get back to normal, hopefully within a month or so.

-Nalin

Glad to hear it’s going so well. Interesting thing is, before I had the surgery or immediately after, I’d read lots of input from people who’d had problems with their neck with having to wear the sling. That’s the one problem I had very little of. Go figure.

I’ve had terrible trouble with my neck because of the damn sling and only now (9 weeks) is it slightly better!

Here’s my 5 week update. It was exactly 5 weeks ago I had my surgery. A week ago exactly I shed the sling. I have been careful with my hand since. But, want to get to a normal routine so that I will have less stiffness. I was doing really well, no pain, pretty good flexibility. But, around the 30th day after surgery I ended up sleeping on my operated shoulder overnight. In the morning I was really feeling sore and I felt I had regressed and might have undone the surgery. I was having pain down the hand and then also a lot of neck pain and shoulder pain (probably like a week after the surgery). I was so freaked out and just took it easy. It took about 2-3 days to slowly get back to the way I was before.

I talked to my PT person and she said it definitely will do that if you sleep on your shoulder after 30 days of surgery and other patients can’t even sleep 5 minutes they wake up in pain and have to turn around. Anyway, I was kind of worried initially. I saw my doc also around 33 days after surgery and asked her if I had undone the surgery. She said absolutely NOT and it was doing fine. Phew.. big relief … Anyway, I’ve getting used to the life without a sling and it is good so far.

I asked my doctor about going out hiking, camping, backpacking :). She said it is too early for that and if I fall I will undo the surgery. I’m actually going camping this weekend. A friend was supposed to come with me, but he chickened out with the weather turning cold. Anyway, will see how it goes and decide if I’m going or not later. Life has to go on and I also have to do what I have to do….

Almost 7 years ago, I fell on the ice and shattered my right elbow. Had surgery; radial head removed, screw placed into elbow joint (?) Went through 4 months of rehab. Regained full motion. Only went through one ” season change” where my elbow hurt. Then 6 years later, at the same time that I was dealing with a bulging disk, of which wasn’t diagnosed for 2 excruciating weeks. An xray of my right arm showed that the prosthesis had dislodged from the reconstructive site, whereby causing numbness/sharp/dull/throbbing pain. In October of 2012, I underwent surgery to remove the prosthesis. Surgery was a success and I never had one moment of pain 🙂

In January of 2013, once again I fell on the ice, and again landing smack dab on my right elbow. I knew the moment I hit that I had fractured my elbow again. Immediately, I went to the ER and after xrays was told nothing was fractured but my elbow was very banged up; internal bleeding, swelling, fluid retention, and bruising. Actually, I was told I would have been better off had I fractured my elbow, that my injuries would take quite some time to heal. Went to my Orthopedic Surgeon the next day with the xrays and my surgeon confirmed what the ER diagnosed. He placed my in a splint and sling for good measure and to return for follow up in 30 days. Follow up xrays actually confirmed that I did in fact have a fracture…a Corinoid fracture. Was placed in a cast for 4 weeks. Follow up visit showed slight improvement and was put back in a splint for 30 days. Follow up visit xrays this time actually showed no improvement at all since the very beginning…placed in another cast for 6 weeks this time. This went on and on because the surgeon did not want to resort to surgery, which by the way is pretty much a given with a Corinoid fracture, no matter how big or small. Bottom line…surgeon concluded that the reason for no improvement was because I basically had no stability left in my elbow…surgery was eminent. Surgery lasted approximately 2.5 hours and the surgeon this type of surgery was a “bear” compared to when I shattered my elbow, plus I’ve ended up with possible permanent nerve damage in my pinky finger, entire side of hand, and elbow (I was warned of this risk before surgery). My occupation is a Cosmetologist and throughout this whole ordeal I have only missed work for 1 week for each surgery. I’m sure my type of work has not help this lack of healing.

I’d love to say there is a happy ending to this…unfortunately not. For the past 4 weeks, I have had to work alone due to a serious injury to my manager. After the 1st week of working alone (double-duty) I woke up and not had extreme pain in my right arm, which to this day is still in a splint since surgery…now I am unable to move my left arm. I made it a point to do nothing by veg the entire weekend. Upon getting into the shower I saw a 4″ diameter black/blue bruise. Went back to my surgeon who ordered an MRI even though he thought I probably just sprained a ligament. Received a call from my surgeon last Wednesday stating that I had torn the rotator cuff and it was an inch away from the bone, so I assume that means a complete tear? I didn’t think to ask him…I guess because I was in shock. I guess by now you have concluded that this has not been a good year for me!

Because of my job, I cannot have the surgery until December 23rd. I take advil and a muscle relaxer in the morning, which helps a little, but by 2:00 p.m. the pain becomes pretty intense and I’m not sleeping well at all because now I have BOTH arms not in such good working order. The surgeon has stated that after surgery, I should be able to return to work within 1-2 weeks, and I will be limited to manicures/pedicures only because I will not be able to raise my arm.

I’m sorry this “comment” turned into a “novel”…just thought it would be helpful to give complete insight on what I am and have been dealing with. If anyone is still awake after reading this, I would appreciate any and all info regarding the surgery (it’s going to be outpatient) recoup time, rehab time, and any other suggestions how to survive this along with my other “bumb” arm.

Thank you so much for reading my life story 🙂

Hi Vanessa,

Sounds like you’ve been through it all. Sorry to hear that you are having such a bad year. But on the bright side the RC surgery is probably going to be a lot easier than your other surgeries. But, the full recovery time seems more with shoulder getting stiff. With a full RC tear the hand felt like it was hanging without any support. It felt like the hand was displaced about half inch. That feeling is not there anymore with the surgery. I feel great. So I think you will appreciate the surgery after it is done and you recover.

Good luck. I’m sure you will be fine. Also, from your description of your earlier surgeries you sound like you are warrior and good at coping with surgery and the pain that comes with it. Good luck with your surgery and keep us updated on your progress.

Regards,
Nalin

I have a Massive Rotator Cuff Tear and I see some of you have had the same thing happen to You, my big problem is which Doctor to choose, anyone want to recommend theirs?? I live in the Red Bluff Area,
Thanks,
Duke

Hi, you are a bit ahead of me in the recovery process so I’m interested in how the progress is going forward. I’m still sleeping in a chair and that has been fine as I’m at the 5 week mark. I’m doing PT 2-3 times per week and 3-4 times a day while at home. My issues is the more I do the PT drills the more pain I introduce. I’m not taking any pain killers of any kind and I’m confident this will all turn out well in the long run.

How are you doing,any advice or guidance?

Yes you will need help. I just had surgery a week ago and still need help

YES, you will need help if this is a little messy it’s because I just had rotator cuff surgery with 4 Rod’s put in my arm I forgot the proper name for them but when I went into surgery on June 16th they put a block in my shoulder so I wouldn’t have pain that day when I was recovering all I did was numb my hand really super bad and it drove me crazy having that numbness for almost a day when the numbness went away I discovered that I still have some tingling in my fingers I have numbness on the side of my breast and underneath my armpit on the right side and I’m hoping that that will go away it’s been 11 days now!!!!!! I can’t type well so I’m talking into this so there may be some typos but my experience might have been different than other people I was in excruciating pain the day after my surgery and was taken to the emergency room where they’re coming up with all sorts of different drugs didn’t really help me and I had to deal with the pain until it subsided a few days later but I still have pain everyday it’s more like a soreness feeling it’s hard for me to sleep so I take Vicodin everyday I try to only take two because I don’t want to become addicted and the acetaminophen is also bad for.Iff you are alone you will need to see if they can get somebody to come in a CNA or somebody to help you I am here and my son and his friend have been helping me but they can’t be here forever and I’ve already had some mishaps with drinks spilling and me grabbing it and then tweaking my arm so if I were you I would try to get somebody in there for you before you go and proceed with the surgery it’s not a laughing matter!!!! I just am one that did not have a good experience I start my physical therapy tomorrow and I was told it will be very painful so I’m a little paranoid but I’m going to do the best I can I just hope I’m not going to have to rely on more pain pills 2 times a day is enough good luck to you but if I were you I would see if somehow you can get a visiting nurse or CNA or one of your friends to come help you because it’s very difficult not being able to use one of your arms and to get food ready for you to get showered and all the activities of daily living are going to be very hard for you! Good luck to you and sorry that there weren’t any periods or commas but I’m talking into this thing it’s just too hard to type!!!

Janet,
Yes, I was able to manage taking the sling on and off – although it’s tricky! Hard to describe – but you’ll figure it out. Hardest part is getting it back on.
My recovery has been progressing just great – I couldn’t be happier. Good luck with your surgery and recover!
Best,
Scott

i had my surgery 5 days ago and would love to straighten my elbow, use a wash cloth but cannot move out of the sling without great pain.
i live alone and the sling fastens in the back? any ideas?

Dear Bette

Don’t do anything alone, ask your doctor when you can do pendulum movements and have someone show you. Ask questions, write them down as you think of them. Take your pain meds. I am 22 days out and the first week was the worst, it gets better. It is important to follow directions and be patient, you don’t want ton do this twice! Get friends to come over.

Praying for you!
George

Scott,
I have been told I need rotator cuff surgery. I’m still trying to figure out if I want to go ahead or wait. Did the surgery work for you? Are you happy with the way things went? My doctor says not to wait more than 18 months. I’m trying to figure it out if it would be better to have it done in the summer or winter. I live in desert country. Temps this week above 100 degrees. I would appreciate any wisdom you could give me. Thanks, Mary

mary – i had shoulder surgery 12 days ago. do it, don’t put it off! i found this site three days before my surgery and almost postponed it because of how many people post with a negative experience. it was freaking me out. but time moves fast in life. i thought about how happy i’ll be this summer that i took care of it at the end of winter. yes, there is pain but if you use a mobilizer instead of a sling, it will hold your shoulder in the proper position. once you train yourself to keep it from moving there is a lot fewer bouts with pain.
i had some fears about lack of sleep but i have averaged four to six hours straight before pain wakes me up. i take some over the counter meds, stay up for an hour or two, and go back to sleep for three or four more hours. i have always been good about creating a thought in mt mind of a peaceful place that i’d like to be sleeping in then think about it until i am at peace and go to sleep.
i tend to always find the good in whatever my circumstance, so i think about people that are missing limbs yet live very full lives. this will pass. i should be able to find ways to take care of myself and make it through this temporary hardship.
you can do this. prep your mind for it. think about the end result….and believe that regardless of the situation, find something good and positive to do with your time. this will take your mind off the negatives.

I’m at the six week mark and making solid progress. I had a couple of screws inserted and all of the stitches that go with it. I have not been taking any meds so I endure the constant dull pain.

I’ve been in rehab constantly since surgery. 2-3 times per week and 3-4 times per day at home. The rehab adds lots of pain to the process so I’m constantly adding ice packs. I’m sleeping in recliner still as it provides the greatest relief and do get a reasonable nights sleep. Based on all of the reading on this process it sounds like a very long road.

I have a motorized chair at home that stretches the arm as part of the process. This is a real blessing as I can mark and measure progress as I gain greater flexibility. However, these workouts create new bouts of pain to be dealt with. It does seem that every day it gets a wee bit better. I’m told by other golfers this can be a six month process.

While I live in Ga where the weather has been very nice of late, today is cold and wet and my shoulder ache’s like crazy.

I’m optimistic that all of this will pass and every day will be a better one……..just don’t screw up the recovery.

My reward for showing progress is to allow myself to do some one handed putting.

Good luck, Dudley Murphy

Hi Todd,

Thanks for the positive outlook. How is your recovery to date?
My surgery is scheduled for June 18th – moved up from January 2014. I couldn’t be happier.
I live alone and new to my community so I’m reaching out for assistance and filling my freezer with great food.
I will treat this as a vacation and look forward to some time off this summer.
I look forward to resuming my passions – skiing, golf and yoga….all in time.
All the best.
Colleen

Good morning, Todd
Not sure if my original email went through.
Thank you for your words of encouragement. It truly is the power of positive thought that gets us through the most difficult situations.
How is your recovery to date?
I will have arthroscopic surgery on my right shoulder on June 18th. The surgery was moved up from January 2014 so I am thrilled to go through this during the summer months. I live in Central Ontario Canada.
I live alone and I’m in a new city at a new job so I’m enlisting all the assistance I can. I’ve discovered how eager people are to help. The local minister has organized food etc for me and I don’t even attend her Church. This injury has opened up so many doors for me and I’ve met people I never would have had the pleasure to know.
I’m busy getting my little cottage prepared for left handed use and I’ve walked around in a sling for the past two days to figure out my greatest needs. Recovering on the water surrounded by nature and sunshine will definitely keep my spirits high.
I know the road will be tougher than I think but it isn’t forever and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to be fixed and live life to its fullest.
My goal is to spend my 50th birthday in January 2014 skiing in Italy – I have 7 months….
Thanks again for seeing the goodness in life.

Colleen

I had shoulder replacement on June 4th. One month later, I fell tearing my rotator cuff. Will have surgery next Tuesday. Your posts have helped me mentally prepare. Thanks.

Karen,

Oh my word! A double whammy. I’m so sorry. My warmest thoughts for a smooth surgery and un-eventful recovery.

Brenda

I had Rotator cuff and bicep tendon repair early January 2015, I too debated about having the surgery after reading blogs, etc…but I had it done and have had no problems. Therapy started 6 weeks after surgery, the therapist said to stop any movement if painful which was fine with me. The first 3 months were slow and then my healing took off. By June I was golfing 3 times a week with a modified swing. Being 73 years, I’m grateful I had the surgery and that the surgeon and therapist did not believe in pushing through pain and 6 months after was back to about 90%.

Good for you, Leslie! I have an 87 year old friend who had rotator cuff surgery this June & is recovering remarkably well. I couldn’t believe she would opt for the surgery at her age, but she wanted it done so she could drive again. She had fallen on ice while delivering meals on wheels back in March, so workman’s comp. paid for the surgery. She is extraordinary!

Also, Brenda, how are you doing? I remember that you were not happy with your results from 2 years ago. I, too, had rotator cuff surgery 2 years ago in June and have some pain in the area nearly every day. I have good range of motion. Don’t know if the pain is because of the surgery or not. I’m 59 years old. Haven’t talked to the surgeon since August 2013 but don’t think he would be any help now, unless the pain gets worse (it’s just 1-2 on a scale of 10).

I just had it done about 3 weeks back and its terrible.. The sleeping and not being able to move your arm for a full month is no joke..Be mentally prepared for it as i wasnt..

amen…… i’m 2 weeks post op and just now figuring out sleeping with a sling

I’m getting ready to have it done November 10, 2010. My MRI didn’t show a torn rotator cuff but you never know. It did show inflamed rotator cuff, frayed labrum, a bone spur causing an impingement and last but certainly not least, arthritis in my clavicle. I’m not worried about the surgery but I am very concerned about the recovery and rehab.

I had my left rotator cuff repaired (it was completely torn) bursistis cleaned up & a bone spur removed April 8, 2011. I wore the sling for 5 weeks & now I’m into my 15th week of 3 times a week physical therapy & I’m hoping it will soon be coming to an end even though I still have pain its just a different kind of pain & let me tell you I slept in a recliner for 8 weeks – I’m in bed now but still can’t even lay on my left side because its to pain. I wouldn’t wish this surgery on my enemy!! Good luck to whoever has to have this done – That’s all I can say!!!

I am schduled for rotator cuff surgery next week. After researching the surgery thoroughly, I am beginning to wonder if I should have it. MRI showed one tendon
“hanging by a thread.” Have dull ache, lifting it certain ways cause sharp pain, but
I think I can live with this. I am a 66 year old woman with diabetes. Any thoughts
on whether the benefits warrant this surgery at my age?

phyliss,

2 weeks ago i had a complete tear in my right shoulder repaired (which was hanging by a thread), as well as re-attachment of the bicep tendon which was shredded. i will say this much.. being 35 years old, and having a job working in a warehouse and being a weightlifter for over 15 years (more than likely the reason for the bad shoulder to begin with) i felt having the surgery was the only option for me if i wanted to have some kind of a chance of resuming my life as it was. my job got nearly impossible to do, and i could no longer stay on a weight training routine. i knew what i was getting into and dreaded the recovery..

so just saying that i would have done without surgery if i wasn’t so active, so how it effects your day to day is something to consider. for me, i could sleep with the injury just fine, but mowing the grass, working on my cars, home repairs, my job, and working out got impossible for me to do, so i did what i felt i had to do. now i’m 2 weeks post op, its been a nightmare, i start PT soon.. still can’t sleep more than 3 or 4 hours a night.. i can’t get comfortable yet. sling comes off in 4 weeks, PT is gonna be tough, doc already worked on ROM a few days ago so i got a taste of that, and it hurts. may return to work in 4 to 6 months, doc says it will take a year to get back to normal, and i still may never be the same again. still, i have no regrets (SO FAR..) , i’m looking to the light at the end of the tunnel, its pretty far out there right now tho.. 🙂

Was your rehab that long because of the severity of the tear?
4-6 months seems like an eternity .

I just had rotater cuff surgery on February 14,2013.I had several bone spurs.a torn tendona large spur that was cutting into the tendon,a very bad artritis.and joints that needed work.
I had a pain pump for about 72 hours and one pain Med. After the pump was done.

I still needed more help with pain. So another pain Med was called in for me and I am alternating them every 3 hours. Should only need to do this for another 72 hours. Hopefully. I find it very hard to take care of personal needs by myself, coming my hair and putting it up in rubber band or clip is impossable. Etc opening things etc. I am glad I have family to help me.

Just had my surgery last Friday, feb 15. Pain pump ran out sat, not sun like it should. I have never been in such pain in my whole life. I am not sleeping thru the night, waking up a lot. Started therapy on mon, feb 18. Seems early compared to some on this site. Pt is happy with my reach so far, but after I really have to ice down. Anyone that starts pt, remember to take your pain meds before. I get my stitches out this fri, feb22. I hope to get a refill on pres, hope they don’t give me a problem. I hate this sling, so uncomfortable. Overall, just wish I could get thru this first week and hope to feel better soon! 49 and I really need my late mother and father. She went thru 2 shoulder replacements and 2 knee replacements. I didn’t realize what she went thru. I know she didn’t have rotator cuff surgery but I know she went thru a lot and I wish I could talk to her. Sorry, feeling sorry for myself. Please send me prayers as I sent out to all of you.

praying sharon 2/18 i went in finally able to sit and update never felt pain like this before, was actually shaking uncontrolably and crying when block wore off after 8 hours. the doc ordered hydromorphone which only made me sick so now I am on oxycodone every 3 hours. ice. making this tolerable. Actually had a pain free hour yesterday morning after taking aspirin. Last night I slept for 2 hours at a shot. Great improvement over 20 minute naps. Wondering if there is such a thing as a comfortable position. Learning what it means to pray without ceasing

I see you posted this comment a year ago and I’m wondering what you decided and how you are. I am your age and alone and very concerned about the helplessness of being without use of arm during first weeks of recovery.

I had my shoulder repair done 3 weeks ago for a torn tendon. I am 55 years old and injured mine on the job. I need to
go back to work as a flight attendant so I didn’t have a choice on the surgery.
It has been a long three weeks. Make sure you have help at home. My surgery was in my dominant hand so even now I can’t shower by myself. I don’t have the mobility or strength to pour shampoo from the container. Cooking is difficult but manageable and I can now dress myself. The first two weeks I needed help to dress myself. Sleeping is the worst with the sling. I sleep on the couch half the night, then the recliner the rest – usually 3 hrs at a time. I started physical therapy last week and, although it hurts like heck, my range of motion is really improving already. I see a light at the end of the tunnel and I am very glad I did the surgery and hope to be pain free and return to work by next spring. Good luck!

just had mine 2 weeks ago. my neck hurts just from the sling. any insight on a different kind of sling?

I you tighten the strap that goes round your chest it takes the weight off the neck one. Just like a pack strap does. I am 8 weeks out now since the op and I am improving daily with movement and capabilities . Still on Panodeine 100mg and Tramidol 50mg (TML)(NZ) 4-6hrly and differs each day I am about to go back to work hopefully in 2 weeks. The pain is still worse at night, my surgeon said this is quite normal and can differ in all people no one is alike.

I have never posted Ina blog before so I’m unclear who this exactly goes out to. I had rotator cuff surgery 5 days ago and I’m writing this from a reclining chair (can’t sleep on my back yet ) … Off the pain meds , they were great for the first 48 hours but after that they made me sick, looking forward to being able to sleep through the night! It is very helpful to read other people’s experiences, thank you!

How are u now? I had my surgery last Friday, I am miserable. Hoping ever day is better. Started pt on Monday, went yesterday and have one scheduled tomorrow. That should be all this week. Stitches come out Friday, not looking forward to that. You are a couple days ahead of me, please tell me it gets better. Sharon

Phyliss, i would be very afraid of dislocation or nerve problems if it’s only “hanging on by a thread”. I’m 65 and had surgery Dec. 5th. Mine was a “massive” tear. Not to scare you but this was 4x harder than I thought it would be. I had poor support from my kaiser Dr. and for about 3 weeks I was only sleeping 3 to 4 hours in 24. It hurt very badly all the time except during the 1st couple hours of oxycodone. For a while I was taking 12) 5 mg. in 24 hours. I got very crazy from the pain and sleep loss. I wasn’t going to hurt myself or anything like that but I couldn’t complete a suduko, read a paragraph or reply to e-mail. I had a wonderful wife at home in the evenings to help. I was just very dis-functional. Putting shoes and sock on before undies, working from 4 Christmas lists, tipping $72. on a $32. tab. Who knows what else. I strictly followed the Dr’s advice, he was worthless but the nurses helped a lot. I basically had to sit up on the couch all night as there wasn’t any position that didn’t really pulse and hurt after about 10 minutes. So why the horror story, I’m now having great progress, just a small ache sometimes and I actually like my therapy exercises. Now I’m glad I did this and believe I’ll be 100% soon. Most importantly, I have talked to and read about very many people who breezed through this. I hope your one of them. Get well!

Feeling your pain. 7 days post op left shoulder. Miss sleeping on that side. The recliner is my friend. Pain meds made me very sick I was glad to get off them. Still a headache and not feeling all there yet. My bandage was too thick and I could not get shoulder iced for first 48 :(. Better now with it off. I get my stitches out tomorrow, not sure if that is good or bad. Met lots who have survived this most say be sure to do PT as directed is important. Take care and feel free to email if you want to commiserate. Jodee.Rowe@yahoo.com

Scott/All,

It’s 3:21 am, January 2, 2012 in NYC and have yet to get a wink of sleep tonight. I had rotator cuff surgery December 29th – the first night after surgery was horrendous. Before the pain block in my arm (left shoulder btw) subsided I was taking the suggested two Percocet every four hours – the pain won. The Percocet was no match for the pain I endured that evening/night. That morning I requested Vicodin – I preceded to take the one Vicodin every 6 hours with better results – after three pills and one trippy reaction I though at least during he day I could abstain from the the pain pills all together – and taking more infrequent 1/2 Vicoden at night. This is my fourth night and the pain I can somewhat live with without the aid of medication, but this sling/torture apparatus is going to kill me. I give it an average mark during the day, but at night it is a whole different story – my is designed in the front with this buckle the attaches one strap to another and digs right into the center of my chest, which again is some what bearable during the day (with a sock wrapped around it), but at night it’s like this blunt instrument digging into my chest all night. The back of the sling has this very large pad that is designed to just past your neck (where you really need it) to partway down your back – it should be removable, but it is not and it gouges in your back when you lie on it. Last night was my fourth night after surgery and I tried a Xanax to relax me before bedtime – a stick of gum would have done more. I might try Ambian tomorrow evening, because these sleepless nights are killing me. Thank god I live alone, because this would be a relationship killer. Any advice would be greatly appreciated…

Joe

Hi Joe, I hope you are doing better. I have to tell you I was literally on the Gurney this morning with the anesthesiologist ready to go and the surgeon there by my side to do my rotator cuff repair when I said “I can’t go through with this” . I had been having second thoughts and the anxiety got the best of me at the very last second. I’m not sure if your post helped me or not because in a few months you might be saying I’m glad I went through with it and I’ll still be feeling my aches and pains. The truth is I really feared screwing it up again somewhere down the line because I have no patience and to be honest I really had no idea exactly what the recovery process would be until about three weeks ago although I knew it might be long. My other shoulder started bothering me not to long ago and I have a strong feeling putting the complete burden on my free arm would blow it out as well and then I’d be stuck with no arms .
I just found this site and not sure it would have helped or not although reading yours would have definitely not helped matters much because I know I would going through exactly what you are and maybe worse because my back is a mess too not to mention my neck etc etc..
anyway check in because it might help both of us seeing as I will be on a roller coaster on and off with regret or relief.

I was so discombobulated from the lack of sleep, drugs and pain that I went 2 weeks with a buckle right in the middle of my clavicle. It hurt even if I wasn’t lying on it. I finally got in the ball park enough to simply change some straps and buckles so they didn’t grind into me. One $.75 plastic buckle did it. I wish you the best. I hope the idiot who devised this has to wear one on each arm until hell freezes over.

I had rotator cuff surgery in May 2010 for a full-thickness u-shaped tear with retraction. I ended up with five anchors. The recovery is tough, for sure, and slower than I expected. I will say that what helped me most both with physical pain and mood was movement. Exercise. Get up and walk. Ride a spin bike. I found that getting the blood moving was the best medicine. Now 19 months out, I am very glad that I had the surgery.

Surgery in three weeks. Really glad I scrolled through these posts long enough to read yours. Do you run? If so, when were you able to run post op? Briskly walk?

Penny,

Good luck with your surgery! You’ll get through it just fine, I’m sure.

I’m no runner – but I do enjoy walking – and walking for me wasn’t a problem beginning a week or so after surgery. You certainly need to be careful – about tripping/falling and catching yourself.

My doc drilled into my head that I just could not afford to fall. I just couldn’t let that happen – he said! So pick your walking courses carefully with that primary consideration in mind!

Scott

Hi Penny,

I’m 54 years old and an avid cyclist, snow/water skier. In fact, it was a nasty bike crash that did my shoulder under. I had surgery 8 days ago and was excited to go for a 2 mile brisk walk today. Felt great! Hope to be on a stationary bike in a couple of months depending on how PT goes. Scott’s advice on being very careful is spot on.

My experience after surgery:
– Slept on recliner first 3 nights.
– Ice machine is a must every 2 hours for 20 minutes as recommended by Doctor.
– Set an alarm to keep up with pain meds. Make sure to eat snack with meds.
– Was able to shower 3 days after surgery. Bought cheap sling to use in shower.
– Bought hair dryer stand from Target online $12. Huge help!
– I was off of pain meds by 4th day but keep in mind everyone is different.
– Taking 3 Advil once a day now.
– Will be in sling 4 weeks, which is a necessary evil.
– I work from home that entails computer work and returned to work 6 days after surgery. Really should have waited one more day.

I know it’s a long rode to recovery but looking forward to feeling much better and enjoying life pain free . Good luck with your surgery!

Michele

Had my surgery for a hole in my tendon and damaged rotator cuff on dec.18, 2012. Horrendous but had to be done. I sleep sitting up. A dull pain/ache after 3 weeks. Pain meds at night. Looking for light at end of tunnel. Can’t sleep with sling. I prop a pillow under my arm and sleep sitting up. Scared to start therapy. Feels like I will never be able to move my arm ever again. Like I said…looking for light at end of tunnel.

nobody has mentioned the cpm chair, when you have a repair (stiches), it is not recommended you start therapy for 3-4 weeks, i started the cpm therapy the next day, i went to a sports medicine dr. where there are about 15 ortho dr. this is what they use, its awesome! it takes the pressure off your muscles so you heal faster and gets you ready for therapy, my surgery was feb. 1 2013, had my other shoulder done 5 years ago, just know more this time, you need to take your arm out of the sling a few times a day right away, the less you move your arm the worst off you will be! by week 2 i only have it on to sleep, or if i leave the house.

I’ve had the Xrays, shown a bone spur, had the MRI earler in the week. My pain is not terrible, an announce so I wondering if the surgery is worth it. I’m 69, a runner and golfer with no other maladies.

I’m thinking the IBPropin or other over the counter drugs are a great alternative?

The rehap soulds long and painful and I wont be able to do the normal stuff.

I’m in Columbus Ga for what that counts

Dear Dudley
We all have to make these choices, this is a great place to get some insight. I am 2 weeks post-op today, for superspiadus repair 1 x 2 cm and bone spur removal. The 2 nights before my surgery I had the most pain since my injury 11 months ago. I knew that night I had made the right choice to have the surgery. I have less pain today doing PT to regain flexability than before the surgery for sure!
I believe my bone spur was part of the cause for the tear. Ask your Doctor about your tendon’s condition and if the bone spur may cause you more pain over time? You may be better off in the long run getting rid of the Spur now and you recovery will be easier than Spur and Tendon repair. I am 61 and hope to golf next year! Good Luck to you! God Bless Dr. Hubbell ! Ask 2 Doctors

Hey Dudley, all I can tell you is that I was living on Ibuprophen for the past few years when my shoulder would flare up. I chalked it up to getting older, but I should have had it looked at. The surgeon told me I only have a 40% success rate now because the Supraspinatus receded over all that time. If I had known 5 years ago, I could have a better outcome, I probably would have done it. Now I will never be able to pull the string to start my weed whacker, lawn mower, etc. Both the first and second opinions I got agreed 🙁 So I would recommend you talk to the surgeon, get a second opinion, and weigh if it’s worth it or not. Basically, mine will not get better without surgery, it will only get worse, and at this point I can’t even lift a text book without pain. Good luck 🙂

Well, I bit the bullet and had the surgery on 2/26 so I’m 10 days out of surgery and feeling very lucky. The first night was in the hospital where I learned the meds certainly killed the pain but also any sense of balance. I left looking like the town drunk and have not had a pill of any kind sense.

Like many others I’m in a recliner which is working really well. 3 days after surgery the stitches were removed and I was off to rehab which will go on for an extended period. The exercises for the first 4 weeks are mostly passive with low impact stretching. I also have one of the motorized chairs that raises the arm as a stretching exercise 3-4 times daily. I’ts an awesome recovery tool that I would recommend. The rehab guy’s and gals at St. Francis here in Columbus have an amazing program and I’m fortunate to be a part of it.

I’m using ice as often as possible and the surgeons really recommend this process. I’m feeling fortunate given the lack of pain in rehab but equally frustrated by the length of the recovery, Looking forward to 70 degrees and being able to get out over the weekend.

Good luck to everyone, Dudley

Michele, Scott and many others,
Thank you for the great ideas … Hair dryer Stan’s ? Who knew!!! And I’m feeling very housebound so getting out to walk is a great idea , I’m scared I’ll fall though and do not want to go through this ever again!!!
Exercise bike sounds like a great idea!
Thank you very much!

Hi Michele.
I found your post to someone named Penny. That is also my name. I am due to have surgery in 3 weeks and after reading most posts I was thinking of backing out. But your post is very encouraging to me. I am healthy, active, and love to walk. I feel much better after reading your post and hope my recovery experience will be as positive as yours. I have printed off your post to put on my wall for encouragement.

Many blessings.
Penny A

Michelle, your info is helpful. My rotator cuff surgery is 2/13/17.
Pain meds make me nauseous and dizzy but will do what I have to. Had some info that ice machine is helpful so I plan on using one. My concern is my Dr’s nurse said the Dr. only suggests them for knee surgery. I’m getting one anyway hoping it can reduce pain meds somewhat… would feel better if Dr. was more supportive about it.

Hi Barb,
I’ve never commented on a Blog before but I just started reading thru this blog since I’ve been Googling about rotator cuff surgery experiences. I’m having surgery 3-2-17. Wanted to respond to your ice machine comment. My Dr’s office didn’t mention using one, but I asked about it because everyone raves about them online. I was told they do recommend them but they don’t typically bring it up with patients since most people don’t want to pay for one.
I bought mine this week and I think it will be a lot easier than replacing ice packs.
Best of luck with your surgery on Monday!!! -Amy

P.S. thanks Scott for your website . It was more helpful than all the second hand information I’ve been getting . Still not sure what to do though.

Mark, thanks – and thanks for sharing your experience this morning.

FYI, the first time I went in for my rotator cuff surgery, my anesthesiologist was concerned about my blood pressure that morning and decided to cancel the surgery. Not at all my choice – I just wanted to be done. Everything clicked the second time around (different surgeon, different anesthesiologist!).

I’m so glad I did it as my shoulder is in great shape – yet now, looking back on it, I marvel that I got through it all – the post-surgery pain/meds, six weeks in the sling, not driving, etc. Somehow you adapt…

Your welcome Scott.
Because I am a side sleeper I was in bed the last few nights trying to sleep on my back or in a more upright position and that alone gave me a stiff neck and back so the thought of all that extra shoulder pain scared the cr@# out of me . I have literally been unable to sleep that way since I am one of those people that use to spend a lot of time in my recliner and it ended up wrecking my back and neck which have never been the same since.
I probably sound like a man child about it but after 47 years I know my body so well that the thought of having to sleep that way for several weeks alone was unbearable compiled with Joes description….Yikes!

My big question is what now?. I am not in a great deal of pain and can function pretty well if I avoid doing something really stupid but a tear is a tear and probably will only get worse.

If anyone out there has tried anything alternative that helped by all means let me know.

If I end up having to do it I will definitely keep a video journal.

i “had ” greater than 50% tear in superspinatis and fixed myself after consuting w/ my chiroprator, using ice 20 min on 20 min off all day night (as posible) all good after maybe month or 2 ? happy

Mark, it maybe too late to help you but after suffering horribly for 3 weeks, lots of oxycodone, no real sleep, my son gave me a medical marijuana brownie. This was a huge help, it made my pain killers seem to totally handle everything, it was a savior, allowing me to sleep a couple of hours..
Good luck.

Hi Scott, I noticed you said in your post “different surgeon, different anesthesiologist” . Were you uncomfortable with the first surgeon and is that why your blood pressure went up?

Mark, as it turned out the first surgeon decided my case wasn’t his cup of tea after this incident.

Frankly, this worked out for the best because I ended up with the best surgeon possible for my second (and very successful) surgery!

Your first surgeon sounds like he has no scrupples but glad you found someone better . I scheduled a follow up with my surgeon but he will probably feel the same way about me bailing on him . I have looked into getting a second opinion just in case .
I was even reading about new technology that uses stem cells of your own and injects them back into your rotator cuff. We’ll see.

Hi Scott,
I hope you are feeling well again.
Thank you for creating this forum. My surgery date is June 18th and I’m gathering as much information as possible. Living alone in a new city makes this a real interesting experience. I appreciate all the good advice and words of encouragement.
A tough trip and fall has lead to a really rough year. I look forward to toughing it out and having a full recovery.
All the best.

Colleen

Hi Colleen,
My surgery date is June 17th, so it looks like we will be going through the same stages of recovery together. It sounds like you injured your shoulder in a fall? Not sure how I hurt mine; just wear and tear through the years, I think. What is the extent of your injuries (complete rotator cuff tear?). I will be lucky enough to have my Mom come to help me for the first couple of weeks, but other than that, I will be on my own as well. I’m trying to be creative in coming up with ways to deal with life while being able to use just one arm for at least 6 weeks. My right (dominant) arm is the one that needs repairing, of course!
This has been a wonderfully helpful site for me in finding advice and tips on how to deal with the recovery! (Thanks, Scott!!)
I check this site pretty regularly, so feel free to reply back – maybe we can help each other out a bit.
Rene

Hi Colleen and Rene

July 24, 2013 was day of surgery for me, repairing full supraspinitus tear, tacking my bicep tendon, and shaving my acromion bone. This site helped me know what to expect post surgery and prepare better. Like you, I live alone, and needed caregivers. I patched together care for much of the first month, and now that I’m through the first three days, I’m glad. The ice cooling machine is a lifesaver. Sick of sleeping in a recliner, but I had a decent night’s rest my third night, so I can get used to that. I’m off strong pain meds fourth day; my head is clear. I feel like impatience is my strongest enemy, but getting transportation once my guest caregivers leave scares me the most. I applied for my community’s subsidized transit for handicapped folks. Luckily, my handicap is temporary, yet they approved me for the time I can’t drive. I start PT in a month, after everybody leaves, so thank God I lined something up. My question is, when do people start driving? I don’t want to have a reflex action while driving with one arm that could tear the repair. I’m being super cautious, figuring I may not drive for three months. What would you do?

BK Jackson .. I didn’t drive for six weeks. That’s how long I had the sling on.

I am in the same situation as everyone else.

At age 59, I am facing this surgery with a tear that is considered “severe” according to my MRI. I so dread this, but have suffered with this since last April. After going thru 2 rounds of PT for a diagnosis of frozen shoulder, my therapist said I was presenting more like it was a rotator tear….sure enough, the therapist was right. My husband went thru the same surgery 3 years ago and did great. Typical recovery, sling, etc. but according to everyone….a speedy recovery. My greatest fear is the after surgery pain. We read all the time about how doctors are reluctant to give pain meds now, but I have never abused drugs and I don’t want to experience ungodly pain. Thoughts? Is it seriously that horrible?

How long did your husband take before he was doing normal activity? . He’s probably your best advocate because I keep hearing about nightmare experiences aside from Scott who had a positive experience . I am still on the fence about getting it myself.

Mark,
I may have missed the specifics of your shoulder injury but as I have waited my rotator cuff injuries in both arms have only gotten worse. The tear in my left shoulder has gotten worse since my MRI because my ROM has decreased dramatically. My right shoulder is getting bad because it has been taking up the slack from the left arm. I wish I would have known about my problem a long time ago because the earlier you fix it the better the outcome. I plan to get the surgery because I have no choice because the pain is so bad. I am depressed because I think I will end up disabled because I do not believe the surgery will be successful for me for many reasons. I have done a lot of research and one thing is clear..get the surgery early. The main reason is because when the muscles are torn and lack blood supply they turn into fat. If the mucslce is fat then imagine trying to repair fatty tissue either back to the bone are connect fatty tissue in general. Healing will be a huge problem and it could fail again. One thing that helps with pain is a cold therapy system. I have read that it is a life saver for many who have used the system. I am looking at several. Your insurance may provide one but I plan to buy my own because I don’t know how long the insurance company will let me keep it and i will need it for both shoulders. I am also looking into vitamin packages etc that aid in healing..which i will discuss with a doctor. I also did a lot of research on doctors an if you goggle “67 shoulder Surgeons and Specialist to Know” you will get a list of some of the best ortho surgeons in the country. Just, if possible, find one that is closest to you and if one is not in your area, call or email and ask them if they know who to recommend in your area.

Hello, I reccomend you to go ahead and have it done, I had a motorcycle accident and torn my rotator cuff, the MRI showed a large tear and I wasn’t able to lift my arm above my head, my doctor said it was imperative to have the surgery, and it took me 2 months to decide, mostly because I was afraid of the pain, because most of the people was telling me it was a paintfull surgery, am at my fifth week and the pain only lasted for about 3 days, all you have to do is to take your pain medicine as instructed, everything is going well, I wish you the best and hopefully if you decide to go for the surgery, everything comes right for a life in pain is a life of frustation, best of luck, and God bless you all.

I am allerigic to all – codine, vicodine, you name it. I can take tramadol…like eating M&ms IMO. I would like to know more about an ICE MACHINE after surgury??? Never heard of this one. Ice and heat are always my go to’s for pain. My husband is 94 yrs old and I am 63 yrs old. I hate to think what this recovery is going to DO TO HIM! He is an awsome caregiver!! He will keep me comfortable and take care of him self…only thing he doesn’t do is COOK and Laundry. My surgery is scheduled for DEC 6th, 2012. Any advice is welcome. brandyme789@aol.com

Once they give you the nerve blocker.you won’t feel a thing until the day after the surgery.when the nerve blocker wears off. But once you start taking your painkillers you will be fine…..good luck

BrandyMC,

I just had surgery last week. We rented the ice machine and what a lifesaver! We were so impressed that we just bought one since my husband and I are activ/middle age and sprains, strains and ice are part of life. Besides, this is a long slow process, I expect to be icing on and off for the next 6 months. The machine is basically a little ice chest with a water pump and a pad that fits your shoulder. It does a great job on pain and swelling without the dripping, hassle,and mess of ice bags. It was $50/week rental or 155. to buy. The first 4 days were very painful once the nerve block wore off but then its steadily improved since then. Icing has way cut down on the need for meds and i really think it helps healing. Here’s a couple tips if you use one- Have your husband around to hook you up and disconect until you are well enough to manage it yourself. Also, I froze 16 oz water bottles and put 2 of them in the cooler with water instead of ice cubes its much easier to manage. Best of luck, be commited to getting better, and you will. Here’s a link http://www.dme-direct.com/donjoy-iceman-ice-man-cold-therapy-cryotherapy-1100-don-joy/

5 Weeks out from repair of Labrum (SLAP repair) and rotator cuff as well as removal of calcium and a bone spur. The PT is great stuff, 3x per week (3 days after surgery start) to start and 2x per week now. I should do them at home more but I skip a day here and there. The hardest part is being dependent upon others for small chores like tying shoes or cinching sweat pants, etc. Bathing is also a challenge. Everything takes twice as long. I have a better respect and understanding of what disabled persons go through but for them it is permanent so I feel that I have just the smallest insight really. It has been humbling. I know that it will take 3 months to even be able to start lifting light objects, I must be careful, I DON’T want to go through this again. I had pain meds for 10 days then that was that. Advil and ice are great. I can type and probably have done more than I should with my right hand. Shoulder, triceps, bicep aches from time to time. Passive exercises for one more week then real easy beginning of “active” for a few weeks followed by strength. Have learned to sleep on back and left side only. A wash cloth under the waist strap helps at night. The one thing the PT and surgeon and staff did not do for me was prepare me for activities of daily living. They blew it there. Sit down to pull on your shirt, first over the weak arm. Buy a scrub brush for the shower. Buy a gell pack, large for icing, buy a few really comfy button up shirts and sweat pants. Buy slip on shoes. Share on blogs. It does get better and we had the surgery because we were miserable before and wanted the rest of our lives without that pain even if it does take a year to fully heal. Don’t wait too long, it get worse in the joint, I waited too long. The older you are the slower the heal especiall past 50, I am 52. I am also pretty sure I will never do heavy weights again, not worth the risk. Don’t do bar dips, or pull downs behind the head. Heavy stress on the joint is insane unless you are a trained athlete. Jui Jitsu and joint locks in martial arts cause these types of rips and tears as well. Using the bench press is risky, I prefer dumbells when I can get back to it in 10 months. Be patient with yourself and hang in there, it really does take time. Maybe 30 years from now there will be an easier way but at least we have arthroscopy and skilled surgeons and remarkable physical therapists. Thank you and wish me luck. George G.

George, What great advice! I am three weeks out and honestly I only had pain for a day or two after the nerve block wore off on the second day. What pain I have now, is just a reminder not to push myself too much initially.

I heartily agree that the most challenging things are to not do too much, too soon, and to deal with daily living issues like dressing, showering, and as I am a mother of a daughter in a wheelchair, being a caregiver… I want to do all the things I did before for my family. It is indeed humbling, and my daughter smiles this knowing smile and points out that the frustrations I live with now, will go away one day while hers will not… that keeps it real for me!

Best,
Kirsten

George, you’ve got it exactly right. I am 6 wks post supraspinatus repair + bone spur removal + frayed tendon cleanup. I’ve never felt like I experienced much more pain than the original problem caused me. I took oxycodone for a week, then stopped all pain meds. Since my surgery center gave me NO useful written information about how very much I should be respecting the repair, and not pushing too fast, I am sure I overdid it a little at first. I gradually got more conservative as I read more and more good sources of information online. Thank god for the internet – except for one thing. I read hundreds of horror stories from people that had rotator cuff surgery, and I was really concerned that I was going to be crippled by pain. I know everyone is different, but people, consider the possibility that it may not be that bad for you if you (1) don’t expect it to be completely painless; (2) follow the pain killer regimen; (3) follow advice about sleeping in a recliner; (4) do your pendulums (I always felt better afterward); (5) re-orient your thinking. Why should your life be pain free? It’s just another distraction to ignore; (5) do your PT – I chattered my way through my great PT guy doing the passive stretches, and it always felt better after every time. I’m now starting active assisted and the beginnings of active exercises, and I can feel the shoulder improving a little bit every day. I’m excited!

Also, if you use your head, think through every move, you can do a lot more than you think you can while wearing a sling. You can still walk, for example, just don’t trip. I resumed sport after 3 weeks, but with my arm carefully protected in the sling, and each movement thought out(arm movement is useful but not crucial in my sport). I figured out ways to get my laundry and groceries where they needed to go, figured out how to continue most of my activities. PT guy tells me that most repair failures are not caused by small, well-considered motions that stop when pain begins, but rather through unguarded reflex actions, like if your spouse slams on the brakes while driving and you tense up in response.

So after six weeks, I feel like things are going great. Consider the possibility that this is how it could be for you, too.

Thank you for this article, it has given me hope….. I am having the same surgery basically and enjoyed reading your blog more than lots of other….. 15 days till my surgery, been very stressed and worried about depression also….. Pray all goes well
Dale

Thanks SO much for your positively helpful post!! I read it before my dominant-arm RC surgery and I’m happy to report that 5-weeks post op and I’m doing amazingly well. I followed your suggestions, did Iceman and good pain management and sailed through weeks 1-4. Started PT in week 5 and was thrilled to see good ROM, although I thought my shoulder was a bit frozen. Taking mild pain med for PT sessions to ensure good progress during first couple of weeks. Ice frequently and doing my exercises at home like a fanatic! Named ‘stations’ for my exercises. So far I have 1) shoulder shrugs and shoulder rolls on commode (don’t laugh—think about how often you’re there!?) 2) pendulums every time I open the frig (shoulder socket staying nicely loose here) 3) pulley exercises by the door where I take the puppy out to pee (and it conveniently faces to tv!). More later—so far so good. Keep the faith y’all!

Cindy I am so happy to read this. I am going to have my RC surgery on my dominant arm on May 13. I also have a torn bicep muscle in the shoulder area. I of course I’m not looking forward to it but am looking forward to getting it over with & starting my recovery. Keep up the good work Cindy.

Best of luck to you Betty Lou! You’ll do great. Just focus on positive info that works for you. It’s quite a journey but will be worth it in the end. I was scared to have surgery (my first ever) so told the staff that. Boy, did I get great treatment! Ha ha. Ice therapy machine, good sleep positioning, and proper pain management have been my best support these first 5 weeks. I was SO leery of starting PT but found it helps me feel so much better.

Cindy thanks so much for your positive comments. In the back of my mind I am scared but I keep trying to keep it way back there. I am already looking forward to PT because then I will know I’m getting better …. progress .. yes! I am looking forward to eventually not having the aching/pain all the time in my shoulder & bicep area. Thanks again.

I have been reading for about an hour now and find myself torn between I can do this and how am I going to make it and when can I go back to work? I love my job! I need to get this done, because along with this torn tendon in my shoulder I have both torn and shredding tendons in my right ankle. Don’t know if I can get that brace on one handed. I can’t address my ankle with my arm messed up. I am hoping I can just ignore the references to age, I am turning 68 in a few months. I have been practicing doing things left handed and remember eating with chopsticks left handed two days after my wrist surgery a couple years ago. No knitting? No quilting? bothers me more than fear of pain cause I already have that. May 23, 2013.. three weeks to prepare. I don’t know if my hubby will be home for this, he might get called to work. If so.. worry about opening dog food cans. I am also remembering the lecture I gave my Grandma years ago. “remember how good it felt to help someone else through hard times? Now is your opportunity to let me have that great feeling.” What you say can come back to haunt you.

Ellie I am 65 & will have RC & bicep tendon repair (dominant hand) on the 13th. I’ve known this for 5 or 6 weeks but I opted to go on vacation before I have it done. The pain has slowly gotten worse. Like you I have been practicing doing things with my left hand. Have found I’m a pretty sloppy eater with my left. 🙂 My husband is staying home four days after the surgery to help me. Good luck to you. I look forward to your posts after your surgery. I will post as soon as I can

Thanks Cindy for your uplifting post. I’m day 4 and I want to follow in your footsteps. So far so good. Please keep us posted how rehab is going!

had rotator repair six weeks tomorrow and it has been a rough road. do not feel i was well prepared and have questioned my decision many times but also know i could not live with the limitations. my injury was a result of falling over my shepard while racing to get to a spinning class. it blew out my dailing lap swimming and made it difficult to lift my grandson. with my love and daily need for swimming/exercise and the anticipation of our second grandchild, i reluctantly took the plunge after trying therapy/massage/accupuncture for 6months before deciding.
it has not been pleasant. the first few weeks were truly terrible-couldn’t eat/sleep/get comfortable at all. started therapy at 5weeks and can’t wait to have more range of motion in my arm. i get to stop using the sling tomorrow-yahoo!!
i am still taking vicodan and really feel that i need it especially during/after therapy. sleeping is very unpleasant. can’t wait to actually have a nite’s sleep. would like to go back to work now but my work is too demanding and i realize i will only make the recovery longer.
with all the negativity said, i keep telling myself that this too shall pass and i will be back lapping at 6am very soon. i am a 58yr old woman so age is not really on my side but the fact that i have always been very active is truly in my favor. i have gone for postop acupuncture and intend to begin massage and hopefully a one on one for xigong/tai chi. i know they all make me feel that i am in more control.
anyone hear anything good about myofaschia therapists for postop treatment. my accupuncturist swears by them.
well, good luck to all who are anticipating or recovering

I am 3 weeks out from having the tendon sewn back. Doc said it was a nasty tear. I was prepared for a lot of pain based on what a many people said. Really, it was a piece of cake…I think I could have got by with no percocet but was advised to keep ahead of the pain. The sling is a pain but I don’t mind sleeping in a lazy boy. I am 62 years old and injured the shoulder playing raquetball. I am a weatherman on a local news channel and the doc said it was ok to take the arm out of the sling and sort of let it hang as long as I used my good arm to point with. I did this starting a week after the procedure and my viewers have no clue that I am recovering fron surgery. My advice so far is don’t be afraid of it…the thought of enduring pain and not being able to use the arm was scarier than the thought of surgery.

After reading all the scary stories, it was nice to hear from someone whose recovery wasn’t extremely rough. Personally, I’m very frightened and just don’t know how I can deal with the initial post-surgery pain and having to wear a sling for so long. Cannot imagine how I will take care of myself and just do the basic things a person does through the course of their day. Anyway, hearing your positive comments did help.

The post op pain only lasted a day and a half for me, and if you keep ahead of the pain meds, it was not bad for me at all. Afterwards sleep is a issue. I can sleep now, but not well and I stay tired. It does get better each day, but… it isn’t the kind of rest I am used to!

You will learn how to do basic things to care for yourself, but it would be helpful if you had help for showering the first week, and meals, but if not, just make sure that you have vital things down where you don’t have to reach for them, and don’t plan on lifting much with your good hand (I mean very heavy pots that you normally use your other hand for).

A slightly funny warning, don’t watch movies that are likely to make you “jump”, that isnt comfortable at all!!

You can do it!!!

I had keyhole surgery for a three quarter tear of the rotator cuff tendon, a repair on my bicep tendon and to remove some abnormal bone growth on my shoulder blade. This was my right shoulder and I am 8 days post-op.
I’m normally quite active and love running which I was still able to do right up until the op, despite the injury. I had the surgery because the pain was getting worse and I was suffering by not being able to sleep properly – I just felt fuzzy at work and not on top of things.
Do I regret having it done? ….. At this right moment YES. I had a complete meltdown last night as i watched my husband changing the bedding – i couldn’t even help. this was after he’d done school lunches, the school run, cleaning, cooking, helped me dress, tied my shoes, helped me take my sling on/off what seemed like a million times, and the list goes on. I cant run! As a normally independent and impatient lady, I feel useless and out of control. I will have my sling on full time for at least 2 more weeks and I need to accept my limitations during this time.
If my surgery is successful and in 6 or 9 months I have near to full range of motion in my shoulder back, if I can sleep pain free and use a keyboard/mouse for more than 5 minutes without having to rest my shoulder, and if I can look back at this inconvenience that I’m going through at this time and see it as just that, an inconvenience and a necessary step in the healing process, then I will absolutely NOT REGRET this operation.
Ive read a lot about people’s experiences following this type of surgery, and other than the pain management and sling issues, they seem to differ greatly. This had led me to conclude that this is a very individual process – state of mind probably plays a massive part and I will be putting my energy now into adopting the right attitude to my recovery from now on. If I dont master this sling business then the physio stage won’t be as effective and so it goes on. I don’t want to have this surgery fail and that is going to be my reason for accepting where I am today in my recovery.
The only other question is where is my husband? … I need him to help me with my sling :0)
One very last thing – show your loved ones as soon as you can after your op how they can still hug you because they will be afraid they might hurt you.
Good luck to anyone just about to start their mending journey x

I just had rotator cuff surgery 9 days ago and feel as you do — the limitations in my life are staggering and I do not like people doing things for me, but have found I have no choice. My husband and daughter are very helpful but the thing I feel the most is frustration. I love to play golf, work out, take power walks, garden and generally do whatever activity I want to — now I can do none of the above. Being dependent is not easy for me but I am so grateful for many things. I stopped taking percocet 3 days after the surgery, and have not had a pain killer since. I sleep at night, even with my sling on and am grateful to be back in bed, after sleeping on a lounge chair for two nights. My life has certainly changed but I know it will be worth it and maybe now I will find time to “smell the roses” — at least get caught up on some much needed reading.

Good luck to you on the road of recovery and I know you will be better than before —

I am facing this surgery soon (haven’t set a date yet). I see people saying they type okay in the sling. I am a computer programmer and can work from home. Is that type as in “work all day at a computer” or is that type as in “send a couple emails?” I know I need to ask these questions of my doctor, but I am just want some anecdotal evidence that I will be able to get back to work (from home) within a couple weeks.

I am able to type quite easily even in the sling as i still have full use of elbow ,wrist and hand after my rotator cuff surgery.
I just have to be conscious to keep my elbow to shoulder tucked into my body and not move the whole arm to the front or side.
In fact i often remove the sling when i am sitting at home and rest my arm on my lap. This is much more comfortable for me.
I am 9 days out from surgery and very pleased with progress and pain free!

I’m scheduled for rotator cuff surgery tomorrow. It’s a partial tear from a fall 8 months ago with the pain getting worse, so I have mixed emotions. I really want it fixed, but I’m scared of the recovery. I’m going to try to focus on the positives I’ve read on this site and will let you know my experience as soon as I can type again. Thanks, everyone, for sharing!

I’m having RC surgery in 2 days and find your comments above removing the sling occasionally very helpful. Keeping the bad arm tucked and supported by my body has become automatic now as a way to deal with pain.

Have left shoulder repair scheduled for August 14 and don’t know if it is helping or just terrifying me to read people’s experiences! Is there anyone who has had total knee replacement or total hip replacement that would care to compare that experience to
the rotator cuff repair? I have had those replacements and while they were nothing to sneeze at, I handled them well and am glad I had them done. I’m due for this repair two weeks before I return to teaching high school and I’m wondering if I have lost my mind!

Hi , I’ve had a hip replacement , three years ago, and am almost three weeks post op . I had an 80% tear repaired as well as my shoulder blade shaved and ac joint cleared of arthritus. There is no comparison pain wise. The shoulder was much more difficult. For me getting through the first four days was the most difficult. Do your research and find a Dr that specializes in this surgery , use your meds as directed, make sure you get a cold therapy machine , not just ice packs a s they only last 30-45 min. you can slep in a recliner , or as I have done buy a wedge system for your bed. much more comfortable. and put pillows under your arms as well. Painful ? yes , but will be worth it soon.

Having had both the bone shaving for impingement and the rotator cuff done in 2 seperate surgeries this year, i would say the bone shaving was the more painful the first few days and took me 3/4 months until i was able to lie on that shoulder comfotably in bed, however i was back at work & driving within 6 days of the op (i forced myself back to work to aid my mental recovery).
I also left the hospital without any sling after the bone shaving surgery (the surgeon made a point of removing it from me to encourage motion).
The rotator cuff tear surgery which i am currently now 13 days out from has been far less painful but far more frustrating due to the 4 weeks of sling use and longer period off work required due to my inability to drive or use the arm.
I feel better as every day passes and its a short period of inconvenience for what could be years of good health.
Anyone facing these surgerys needs to perservere and try and maintain a positive outlook as there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel.

So glad I found this. I am 19 days now since my surgery. Torn rotator cuff, spur, and they lowered my bicept. Too many years of delivering mail. It is reassuring to read that my experiences are not unusual. Pain not bad in the day, miserable trying to sleep. Night time pain and also this annoying sling and pad strapped to you. My only hope of sleeping is on a couch with my back up against the back of the couch. I am very motivated on doing my part with therapy. I ice all the time but the back of my shoulder is still swollen. (Did yours stay swollen?) I never knew how useless you could be with your right arm in a sling. I mean the simple things like tying your own shoes, (ladies) even putting on your own bra! Try to do something so routine like blowdrying your hair or putting on makeup. Pitty partyies would be easy if it weren’t that I have read so many other peoples accounts and they are so similar to mine. I just want to end up with a good result. I think so much about our wounded soldiers and thing that they won’t be ready to go in a few months. Guess I am actually fortunate. Thank you.

Hi. I am a fellow mail carrier and looking towards rotator cuff repair no later than March. How are you doing now?

Wow, after reading some of these comments I feel like I am doing the right
thing for now anyway..a few months back I saw my doctor- complaining of
shoulder pain. he gave me a cortisone shot,which helped for a month or
so..next time I saw him he sent mr for an mri…which showed a large full
thickness tear involving the posterior aspect of proximal supraspinatus tendon
extending towards the anterior margin of infraspinatus tendon centered at
12:00 position measuring 12 mm wide x 17 mm AP with greatest oblique dimension
measuring 21 mm. The distal portion of the supraspinatus tendon is
hyperintense and irregular consistent with tendinopathy. Small subcortical
bony cystic degenerative changes are seen at the supraspinatus and and
infraspinatus footplates. Mild effusion is present with free communication
into the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa. there is small pointed anterior
acromial enthesophyte, a potential source of impingement. there is slight
lateral acromial downsloping without anterior downsloping. A C joint
arthropathy is present with mild joint space widening, effusion ,with mild
osteophytic changes and cystic distal clavicular changes… there is a mild
fissuring of the distal subscapularis tendon. intra -articular biceps
tendinopathy is present with hyperintensity and mild swelling as it passes
anterior to the humeral head.there is mild blunting of the posterior
labral….The doctor wanted me to get a medical clearance as I am 75 years
old.. and they will not operate without one ..I asked if there were any
options besides operating..and he said no..the only thing that would help is
an operation…I asked about physical therapy and he said that would do no
good…anyhow I am planning on living with the pain for now ..and maybe get a
second opinion…hope all of you have a safe and not so painful
adventure…and may God bless you all.

I had my right rotator cuff repaired twice. Once in 1999 as an overnight patient in a hospital, and then again in 2009 (I fell on the same shoulder, but the doc told me it was already in bad shape). The second surgery was arthroscopically done, but unsucessful. So, I am still unable to lift very much weight during weight training classes- particularly for shoulder work. NOW I’m having an issue with my left shoulder! Just had an MRI yesterday and was told I should not workout until I get the results (three days) from my surgeon. Nothing makes you feel worse when something is taken away from you! Ugh, even aerobic exercises require arm movements (step aerobics, and Zumba, for example), and I’m miserable just sitting around! I already know that if I’m told it’s torn, and I’m given a choice between PT and surgery, I will immediately opt for the surgery. I would prefer not to waste weeks on PT and then have to have it. I hope this one’s fixable – it’s killing me!

Well, I had my surgery July 2 – it’s called a massive tear, and now have four screws/anchors in my shoulder. I have hit the 7 week post surgery mark and last week, my physical therapy became more difficult as I am now doing much of the moving. ouch! I still am unable to do any exercise except for walking and using a recumbent bicycle. No treadmill or stationary bikes as I can not hold on to anything and of course, if I lose my balance and fall, that would not be a good thing. I go back to see my doc the day after Labor Day, and am anxious to see where I am in regards to my ability to return to the gym. I miss Zumba and step class. Of course, there’s no weight training for quite a while, but I’ll just be happy to get back to semi-normal activity. I’ve had to cut back on my calories just to keep from gaining weight. ugh.

I had rotator cuff surgery for a massive u shaped tear (surgeons description) April,26 2012 as an overnight patient. I’m now at week 6 and the sling is due to come off at week 8. My pain and expectations and limitations were as described by most people 🙁 but over the past 3-4 days after almost stopping 6hourly panadol, the pain has become worse than at any stage since the op. Has this happened to anyone else, or is this a sign that I’ve done somehow done some more damage 🙁 I feel even more exhausted worrying about this. I should ring the surgeon but I’m frightened of his response. I’m 62 female with great family support but……. Any advice would be appreciated. 🙂

I am sorry that I have no advice. I’m your age and my heart goes out to you. My best friend had knee surgery that isn’t healing as it should. She also has a great family that helps her, but they can’t stop the pain or worry. God bless you, and may He bring you comfort and healing and diminish your pain.

Sue, I am 63 and am 8 weeks out. Just when I was due to come out of the sling,(6 weeks) boy I thought my arm was great. Then when they removed the sling my arm met gravity again. The pain got increasingly worse. I was sure something was terribly wrong because the pain was going the wrong way. The last two weeks have been painful and scary but I was given reassurance I was fine. Gravity, straightening your elbow, and movement again will flare you up. It will get better. Hang in there.

This is exactly where I am, nearly 8 weeks out and the pain is getting worse since removing the sling at 6 weeks. Prior to surgery, I had frozen shoulder, so as a part of the surgery the surgeon did a MUA. Bone spurs were also removed. My ROM is very poor at the weekly PT sessions and I am doing the home exercises. Trying to keep the faith. Wondering if the intense pain is from frozen shoulder and/or unsuccessful surgery. Or is this semi-normal for this surgery? Neck, shoulder, scapula and arm seem to be in spasm. Will be seeing the doc next week. Any advice re: frozen shoulder or unsuccessful surgery? Thanks for this excellent blog, Scott.

I would most definitely call your doctor. That’s what you are paying him/her for! Don’t suffer in silence.

I had surgery 3 weeks, 4 days ago for a slap tear, tenodesis(for bicep tendon fraying..anchored to humorous), frozen shoulder(80% capsule scar tissue), debridement(shaved bone due to impingement and bone spurs and arthritis. I am in pt 2x’s wk, working on descensitizing area around incisions..I had arthoscopic..5 portals and 1 – 2 inch incision. Also therapists works on rom for me, I’m not allowed to use my arm for anything except pendulum exercises and stretching carefully. I sleep in bed, recliner, couch. Only able to sleep on back reclined, not side. Dismayed because I’m still on pain meds but time between taking them has increased. It’s difficult because everyone expects instant healing through surgery…everyone’s different…I’m fighting to be patient all the time with my recovery, trying to be as positive as I can be!

Leann, this is one surgery recovery you can’t rush. Hang in there girl and little by little it will get better. This takes time. I am 8 weeks out and I am starting to think I will be okay. Good Luck

Just had a completely torn right rotator cuff repaired on June 1 (I’m 59). I feel lucky compared to some of the other stories I’m reading here. In additional to general anesthesia, it was also recommended to have a shoulder nerve block to basically deaden the entire upper right portion of my torso which I did have administered. Odd feeling to have absolutely no feeling/use in that area of my body for approximately 20 hours after surgery; my right hand just hung there like a dead fish. Of the 40 pain pills I started with, I still have 25; haven’t used any in the last 4 days or so. Also used the Cyro Cuff for about 4-5 days which is a vest like thing that you wear and replenish on occasion with ice water. I’m amazed at how many things I’m already able to do but it does give you an appreciation for having both arms & hands!! Dressing and not being able to drive are the biggest issues for me. Sleeping has been more somewhat more difficult because I sleep on my right side. I’ve set up camp in a spare room where I can prop myself up in the corner of a nice wide couch. However, I haven’t experience the pain overnight that many of you mentioned. You do develop your own techniques for getting tops off and on, putting the sling on, etc. Have been doing the “mini exercises” and will start p/t this week. My biggest issue is that I was working as a contractor and immediately lost my job when they knew I would be out of work (boggles my mind since I was released to go back to work tomorrow)!!

I have had some night pain, not terrible and getting better all the time. My worry was that the pain meant I was doing damage, but my doctor said night pain and most pain is due to position, and adjusting position helps! It has helped me, and I would take it to your doctor or PT to help learn how position can make a difference!

Also agree with Ellen’s comments on 4/20 about watching your husband having to pick up the slack for things that the patient can’t currently do, particularly since he works full times and has some health issues of his own.

Reading all these comments has answered many of my questions that the medical websites haven’t. Due to lengthy HMO process, it has taken months since my injury to see one doctor, then MRI, and now I am waiting until July to see surgeon. I don’t want surgery, but I have to hear what surgeon says first (although surgeons perform surgery and doubt that they would advise anything else). My HMO’s slogan is ‘You’ll either get well or die; if not, then we’ll get to you eventually”. There are personal hygiene things one has to do with their right arm that probably out of delicacy have not been mentioned on this website. I cannot imagine living alone how I will manage even taking care of my cat. How will I wash & blow dry my hair! I cannot afford going to a hairdresser. Well, there are a thousand things I am wondering about. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences!

I decided that I was going to practice life one-handed a few weeks before surgery, so it wouldn’t be additionally frustrating to learn after surgery. The delicate hygiene areas are the hardest, really, and I have a shower chair that helps, and a hose shower which I cannot imagine doing without! (I am only three weeks out and in a sling).

I can blow dry my hair with my left hand, put my makeup on, and only have one burn from trying to curl my hair!! Everything takes me longer, but as a friend said, sometimes it is a good thing to slow life down… and it isn’t that I wanted them to, but my family is realizing just how much I do, even though they aren’t always happy that I cannot do it right now!!

Being dependent isn’t easy, but sometimes it comes to us in life unexpectedly (accidents or illness). My family knows I am doing the things I can do, and they are proud of me, that makes it a little easier to bear….

jeanne, hope your procedure went well and you found a way to cope with the everyday tasks. I am having the surgery 2/28, and I’ve decided to get my hair cut to 1″ all over. it won’t be flattering, but I guess it’ll grow out eventually! Pleae forward any tips you might have on how to cope. Thanks.

Many thanks to all of you!
Was glad to find this site as I’m due to schedule having this surgery.
I note there isn’t any mention of antibiotics and I’m under the impression you have to be on them from here on for life. I’m 67 and prefer to remain drug free.
Any comments??
Wishing well being to all.

Diane, I’m not on any antibiotics post surgery. Hope your surgery and recovery goes very well! Having a shoulder that works is a big deal!

Scott

Diane,
I had the surgery about two weeks ago…no antibiotics.

My doctor had me take antibiotics for 5 days after the surgery, but that was it.

Hello. I had arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery in my right shoulder. Tendon was 80% torn, I had a bone spur and cysts, and impingement. Before deciding on having the surgery, I would go online and read stories from people who’d had the surgery already. I freaked out. But after some quiet time and prayer, I realized that everyone’s experience won’t be the same. Plus, u knew the discomfort in my shoulder would only get worse. I’m 41 years old and a licensed massage therapist.
I had the surgery at noon, was leaving the hospital around 3pm that day. I woke up with the sling already on me…and a bag containing some numbing medication around my neck. It was a small bottle attached to a catheter in my neck. Anytime I needed a boost of numbing meds, I just hit the little button. After the 3rd day, my husband took that off of me. That evening I started taking the Vicodin to get ahead of the pain, but it really wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.
I didn’t have a recliner, so I propped a few pillows up on a large chair and I sleep upright in it every night.
The worst part has been the sling for me but…you get used to it.
I bought a breakfast tray just to have some of my fave things accessible.
(phone, nook tablet, snacks, vitamins, etc)
I’ve cried twice….out of sheer frustration of not being comfortable and not being able to do anything. But I shook it off and remembered its gonna be over soon enough.
Started physical therapy a day after surgery.
Glad I did. It started off kinda rough but now, I look forward to going. I do it twice a week. My shoulder is much looser and it gets better each day.
I’m gonna start myofascial release in a couple of weeks.
I use a heating pad just before I do my exercises, ice after the exercises, and I take L-Glutamine to help with healing and recovery. I drink lots of water, and I watch lots of comedy. 🙂
Don’t be discouraged. Yeah, it’s gonna be a few days where you’re gonna wonder if surgery was the right thing to do….but just follow your doctors instructions, rest, rest, and rest, and everything will be fine.
God bless!

I am a hairstylist with a tear in my rotator cuff. How long where you out of work?

Hey guys had my op 11 days ago not in too much pain other than in my bicep but i am really struggling to sleep/get comfortable any where and am getting really frustrated which i guess isnt really helping either ha ha any suggestions ideas would be much appreciated.

Ps i hav dislocated my right shoulder 13 times and have had to go to hospital to have it put back every time so have been really looking forward to my sugery and eecovery to go back to my sports!!!

Ryan….

I think everyone here would agree with ice, ice, ice & pillows & take your pain medicine. I also had bicep tendon repair & that seemed to bother me the most also. I slept in a recliner for close to three months. Good luck to you Ryan.

Hi Ryan,
Not sure what your sleeping set-up is. I am at almost 8 weeks, and still in a recliner (since Day 1). Although I did not have any bicep repair done, I feel pain in the upper arm and the shoulder if I lay flat for very long. The pain is too much to ignore, and even pain meds don’t help. Other than this, I have little to no pain. If you aren’t using a recliner and have access to one, you might try it. I had to rent one, but at least I get some sleep. It seems that good sleep is the biggest issue for most of us. Good luck with this.

Best night’s sleep I’ve had in months!
Only woke up once, that almost a record for me, usually I wake up every 2 hours on the nose,

Hi Ryan,

I didn’t have a recliner, so I was stuck in bed…. if it hadn’t been for the foam wedge I bought for under my legs I would have been really frustrated trying to arrange pillows so that I would be comfortable – it was bad enough arranging the pillows behind my back! If I had it to do over again, I probably would have purchased a foam wedge for my back too! I got my leg foam at the Foam Shop in Berkeley. But you can also shop on the net or see links to what I’m talking about.
Leg wedge: http://tinyurl.com/kjozvz6 (I put another pillow on top of mine because I have very long legs
back wedge: http://tinyurl.com/k9coqdx (I’d get a thicker one)

By the way…I had the surgery 13 days ago. 🙂

Had full rotator cuff surgery with bone spur cleanup 3 days ago. First off, this is one of the best discussions I have seen on the web-real life without all that doctor mumble jumble. I’m 48 and pretty active. I fell hard playing hockey, almost completely tore a few tendons in my left shoulder. Surgery is a piece-o-cake, your in, your asleep, you wake up and you go home. My pain was the worst about 9 hours afterwards. Wow, most discomfort I think I have ever felt, even with the drugs. Since then, I agree with most, sling and sleep are a pain. I can use my left hand fine and drove for about 3 hours yesterday. Starting PT in three days. The beginning of hopefully not too long of a road. Hope to play hockey this winter and/or get a round of golf in by October. I strongly recommend surgery for bad tears. I can do everything by myself but it takes forever and hurts like sheep. My wife or kids help only when I ask them. I, like others, HATE being dependent on others. I couldn’t sleep well before surgery, hoping to remember what good sleep is like in the future as well as continue to be very active for my 50’s and on. Just my 2 cents.

Stu, hope you’re doing well now! Surprised you’re starting PT so quickly. For me, I had 6 weeks in the sling followed by 6 weeks without the sling but before starting my PT. My doc was very focused on making sure everything had set before I started exercise. Given how well everything has turned out for me, I think he was right! Hope you make great progress with your PT!

Just an update. I read what I wrote when I was 19 days out. WOW. I needed to read that. I am now 8 weeks out and let me tell you , it has been a tough road. Many times I have questioned if maybe something was wrong because this much pain for so long just couldn’t be right. Well, the pain is finally getting so very much better. Sleeping at night is still a crap shoot. I have left the drugs and have gone to over the counter arthritis strength Tylenol. I still take a Tylenol 3 at bedtime. You simply can’t judge your progress day by day. You must look at week by week. You will have good days followed by bad days. Therapy! You simply MUST do your therapy. I am 63 and they didn’t expect me to have full range of motion at this point but I do. I am religious about my therapy. Don’t over do it either. I did a couple of times because I wanted to push myself and boy did I pay for it. Do your therapy just as you are told. I am told that the pain will be with me for 3 to 6 months but is less amount all the time and I am finding that to be true. Can’t wait for a good nights sleep. I questioned time and time again if I should have done it but fact is I had to. My tear was bad. So, Thank you so much for this website. I got good advice, and balanced information. I got confidence when I doubted. I got reassurance when I was scared. Thank you each and everyone for sharing your story. Now, Do your therapy!

Karen, thanks for sharing your update. Indeed, it’s quite a journey! Good to see you’re dedicated to your PT – it’s so important to pay close attention and neither over or under do it!

I am 5 weeks post op from rotator cuff repair and elbow tendon repair, injured in a car accident. I chose to have both surgeries done together as the recovery is 6 months for each and I couldn’t see doing this twice. I really appreciate this blog as many of my family and friends can’t believe that I’m not ready to shed the sling (and elbow brace) and lift weights. I guess it’s hard to believe how slow this recovery is until you have the surgery or live with someone recovering from it. I have just returned to sleeping in bed although I still wake up during the night in pain. I do find the pendulum stretches help with stiffness. I find that 600 mg of Advil on a regular schedule is really important for managing pain. Thanks to all who have posted and helped during my first weeks!

Cathy, thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like you’ve turned the corner – I remember how great it was to shed the sling after 6 weeks! Good luck with your physical therapy ahead!

check with your Dr. on the advil. Nsaid medications including advil inhibit tendon healing, tylonol (acetometaphin) is reccomended.

I was told ibuprofin was fine, will have to rethink it as I have used it to decrease inflammation after pt etc….

This site has been the best thing in explaning what to look forward to. I plan to have “Right shoulder arthroscopy, sub acromial decompression, mini-open rotator cuff repair”. This is according to what my doc. wrote. I researched all of this and the short of it is, repair a torn rotator cuff, re-attach a tendon and clean-up a bone spur. I am 70 and took a stupid fall in April 2012. The surgery is scheduled for August 21, 2012. I have soreness and I have trouble sleeping at night. What’s crazy is I have full range of motion and have good strength in my shoulder. I considered not having the surgery but I was told it could get worse and it would not heal on it’s own. I’ll check back in with my post-op comments. Good luck to all, thanks for sharing.

Bob
I have had the decompression and torn rotator cuff both done this year in 2 seperate arthroscopic surgerys 6 months apart.
It was unfortunate that the surgeon was unaware of the tear whenthe decompression was done resulting in me having to go through two lots of recovery.
Same as you apart from occasional irritation i had full use and movement of the arm with both problems.
I continued to run 6 mile every day with the tear and did a half marathon (although the running did irritate it).
I have got the surgery done so as i can remain active and be pain free for many years.
i am 9 days in now from the surgery and pain free. Hoping to get onto PT soon and get rid of this annoying sling.

I am 11 days out from complete rotator repair and I can honestly say that except for the sling trouble with sleep, I have been almost pain free. I read all these horror stories on the internet and put the surgery off one time. Now I am glad I did it. I have started getting frustrated with the sling during the day, and to be honest I take it off if I am just sitting in the recliner. Its on the same angle as the sling and does not seem to hurt it.

My physical therapist actually recommended that I take the sling off and rest my arm on my leg, to allow slight opening of the elbow to reduce tendon and muscle stiffening down there. He massages my neck and elbow muscles weekly to make sure that I am not in additional discomfort there when I can begin more active PT later. These are not things every PT knows to do… but I think they make life more comfortable!!

Hi
I am a 38 year old male from UK & had arhroscopic rotator cuff surgery 9 days ago for a minor tear after already having surgery Jan 2012 for shoulder impingement.
I was concerned about the possible pain and difficulty sleeping from reading other peoples experiences, however other than a mild pain the 2nd night after surgery i have felt none at all. I have also found sleeping in bed much better than expected with the sling. I sleep comfortably on the non operated side with the hand of my operated arm tucked under the armpit of the good arm and 2 pillows placed either side of me. The first 2/3 nights i woke regularly but now sleeping well. Took codeine, paracetoml & diclofenac regularly for 7 days and now off pain meds all together.
Biggest nightmare for me is being unable to go running, to the gym and awkwardness of daily tasks with a sling on.
I am back to the consulant for a check up and stictches removal in 3 days and hoping to start PT.
I am pleased with my progress and already able to dress myself, do up shoelaces and hope to be out of the sling within the next 2 weeks.
Hope my experiences help.

Want to update again. Not that I am so important but I want to encourage you who are not at my 10 weeks out yet. Believe me I relied on this sight everytime I had a meltdown ( and I did) I had two major crying spells in the middle of the night. So sure my surgeon had messed up and something was wrong. Will never forget the two weeks off hand tremors. They would just say “Oh that is normal” I was sure I was different and they just weren’t listening to me. My therapist said that healing comes first with range of motion exercises while the healing happens. That when we could start to strengthen, the pain would leave. I was more than doubtful but I kept doing my therapy like it was a religion. I am 10 weeks out and we have been strengthening since week 6. VERY slowly. I am now using 2 lb weights, larger tubing, and even started wall push ups. Guess what? This is Saturday and I haven’t even had a Tylenol since Thursday. I am getting stronger and the pain is just an occasional discomfort now. I start at the gymn Tuesday after I see the doctor Monday. Want to follow his instructions to the letter. Last night I tried to sleep without the usual sleep aide ( also your pain med is a sleep aide) I was cold turkey. I woke up many times but went back to sleep. Pain didn’t wake me up. I think my mind has gotten use to a pill making me sleepy. I have started a 6 week sleeping coach online that I did one other time. Tylenol pm sponsers it with sleep disorder physicians. I am not a joiner and thought it was just babble but I did it and it worked. So I started it at week one today. Just want to tell you who are struggling with the early weeks that there is most likely nothing wrong. This is a tough surgery and it takes time. It is scary, full of doubt, and pain. It does heal. You do get over it. Do your therapy. Good luck. Karen

6 weeks tomorrow I had rotator cuff surgery (tear too big for arthroscopic surgery). I am 77 years old. I slept in my bed on my back from the day of surgery. I am now able to drive. The pillow was removed from the sling last Monday and I will give up the sling entirely next Monday. The therapy was passive range of motion until today when I started the machines, pulleys, etc. My worst pain has been the stiffness in elbow and wrist. I have 7 more weeks of therapy but would do this surgery again if I had to. Elastic shoe laces for my sneakers were very helpful because I like to walk. Hoping to soon be playing the piano again and maybe but late Fall I’ll be able to mow.

Glad to hear a positive. I’m in the process of doing this, Dr says small tear?
left shoulder been getting cortisone shots for about 16 months.
A shot every 4 months when the pain keeps me awake at night.
He’s a Orthopaedic Dr but not sure about how many of these he has done.
75 years old good blood pressure, not on any medications. Historically
have a problem with any type of high powered pain killers, Afetr 3rd shot
get a little panic attack slept in a recliner for 8 weeks when I broke 4
vertebraes in my back..

Scheduled for arthroscopic surgery on Aug. 15- 2 tears (rotator cuff and slap tear) plus arthritis and tendinitis and cannot recall what else. Was advised by the surgeon that I can expect only 2 weeks in a sling- but from every account I’ve read, the time is much longer. Has anyone had 2 weeks or less then 3 in a sling? Is it possible that my surgery is less severe then others- that’s what I’m assuming or perhaps my surgeon is being too optimistic? I live alone and am rounding up friends to be available in the mornings (to help me dress and wash) and to drive to physical therapy and then to pop in at night to see how I’m doing and help with my cat (have been training myself to deal with the litter with my left hand but it’s not easy). Am terrified most of all (besides the pain which I know can be controlled with meds) of being dependent on friends- as someone who is a helper and not used to asking for or receiving help- this has me totally freaked out. Am assuming this is the lesson here for me- or one of them.
Can someone share with me when they are able to manage getting dressed on their own? Cannot figure out how to dress with the sling. What about showering- can the sling come off for that? Happy that I should be able to type as I plan to be back at work from home within a week or so post surgery. So many questions – greatly appreciate finding this site.

Karyn
I guess you need to follow very carefully the advice from your own surgeon.
You will notice from the posts here that experiences seem to differ greatly dependant on age, fitness, type of surgery & mental state.
I am now 15 days out from minor rotator cuff tear surgery and revisited the surgeon for post a op check 4 days ago when i was advised to keep the sling on for another 2 weeks (4 in total, which seems to be the average).
Personally i feel very good now after 2 weeks and feel i could manage without the sling. I am able to dress, tie up shoelaces, work on a computer, drive an automatic and even mow the lawn whilst using the one arm. I am going to follow my surgeons advice and keep the sling for 2 more weeks. My arm does get tired when i take it out of the sling and i guess it needs to be there to rest it and prevent me making any silly motions with that arm and messing up full recovery.
I was advised i could remove it during showering and dressing from day 1 and was able to do both these tasks although very slowly. Believe me all these tasks get alot easier as every day goes by.
I live alone too and it is suprising how you quickly you adapt to using the one arm and i have required no help from anyone. Like alot of others on here i am reluctant to ask for assisstance but i know it is there if i really need it.
I wish you the best of luck.

There are several good videos on YouTube addressing rotator cuff recovery. One video series is from PremierPT Jax (Jacksonville Florida) was very interesting. One of the PT guys had surgery and explains his experience. He also explained the stages of recovery and the length of time for healing. I hope this helps. I have moved my surgery up to Thur. 7/27 and I am planning on 4 to 6 weeks in a sling, I would love for it to be shorter.

I am three weeks out and I can say that during the first week I could dress my lower half easily, but get pull up pants without fastenings to reduce frustration and the need for both hands to fasten.

You can get a shirt on and off, and I have used some tank tops that can be stretched easily to get on and off, but front-fastening shirts are best, and snaps are easier than buttons if you can find them. I have been going sleeveless or wide sleeves, you don’t want anything that takes too much effort to adjust once you have it on! Since you cannot lift your arm, you have to work the sleeve on to the corrected arm and shoulder with your good arm, and then get the rest of the top on. I went to thrift stores and bought loose, front open blouses to get me through this time and a couple of nice ones for going out of the house.

Your body will tell you what you can and cannot do, just don’t get in a hurry!

Hi all. Just had my 2nd rotator cuff repair first was key hole 2nd was open surgery. Was wondering if anyone has experienced bad taste in there mouth after their surgery? Thanks

I am two weeks today out of surgery, to put it simply my 1 1/2 surgery turned into 3 1/2 hours. Frozen Shoulder, Bone Spur, tendentious, plus a big tear on top and bottom with screws repairing the damage, to say the least they found things in my shoulder they did not except to find!!! I am in a sling for 4 weeks only allowed to come out a few times a day to do 3 very simple at home exercises. No physical therapy until some healing takes place. I can not remember the last time I have had a night sleep!
I want to thank everyone on here for sharing their stories, as yesterday I was feeling very down and realize everything I was feeling is TOTALLY normal, including am I healing properly or are my aches and pain abnormal? All I can say is this is one of the most painful experience of my life, but I am not alone and that knowledge is a little bit comforting.
I would like to share my motto with all of you as it is helping me get thru each day.
“In my future I will be pain free” Good luck and again thank you for sharing your stories.

Lori, that’s the great part about this site. You get to see you are doing normal at those times when you think something must have gone wrong. You will do fine.

Hi

This is a wonderful site. Thanks all. I am 52 woman and very active, healthy etc. Injured my shoulder last April, possibly doing handstands in yoga along with continous vinyasa and also photographing with a heavy lens? Not sure. Suddenly it just hurt but I can’t point to what exactly caused it. Had been weak for years since a skiing accident.

I’ve had MRI and four ultrasounds by different doctors bc I keep wanting to hear something different or at least definitive. 🙂 What is unanimous is that I definitely have a level three impingement. One doc suspects a partial tear of the supraspinitus.

Another said supraspinitus is “very thin and could be torn”. Another thought it was actually the biceps tendon but … the MRI shows its all rather intact. So my question is this: has anyone just had the op for the impingement, to shave off the bone so it is not stabbing into the tendon?

The surgeon I’ve finally selected said he would do it arthroscopically and if, when he was in there he saw a tear, he would also fix that with an anchor, but that he may not have to at all, so only three weeks in a sling.

My AC joint is very prominent but not painful so his view is because it is large but asymptomatic, just leave it as is and treat only the problem causing the pain which is– possibly — only the extreme impingement.

So, brave kind folks, does anyone have any experience with “pain” but despite all the technology, no certainty? Four excellent surgeons in separate consultations all said they couldn’t quite see what was what except all advised it must be fixed. (They could observe my pain). Even with an MRI (without contrast) seems they don’t quite know.

Except that the tendon is impinged, but possibly not even torn. (That would be great).

The last question – one doc said he advised no typing at all for six weeks if the rotator is torn (I’m a writer). I had thought I could just sit and write whilst not being able to drive. Has anyone heard of a healing process this conservative? He said that when you type, nerve fibres fire, and that this is not good for healing.

Sorry this is so long. Thank you everyone. Blessings to all.

Scott
I am so glad I found this site and thank you for creating it. I feel more “normal” in what I’m going through . I’m 5 weeks in and can’t seem to remember what more than 2 hrs of sleep is like. I ended up with 4 anchors to repair the frontal section and some more minor work in rear and a spur removed. As I sit here at 1:50am I’ve become so frustrated with the sling and sleep. I’ve tried sleeping sitting up, laying down, on my back, partially on the side but it just doesn’t matter. I still have not started rehab and in afraid I’m going to break something loose before this all over. I’m not very patient but do feel better now understanding this was a bigger deal than I expected. Someone had mentioned he wasn’t mentally prepared and I have to say that is me too. I was not prepared for this.
I wonder if some can weigh in; after they are out of the sling how long do they feel it takes them to be getting back to normal activities? (Like I said I’m not very patient.) Good luck to everyone!!!

Thanks for listening
Scott

I’m only 10 day out and wear the sling sparingly while at home..the PT seems to work really well with the lift machine and home exercises……….only limited pain, no meds and sleeping in the recliner

Good luck, Dudley

Ps. Right now my surgery is scheduled for 8 August. . .

Marie
I had the impingement surgery on its own in January this year after an x ray showed the hooked bone causing my impingement and pinching pain (no MRI was carried out pre op).
The surgeon made a point of taking the sling off me before i left the hospital after the bone shave.
As there was “no repair work” carried out (only bone spur shave) there was no requirement for a sling and he encouraged movement of the sholder as soon as possible. My shoulder was very stiff for about 4 days but having no sling made me get it moving as quick as possible meaning i returned to work on the 5th day although i was sore for a few more weeks and on painkillers still.
It actually took me 3/4 months until i could lay on the operated shoulder in bed.
Unfortunately i continued to have soreness particularly when i resumed my daily running and after an MRI scan 4 months later it turned out i also had a minor rotator cuff tear as a result of the initial impingment of the tendon.
I am now 3 weeks out from the rotstor cuff repair during which he used one anchor.
I am now just about out of the sling and starting to resume most activities gradually. I am unable to lift my arm more than 60 degrees to the front or side due to post op stiffness and weakness but i am due to start PT next week which i hope will address this. My surgeon thinks i will be able to get it going myself without too much assisstance.
I would say the bone shaving for me was more painful/sore of the two surgeries but less of an inconvenience, however the rotator cuff surgery was just awkward with the use of the sling and the longer period of recovery required.
I was typing the on the computer the same week as the surgery and the surgeon advised me this was fine.
I am sure you would agree that it is important to follow your own surgeons advice as they are the professional and have more information about your circumstances. Everyone’s situation is going to be different.
Hope this answers some of your questions.

i have found all comments very helpful…my husband goes into surgery July 30, 2012 day after his 71 birthday. Thank you all for answering a lot of questions for us. I was wondering if any comments on the helper. How much help should we give? I hope to post more after the surgery. He is very active with softball and work.

I say we all say a big Thank You to Scott for making this site available to us. It’s easy to find sites with wild opinions , doom and gloom. This site is informational. We can learn from others who posted at our point in time. So! Thank you Scott. Hey how about an update from you Scott!

Karen, thanks for your thank you – but it’s the sharing by the group that’s been so interesting! As for me, I’m coming up on 3 years since my rotator cuff surgery – and things have turned out very well for me. I have full range of motion in my right shoulder – and just a bit of weakness that really doesn’t interfere with my quality of life. I’m so fortunate to have had a great surgeon who did such a great surgery on me!

I had my left shoulder repaired about 5 weeks ago no sling and I ve been in PT for about 4weeks. My pain level and all is excactally the same as it was befor surgery not to mention the nerve damage in my elbow (that they wont fix till my shoulder is better) has gotten worse and spread to my hand making it very difficult to grip anything after surgery did people notice a difference in the pain level and when
Thanks

Chris, look up Ulnar nerve.

Chris, I wanted to say that I had a problem with my elbow and hand too. Thought for sure that it was some sort of damage. It is the ulnar nerve and it is’t damaged, just inflamed and it is getting better. Your Dr. is ALWAYS your best source of information. Just didn’t want you to worry too much about it. Everything in the arm is all connected to the shoulder. Any trama inflames everything. I’ll bet it will be fine, given time.

I have found this site very useful both before and after my surgery and what makes it interesting is to have such a range of different experiences and timeframes for recovery . I was very concerned before my surgery that this was going to be a lot worse than it actually has been for me.
I wanted to update on my 4 week progress from my rotator cuff surgery on 5th July.
I had another visit to my surgeon 2 days ago and to my relief he advised me to finish with the sling ( i had started to use it less and less during week 3).
He has also cleared me for resuming my daily running with caution and he has issued me some PT exercises to do myself at home (no visit to a physio required).
I am able to now rotate my arm 90 degrees to front & side pain free and reach above shoulder height briefly. He advised me to leave the strengthening for another month.
As i can now also drive without a problem i consider myself to be back to all normal daily activities.
I understand i will be sore for some time and it will take many months until i am 100%.
Throughout my recovery i have tried to let my own body and pain dictate what i can and cannot do. I ensured that although i needed to use the sling to protect the repair,i removed my arm regularly and tried to prevent stiffness.
I believe my age (37) and good level of fitness has enabled me to get through this without too much trouble.

This is just a follow up post. I am 17 days post op from my rotator cuff surgery. The doc said he used 6 anchors since the tear was pretty big. I had a mini-open arthroscopic repair (3 small holes and a 4 inch cut). For me the three days after surgery were the worst, since then things just keep getting better. I’m 70 years old and have been very active in the past. Sleeping is the hardest part or maybe I should say trying to sleep with the sling. I get 4 to 5 hours sleep a night with a lot of moving to find just the right spot. I am looking forward to week 5, that’s when my doc says I can get out of the sling. Only 19 days to go. I echo everyone who says it is worth it, I already feel much better. P.S. I take my sling off during the day while I am just sitting around and that has not seemed to hurt me, I did ask the doc about this and he said OK. Good luck everyone.

God Bless Bob. Sounds like you are doing great! Thanks for your encouragement to all.

This is an EXCELLENT blog. Thanks to everyone for it.

It’s now been a week since my surgery and am still having a good bit of pain, especially at night. A few questions:

Before the surgery sleeping always caused pain that I felt mostly when I work up in the morning and for a little while after……………..even if I slept on the “other” side. I am finding that I have the same issue now, only worse, no matter what position I sleep in, which, now is mostly on the recliner. How long did it take for the whole night-pain thing to pass for others of you?

I take off the sling a few times a day to do the passive elbow and wrist bends and the pendulum exercise, but sometimes feel that my arm is cramping up when in the sling for too long. Taking the arm out of the sling for awhile and letting it rest on the seat next to me seems to help. (I sometimes am even able to passively move the arm, rest the heal of my palm on the laptop, and type.) Did others experience this sort of cramping? Also, how long did you wait before typing with both hands?

Thanks!

Sal
I still feel the odd ache, pain, burning and particularly stiffness across the top of the shoulder going into week 7 but i know to expect this for some months.
Nothing that wakes me though or gives me any real issues. Bad night pain passed within the first week.
As far as typing goes i was using the laptop & mouse from week 2 but i had soreness in the bad arm using the mouse until week 5.
It was not until i got rid of the sling week 4 and got moving that i started to rapidly improve.
I too had arm cramps and like you dropped the arm out of the sling as much as poss particularly when sitting watching th tv and had to get up in the middle of the night to move the arm around.
I think the worst thing would have been keeping it in the sling fcontinuously for 4/5 weeks and then suddenly expecting the arm to start moving.

Andy,

Thanks. I am now 5 days further out in my recovery……………two weeks tomorrow.

I was off Vicodin for the first time yesterday and last night, but night it is still really rough. Finding a comfortable position anywhere is a challenge. It’s actually a comic exercise of musical chairs. I start on a recliner; move to the couch; then to the bed; then back to the recliner; and so on. Throughout this, I apply ice on and off. Each place I eventually drift away until I wake up from the pain; then I move again.

The biggest challenge for me is feeling assured that everything is alright. I had to undergo two surgeries for repair of torn cartilidge in my knee years ago (doctor said, “Sorry, I didn’t take out enough the first time”), so that’s playing with my mind. What’s that old saying? “Just because I’m paradoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get me.”

Like you mention, I have also taken off the sling to relieve the cramping feeling and to be sure that the shoulder doesn’t stiffen up too badly. I honestly don’t feel uncomfortable when doing it, and it has been a good judge of recovery. I am able to feel more mobility and ability to do smple things that I couldn’t do the day before. But is this wise? Is it impeding recovery? Don’t know, I guess. Just have to go with my gut.

What’s also an issue is that I keep bumping the damn arm……….like there is some sort of gravitational pull between the shoulder and hard, stationary objects.

My doctor is more of a let pain be your guide person (rather than rigidly keeping the arm in a sling), so I guess it’s okay. Only time will tell, I suppose.

Again, thanks.

Any other bits of wisdon you have would be welcomed.

Thank goodness for this site! It will be two weeks tomorrow since my surgery. I haven’t read any other post with my particular issue. I have a large red hive rash on my shoulder and upper arm. The arm is hotter than the other one, and it is painful to touch. It’s also swollen. I saw my Dr. yesterday for my first post op appt. He thinks it’s from the ice machine. I used the one from Kodiac. I kept the ice on for 8 hours at a time, and then off for one hour. This was per my Dr.’s instructions. After he saw my arm, he suggested I not use the ice for three days, and see if it gets better. Anyone else have this problem? Thanks!

Connie,

I had my surgery a little over 2 weeks ago, and I didn’t experience this kind of thing. I’ve had a lot of pain, as I’ve noted in earlier posts, but no rash like you describe.

Did you put the ice machine directly on the skin or did you have something in between? Unless it was right on, it is hard to imagine that it could be frostbite, since, as far as I know, it doesn’t produce a rash, per se. But I am not a physician, so can only speculate.

As much as anything, I would worry for you about not being able to apply cold to the shoulder. I am still using my ice machine quite a bit so I know how much relief it can bring.

In your situtation, I might call my general practitioner for advice. An internist or family physician lives more in the world of rashes and such and would also likely be more objective.

Just a thought.

Good luck on this and keep us posted.

Sal

Yep, frostbite. My skin is peeling now, but it’s feeling much better. I’m nervous to use the machine again, and the pain is manageable with advil. I bought a foam wedge for my bed…heaven! I’m almost sleeping through the night!

Connie, my instruction were to never ice more than 20 minutes at a time. I had a wrap with ice packs and was also instructed to always have a thin layer of material under the packs. Hang in there lady and good luck.

I’m glad I stumbled across this discussion. My MRI shows a large full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus, a 50% tear of the subscapularis, small SLAP lesion, and AC joint bone spurs. My surgery is scheduled for October 22 which should give me about 5 weeks to recover before having to go back to work. I don’t expect too much trouble working as I’m a technical writer and don’t have a strenuous job. The surgery will be to my right shoulder and I’m right-handed so I’m naturally concerned about how I’m going to manage everything with my left hand.

I’m 54 and my first grandchild (a boy) is due mid-September. My goal is to be able to throw a pitch as soon as he’s big enough to catch one. There’s a saying, ‘misery loves company’, and it’s good to know that others have already been down this road… Thanks for sharing.

this is my second surgery the last one was 8 days ago for a tear in the rotator cuff .my doctor said use the sling only if I go out! It seems everything i READ ON HERE EVERYONE WEARING THIERS! I am in so much pain cant sleep /off all meds except for flexrall .i feel so much pain! I could just cut my arm off it hurts that much!

Do you just let your arm hang down? I was told to not take mine off except to shower for 6 weeks. And you are off all pain meds in 8 days? Think you need to call you Dr. and have a talk. Good luck.

Hi folks. Just stopped PT (helped with a bit of range of motion but pain is not tolerable) and got a cortisone shot in my left shoulder today. Hoping to put off the pain for a while. I’m fairly positive that I’ll be headed to surgery fix the tear, the fraying, the spur, etc. I’m just trying to see how long I can hold off. This is a 23 year old injury that I re-injured about 6 weeks ago. I didn’t have any treatment when it first happened, so this my first foray.

Here’s some newbie questions:

1. Why can’t anyone drive? Are you restricted from it? I have driven one handed several times due to injuries to one hand or the other. (I know that you can’t drive on the meds – lol!)

2. If you have the arthroscopic (sp?) surgery, when do you see the surgeon afterwards? I live in the north where frigid temps and lots of snow anywhere from October to May would make it hard to go the 80 miles one-way for the surgery. Could I stay at a hotel overnight with a family member and see the surgeon the next day – then go home? I can get all of the rehab in my town, so travel is not a problem there.

3. I sleep pretty badly now, so I’m used to that. I have a nest of pillows all around me in bed, so that’s covered. I CANNOT sleep on my back AT ALL. If I supported the sling with pillows and whatnot, could I sleep on the opposite side? This could be a deal-breaker.

4. This will sound odd, but I’m very body conscious – not that I’m a super-fine specimen. (That deserves a snort-giggle!) I never wear tight clothes, shirts without sleeves, etc. It’s not a religious thing, but sort-of. Will the sling “snuggify” my shirts? I’m not one for sweat pants or the like, but could definitely wear them around the house and for sure right after surgery. I guess if I waited until the cold weather, I could wear my arm/sling under a shirt. It sounds silly, but it is important to me.

5. Can I do my usual stuff with my good arm – walking the dogs (one at a time), doing art, etc. shortly after the first few days post-op?

I appreciate your input from previous posts and your time in maybe replying to mine.

Off to enjoy my cortisone – much less pain than before the shot. I won’t do anything stupid – maybe just get that book off of the top shelf that I couldn’t get before.

Cheers and best wishes to all.

Jill

1. I was driving within a few days of the surgery with one hand although this is not advised. There could be implications on your insurance as you are deemed to not be in control of the vehicle. I you need to take avasive action you could also damag your bad shoulder as well as other road users/pedestrians.
2. Surgeon usually required revisit in 10 days to remove stiches followed by another couple of visits.
3. you should be able to sleep on side or front as pain allows provided you utilise pilllows for support. I can’t sleep on my back either.
4. You will need baggy clothes initially until you are able to dress yourself well and wear the sling over your clothes. This was about two weeks for me.
5. You should be able to walk the dogs and do anything else you would normally do provided you wear the sling and protect the arm at all times. I was out walking daily from 3 days post surgery. This greatly helped with my recovery and maintaining some sort of normal life.

The 2 cortisone shots i had were great relief for about 2/3 months until the pain returned I eventually had to give in and go for the surgery.

Good luck!

Hi Jill,
I had surgery to repair a 100% tear in my right shoulder on August 23, 2012. I went for my 5 week checkup today and am now able to get rid of my sling. Although this surgery wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be…it is no picnic either. I had a pain pump for 1 week after surgery that released pain medication by itself. I had no control of how much or how little I got. The only problem I had with it was that it numbed not only my shoulder but my whole arm. The numbness was the worst experience ever, for me. My arm was completely dead and for a week and I thought something went wrong with my surgery. My husband talked to the hospital quite a few times about it. They had him turn the pump down for an hour to see if I had tingling in my fingers. When I told them I did, they said everything is fine…turn it back up. We removed the pain pump after 5 days and all feeling was back within one hour. I was given permission to drive, from my doctor, once the pump was removed. I also had a chair with a robotic arm and an ice machine that I used religiously for two weeks. I’m pretty sure those two pieces of equipment are the reasons that I am recovering so well. I guess the things that I didn’t know about are what bothered me the most. No lifting over 1 lb for the first 5 weeks and after my appointment today..no lifting over 1-2 lbs. That is going a little slower than I thought it would. He said it could take 6 months to a year to get back to my normal routine even though I am ahead of schedule now. I can reach above my head but can’t reach behind me yet. By that, I can’t scratch my back above my waist. I am overall very pleased with my decision to have the surgery because I was in more pain before than I am now.
To answer some of your questions:
1. My doctor said I could drive after the pain pump was removed.

2. I did have the arthroscopic surgery as an outpatient. I had to see my doctor 1 week after surgery, 5 weeks and my next appointment is in 6 weeks.

3. I slept in bed with pillows all around me. They suggest sleeping in a recliner.

4. I stayed in my pj’s the first week and was able to put my jeans on after that. It’s a little rough getting dressed but not impossible. I also wear loose fitting pull over tops. You just have to put your sore arm in first. You will figure out the best way for you.

5. I’m not sure walking a dog would be a good idea but you should ask your doctor (I don’t own a dog). You can do a lot of other stuff as long as it can be done with your other arm. My friends couldn’t believe that I was on the computer so soon after my surgery.

I also tried the PT and cortisone shots thinking I would get out of having the surgery. It really only postponed what I knew had to be done. The pain was unbearable.

Hope this helps you in making your decision. Having a good doctor is the key to it all. I am extremely happy with the one I chose.

Good luck!!

I forgot to mention the stitches. Mine will dissolve by themselves. I didn’t need another appointment to have them removed.

Rhonda,

My heart goes out to you in a “been there” kind of way.

One thing I’ve found is that you can find many, many opinions from doctors about use of the sling because of the balancing act between allowing the shoulder to heal and not have it freeze up. I tapered on use of the sling in my first 3 weeks because I thought that was I was supposed to do and, if I had to do it all over again, I would wear it consistently to allow the healing process to take place and avoid overuse………………except for when you do the passive exercises — pendulum swing and chair slide, which are intended to help with flexibility.

For me, a part of the reason I reach this conclusion is that my shoulder was VERY inflamed at the time of the surgery, so it had to get over that plus the surgery. Others may have had a different level of inflammation beforehand, which could allow some flexibility on use of the sling. But, that said, the conservative approach is the wear it.

On the pain, I FEEL your pain. I went through the same thing. In my case, Percocet didn’t work and the doctor changed me to Vicodin, which did. The good news is that the pain subside after a few days if you allow the arm to stay still (translation: use the sling), avoid using it, and use ice. I was issued an ice machine that pumps cold water over and around the shoulder. It helps with the swelling and pain. Did you receive one of these?

Hang in,

Sal

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for this great blog! I had my rotator cuff surgery on June 12, 12 – I am a 53 yr old female – I had a small 80% thickness supraspinatus tear on my right side – of course I am right handed. I tore the tendon 3 years ago and finally had the surgery this summer. The surgery was not bad – but I did have a difficult time coming out of the anaesthesia. I didn’t take any post surgery pain meds – I felt pain post surgery – but it was manageable – lot of ice packs. I know a lot of other people here posted that sleeping was very difficult for them — but for the first 4 weeks, I slept like a log. I just propped myself up on pillows. I work in an office – so went back to work 6 days post surgery. Looking back now – I should have stayed home a few more days. I type a lot with my job – and that was a challenge — I could not lift my hand/arm from keyboard to mouse. It tooks weeks before I could move back and forth between keyboard and mouse with some ease. I kept the sling on the first 4 weeks and only removed it for bathing. Week 5 and 6 were difficult for me — I was taking my arm out of the sling — and it was painful. Lot’s of Ibuprofen and lots more ice. I started physical therapy at week four — passive motion and arm swings. Weeks 5-10 – lots of physical therapy – lots of stretching exercises and lite weights – and it still hurt. I really turned a corner at week 10 – I don’t know what happened — woke up one day — and most of my pain was gone. I still have a long way to go — I still can’t get my arm behind my back – but I know I will get there – I have some pain — but it’s mostly from working out or PT. I’m slowing regaining strength and most of my ROM. Reading everyone’s experiences have been so helpful to me — it shows that everyones healing is so different. Best of luck to everyone here!!

Hi Kaye,

Like you, my tears are on my right side and I’m also right handed. Being a technical writer, I use the keyboard and mouse alot with my work. I’m hoping to be able to do some light work from home after two weeks. Does that sound reasonable?

Thanks,
Jeff

Thank you Scott for this website. There are many degrees of shoulder surgery, some simpler than others. Hence, individuals recover/feel pain more or less than others. I am 67 years old, had major surgery 6 weeks ago, surgeon described it as ‘hamburger with the lot!’ Found it very painful and debilitating ,with my husband having to help me shower, dress, put sling on and off etc, not to mention the sleepless nights with the sling on .Am in my second week without sling, and having PT twice a week. My hand and fingers on the bad side are quite swollen? Anyone else have this happen?

Hi Jeff,

I could type on my computer a couple of days after surgery, it was just an effort. You will figure out ways to make it easier by using support under your arm or resting your arm on the desk — hopefully you will not have any problems.

Jeff,

I had the same situation, and my experience parallels Kaye’s. However, I found that moving the mouse irritated the shoulder; so went without it. I just carefully rested the heal of my palm on either side of the built-in mouse pad and moved the cursor with my thumbs. Not my preference, but it works.

To reinforce, when I had my 3-week follow-up with the surgeon last week, he said this is the way he wants me to go. Operating the mouse requires a tiny tug on the shoulder right where the repair took place, hence the discomfort.

Sal

I was back on my computer after 2 weeks but I just had to learn to do everything with my left hand. It took a little more time and a lot of patience but at least I got my work done.

Had rotator cuff repair in feb 2012, had a complete tear, bone spur removed, and subacromial decompression. I had to wear brace continually for 6 weeks, took a while to get used to it, I already had sleeping difficulty, wearing brace made it worse, I am a stomach sleeper, sitting up to sleep was a nightmare. I started my physical therapy 2 weeks after surgery, very very painful, the stretching was the worst thing I have ever been through, never want to experience that kind of pain again, therapy was for 3 months, 3 times a week, with continued therapy on my own afterwards. I still continued to have pain. My doctor gave me a steroid injection which helped with the pain for about 3 weeks, felt like a normal person, then the pain and stiffness came back, had terrible burning pain that radiated from my axillary to my elbow, pain got worse with activity and lying flat, went back to doctor, was given another injection in my bicep tendon, it helped for about 2 weeks, pain returned, went back to doctor because burning pain is not getting better, option for tenodesis has been recommended but I have not made the decision to go ahead with it, I have range of motion but it is becoming painful especially with lifting objects, some objects small as a cup or glass of water. What should I do, has anyone experienced what I been through had success with the tendons is procedure?

Hi Scott! Thanks for the writings about your experience! I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one suffering my head off with this surgery! It will be 4 weeks tomorrow post surgery for me. I think they are going to tell me to take off the sling tomorrow. Kinda scared, because I’ve heard of people re-tearing their muscles accidently reaching for something. The PT has been unbelievably painful. How are you doing now? Any tips? 🙂 Sincerely, Jim

I am a 56 year old female and am 4 weeks post surgery today for a small rotator cuff repair on right arm (dominant arm), removal of bone spur, and repair of frayed bicep tendon due to bone spur. I am still in my sling, but my doctor’s nurse and PA told me early on that I could remove it if just hanging around the house. So I have taken mine off and on several times a day and feel it has helped with not getting too stiff. Like many others, sleeping has been difficult for more than 3-4 hours a stretch. I have found sleeping on the couch easier than propping up in bed as pillows tend to slide down in bed. After first week I’ve only used one pain med a day just before bedtime. I’ve been doing pendulum swings and some assisted external rotation exercises (using a long wooden spoon) since day after surgery, and used ice every 2 hours for 20 min. for first week. Still ice if I feel achy. Some days I’m stiffer than others, but feel the pain has dropped off substantially over the past week. I look forward to starting PT at week six and will also return to work as a legal secretary at week six. I’ve actually had more pain in bicep muscle than shoulder and that is why releasing from the sling some during the day helps and I find that if I very gently massage the muscle it relaxes. Have not driven since surgery and because I have a long commute from suburbs to busy metro midtown, I plan on driving backroads for a while to avoid all the crazies on the interstate 🙂 October is a beautiful month to be off of work so I’ve taken advantage of the mild days by getting out and taking walks; it helps with the mood for sure and I think even helps with the pain management. This is one of the most helpful blogs I’ve found so far and is a reminder that everyone heals at different levels, and your mental attitude will play a big role in that healing. It is a long slow recovery, but use the time to enjoy some downtime and get outdoors if weather permits, if only sitting outside in a lounge chair. Good luck to you all in your recovery processes.

OK, I am still interested in reading here and updating. If I can help encourage anyone, I sure want to. I wrote at 19 days out and then again I think at 8 weeks. Jim, you are so right. It is really painful and it doesn’t get over with quickly. The sling is about the worst part and trying to sleep. It will feel so good to get it off but don’t be suprised (or scared) when you get it off if it seems like the pain starts getting worse for a little while. I was afraid something was wrong because the progress went backwards for a little. Well, your arm hasn’t met with gravity in a while. When you get the sling off it will. At that point my fingers even started getting numb. Seems there is an ulnar nerve that got inflamed too , happens frequently but I wasn’t very informed. My doctor wasn’t very good at talking to me. But let me assure you it all get’s better. I am at 5 months out now and it really is like it never happened. I know I need to be a little careful for the first year. I am so free of pain that I have to remind myself not to pull, or pick something heavy up. All in all, it was one of the worst experiences ever but in the end I had a good result. So just hang in there everyone. So many times I thought something must be wrong and I would never be the same again , but here I am. The most important thing I can say to you is “Do your therapy” Full range of motion is what you are aiming for. Good luck.

Thank you for your encouragement, Karen. How long did it take before the pain subsided? So glad to know it was worth it in the end for you.

Paula, don’t judge your progress day by day. You will have good days followed by bad days. Expect uncomfortable pain for a while, maybe even 2 or 3 months. Ice is your best friend. No more than 20 minutes at a time and be sure to put something between the ice pack and skin. I love this sight because I was not properly prepared for what to expect and thought so many times something must be wrong. It’s a slow process and like the nurse told me “You can’t make it faster, I can’t make it faster, Your doctor can’t make it faster. It’s a slow process” God bless and good luck. Do your therapy exactly as you are instructed. No more and no less.

Had my pre-op appointment yesterday and surgery is scheduled for Monday morning. I’ll share my experience as soon as I’m able.

Good Luck Jeff —-keep us posted!

Kaye

Hi, everyone! I am a 42 yr old male and just had my outpatient (arthroscopic) surgery yesterday to repair a completely torn rotator (the supra). Although I have played many sports, and I am quite active, this was my first surgery, and first time going under anesthesia. I did lots and lots of research prior to my surgery and found this blog to be a good place to share my experience thus far, and offer whatever suggestions I can to help anyone else having to go through with a similar procedure. I am a relatively big guy (only sharing so that you understand some of our unique differences and how your experience might differ or compare) 6’4, 242 pounds. I believe I have a relatively high tolerance for pain, but I was certainly nervous prior to surgery. Surgery was actually very simple, about 2 hours in surgery (anchors and bone spur removal, 3 incisions although they told me it could be up to 5). 30 mins in phase 1 recovery room (to wake up), and then 1 hour in phase 2 ( my wife was able to join me at this point for crackers/ginger ale/powerade). Some questions that might help you:

Scalene block? Should you have one?:
This nerve block might be offered by the anesthesiologist. It is basically a shot into a bundle of nerves close to your collar bone (rather large needle) that, “kills the arm” for up to 24-48 hours. You will have no feeling in your arm post op during this 24 hour period. My surgeon highly recommended it, but I actually declined it. My reasons: Additional risk of permanent nerve damage, drooping face, infection where injected (all VERY low risks, but as I mentioned earlier, I handle pain relatively well). If I am going to have high pain that slowly decreases with care, I want to start at the height of that pain to understand improvement. The alternative is waiting 24 hours and then perhaps being hit with a lightning bolt of pain (take your meds well in advance!!). The choice is yours and I am happy I decided against it, but most people seem just as happy with the block. Do your homework.

I will post additional questions/answers as I am doing this from my CPM machine, 6-8 hours a day, so I have some spare time! 🙂 More to follow…please feel free to ask any questions.

To sleep or not to sleep?:

As I mentioned, I have only had one night of this thus far, but as everyone seems to agree, it’s a bit challenging. I tried keeping the ice cuff on as I slept but it just seemed to add 5 more things poking and pulling that kept me awake. Simple ice packs serve just as well…just don’t put them directly on skin. Your chair of choice is absolutely critical. I had moved a recliner into our bedroom a few days before surgery. I quickly learned after several hours of squiggling with pain that my chair was not ideal. Here is why:

Make certain that your repaired arm can hang 100% on the sling! NOT the arm of the chair or pillows or anything else. The sling (while annoying) is to protect and take the weight off of the repaired shoulder.) Even the slightest of pressure upwards on the sling will soon cause some serious discomfort.

I found the ideal solution at 4:30am and slept just fine after that.

We have a leather love seat that reclines on both sides. If you have something similar, use it! Sit on whatever side is opposite your repaired arm. My surgery was on the right shoulder, so I sat with my good arm on the left arm rest, and my recovering arm hanging 100% by the sling. Within 10 mins the pain subsided, and I slept relatively pain free. Some recliners are deep and you sink into them. If you do not have a love seat or reclining couch, add some pillows/blankets to the seat to get your arm into the sling and NOT on the arm rest. I think you will find this much more comfortable.

To me, the first few nights have been like sleeping in a straight-jacket.

Scalene block revisited:

One more additional note on the scalene block and whether or not to have it? Since I opted not to have the block, I was given some morphine in my phase 2 recovery room which lasted nearly 6 hours after we left the Hospital. Note: the scalene block may only last 10 hours, but it can last beyond 24 hours. My point is, if you are in post op pain and still in the recovery room, tell the nurse your pain level is 7 or higher, and you will most likely get a friendly little bump of pain relief without the additional risks associated with a nerve block. I was very comfortable on the drive home. So much so, I asked my wife to stop at Starbucks for a frappucino. (Your throat will be a little sore from the anesthesia/breathing tube for a few days. Just treat it like any other sore throat. It’s not too bad.)

Still checking back here now and then to have a read of everyones comments.
Great to see everyone updating on progress from several months ago.
I had my surgery back in early Jan & again in early July.
Nearly 4 months ago now. Feeling good and recovered quickly. Completed my half marathon today since the surgery.
Still get the odd ache and pain from the shoulder and of course it is worse when running.
I have however been running since about week 4 after surgery (at doctors instruction) so i don’t consider it to be that bad.
Still hope that given a few more months the aches and pains will completely disappear.

Wow! is all I can say at this point.. Having my left shoulder repaired tomorrow morning. I am a Military Recruiter under a ton of ‘new boss’ pressure and worried how this is going to impact my job. Ive had abdominal and hernia surgeries and those went well, but this sling thing has me worried. I am not very patient with healing and tend to push the envelope. If I had read this before tonight, I probably wouldnt have the surgery. Thanks to all that have posted their sufferings! I will update as I can on my procedure and progress.

Wow! This site is wonderful. Found it by googling about driving post-surgery (just scheduled for November 27th). But all of the additional information is overwhelmingly helpful. I am also a writer who has deadlines, so was very interested in reading what other writers’ experiences were (especially since I have to talk to my boss tomorrow about the surgery). I’d rather exceed his expectations of my full return to productivity, so I am going to be very conservative in my timeline. Does the following sound reasonable?

– two weeks at home, followed by another 4-6 weeks in offive with sling and twice/thrice weekly physical therapy for an additional couple of months?

I will work hard in pre-surgery weeks to get ahead of deadlines, etc. But it sounds like the beginning of the year before I get close to my normal productivity. Will also start working now w mouse on left side of keyboard so I get used to it!

My surgery on 10/22 went well. I opted for the block and had no negative issues. I agree with an earlier post that you want your arm fully supported by the sling. The arm of the recliner can elevate your shoulder and cause additional discomfort. I spent much of the first night proped up on the sofa so my arm could hang free. A friend loaned me an Iceman cold therapy machine that has been my greatest blessing. I was instructed to keep my shoulder iced continuously for the first 48 hrs. and it helped to not have to continuously switch out ice packs.

I removed the bandage yesterday and was able to shower for the first time. I have 3 incisions and a lot of bruising.

I go for my follow-up on 10/30 and begin PT on 11/1. In the meantime, I’m removing the sling and doing gentle pendulum swings several times a day.

I’ll provide another update after my first PT session.

Take care, everyone.

I am able to try life without the sling in a few days. How do I sleep in the bed like a regular human? I sleep on my side but since surgery I have only slept in the recliner on my back. My back is not an option in a bed so I need to know how to lay on my side and not feel like my arm weighs a hundred pounds. I swear this sling has almost been the death of me…looking so forward to life without it!

Hi Cindy. I hear ya. The sling added as much discomfort as the pain. They call it a little “pillow” between your body and arm. It feels more like a block of wood during the day and a brick at night. I just want to encourage you. It gets lots better once you are rid of the sling. I am 5 months out and it’s like it never happened. There were times I was sure the surgery had ruined me for life! But my surgeon did a good job, I just wasn’t properly prepared as to what to expect (thank God for this website). My best advice is to follow all your instructions and be faithful with your therapy. God Bless and good healing.

Thank you Karen. I am doing my best

Something you may or may not be interested in. I found out that the slings cost $150.00. Our orthopedic department will take any donated ones, clean them up, and give them to people who don’t have insurance. Might be something you would like to check into. I just mentioned that I couldn’t wait to throw mine away when they told me they would welcome them back for people with no insurance. Just a thought.

Good thought!

I’ll be two weeks post-op this coming Monday. Had my first PT session this past Thursday and it actually felt good. I was really dreading it, but they were very gentle and it felt good to work some of the stiffness out. I know it will get tougher and more difficult as I progress through the various phases. The sling is a beast… I’m getting about five hours sleep and waking about three times during the night. The pain has not been bad, I’m just uncomfortable.

Hi There,
Had my rotator cuff tear repair on 25th Oct 2012 ,by prof Levy at the Reading
shoulder unit in UK , op went fine and also had the injection of my own blood into
the tendon area during the op which aids the healing process . They take your blood
wiz it around a centrifuge and extract the parts of the blood which do this .Its a new
thing iam told not yet ratified by our NHS so my health insurance didn’t pay for this part. Since the day after the op when i had a bit of pain ,so took a couple of pain killers
mild ones ,I’ve been pain free ,hope my sling will be off in 3 weeks as my tear was a small one . Sleeping no probs so far , hope to be back on the tennis court soon as pos
Graham Birmingham UK

I will be 2 weeks post op tomorow. I had my first PT session Nov 1, and I agree, it felt good to get a little of the stiffness worked out for awhile. Looking forward to more progress there. My wife bought me a shoulder Ice pouch holder thing and it works great, almost too cold at times. I have begun working out, stationary bike, very light weights (probably too soon, but I cant help it). Work is a pain, as the majority of my work (interviews, etc) take place in the early evening and thats when the pain is really kicking in. ugh! It really is a day by day process. Having to continually remind your boss that your in a limited condition get old as well.
Some more info-ended up with five holes in shoulder, used the nerve block and am very glad I did, no problems other than whats listed on this site. Seems to me the pain meds never really hit the pain, more that they allowed me to sleep.

Good luck everyone! One day at a time!

I am lucky to have the time to recover at home. It has been 5 weeks and going back in a week. Give you credit for sucking it up 🙂

Hello – 9 October I had arthro surgery to correct left shoulder injury. Involved removal of a bone spur and repair of a frayed and torn supraspinatus tendon. My surgeon commented “90%” of the rotator cuff injuries he sees are of this type.
My first phys therapy appt is later today…I understand it will be passive range of motion only, for awhile.
Have had very little pain and able to sleep. Judging from other comments here, I have been fortunate.
I was advised against surgery by some folks saying, at 71 you are too old to benefit. My surgeon said, not so.

Scott, Awesome site I’m 71 also, I agree the sling is the most troubling part of the process. Learning to live with it makes it better.
Barry

I’m a 27 year old single mother of two sons. One of which is Toddler. He’s not even 3 years old yet. I’m supposed to have surgery on my shoulder in the next week our so because of frequent dislocations over the past fifteen years. How am I going to be able to adequately care for my toddler without the use of both arms? My bad shoulder is on my dominant side! I’m left handed, and in a sling right now and have been ordered to wear this sling unless bathing or dressing. My ten year old can’t help much because he simply refuses to. I have little help, what do I do?

For the first few weeks you WILL need help. I had two bad arms, only one operated on and without my husband, I would have been in bad shape. I strongly advise you find someone to stay with you for a while

Exactly! You are absolutely right. Here’s another doozy…..when I said my ten year old son refuses to help, it’s because he has oppositional defiant disorder and so most of the time he doesn’t do anything he is told to do. He is very hostile and gets physically violent on a daily basis and although we have in home therapy for him, his therapists cannot be with us every waking moment. Now that I need surgery, I can only do half of what I would normally be able to do as far as discipline goes and things will be a million times worse, I just know it! Ugh. My family used to give me their help, but now they don’t because my son is too much for them to handle for more than an hour. YES, HIS BEHAVIOR IS THAT BAAAD! This is why i’m pretty much freaking out about it. Nobody will stay with me either because they can’t or they simply just refuse. Wtf? ! They also will not agree to let my son stay with them. I’m not a bad parent and everyone knows that, it’s just how God made him. Anyway, i’m getting very sick of literally begging my friends and family to help me. I do everything on my own. I’m worried my son will do further damage to my shoulder during recovery. I HAVE TO GET THIS DONE! And soon!

Hello Erin,
I dislocated my arm 5 months ago, and since I am still in pain will do surgery in 2 months since I can’t take time off before that. I was reading the blog and your story touched me. How did you do with the surgery, and your son? It takes a lot of patience to be a parent! I have 2 daughter over 20 but the older one was not very obedient. A challenge! I have a friend whose some is 11 and very hostile! Would be interested in your progress! Mary

Hey all. Great site. Went back for 1st post op visit with Doc 3 days ago. Can’t start PT for another 8 days which makes 17 total days between operation and start of PT. Told to still wear sling and limit motion, but the best news was he told me that I could get in my HOT TUB and let my arm hang free. Oh! if you have access to a Heated Tub this is a wonderful way to gain pain relief for a little while anyway. I get in at before showering in the morning and after I get home from work and again before going to bed.

I was hurt at work Jan 18-2012 and still fighting with workmens comp 10 months later. Because I had a stint put in in May now they are going to make me wait another 6 months before I can have it done. I was told I have to go back to work the very next day. I was reading all the remarks but not once did I see any thing about how much time people have off. I am a manager of a dollar store and we are stocking and lifting all day long. As most said I have been in a recliner sence this happen I cant sleep on my left side any more. Any thing will help Thank you

Everyone is different and depending on what you do and where you work will determine that. I do desk work and the doctor said 4-6 weeks. I will be going back just shy of 7 but they had to do a large cut in front so it was a bit more complicated. If I had a lifting job, this would not be enough time. I am on short term disability but I know not everyone has that. Hope that helps you

Judy,
Diffrent states have different laws, here in CA I went through employment development and was given temporary disability for 5 months. There is also FMLA (family leave).
right shoulder was done november of 2011 and left shoulder is being done in 4 days on the 27th.
Hope the information helps.

judy i am fighting work comp to.they wanted me bk in 12 days. my problem is going to bathroom without help.they are the rudest people.

Hi, I had a bony spur removed, and a minor rotator cuff repair carried out 5 days ago on my right (dominant shoulder). My surgeon hadn’t really planned to do the repair but it was bigger than he thought so did do it. I have a sling but it doesn’t sound as restrictive as people describe which is a bit worrying. I have a bit of pain but not too bad and I am able to sleep in bed no trouble. My biggest problem is that I have a disability. I usually use 2 sticks to walk in my house and a wheelchair outdoors. I am not steady enough to walk with one stick and can’t use my stick in my right hand. So I have had to bring my wheelchair into the house and try to push it around with one arm, so I have one useable limb now!!! I can push my wheelchair by pushing with one stick on the floor like paddling a boat, and can carefully move from my chair to bed, toilet, comfy chair if I have my wheelchair very close. I have a wet floor shower but it isn’t safe for me to shower alone. Ive had my husband or daughter home but tomorrow will be on my own during the day. All a bit of a nightmare, wish me luck !!!

Ihad my op three weeks and two day,s ago for a tear and bone spur impingement.Ihad played sqosh for 35 years,which may have caused the problem to my right shoulder,after trying physio and three cortisone shots,that done me no good, Iwas having lots of pain and many sleepless nights,my doctor referred me to a surgeon.He said that I could keep taking the pain killers,or have the operation.I had read about the operation,and new what was involved. For the first week Idid find it difficult to sleep,Irelied on pain killers,I do my pendulum exercises,and find these help. By the end of my second week Iwas managing to get a better sleep,and cut down on my painkillers.The sling can be annoying,but its there for a reason.I start my physio in six days and Ithink thats when the hard work will start.Before this operation Iwas in constant pain with my shoulder,Ifeel this has eased a great deal.I am glad that I found this site,and have enjoyed reading some of your comments.

Different people need different amounts of time to recover. I am a 53 year old Physical Education teacher. I had surgery on a Monday and went back to work on Friday. However, I can let my students set up the needed equipment for my classes. If I had a job that required lifting, I feel that I would have to miss at least 3-4 weeks. I go for my 1st therapy tomorrow. Can’t wait to get this thing moving again and out of the sling. It’s been 17 days and I have very little pain now. Pain will probably start again with therapy. As I said in another post, the HOT TUB has really helped with pain. The water is 104 degrees and I stay in it about 10 minutes. There is almost no pain by the time I get out of the Tub. It does slowly stiffen back up.

Monday will be four weeks since my surgery and I had my follow-up with the surgeon today. He said I could come out of the sling. Hallelujah!!! He said it would still be a good idea to wear it when I’m in large crowds or doing anything that might cause me to over-reach. He said that there’s still a whole lot of healing that needs to happen on the inside and that I really need to baby it for the next month at least. I’ve had four therapy sessions that have not been too bad. The last one was the worst… I think the physical therapist has now become the physical terrorist.

Hi Jeff, looks like we are both at the same stage,of the healing process.Ihad my first physio yesterday morning,one of the movements that he gave me, involved while lying on the couch I supported my operated shoulder arm with my good shoulder arm and tried to move it over my head, I felt very uncomfortable, and was worried that it was going to tear again,Iwas more worried about this ,than the pain Iwas going through,ive read stories about anchors coming loose. Ihave been given a set programme to work with in the house,and this exercise still worries me at such an early stage of the healing process.How is your range of movement coming along,is driving not a problem.Iam a singer musician, and thankfully got back to playing guitar after the first three weeks after the operation,but I will have to cancel quite a lot my gigs with my band,as we have to drive far out of town and the equipment being very heavy to carry.I liked your remark about the physio terrorrist.Istill dont regret having the op,as I said before, I was in lots of pain before it. Regards, Peter

Its been 4 1/2 weeks since surgery, and man oh man, the pain never goes away. In my case, if I had it to do over again, I wouldnt. At least pre op I could sleep with a few advil and perform at near 100%. Phys. Therapy hurts and flares up the pain even worse. The inability to do normal stuff is the most frustrating thing. Thank goodness its been a mild start to snow season cuz, I wouldnt be able to shovel it at all. Almost out of pain meds and not sure doc will prescribe more.

Good lluck to all.

Robert, I was like that at 4 weeks. I am starting week 8 and yes, there still is a lot of discomfort now and I can finally feel and see a little improvement. I have the added pain of the other arm being totally useless and probably needing the same and cannot take aleave, advil or anything like that due to stomach issues. I have been lucky to have had the pain refills, mostly because of the above reason but also I was cut quite a bit. Not the simple operation we thoughht I would have. Hoping you too will find it getting better as the weeks progress

Hi everyone.Surgery on Nov 7,12.Iam not in so much patn as trying to do normal things such as going to bathroom and pulling pants up and down and wiping by myself.im right handed.im no good with left hand but i struggle to try and use it for everything.workmans comp wants me back to work now what do i do @ work.ask someone to help. this is difficult enough without being harresed by workmans comp.also my dr told me pt would start in 6 weeks but because of work comp i started a week ago. this is very painful.also i cant drive.the law in Virginia is if you are involved in a car accident whether its your fault or not and your arm is in a sling and someone dies i could be charged with reckless driving and could face 15 years in prison for manslaughter.i asked work comp to provide transpotation and they are really being rude and obnoxious.with all that im going thru i have to deal with all this emotional stress to..any sugestions from anyone would help.i hope no one has to deal with work comp.i was working 2 jobs when i got hurt @ my full time job.i was hurt on Sept 13 so 4 days later i had to quit my part time job,so im being ruined finnacially on top of all this.any sugestions.

I am a 68 year old male five weeks post op from arthroscopic Bicep Tenodesis and doing well. The first several weeks I had great difficulty sleeping even in a recliner. Had a shoulder block(would recommend) that wore off 8-10 hours after the surgery, and was on Percocet for about 80 hours post op. Have not take anything other than an occasional 400 to 600 mg. of ibuprofen. I started with a wonderful physical therapist three days after my surgery. It was the best decision I made other that my Surgeon. I have been driving(without the sling) since week four. However, I still wear the sling most of the time. I am still wearing the sling to sleep, and have returned to my bed. I do need a sleep aid or it would be difficult. I will be starting the active phase of my rehab in a few more days. I fully expect to be back on the golf course in a few months. The three most important decisions you will make are:
1. 1. To have the surgery
2. 2. Pick a surgeon who does this as an outpatient arthroscopic procedure
and does many of them every week.
3. 3. Spend a little time before your procedure to interview and choose your physical therapist. They are your most important tool on your road to recovery after the surgery…..

Do your homework….and good luck….

Hi, I am 7 months out and if you read my other posts you will see that I was just like most of you guys. It was probably one of the worst experiences of my life as far as pain. Sling was awful, therapy hard, and my doctor didn’t tell me much about what to expect. I was sure I had nerve damage because nothing could hurt that much for so long. Elbow hurt and fingers were numb ( ulnar nerve) Sleeping was impossible. Well, like I said it’s 7 months out and it’s like nothing happened. Pain is gone, and all is back to normal. Hang in there guys. If you do your therapy all will be well, if you don’t then you won’t have full range of motion. Good luck. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hi. Didn’t quite know where to chime in. Ten years ago had shoulder manipulation surgery for frozen shoulder and rotator cuff and labrum repair. Recovery went well. Had pain pump, great therapist, although was in therapy six months post op. full rom restored no pain. Two months ago fell and fractured left arm, impacted fracture at proximal surgical neck. Wore sling or five weeks. Ladies, don’t wear bras while I. Sling, get some camisole with built in support. Worked well and cu down on changes. Wore loose pullovers and sweat pants or pajama pants. Not too stylish but able to navigate! Now am I. Third week of PT, doc wants eight weeks, then MRI, then possible cuff repair and/or partial shoulder replacement. Anyone had this. This shoulder thing cutting into travel plans!

I’ll chime in here about the bra….

I was rather worried about it because I’m large chested – and I’m job hunting – so it was an important issue for me as a camisole with support would not work for a job interview! At any rate, for the first week when I needed to go out in public, I used a strapless bra, not the greatest support – but definitely better than none!

But the secret here is baby powder! The trick is to put the powder on your hand and then your torso before you try to put on your bra (I know, hard with only one hand – ask for help, use your mouth to hold the container or figure it out!) then, once you snap the bra in front of you and twist it around – it will slide better with the talc!

The second week I actually had a job interview! And I managed to get into my regular bra all by myself! You’ll have to try to stretch the strap down as much as possible to get your bad arm in, then the other, and then scoot it up on to your breasts. So it helps to have straps that stretch or get a bra that the straps unhook in the front… However, depending on what was done to your arm, It might be hard to snap it in front so you may need help. I did not have someone that I felt comfortable putting me into a bra… so one of the times, I managed to place myself into the strapless (I actually faced the wall and had the wall hold one side while I worked the other and then I asked my friend to hook me in back).

It really went much easier than I thought… but I was very ready to get out of it when I got home because my back muscles really tightened up.

Hope that helps some of you.

Hello ,

Thank you to all of you for the great information, but I want to back things up and hear about how some of you were diagnosed, On August 30th I had a ATV accident and injured my right shoulder, I knew something went wrong the moment it happend, I went to the hospital in tremendous pain and they did xrays and found no tears, I went home and for the next week my pain was exactally the same, I went back the hospital and they did more xrays and ultrasound, again they found no tears but alot of inflamation, and was told it was a second degree muscle sprain, it has been almost 3months and the pain is still very strong and I can only lift my arm to my chest, I am very very active person, I work out every day as my past career was a personal trainer, and now I work in law enforcement, I have been unable to work due to this problem as the pain is uncontrolable and my mobility has become so limited with lack of strength. I have went to a physiotherapist and she told me it sounded like a labrum tear?, I am scheduled for a anthrogram on December 10th to see the true reason for the problem, I am very scared that the amount of time that its taking to diagnosis has done more damage to this problem. Can any of you tell me if you had the same type of injury and symptoms and if so what did they find ? and what did they do for you? Thanks

An MRI is what diagonised mine. Make a call to an orthopedic

Hi all,

5 weeks post op for me. Was just wanting to know how easy it was to reinjure the repairs that were done inside? I.e. was putting on shorts and lost balance so I jumped to regain balance..this hurt the shoulder..can this shock to the shoulder from the jump reinjure it?

Thanks

I was told by my P/T person that the repair is like tissue paper for several months….and you have to be very careful. I would imagine if you actually tore the repair you would know it. More than likely, you strained it causing some increased inflamation. Be very careful until you have moved into the weight training phase of your rehab…..Good Luck….

Will be very easy to irritate and flare up the repair site for several months after.
You would certainly be aware if you had a retair.
I had good weeks and bad weeks with mine dependent on my activity levels and lifting carried out and i am still sore at 5 months out.
I am working on strengthening the area as it is still too weak to cope with the arm actions of my daily running.
I am noticing improvements but this is by far the longest rehab i have had from any injury.

I had my surgery July 23, 2012 for a 100% tear and still am recovering. I am 61 years old and this was my first surgery so I didn’t know what to expect. Everything went so fast in the beginning that I thought it was going to be a quick recovery. Now that I am done with therapy I feel that I am going backwards. I started having more pain than I have felt in a long time. My doctor says that I am just using muscles that haven’t been used in a long time and that everything is fine. Everything I do seems to bother me but I do it anyway because I need to get my strength back. Has anyone else had this long of a recovery with this pain?

Well…I guess my problems were more than I originally thought. I had another MRI on Dec 28th and found out that my shoulder is torn again. Looks like I will be scheduling another surgery in a few months. I asked if I could wait 6 months to see if it could heal by itself since it is a partial thickness tear but my doctor said that wouldn’t be a good idea to wait that long. At this point I am not sure what my plans are. Has this happened to anyone else??

I had an injury to shoulder in march 2012. Partial tear to supraspinatus.Refused surgery. lost 90 % of motion/ pain and more pain. 5 cortisone shots, three helped. Two caused bad side effects didn’t work. Hi- powered pain meds, put my blood pressure at stroke levels 180/110. Had to come off them immediately. Still rehabbing, using all types of natural remedies for inflammation and pain.( Deer Velvet,) check this out really helps, brolmaine, vitamins and minerals. Juicing diet, tachyon products, inferno wrap from mend me shop, ice bags golore. Use moltrin 800mg if pain level gets to bad. So far I have achieved 50% of range of motion back.
still in pain in rehab. I would be doin the same rehab if I had surgery. Maybe it takes longer to rehab I don’t know. But I am determined to get my shoulder back to as normal as possible(without surgery)
For everyone who chooses surgery God bless you. I know God is going to give me the help and patience to heal.
WC held back on rehab to start.
because doc wanted surgery. Finally approved rehab after 3 months
When I kept refusing surgery. In rehab 7 months still progressing ,
With great rehab therapist and moral support. By the grace of God I
Will be well again.

I hear you! I just had the surgery twice in a two week period (screw came out of bone first time). the meds (celebrex) raised blood pressure and I got very sick. stopped all precsription painkillers (had to for my own sanity, cant handle opiates), now just using ice and ibuprofen and much prayer. Glad to hear of your determination and patience. I am learning to let go which is very hard and painful lesson for me.

Next Monday the 10th of Dec. will start my first day of strengthening PT. I have learned a lot over the last 6 weeks since surgery and am improving daily. I used HOT TUB many times during the first 6 weeks just to get pain relief. Also, ice has been my best friend since starting Range of Motion PT. It is a lot easier to pop a pill in your mouth for pain than it is to spend the time to get in the TUB or ice your shoulder and elbow for 15 mins after stretching. Believe me, it is worth it to take the time. I get in the TUB in the morning for 10 mins and stretch my arm out while in the TUB. Then I get out and ice it for 15 mins while watching morning news before taking a shower. This gets you started on a good note for the day and really helps to keep down inflammation. I do the same thing again when I get home from work except I do a complete stretch of all PT Range of Motion exercises that the therapist has given me after 10 mins in the TUB. Then ice for 15 mins. while watching TV. I do mild stretching in the TUB again before going to bed and ice for 15 min. I have had very little trouble with pain and have avoided taking Meds. My biggest problem has been waking up at times during the night in pain from holding my arm in one position for too long. I found that simply sliding my arm across the covers similar to sliding it out across the table when you do your range of motion stretches relieves the pain after a few minutes and I am able to go back to sleep. I just have to STRETCH IT OUT! I have found that being lazy gets you nowhere fast with this rehab. If you are in pain you need to stretch and if there is to much inflammation to get a good stretch you need to ICE and get the inflammation down so you can stretch. Good luck and I will post again after my first round of strengthening.

I just found I have a supraspinatous tear 4-9mm with good quality of torn edge. It s left shoulder and I am right and, thank God. I am 60 but a very active 60. I just finished my first triathlon season so I run, cycle, swim and weight train. I am also a nurse and watched my husband as recovered from rotator cuff surgery on each shoulder so I know the pain, limitation, pt and all from that perspective. My concern is I am training for my first half marathon and I see a loss of the entire 2013 season. I am worried about hw soon I can training in all sports again without fear of causing damage to repaired shoulder. I am setting my bike up on a trainer indoors and I have a treadmill. That will help. I do personal twice a week and he work on my legs as I recover but I need to get there and how soon enforce I can. I worry I will feel like a cranky caged animal until I can be active again. Anyone else have a similar experience? My surgery won’t be scheduled until early January. I also worry hw soon I can wield a curling iron and raise both arms to do my hair? What about a bra? I am a 40 D so I need to tether the girls up but how do I even get it on? Input from the ladies is appreciated. Also, what specific shirts work best post op? Stretchy cami? Would workout capris be doable? Thanks for you advice!

Deb
Restarted running 5-6 mile a day from week 3/4 after anchor and suture rotator cuff surgery at surgeons direction.
It was very sore and uncomfortable and it did burn initially which has got better very slowly as the months have passsed.
Still soreness during and after every single run at 5 months this week.
I completed my first half marthon after surgery at approx 3 months although after 10-13 miles the shoulder began to become quite uncomfortable.
Surgeon and physio state that the lack of strength in the cuff is what causes the irritation and strengthing is the key to the recovery. Still pleased with my progress so far.

Hi Deb,

I can’t comment on the training for the triatholon — but I give you my experience on the grooming and clothing challenges! It took about 8 weeks before I could get my arm up enough to brush my hair — I had a “handband” style for the first 2-3 months. As for the bra — I wore bandeau bras (no straps) for about 10 weeks — if your are 40D — that’s probably not the best option for you! I also wore a lot of lose tops — and anything that buttoned up the front worked better. You figure out things that work for you — and most people understand that challenges this surgery brings and are very understanding.

9 weeks yesterday. Doctor said wants therapy to push harder. Just starting to sleep in the bed but so uncomfortable and restless that my husband is in another room for the short time. Now setting up MRI for the other arm. Who has had both arms done and what is the time frame between them. It has been extra difficult when both arms hurt but I have been back to work for three weeks. Just wish I had NO pain…what was that again??

I am having rotator cuff surgery next Tuesday December 18. After reading these posts I realize I am not as informed as I should be about post op activities and expected pain. Yikes!!
I live alone and now I am wondering if I should get someone to stay for a couples of days??
Has anyone done this post op part alone?
And the pain! Sounds like the docs aren’t giving strong enough meds.
Any feedback will be appreciated.
Worried
Jan

I don’t know how I would have done it alone. I highly recommend someone stay with you for at least a week or two if you are able

Had my first session of strengthtening exercises this past Monday at the PT. Everything went great. There is pain when you do the motions, but it feels better after a few minutes and movements get easier. I felt really good when I left. However, I will have to admit that the next morning was a different story. Woke up with a lot of inflammation and pain throughout the night. I got up 3-4 times and did some ROM stretches before being able to go back to sleep. Iced my arm as soon as I got up and 2 times while at work. Did the strengthening exercises after work, but didn’t push myself like I did at PT. Have been icing today and arm feels much better. Can’t wait to get home and push myself again tonight. The PT said after 6 weeks that I could challenge my muscles while doing the exercises that she gave me as much as I could stand. Again, ice and ROM stretches are your best friend. My arm always feels better after stretching it out.

eight weeks tomorrow since my operation,phsio has been going well,Ifind that the stretch bands are helping me to gain some strength back to my shoulder.Ive got myself into a workout routine in the house with them.Ifeel that somedays are much better than others, your shoulder does let you know if you are doing too much,however Iam sleeping quite well at night,Ihad to come of pain meds after two weeks as they were giving me stomache problems.Istarted driving two weeks ago,and Iam starting back work on monday,Iam a support worker,and have to drive a lot.My main worry at the moment,is the weather we get it bad in Scotland at this time of the year,snow and ice,worried in case I lose my ballance and have a fall,that may involve my shoulder.I feel the same as others in this very good forum, is that you have got to keep up your strenghtening phsio in the house,as I think this is the key to success,as this is a surgery that will that requires hard work and patience. Best of luck with your operation Jan and be positive.Regards,Peter.

You are right about your shoulder letting you know if you are overdoing it. It will let you know with inflamation. Ice the shoulder when you feel that it is tight and swollen. It is really easy to tell. Stretch the shoulder as much as possible and as soon as the inflamation goes away, get back on those exercises. Good luck to all.

At the 5 month stage now and just managing to get the soreness under control by doing daily stretches with the band that i should have been doing alot sooner.
As i have been running almost daily i got it into my head that this was enough of a workout of the arm to mean i could avoid the physio stretching.
I have suffered with soreness and inflammation during and after running and even walking for long periods of time.
Interesting that i am gaining relief now from the stretching and strengthening exercises that i had ignored up to now.
This proves how important the strengthing part is in the recovery process.

Healing from Oct 3rd surgery, yesterday was told full tear in other shoulder…not sure knowing what is next is good or bad but a few prayers cannot hurt….

1 week out of surgery for 3 tears on my right shoulder (dominate arm)… I wish I would have found this site before surgery. I would have been more prepared.

Worst part is sleeping…starting walking a couple miles a day a week after surgery which helps.

Jim, its been ten weeks and two days since my shoulder op repaired tendon and decompression.I found in the early stages walking was a great help,and took my mind of the pain.The pain always seemed worse when I went to my bed, most everyone in this forum felt the same,this may continue for a few more weeks,but it will get better,just think of the sleepless nights you had befor your operation,Icertainly did.I have no problem sleeping now at my ten weeks stage,Iam still in some pain,and get worried sometimes if I overstrech.You are in your earliest stages be careful,and take care.

if you have surgery on your dominant arm i would suggst having someone to stay with you for a week or two.

Sorry I sent the wrong email address on my last post so I am sending it again

To All,
I have been reading all your posts and found them very helpful. I an scheduled for Rotator Cuff surgery January 9th. I have a complete tear of 2 of the 4 rotator cuffs and a possibly torn labrum. Also, there may be a problem with the Bicep tendon. Prior to my injury I played competitive tennis about 4 times a week. I currently have trouble lifting my arm above my chest without having severe pain so playing tennis is completely out the picture. My concern is whether or not I will be able to play tennis at a competitive level after recovering from surgery. , Do any of you who have had rotator cuff surgery play tennis? If so, how is your shoulder after surgery while playing tennis? Do you recommend having the surgery? thanks

yes to the surgery…..it will not get better without it….make sure you have chosen a Doctor who has done many shoulder surgeries…does them arthroscopic as an out-patient…..before you have the surgery interview several Physical Therapist’s and find one you like and has experience in rehab of this type of surgery…..I am almost 10 weeks and progressing..but it is very slow….I am not currently a tennis player, but I can guarantee that you will never play again without the procedure…

Hi all, I’ve been reading your posts for a few months now. They have been most helpful. I’m 54 years old and took a fall in September 2012 and ended up with a 26mm tear of the supraspinatus tendon. I’ve been in Physio since October and I am scheduled for surgery Jan 10th 2013….approaching fast! I have to admit.. I’m a little scared of going for the surgery but I’m pretty much unable to do anything as it is. My surgeon tells me I definitely need to have the surgery, if I want to do the simple things like throwing a baseball, climbing a ladder or even getting a coffee cup from the cupboard… can’t lift my arm above my shoulder without a lot of pain. I’m self employed in manufacturing and as much as it’s already affected my work, I can’t really afford to take too much time for my recovery.. hoping to be back to light duties and computer work after a couple of weeks.. is that realistic?

you should still be in a sling and sleeping in chair for at least four our five weeks….remember the repair is very fragile for at least the first six weeks…be careful…..

I slept in the recliner for 8 weeks but went back to work after 6.5. I do office work and that is going fine but driving is sometimes tough. I am scheduled for the other arm early April.

Retired teacher. Am 60 years old. Turned and tripped over a backpack, directly behind me (was not there,initially). Happened on Oct 8, Just had surgery yesterday, Jan 3rd, almost three months. Am very glad to be on other side, though I know it is on me to protect the good work my doctor has done!
Damage was: Large rotator cuff tear involving the supraspinatus,
infrasspinatus, as well as a tear along the biceps tendon. MRI had shown that I had a partial tear prior to fall, however I did not have ANY limited mobility, as stated in the MRI. (a rather conclusory/inappropriate statement)
Was told by doctor that he was able to repair completely, but I have to keep it immobile so that it does not re- tear.
In any case, Iam happy to see others ‘ posts and will post how my healing is going from time to time. It requires a high level of patience, at this time!

Take Care,all. Linda

I injured my right (dominant) shoulder at work October 2011 at work, I had massive tear of supraspinatus with muscle retraction. torn superior labrum, completely ruptured bicep, and torn subscapularis. I had outpatient arthroscopic surgery November 2011. My arm did not function at all prior to surgery and the pain was unbearable, although I was not taking anything for it. I was also doing PT to try to keep range of motion going into surgery. The surgery took 4 1/2 hours. Surgery was listed as extensive debridment, extensive bursectomy, repair of massive rotator cuff tears and bicep tenodesis where they reattach the bicep to the humorous. My surgeon said if we had waited a week longer the tears would have been irrepairable. The worst part immediately post op for me was nausea and vomiting from anesthesia…pain was under control…had scalene block and the whole arm numbness was a little disturbing but pain was OK. I took that out at home 36 hours post op as I was having the facial droop, hoarse voice and shortness of breath due to it. Still glad I had it though. I was then on oral pain meds for about a week. I started home passive PT exercises the very next day, painful but to be expected. I started PT appointments 1 1/2 weeks after surgery…again very painful but worth it. My biggest problem is I am stubborn and stopped taking pain meds and also pushed too hard at PT as I wanted to be the one that got range of motion and strength back the quickest…learned the hard way that my body will do what it is going to do…can’t rush it…I had such severe inflammation prior to surgery and then surgery of course caused inflammation and then pushing it too hard at PT and trying to do too much too soon caused continued inflammation that got out of control…my surgeon told me due to my tears it would be a very long recovery…6 months to get back to everyday living and 9 months to year to fully function and up to 2 years for complete healing…I guess he was right (even though I wanted to prove him wrong by getting better quicker…lol)…my pain actually was pretty good all through December…it was mid January that I hit my lowest point…I live by myself, it was winter, I was not allowed to drive and felt trapped in my house…I missed work…I looked forward to PT because I got to have human interactions…I was not allowed to walk my dog for 12 weeks, full time sling and no driving for 8 weeks, part time sling (at night and when leaving house) for an additional 6 weeks….no treadmill for 16 weeks…I was allowed to walk of course just not hold my dogs leash or do it on a treadmill…sleeping was horrible for me as I am a stomach sleeper…I used a recliner and can now say I very rarely sit in it…I don’t think I slept more than an 1 or 2 hours at a time for over 4 months. In PT my range of motion came back rather quickly, but strength building seemed to have the slowest progress despite doing all my exercises assigned to me to do at home. I went to PT appointments twice a week for 7 months before being released to home exercise program…I was off work for 4 months and worked part time for 8 weeks after returning to work before returning full time…I was still in a lot of pain when going back to work but I begged to go back because I needed the distractions. I know this all sounds horrible but it really was not as bad as it sounds…don’t get me wrong, it still sucked and I had my moments but I have a normal life now (I am just over a year out)…sure there are still times when I reach a certain way that it pulls or if I use it a lot it is achy and sore for a few days when it otherwise would not have been but considering I was facing permanent disability without surgery, I can say it is all worth it…I am now having problems with my left shoulder due to overuse during my right shoulder recovery and am hoping it does not progress to needing surgery as I would rather not repeat this but I will if I have too…my surgeon said hopefully it would not be as long as a recovery since the tears do not seem to be as bad. Just remember that everyone is different. That was very hard for me when I felt my recovery was slow and someone would say to me that I must be a wimp because their mother who was 20 years older than me (I am 40) had shoulder surgery and was fine and back working at 6 weeks (came to find out that their mother only had debridment surgery for small tears)…when I would hear those things I would feel judged and push it even harder at PT…don’t get me wrong, PT is hard work and do not expect it to be pain free but allow your body to direct you in your recovery…both my surgeon and Physical therapist encouraged to back off a little and not push so hard to let the inflammation calm down but I kept going full steam ahead which probably ultimately slowed recovering a little…but, the PT did pay off as I have better range of motion and function than my surgeon thought I would have…when pain got bad in January my surgeon ordered deep tissue massage and myofacial release and a TENS unit. The massage hurt really bad at the time but really helped in the long run and the TENS unit became my best friend…I do not like pain meds because they make me sick to my stomach so being able to get pain relief without taking drugs was great…The TENS unit is the best thing ever…it was my saving grace during the rough patches…my surgeon still shakes his head when I tell him the first 6 weeks post op were a piece of cake and then I had my struggles…he said usually it is other way around…I am very thankful that my surgeon was very honest with me and prepared me well for what to expect…he was always very encouraging and would remind me not to judge my recovery based on other’s experiences…every one is different and he would remind me how bad my tears were…he said my bursa was so thick from inflammation he had never seen one that bad and had a horrible time getting it out…to anyone going through this, good luck and be patient…it is a long and frustrating recovery but worth to have a normal life again.

Saw my doc for my first post opt appoint(15 days since surgery).I was hoping I could start re-hab….too soon, I will have to wait until the end of Jan.Things are better…been off meds for 10 days and I can’t wait to loose this” strait jacket” I have to wear!Walking 10 miles a week and can pretty much take care of my self…Thank God my wife works out of the house…those first 6-7 days were rough…Looking to go back to work(semi-desk job) in 3 weeks…I HOPE!!!

you are right about all you said. I was so glad to read your story because it sounded just like me to a tee.i had surgery the first time nov 7 2012 and a major revision surgery july 25 2013. I have been like this since I got hurt on sept 2012.i haven’t had any freedom , haven’t drove in over a year. I have no muscles in my arm yet.went back to work last week. I can only lift 2 lbs.its been really frustrating.

I have a ‘moderate’ tear in my rotator cuff and no pain during the day or night at this point unless I’m lifting or twisting my arm in a weird way. I also have a bursa sac, impingement and a bone spur. Is it possible that I could put this surgery off for a while or would it be better to go ahead and bite the bullet and have it taken care of? I am able to work from home as soon as I can type. Unfortunately this is my right shoulder and my dominant side. Am very concerned about personal daily living skills and the inability to care for myself. I have two trips scheduled – one in March (late) and one in early June. Thoughts?

I am no doctor but here is what I think. I have a complete tear on my right arm and HAVE to wait until at least April as I had surgery on the left in October. If they insist I wait until my left is better healed and I hurt a lot, I suspect you too can wait a while. How long, I have no idea. Only you know. Did you ask the doctor what they thought? I wish you luck in whatever you do

13 weeks tomorrow since my surgery, had an appointment with my surgeon on monday,he said that he was happy with my. r o m,and the strength that I have regained back in my shoulder.I told him that things had been going well, but over the last three weeks I have been having bad neck pain,he said that this is common with shoulder surgery,and should calm down.Just wondering if anyone else in the forum have experienced the same.He told me that I wont have to see him again,and to carry on with my excercises as they seem to be working.He said that carrying anything not too heavy below waistline should be okay,but to avoid lifting anything heavy overhead.He also said that to get my full strength back to my shoulder could take another year or more.Ifind that by the end of my working day my shoulder starts to feel weak with some pain but not too bad.I think it may be the driving, and opening and closing the drivers door from inside that could be the problem,when I get home, I do my excercises with my stretch bands and small weights and this seems to help.Best of luck to everyone.

Peter
You seem to be doing well at 13 weeks.
I am at 6 and half months now and only just starting to feel a bit more normal. Indeed i am prepared and expect to wait at least a year to see if this shoulder feels fully healed.
The stretching and bands daily is key to regaining strength. I am reminded daily that i had surgery on that shoulder when doing simple tasks and motions. Good days and bad days.
At your stage i would notice pain when dropping my arm from the steering wheel to my lap when driving altough this has now gone away.
Hang in there as it does indeed get better as each month passes by.
Remember how bad the pain and sleepless nights were before the surgery compared to now!

Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences! I am a total coward 🙂 After getting a second opinion, I am scheduled for surgery next month. Apparently I have anterior acromial spur formation, a 3 cm supraspinatus tear extending into the infraspinatus. Right now I take Mobic 7.5 mg in the AM, and Ultram 50 mg before bed, so the pain is bearable. The surgeons say normalcy is not possible. Can’t pull the string to start weed whacker, lawn mower, type things. Gardening is my therapy and escape, I have been homeschooling for 18 yrs, 6 kids, have 2, 100 lbs dogs, and drive a lot. I’m only 29 with almost 19 years of experience 🙂 So the thought of being taken care of by others is a challenge. Teenagers are not usually the most helpful people I know 😉 Hubby works 6 days a week and will have to deal with me on top of that. At this point, I am feeling like chickening out of the surgery! If it’s not going to return me to normal, what’s the advantage?! Especially when the paper work says there is a possibility of infection, stiffness, and neurovascular injury. Forgive me please for going on so, but I have read everything I could find and this seems to be the one place where you all understand. I want to learn all I can from you! Got the recliner, frozen peas, sweats, haircut, all so I can hopefully function without my dominant right arm. Can you tell I’m also a bit of a control freak and only mildly impatient!? God bless you all in your (not so speedy recoveries!

Did all of you have General Anesthesia for the surgery? Does anyone know if there is another option other than General Anesthesia. I have a real phobia about being intibated and put to sleep. Any suggestions?

Hi Jim,

I hope you see this note…I just had my second rotator cuff repair in December 2011. I can tell you, that I had my surgery under light anesthesia, where I did not have to be intubated. They do give you medication in your IV, so you are asleep and are not aware of anything being done to you. Your surgery will be done with you sitting straight up.

I was also given a “nerve block” near the shoulder, to keep me from feeling anything. The nerve block numbs the whole arm. This was given after I was “asleep.”

Jim, I too am afraid of general anesthesia. I’ve had surgery many times, Jim, so I was super surprised to now see how the whole process of good anesthetic’s has changed. I did not suffer any nausea post-op, like I usually did and I did not feel groggy after the surgery. They give you medications when the surgery is done, to reverse any anesthesia that was given during surgery. I felt absolutely amazing at how quickly my mind felt clear and how ready I was to go home.

I wish you the very, very best, Jim. I will be having my 3rd and hopefully my last shoulder operation, in about 4 weeks. If the rotator cuff is too far gone this time, I will be having what they call a “reverse total shoulder replacement.” (I also have alot of arthritis in that shoulder) I have been fighting this shoulder problem, since 1980, when I tore my rotator cuff in a car accident. It’s been a long hard road, but I am anxiety free now, with the current anesthesia they now use. Not to worry Jim. Tell your doc about your anxiety and they will give you the medication where you don’t care about anything. Trust me, please.

God Bless you, Jim and I hope for your rapid healing…

Heather

I couldn’t have the operation in December as we run a business in Mexico, so the surgeon said I could wait until April when we return. He sent me to a P.T. person who gave me exercises to do every other day for the five months I was away to keep range of motion…only restriction was not to lift my arm overhead at all. I have read all the comments from people and am making a list of what may happen each week after the surgery so I’ll know what to expect. What you all have said has been very helpful to me. Will get back to you in April.

Suzanne,
I read your post and I am curious when you actually tore your supraspinatus tendon. Like you, I have a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon, a possibly torn labrum and bicep tendon. I to, am a control freak and dont like relying on other people for help. I injured mine back in July 2012 and still havent had the surgery. I was scheduled for surgery the first week of this month (January) but cancelled last minute due to anxiety of having surgery. How far out is your surgery scheduled?

I honestly don’t know when or how I did the tear. It only really started bothering me in November, but the Dr. said the MRI shows it to be older than 5 years?! I am scheduled for Feb 18th. He wanted to do it sooner, but I had family commitments already planned. The longer I wait the less likely the success 🙁 Hubby won’t let me chicken out, so I’m working on deep breathing to relax my anxiety 🙂 I do have more peace about it since I found a 2nd doctor 🙂 But still, it’s terrifying! If I can do it, you can too 🙂 Good luck!

Suzanne, thanks for the info and encourging words. One last question! What do you mean by, you found a 2nd doctor? Take Care and Good Luck to you!

I just read your original post stating you had a second opinion! Sorry about that!

Dear Scott Thank you for creating this valuable sharing of experience. I found it 2 days before my surgery on 1/22/2013. It was a big help to read other’s stories, I felt more confident and informed after a half hour of reading. My surgeon Dr. Hubbell was great, he called me at home the day after surgery when the fog of anestesia had lifted and gave me great detail of the surgery answering all my questions. The more knowledge we have the better. I had the nerve block and it lasted almost 30 hours.
The only thing I have to add so far is that while the nerve block is still working be very careful to have help changing or adjusting your sling. Your arm will drop like a stone if you don’t have a good hold of it! Make sure you have help that first few days until you know what you can and can’t do alone. I will be back with anything else that may be of help to others on this journey. Mahalo

i

Had rotator cuff repair and bone spurs shaved 12 days ago and was questioning if I made the right decision until I found this web site. I thought that I was the only one not getting any sleep, an hour or two here and there. I too had a nerve block but it only lasted 12 hours and when it wore off OMG the pain was the worse thing I have ever experienced. I called my Dr. the following day and was reassured that the pain would subside a littlt everyday, which it has. The biggest pain I have now is the sling! I have some discomfort but no actual pain. Haven’t started pt yet, just some shoulder shrugs and pendulum excercises 3x a day. Getting stitches out tomorrow and we’ll see what the next step will be Thanks for the blog, it has lifted my spirits knowing that everything I’m experiencing is “normal”.

I had surgery on 10/02/12 after Surgeon tryed all other avenues to ease pain in Left Shoulder, MRI showed a tear in the Left Shoulder only option per Dr. was sugery to repair the tear.As with most of all the people who undergo this surgery the first month or so is VERY DIFFICULT…Sleeping,Pain,Meds,Showering,Dressing,etc.etc. In my 14th weekof P/T which is once a week for an hour and VERY IMPORTANT to do the exercises given to you by the therpist at home(Dont’t neglect DO THEM ). I have been a advid golfer for over fifty-two years and this was a sure cause of the rotator injury due to the stress the swing places onthe rotator muscle. My range of motion is improving slowly each week and hope to get backto golf soon with more therapy and strength exercises. Again as other people have stated Do what your Dr. and Therapist tell you to do and it will work out for you…..Good Luck and hang in there…….

My turn to join the club! I must admit reading all your stories is both frightening and encouraging seeing what you all are/have experienced with this procedure. We will help each other to get through this.

BACKGROUND: I’m 54 and play mostly tennis and swim now though I was a weekend warrior my entire life. The tear started a year ago and progressively got worse to the point that I did an MRI and had a cortisone shot in Sep 2012. The doctor I was referred to for my shoulder had a 5 week wait (does that mean he is good and is in high demand??) so I went to my old knee doctor Sharks orthopedic) since he could get me in right away and would give me the cortisone shot which I needed because we were doing a group trip to AZ for five days of tennis and fun. The MRI showed a small tear and bone spur. Five minutes after the shot I could raise my arm over my head pain free. I’ve had cortisone before twice for my elbow and it worked everytime. In Oct I was lifting weigts at the gym and I could feel my rotator tear while doing bench press. I tend to do lighter weights with more reps so the weight was not that much. I think because of the cortisone the pain was not too bad but I could feel the rip and my shoulder went numb. I think it was hanging by a thread there. I could still swim though every stroke hurt and I could tell that I changed my stroke to elleviate the pain. The final straw was early December we did a group hike and ended up on the beach and played some volleyball. Stupid me after having a beer or two I got out there. Anything low I could get but honestly it all hurt. Then a ball quickly went to my right side and I instictavely went to get it and that was the end and I immediately fell to my knees. The next day I made an appt with my shoulder guy (49er orthopedic) and again it was a five week wait. I asked them to put me on the waiting list in case of a cancellation and that I would even go sit in the waiting room in case someone didn’t show that day if I had to. Sad to say five weeks later I finally had my appt.

DIAGNOSIS: It was decided that another MRI was not required and that after his tests and viewing the old MRI that surgery was needed. He would remove bone spur, shave off the bone, clean up the area a explore what exactly is wrong and fix it which I was fine with and consented.

SURGERY: Performed Jan 23, 2013 at Stanford Hospital. Arrived at 7:30AM, surgery at 9AM and was hoping to be released around 1PM but I was in pretty bad pain so they gave me a nerve block (epiderral??) which gave me the first pain free time in many months. During recovery I experienced my first pain free deep sleep (though only 1 hour or two) in a long time. But because of the cocktail of pain meds I was unable to keep my breathing going so they put me on oxygen. I also could not pee so they were not going to release me until that happened. Three knee surgeries and three successfull pees so I was confident that the event would happen. By 7PM I was released to go home with this massive arm brace with a rock of a so-called pillow by my side.

RESULT: Complete supraspinatus tear with labrum tear with general cleanup and bone spur removal. Bicep was good, no arthritis, but severe inflamation.

TODAY: One week in and pretty much experiencing every range of emotion that all of you (my new friends) have had and are having. Last night was the worst after reading many of the posts here for the first time and realizing more and more what is in store for me. Today is and has to be a good day because it is my beautiful and incredible wife’s birthday. I hope she still likes me after all this is over. One day at a time and each day gets us all closere and closer to the finish line. Hang in there everybody!

Mark

Had surgery on Monday the 28th. Full thickness tear of the supraspinatus, bicep pulling labrum so they cut it and reattached to the bone, cleaned out some other stuff….3 1/2 hour surgery with 6 holes. They used a nerve block that we removed today, Wednesday the 30th. Little to no pain, started therapy on the 29th and doing it three times a day. Icing often all day long. I have taken only two pain pills and sleeping in the recliner. Biggest problem is being out of work for the next four months….custodian. Not sure what I will do, it is my dominant hand. I have help for now but when my wife goes back to work I hope I will be able to do what I need to on my own.

6 weeks since surgery (2 full and 1 partial tear).I finally got the ok)to start rehab..IM SO READY! 2 to 3 days a week with multiple exercises to do at home everyday.I HOPE I get the ok from my doctor and workers comp to go back to work in 2 weeks(supervisor 75% desk work). This site has been a great source of info…please keep up with the updates …Im 52 and feel optimistic for a full recovery(I fully understand I still have a long way to go)

coming up 8 months now since my tear repair with sutures and anchors and finally managed to say goodbye to the stretching bands and regained enough strength to get back to the gym and restart bench pressing, pull ups, press ups etc although with much lighter weights than before.
Still minor soreness which only seems to flare after intense periods of running. Seems comfortable though both during and after weights sessions.

About six weeks out from surgery on dominant shoulder. First two weeks are the worst. Started passive rehab the day after surgery and still doing it. See Dr next week for second post op review. Probably will stay in sling two more weeks (total eight) based on what my PT Doc tells me is standard practice. Started working out in gym about a month ago doing leg work, core, and aerobics to keep from gaining weight and losing strength and staying sane! Sleep in bed mostly on my non involved side. Go to PT three times per week and do required shoulder exercises (passive) three times a day. The only difference between the work i do at home and at PT is arm manipulation, stimulation and ROM measurements by PT Doctor.
Shoulder is much improved now. Can pretty much perform all necessities without much pain. But obviously can’t lift arm yet and have been told NOT to try!
I’m 69 and have had shoulder problem for probably ten years. Finally had to have surgery when I could no longer swing a golf club! Haha! Left shoulder has similar but lesser problem; but I won’t have surgery unless I can’t play golf.
This surgery in my opinion should not be undertaken unless your lifestyle is materially effected. It’s too invasive and takes too long to recover!
Good luck and hang in there!

I tore three of four of my rotator cuff tendons in my left arm 15 years ago (age 35 ) in a fall.they did the surgery but said my injury was severe and I would not get full usage back. disapointing since I liked working out plus other activities but I surprised them by getting back almost 100%. then in 2003 I had to have my right bicept tendon reattacted.I recovered and went back to the gym (doing pretty good at this point). then in 2010 I fell and reinjured my left shoulder requiring another rotator repair which was worse than they thought and I was in surgery for 5 plus hours also had to reattach the bicept tendon.(This is getting old) during therapy I could tell that I tore it back off, back into surgery which was unsuccessful and told unrepairable now so I can’t lift that arm over 90 degrees(I;m tring to get back to positive but difficult). so 4 weeks ago because of a bone spur and doing everything with my right arm I had to have rotator cuff surgery on my right arm I’m so depressed

And worried that I’m goin to tear this one off also but hear are some things Iv’e learned. 1.get the nerve block. 2.find a surgeon who specializes in shoulder surgery. 3.have help the first week. 4 keep up with the pain meds. 5. realize there’s gonna be pain and it’s a long recovery but you most likely will have a good outcome. God be with you!

Wow Mitch! Thanks for your excellent advice 🙂 In 2 weeks I’m getting the right shoulder done, so I’ll be thinkin of you. I just want to encourage you if I can. I’ve heard what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger…in which case I think you should change your name to Hercules! You have been through the ringer and you’re still going 🙂 Remind yourself how God has seen you through all the previous stuff, and know He won’t let you go now 🙂 Hang in there! I think you are amazing! You have encouraged me greatly 🙂

Good luck in two weeks, a couple other things that helped was if your in a pillow sling which I think is more comfortable buy a mylar ballon to shove under your arm in the shower. also a wash brush.

Mitch
I agree with your five points. You’ve been thru the ringer; it’s easy to get depressed when your lifestyle is put on hold for months. Hang in there!

Hi everyone,
I am scheduled for surgery on the right shoulder next Thursday 1/7/13, then first PT on the 11th. Biceps Trenton repair, labrum repair, and bone spur removal, I am 61 and very active. Mine was damaged in a wrok related event, but I own my own company so I guess that is a good thing. This site has been great to see the different experiences and recovery times. My surgery is being done by my doctor that I have known for years, he is at an Ortho Sports group that specializes in shoulders and knees. I have researched all I can find and watched all the you tube videos, I think this helped me get ready. I will repost next week. Wish me luck!

Andy,Glad to hear that youre doing so well at your eight month stage,I will be four month on Friday,I am still getting some neck pain after doing my regular home exercises,but the ice seems to help.Have you ever experienced any neck pain in your recovery.Not only is my shoulder slackening off quite well, so are all the door handles in my house with using the stretch bands,but I find im getting there.enjoy the gym,go easy on the pressups,and best of luck to everyone in ths excellent forum

Peter
The neck pain seems to be quite normal. I have experienced exactly the same.
Everything across the shoulders, neck etc seems to be linked and i have found not only neck pain but the other good should flares up, but only when the bad one does.
I am now starting to feel reasonably comfortable at 8 months even after a good gym session.
I feel i am firly fit but the long recovery time from this shoulder episode has even suprised me.
If i was not fully normal after a year i would be looking to revisit the consultant but i seem on track now to be 100% when i reach
the anniversary of the surgery.
Good luck with yours. 4 months was still quite sore for me.

I joined the club now 7 weeks ago. Noticed left shoulder pain, while putting on shirts, or tucking in back area, had been very active weight lifting, running, swimming, hunting, fishing, etc. Finally when the pain kept me up at night I had it checked out and my left rotator cuff had been complety torn U shaped, along with spurs from arthritis. I had no option but to get it fixed to resume my lifestyle. I tried to prepare myself which is difficult to understand until your in these shoes. Very miserable 2-3 weeks, not much sleep, and you WILL need a recliner at least a month (I rented one). Rehab now days begins very early usually the same week you have surgery. CLose to 8 weeks My range of motion is not great and my Doc says I have another 2 month window to get it back. Starting on a steriod dose pack in the morning to try to help, will continue Rehab effors three time a week and three time a day myself. Ice machine and lortab! You do not get much sleep the first few weeks, and a little better going into the second month. I had no choice preferred the winter time having to wear the sling for 6 weeks. My PT reminded me that this is not a surgery for anyone impatient, (which I am). Hope for full recover in 8 months!

Saw Doc after 6 weeks post op and he removed sling 2 weeks early due to my excellent ROM progress. What a relief getting rid of sling! I start active PT in 2 weeks. This is quite a journey. I hope to be playing golf after 4 months….

Bob….Sixteen weeks Monday….Just was given permission to hit a few wedges for the next week or so. Then work up to a full swing with the driver after 20 weeks. Be patient don’t push…listen to your doctor and your P/T person….

Well…it will be round 2 for me…I now have to have rotator cuff repair surgery for my left shoulder. MRI showed medium to large full thickness tears in my left shoulder. My surgeon is attributing this to all the wear and tear it went through while carrying the burden while I was recovering from my right shoulder surgery. He said it is very common when one shoulder is severe, it is likely that the other shoulder will need repaired within a year or two. My right shoulder was so bad due to an injury…story was posted on Jan 6. I am now 15 months out from that surgery and am dreading my left shoulder surgery but I know it is a necessity for me to still have a normal life. My right shoulder recovery was extremely difficult as the damage in my right shoulder was quite severe so we are hoping this time with less tears and smaller tears the recover will not be quite as bad but my surgeon told me size of tear does not dictate recovery time it only means greater chance of successful repair…as he put it…it is still a full rotator cuff repair surgery you are having…much different than other shoulder surgeries that do not include official repair. It is such a long and frustrating recovery but so worth it to have a normal life. Hang in there everyone…it does get better…I will have to remind myself of that here in a couple of weeks…
J

Round two for me as well but the left was just done in October and even before it was done, my right began to hurt. It will be scheduled for sometime near the end of March, early April…I have not really had the time to “forget”

I dislocation my shoulder from a bad fall while on holiday. The arm was put back in but the doctors in cuba missed a eedge shaped fracture of the greater tuberosity plus a full rotator cuff tear. When I returned home I had open surgery ( 16 days from the original injury) . The idea was to put pin the fracture back but the bone dissolved and the surgeon ended up filling in the wedge shaped hole with the tendon which he then secured with anchors and sutures. My pain has been manageable and in two weeks, I will be going to see him again for my six week follow-up and I am hoping to get the sling off but he has not let me know one way or the other. The surgeon does not like to answer any questions and can make me feel quite stupid when I do ask him any. My bigest worry is that I will never again be able to move my upper arm away from the side of my body. I have an older relative who had this surgery and his upper arm is still essentially glued to his body. I am doing pendulum exercises and seem to have good rom with minimal discomfort and I can bend my arm at my elbow and hold it up which I could not do right after the exercise. I am not supposed to try to move my arm away from my body and although I have been tempted to try, I will not until I have the ok. My sense is that I can’t move it away or won’t be able to move it away….this obesses me almost. Can anyone tell me if they were able to move their arm away from their body upward or to the side right after being allowed to take the sling off and try? Sorry for the long post but my surgeon just brushes off my questions and my family is reassuring but don’t understand how real this fear is to me.

PS. forgive the poor grammar and misspelling …adjusting to typing while in a sling : )

You won’t be able to do much for a while. And please don’t do anything unless given the ok…this recovery takes a lot of patience but you will get there

Yikes I’m very fearful of getting surgery bc if the pain involved. Sometimes I read that the pain is managed quite well with meds and others hv horrible experiences where the meds did nothing to help??? I am scheduled for april2013 and just need to know a couple of things. 1.does the nerve block keep the arm numb so that after surgery and in the recovery room you can b relatively pain free? 2. How long before u need to dope up after getting home? 3. Does the sling cause most of the post-op pain ? Was has been the best pain drug that helps with the surgery or is it a combination of opium narcotics coupled with Ambian coupled with 800mg Ibuprophen coupled with ice? Where do I get an ice machine? Help ? Scared to death! Evie

Evie, thank you for saying you’re scared to death 🙂 I go in tomorrow and I have been terrified myself 🙁 I have only ever been to the hospital 3 times with my first 3 kids, after that it was midwives. So I just see a white coat and can’t breathe 😛 For the past 4 months I have been on Mobic and then Tramadol. I’m allergic to tylenol, so I don’t know what they will give me. I actually wrote my will last night 🙂 Just in case I don’t wake up! I am a total coward! I am so not looking forward to pain, I’m going to sleep as much as I can 🙂 Hybernation season, right? My pharmacist said frozen peas are the best because they are so maleable, and we don’t have room or money for an ice machine. Anyway, good luck and I’ll try to type left handed and let you know what they give me 🙂

no capitals as i am 9 days post surgery and type with one finger. it has been a challenge especially as i live alone.
i have been on oxycodone for pain. do not take so many medications that you are dizzy or sick. i found that some pain kept me from falling asleep and putting pressure on shoulder by mistake. a really bad mistake!
it is easier that i finally can use of my hand to help hold things.
if my surgery had been done on my dominant hand i would not be able to take care of myself. i wear swear pants and large warm shirts that i can put one arm in and wrap around me. took a trip to salvation army and walmart so i did not have to spend a lot of money.
i did have a nerve block to help after surgery. very strange to have no feeling or ability to move the fingers. one thing i have to remember to do is relax. i tend to make a hard fist and tense against the pain …. that just makes so much worse. muscle spams etc.
thinking about physical therapy and moving my shoulder is ….well awful. i do not know when i have to start to go.

The ice machine was not covered by my insurance and was expensive do I did not have it. Just good ole ice packs. I was on Norco, it helped just fine as long as I took it when I should. The nerve block lasted all day and I don’t think I took the Norco until bed. I slept in the recliner for 8 weeks. I think the first two weeks were the worst I ever had and tomorrow I go to schedule the other arm, just short of 6 months from the first. I did however live through it and the PT was fine, still going as a matter of fact. No lie, it will be rough at times but it is worth getting rid of the pain..you will be just fine

the nerve block last about 12 hours. I would try to start taking pain meds before it wears off(if you’re not sick, ask for the Z medicine before surgery to help with this) It’s not really the sling making it sore but I did find that taking it out once in a while and resting it in a different position would help sometimes. I was on vicodine in my early surgeries percocet now which I think worked better. …good luck to suzanne monday.

Dear Evie

I had my surgery 4 weeks ago and it was way better than I feared it would be.
1. The nerve block lasted 28 hours and there was no pain in recovery at all. Until it wears off keep it in the sling and follow instructions to the letter!! You will not be able to feel, move or control it in any way make sure you have help to adjust the sling at first.

2. Take the pain meds before you go to sleep that first night after surgery just in case the nerve block wears off while you are sleeping in the recliner.

3. The sling prevents movement and pain. Not moving is key to healing and a cause of stiffness of joints.

4. Vicodin 7/750. Worked for me but take stool softener with it or you will wish you had!

5. Insurance may pay for ice machine. Mine did but it needs to be there before you go for surgery. Mine came a week late and I sent it back I used a large blue gel pack That I kept in the freezer the swelling should be gone in a week. Get the ice machine if your insurance will pay

6. Don’t worry it will get better only with the surgery and you will be fine. I am so glad I did it. Sleeping better now and no pain just stiff and weak pt next.

Good luck
George

Anybody have big rowdy dogs? Can they really sense you are in pain and not jump up into your lap? My rescue mutt is really attached and has separation anxiety issues if I go out for any length of time. I’m terrified he will hop in the recliner with me. He’s my sunshine and I don’t want to mess him up psychologically by keeping him out of my room if I don’t have to. Any suggestions?

I have five dogs, 3 Border Collies, 1 Golden and a small mix. I’m 2.5 weeks post surgery and will be in my recliner until I’m out of this sling. I put 2 x-pens around my chair. That keeps them from joining me when I’m not prepared. The first week I didn’t allow them near me. That was hard. Now things are better and I only keep it completely closed at night.

Hope this Helps!

I have a shepherd that likes to put his nose under my arm and push it up so I did indeed keep him away but my little dog was just fine

Thank you for this blog. I am 2.5 weeks post right rotator cuff (supraspinatus full tear) and I have to say that it was a whole lot easier than I expected. I was taking Vicodin for the first 6 days then to Naproxen and that is what I use now when I need it. I started PT the day after surgery and I have already gained some better ROM.

Yesterday I woke up and didn’t need any thing. I had a great day and thought I had turned a healing corner of some sort, then around 5PM I started hurting quite a bit. I have been really concerned that I did something wrong. PT was normal today and my therapist said my therapy is on track as I’m only a couple of weeks post-op. Have any of you experienced these types of setbacks or maybe rollercoaster days? Are there more of these coming? I’m thinking it’s all good as I’m following all instructions to a tee and just blowing it out of perspective. Am I just expecting too much too soon? I haven’t had a ton of pain with this and the pain I have tonight is no worse than after a tough PT session but still more than the lasts several days.

I really think the sling is the worst part. I have another 23 days in this thing. I sleep ok in my recliner and I tried to transition to bed but that didn’t work. I think I’m in this chair til the sling comes off. I’ve been driving since day 7 and I’m headed back to work next Monday. Gonna be a long road but I want my arm back so “whatever it takes”.

I had my rotator cuff repair and SLAP tear surgery in Sept 2011. This surgery is much harder than anyone can prepare you for. You need to prepare yourself mentally for the long haul. It is very depressing thinking you will never be able to move your arm again. My therapist said she hears that a lot from shoulder surgery patients. I was told you will be happy after two weeks you had this surgery, by the surgeon. No, I was not happy at all after two weeks. It takes a very long time to heal and lots of therapy. Maybe it was a longer process for me because I was in a car accident one week post op? No high speed collision but I took most impact to my side of the vehicle. It has been about 18months and my arm feels mostly normal now. I recommend keeping up with the therapy program at home long after you are finished with organized PT. Don’t get discouraged, keep you head up it does get better eventually.

A gripe here! Why do I keep reading that patients are not properly prepared! It happened to me too and it is just so unnecessary and it would be so simple to give us more written instructions – yet when I suggested things to the nurse practitioner, she got all defensive.

I was told it would be painful, but I assumed that would be managed with pain pills… If they had told me that it might be so painful I’d really be in some severe pain, I could have at least tried to prepare myself – but they didn’t and it blindsided me because when my block wore off, the opiates didn’t touch the pain – even though I’d taken them when I’d gone to sleep at 11pm and again when I awoke at 4:30.

By 6am the nerve block was going away and the pain was increasing and I could tell I’d be in trouble so I called the doctor – he seemed irritated and told me to take Aleve!!! I did and in half an hours time I was much worse: crying and shaking and hyperventilating! I was waiting for 8:30 to take the next percocet… but when I called my brother in tears, he told me to just take it – so I did. By 9 I was okay, but I was in very bad pain for a good 2 hours.

I was also shocked that I didn’t see the surgeon before surgery, after surgery and at the 2 week visit!! Every other surgery I’ve had, I did… so I don’t think it was an ignorant assumption. What are other’s experiences? I do remember one post above that said the doctor called him at home when he was still foggy to give him all the details of the surgery! I only wish! This Dr. came highly recommended….all he does is shoulders… but bedside is clearly lacking – maybe it’s become too rote for him… maybe he should take in some knees for variety – or he should injure his shoulder so he can experience the pain first hand!

For my 5 week appointment (coming up) I realized I shouldn’t assume I’d finally see the surgeon and I called the office to say I wanted to see the surgeon – not the nurse or physician’s assistant – so they changed the appointment. Hopefully at that time I’ll get to find out exactly what he found inside and exactly what repairs were done. The nurse gave me conflicting info… In addition, he doesn’t have us start PT for 6 weeks, so I have no other input on my shoulder to know if it looks like things are going well.

Well… enough for now! I suppose the take-away is not to assume you will see the doctor – so ask for specifics. I would also ask ahead of time, what you should do if the pain pills they give you don’t work. I’m not saying this to scare away anyone from surgery – I’m still glad I did it – I have been able to handle the pain since then just fine – but I think the pain after surgery could have been prevented.

Hi everyone,

Fourteen day post op update. I had arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder. Repairs included: Supraspinatus tear, Anterior Labrum tear, Slap tear, Bicepts Tendon partial tear which included relocation, and Mumford procedure, also known as distal clavicle resection. Post op check up was eight days out, stitches were removed from the four wounds.

Surgery was about an hour and a half, I elected to have the nerve block which I would recommend, it lasted almost eighteen hours, I know some have reported less but I guess everyone is different. Pain meds were oxycodone used for the following three days, then only a half as needed once or twice, no pain pump. Ice packs were used a few times. Sleep was not much of a problem, I have an adjustable frame on my Sleep Number bed which helped, I did find that the reclining love seat sometimes makes for good rest, I set on the left side and let the sling support the right arm.

Physical Therapy started four days post op and has not been that bad, I go three times a week and to do some at home as described. As the range of motion increases so does the discomfort but I have been advised don’t push beyond the pain level just to be tough, it is a long road don’t make the journey more painful than need be. My doctor advised to take pain meds an hour pre therapy can make things go easier to tolerate in the early stages.

Good luck to everyone that is getting ready, and those of us that have had it done. Just understand if you have a tear no amount of therapy will repair it, surgery has to be done to get better, just talk to people, you will be surprised how many people that you know have had it or know someone that has. Find a orthopedic surgeon that specializes in ortho sports work, they seam to have a edge on those that do not.

Last but not least.

Thanks for Scott for starting this site, I know it has helped me and others.

Phil

Day 5 : Good Morning People! I feel like we ought to have an awesome nickname, something victorious and heroic, like the one arm wonders 🙂 Yes, the pain meds are working! So they gave me 5 exercises to do, and I can do 2 of them! Counting every little victory. Hubby actually had to wake me for a pill last night, instead of me squirming and slow breathing until it was time. I feel like someone came in and beat me with a baseball bat, bruised and achy, but no sharp shooting pains from collar bone, to bicep, to forearm, out thumb. I kinda wish they would have shown me how to not use my shoulder muscles and do the exercises before surgery, because I am still catching myself tensing up and I’m not sure I’m doing them right. I also would have built up my left arm more and done more to make it flexible because I am determined not to over do it compensating. I never want to go through this again. I am quickly getting over not wanting to ask for help, like the doc said, “It’s my turn now.” Honestly, the kids are more than happy to help, especially when I ask, “who wants to dress me funny today?” I used to feel guilty watching tv during the day, but now it’s fun catching up. Don’t laugh or judge me, but I have found Scrubs to be an entertaining diversion. Though it’s really hard to laugh without engaging the muscles. As I look at all the stuff that needs to be done, that I can no longer do, I try to keep in mind the things I can do. It’s the little things that matter right? Listening to and encouraging my kids, holding my hubby’s hand, petting the dogs and cat, waving and smiling. This is just another season, it’ll pass, and all the big projects will wait. Hang in there folks! We can do this:-) It’ll be worth the pain if I can garden again and rumble with my loved ones someday. If the pain is keeping you from going through with this…don’t let it. It sucks, yes. Don’t be afraid to call the pharmacy, surgeon, until they give you what works! Being allergic to Tylenol made this a challenge, but they came up with Oxycodone and baby aspirin with ice, rest, and pillows. I may have a few moments or a few hours of comfort, I treasure every second and breathe slowly to the next. I may only be able to type for a few minutes at a shot, but I will try to update as I am able. Bless you all with peace, patience, healing, and strength!

I am going for the surgery on March 12th. Yes , I am scared. I had orthiscopic surgery on my right knee Dec. 27 (torn meniscus) and I have been going to therapy since Jan 8th. They are working on my shoulder also. My family is so helpless, I just don’t know. They will figure it out I guess. I told the pt that I will be coming here for the next 6 months. They laughed. I am sure I will go though with this but wont like it. Glad you seem to be doing ok. Also glad you said the pain wasnt too bad. So will let you know, stay strong, blessings to you too.

What a coincidence, I have been lurking on this site trying to find out what to expect, and i am having left shoulder done on the 12th as well. ! Lot of good information here!

Had my operation as scheduled,2 days ago. Arthroscopic on left shoulder for full tear, and removal of 1 spur. Sent me home with a pump that had a crack in the coupling where the tube connects to the tiny catheter,so after the initial block wore off, no medication, it all ran down my neck. I had a script for hydrocodone,but the stuff made me sick, so I went the the first days with nothing but some over-the -counter Ibuprophen. Yesterday pain was as bad as anything I have ever experienced, and I have had a couple of compound leg fractures in an accident. Today is better. This is about the limit of my typing ability, as the pain is taking over.

Three weeks post op and so far, I’m more stir crazy than anything. Still trying to figure out why doctor gave so much pain medicine. #80. I took 10. Tylenol works just fine (aided by ice).

Most of my problems have come from the biceps repair which keeps me from bending at the elbow. I wasn’t prepared for that restriction.

Sure wish someone told me
1. My coat doesn’t fit over the sling (and I walk a couple of miles daily) Solution—A poncho. Could have used it earlier
2. Bruising from the sling. My arm looks like someone is beating me.
3. The pillow on the sling rubs against the waistband of my pants and they keep falling down when I walk. I claim to be “in style” as I walk with one hand holding them up.
4. Ice machine. Although ice is great, I hated the machine. I could not lift it to drain it (Have tears opposite arm too). Preferred a regular set of large ice packs which I rotated.
5. Can’t get a seat belt on. The pillow keeps me from finding the buckle.

Day 8: Any suggestions on what to do to keep from going stir crazy? I’d like to use my non dominant hand, but not over use it. Writing is frustrating, typing is slow, getting tired of TV, folding laundry brings a little satisfaction 🙂 Found a puzzle thingy… http://thejigsawpuzzles.com/Puzzle-of-the-Day/Hardy-Waterlily-jigsaw-puzzle? What do you all do? Thanks!

Thanks for the link, I did my first in 9 minutes. Can you read or make phone calls or nap? I watched a lot of movies and it was a couple weeks before I tried to do the computer. I am having my dominant arm done in 5 weeks and I will be looking for stuff to do as well with one arm in a sling and one still recovering from the first surgery. I have two big puzzles which I may attempt but I like your link…hope you can find something interesting to do. And you probably don’t want to do what I did the first time, I ate carmel sundees…now I am paying for that 🙂

LOL! Peanut butter brownies will be my downfall! I admire you’re bravery at getting this surgery again!!! Will the other one be 100%? I gave up napping during the day, so I can sleep deeper at night. It has enabled me to skip 1 pain pill around midnight. I should probably dig up my glasses so I can read, but for now I read mostly stuff on the pc. I can putter around on here for about 1/2 hr because I can fidget around trying to get comfortable. Were you nervous about your 1st check up, post op? I am hoping he says it worked and find out exactly what he did and why it still hurts. Did it feel like your collar bone was throbbing? And the pain moves! Sometimes it’s the shoulder, or the bicep, or the forearm… I had to do the pt exercises before they even discharged me. Since I had the nerve block that wasn’t a problem. They want me to do 5 exercises 3 times a day at home. I’m lucky to do 4 1/2 exercises 2 times a day. And my family has to help me with some of them. If I try to lay flat it feels like my shoulder is ripping off. I can’t imagine being alone through something like this?! Thank God for all of you guys, my friends, my family, my precious dog who has been so good at not jumping up on me and following me everywhere, and chocolate 😉

I am almost 3 weeks post surgery. I started PT yesterday and I can say it was not pleasant. I know that it is necessary if I am not to have a frozen shoulder. I have a TENS unit that does mask the pain when I am at rest. The cost of the unit and electrodes were covered by medicare and private insurance.

I am almost 3 weeks post surgery. I started PT yesterday and I can say it was not pleasant. I know that it is necessary if I am not to have a frozen shoulder. I have a TENS unit that does mask the pain when I am at rest. The cost of the unit and electrodes were covered by medicare and private insurance. Earlier I did let pain control how long I cat-napped all day and night. Now, I found that I need to get some sleep! I had my left shoulder done so I sleep on my right side with my back against the back of the couch and a soft pillow in front of me to keep my painful shoulder on my upper side. Sleeping on my back is intolerable. How does one get out of a recliner with only one arm?
Also…I am so tired of microwavable meals and finger foods. I do live alone so meals are up to me. Any suggestions?

Hi
I am three weeks post op and have been through nine sessions of PT, I started 4 days post OP. I know each case is different but I can’t imagine going that lone before starting. Good luck do the PT at home it will help I have almost all my ROM back. Each day is better. Try a pillow under your arm when attempting to sleep on your back. Getting out of a recliner is about balance now more than arm strength. I had my right done and found that a left side love seat worked for me.

I just finished physcial therapy on my left tonight. I am not at 100% but in decent shape. The dr said 9-12 months to be at 100. I was not nervous about the follow up and not nervous about the next one. But knowing what I know, I hope I handle it better next time. My collarbone never hurt but my elbow was a big issue for me. The first operation, they had to make a big incesision so I hope the next one is a little easier on me…I know the relief I got on the first will make the next one well worth it

True, I think if I have to get the left one done down the road, I’ll definitely be the wiser from this experience 🙂 First I’ll get in better shape so I don’t have to build abs just putting the recliner down 🙂 Second I will know what drugs to take and take the maximum for the first two days. Third I’ll have more peace knowing the pains are normal, and I’m not doing anything wrong. Day 11: 1st post op was great! I only need my sling when gardening, the steristrips were removed and he’s pleased with the progress so far. I feel like I could fly without my sling on, but I’ll behave. I even tried sleeping in my bed, but it was right after pt and I figured I would try to cut back on the oxycodone/aspirin because he said it’s addictive. Just as I was entering the land of nod the pain started and got ahead of me so it took about an hour sitting up in the recliner again to relax. He told me not to worry about the random moving pain, just keep pushing. Everything is normal 🙂 I am typing two handed again and I tried writing, it’s stiff, but legible 🙂 Okay, time for round 2 of pt. Thanks for all your wisdom, it’s been so great seeing how different everyones experiences are. I’m sure your next surgery will be better and you’ll do great! Be blessed!

in japan rotator cuff surgery is a 10 day hospital stay. very difficult to sleep; due to pain & snoring roommates. i had a severe tear, chronic (from work & sports) followed by acute worsening from a fall on icy street. labrum tear, too. surgeon used 7 titanium suture anchors. passive rehab was begun day after surgery. had to wear the sling with the thick pad the first week. then the sling without the pad for a 2nd week. going on my 3rd week post-op. wear the sling when commuting to hosp. 3 x per wk. for rehab, but no sling when at home. still have to sleep on my back with a fluffy pillow on abdomen and arm upraised on pillow. a bag of frozen veges placed on shoulder works wonders during the night. only pain med is loxonin (similar to ibuprofen). adverse effect has been constipation. can`t `zactly go out walking for exercise cause sapporo city is buried under ice/snow thru out winter season. regards, gaijin in japan

10 days in the hospital? I was in at 8, home by 1…glad I live here…wow..hope you are well soon

Now at the 8 month stage post surgery for my minor tear.
Still not 100% and i am reminded daily i had surgery to that shoulder.
Able to carry out any activity including running and weight lifitng although still get soreness and flare ups after these activities.
Alot of people say 9 – 12 months is normal to expect some sort of normality in the shoulder.
Definate slow improvements as the months go past. Very slow.
I hope to be able to post back and say i am 100% one day

Six weeks post surgery, I have come to the conclusion that having shoulder surgery must be similar to competing in an IronMan. I just got done with the swim, I don’t have to wear the sling anymore and have started on moving my arm under my own power, next is the bike ride (uphill of course) for the next 2 1/2 months and THEN I can start the marathon. I am really surprised at the loss of strength in my shoulder. I can’t even get to the buttons on my dashboard to change the channel on the radio. It really is a humbling experience and in the grand scheme of things, it’s a pretty minor thing.

Yep, Been there and done that . Lifting the arm to the steering wheel was even aneffort for about 4 months.
It’s good though to look back and realise how far i have come over the months.

Day 26 Hello all! Checking back in I see there are alot of new additions. Hope everyone is healing nicely and dealing with their pain 😉 I’m doing the best I can, but some days are more painful than others. Apparently little things like writing out bills, scrubbing, the bathroom, etc…are still going to make me wish I hadn’t done them. I was doing pretty well with the PT but had to reduce range of motion after cleaning 🙁 What really bugs me is that it doesn’t hurt when I am doing something…an hour later though I want to cry! Surgeon wanted me to cut back from 8 Oxycodone a day because it is addictive. So now I’m down to 4 a day from 8. I take them at 8AM, 2PM, and (2) at 8PM. I do the (5) PT exercises about 15 minutes after I take the meds. Finally sleeping in bed at least 5-8 hrs a night, had to work up to it at 20-40 minute increments, starting on day 11. It takes (3) pillows horizontal, (2) vertical, and a lumbar to get me at the right angle 🙂 I long for when I can sleep on my side like I used to! And I used to think hubby had too many pillows! Showering is still hard and I have to take my time and rest afterwards since day 12. The left shoulder is starting to hurt now, ugh! Hoping it holds out till my dominant right heals. I have been praying for you all, especially those who don’t have help! Honestly I don’t think I would survive without hubby taking over all my driving of kids to work and bathing me in the beginning, the kids taking turns doing my laundry and cooking. Wish we had AFLAK to cover a cleaning lady, poop scooper, dog walker, etc 🙂 Okay, starting to hurt…that’s my signal. May you all heal quickly and rest comfortably!

Had my surgery on the 12th. Today is the 18th. Had a full tear repaired and a bone spur removed. Arthroscopic, I feel like I could take my sling off today,But i know I need to restrict the upper shoulder so it will heal without a re-tear. No pain meds for 2days now! I use my arm just like I did before the surgery, within the movement restrictions of the sling. I had almost no swelling or bruising post op. Dr. says he can begin to “wean” me off the sling in as little as 2 weeks if I use care what I try to do. I was afraid of the surgery, too, as I am 62 and I was afraid I might not heal as fast as I used to. I got a full night’s sleep last night without waking, and I hadn’t done that since November when I tore it.

Almost amazing that I had so much pain for 2 days, and then almost total relief..

That’s awesome Fred! Were you sleeping in bed or a recliner? Are you doing pt? May your healing continue to go so well!

I have been sleeping in a recliner since the surgery,because the sling is uncomfortable(for me) to sleep in the bed. I am doing my own PT, I was given a page by my Dr. outlining what I should and shouldn’t do. And I am using my arm and hand, within the limitations of the sling. The instruction was to not move the shoulder any more than necessary, especially not up. After reading many of the posts here, I was afraid of the surgery. Iwas afraid mostly of the long recovery. Unless I have some kind of setback,that doesn’t appear to be the case at all.
I only have the slightest yellow bruise around the 7 incisions that were made, No blue, and almost no swelling. I used an ice pack a little the first night, to hopefully help deter swelling, and maybe help with pain. I did have pain that first night because my pump didn’t work and I was reluctant to take hydrocodone. It makes me a little sick. I let the pain get way ahead of me that first night, but that was partly my own fault.
Hydrocodone has the side effect on many people of severe constipation, and it has a history of that on me, too. And I am talking severe. Laxatives and softeners don’t always do the trick either. People have had to go back to the hospital with impacted bowels because of it. Like eating cement.

I’m so glad you posted! Folks need to see positive outcomes. My recliner was my best friend until I could get into bed. It still is for watching tv. I found one of those little travel neck pillows made the recliner even better, but it has to be the ones filled with little beads vs a hard memory foam one. I hear ya on the meds! I’m eating lots and lots of fiber, drinking 6 bottles of water, walking up and down the stairs and around the block a lot, and still need the softener. My Mom was hospitalized 2 weeks ago from being impacted, so that’s the last thing I need. Unfortunately, my surgery was open and the healing is much slower, so I still need the meds, but it is getting better and I will be glad I did this eventually. Yesterday was 1 month since op and I finally slept the whole night through in bed! Was really hoping to do the same last night, but once again I was pacing at 4 AM until the 8AM med. I was so afraid of weight gain, but all the pacing has worn off 5 pounds of the 10 I gain before the surgery 🙂 Always celebrating the little things, no matter how small! Continued speedy recovery to ya!

Thanks Suzanne for encouraging words. Day 1 after my surgery. Nerve block has weared off. Started taking pain meds way beforehand and have continuously been using the ice machine. In most part, I’m feeling better than I expected. Slept in a recliner most of the night, except waking up for meds, Looking forward to progress. I start exercises in today….we will see how that goes later.

Hang in there girl! Enjoy the good days, and hopefully there won’t be many bad ones. Had a rough morning, but feeling pretty good now. Free Rita’s water ice took me on a 2 hour hike. At least I ad good tunes, and got to enjoy every daffodil and crocus on the way because I went so slow 🙂

pain meds make you constipated so what I did I took cherry milk of magnesia and 2 Colace stool softners at night. that really helped.

Five months and 5 days since shoulder op still having good days and bad days. I agree with what Andy said in an earlier blog about how long it is taking for this op to heal. I had an operation to my knee years ago, torn cartilage football injury the recovery time was much quicker, My own doctor told me this week that what you achieve at 12 months is as good as it is going to get I hope to see some improvement over the next two months Best of luck to everybody on this excellent site.

Coming up on 3 months from my 3 severe tears on my dominate arm …..it is getting better but I still have a mountain to climb.Im back to work wish helps.Surprisingly shoulder hurts the most at nite and not after rehab….looking forward to the nicer weather coming in on the east coast…Spring!… hopefully.Good luck to all!!

Having surgery on March 19th. I’m very anxious because of the negative posts. As well my other shouder is hurting more than the one that will be having surgery! Not good! I think I may have over compensated.

My doctor thinks I will recovery well because I had a lot of PT for months before the MRI revealed a full thickness tear and didn’t complain like others who ad the same thing. I’m wanting so bad to think positive because this is my daughters senior year and we have a cruise plan for June!!!!

Good luck to all the others who is recovering or preparing for the same! I’ve brought a recliner, electric toothbrush, large button down shirts, cleaning like crazy, preparing meals……expecting the worst, but hoping for the best!

Good Luck Angela! Don’t be afraid, because everyone’s experience is different it seems. Day 27 here and it can be frustrating having to ask people to help you all the time, but look forward to the cruise! Focus on all the fun you’re going to have, it’ll help on the rough days 🙂 I swore I wasn’t going to overwork my good arm and I did it anyway, ugh. It’s a long uncomfortable healing process, but I’m focusing on the day when I can run and rumble with my kids and dogs, and play in the garden again. I hope you are a patient person. If not and you’re a fidget like me, it’ll be a challenge. Praying for smooth sailing for you!

Hello Angela
My name is Mary. Have impingement and. A partial tear on my dominant hand. Did PT for 5 weeks still in pain will be doing surgery. My other arm hurts a lot too since I wore the sling for 3-4 weeks and have tired my other arm. How did you do? How is your good arm doing? And what was your arm problem? Hope all went well for you. Take care !

Would anyone be interested in helping me with a competition I’m having with my daughter who has to write a 10,000 word research paper to graduate? I’m going to write mine on shoulder surgery. Here’s a questionaire and if you would like to participate, you can email me at theroyalscribe@verizon.net. Just put surgery in the subject post. I figure it’ll light a fire under her butt and keeping me busy will distracting me from the pain 🙂 Thanks!

Recovering from Shoulder Surgery Questions

All answers are optional.

Please describe your experience:

How did you know you needed surgery?

How did you choose a surgeon?

What state was your surgery done in?

Are you male or female?

What is your age?

How did you prepare for surgery?

What were your fears before surgery?

Was it arthroscopic surgery?

Open?

Partial or Full tear?

Spurs removed?

Did you receive a nerve block?

What type of PT did you do? And how soon did it begin?

At home?

Another facility?

How often?

What medications were helpful?

Did you use ice or heat for relief?

Anything else that helped make you more comfortable?

Did you sleep in a recliner? For how long?

When you were able to sleep in bed, what aids did you need?

What were the hardest things for you to do?

What did you need assistance with?

How bad was your pain?

Before surgery: After surgery:

How long ago was your surgery?

When did you feel 100%?

What was the worst part?

What stressed you out the most?

What stresses did it put upon those around you?

Was it was worth it?

What kept you going in the tough times?

What were your goals?

How did you pass the time when you couldn’t participate in your usual activities?

What were your favorite snacks?

When were you allowed to resume driving?

What wisdom can you pass along to the next person considering this procedure?

Are there any other questions or comments you would like to share?

Would you like to see the answers posted online or prefer not?

Please feel free to add anything else you think might be helpful. Thanks so much for your participation!

will be having surgery aprl 9th . anything i shoudl for a fast recovery without to much pain. please help with answers thank you

Daryl….it’s not as bad as some states. I’m on Day 2 post-op and doing great! Take your pain meds as you leave the hospital and on the clock! Do not wait until block wears off! Also I used the ice pack and tens unit around the clock. Recliner is the best for sleeping. Good luck!

thanks angela, kind of wish it was over but it has to be done. thanks again and have a great day

Good luck Daryl! Praying for a quick, painless recovery for ya! Train your opposite hand to do all it can, and don’t over use it. Flexibility is a real blessing 🙂

I am scheduled for surgery next week. Were most of you under General Anesthesia for your surgery? Also, did any of you have a nerve block? How long does the actual surgery take?

Dear John

I am 9 weeks post op today! I had general plus nerve block. I arrived a hospital 6:00 am and was home pain free with nerve block lasting into that night. Take the pain meds they prescibe before you try sleeping in a recliner for the first 2weeks. Follow doctprs orders and while the block is still working do not take your arm out of the sling without help!!! You will have no control and it will drop like a stone if not suppprted!!! I can tell you it does get better but you have to do the work. PT is the key.

Good luck
George

I’m day 2 post-op and had nerve block and twilight sedation; not general. I do take my pain meds and use a ice pack machine. My block lasted for about 18 hrs. But I’m doing pretty well and it was not as expected. Already started doing my at home PT exercises! My surgery took about a hour and half.

Thanks George for the advice on taking your arm out of the sling while the nerve block is still working. I wouldnt have thought of that!

Angela, did you have a choice of twilight sedation instead of General Anesthesia or was it your doctors decision? It seems most people have the surgery under General.

Thanks,
John

John,
It was both my doctor and I to not do general and I was actually just fine. I didn’t feel a thing and was pretty much out if it the entire time during surgery. The nerve block was given beforehand. I will most definitely chose this sedation again over general.
John, this surgery is not as bad as I read. I was totally afraid going into this surgery! Like I said, take the pain meds immediately after surgery and around the clock. Use the ice pack the entire time too! I was amazed by how I felt after the block worn off! I’m now day 3 and doing great! I even slept in my bed last night with a pillow wedge! Taking the bandage off today and getting a much needed shower! John I will pray that you will have the same experience I had!

Might be too much info, or it might help. Good luck!
Recovering from Shoulder Surgery Questions
How did you know you needed surgery?
Persistent pain, MRI, Arthrogram
How did you choose a surgeon?
Online search of Top 100 Doctors and Life in a Sling sites recommendation of top 76 Surgeons
What state was your surgery done in? Pennsylvania
Are you male or female? Female
What is your age? 48
How did you prepare for surgery? Followed the suggestions of those who had gone before me. Yoga and light weight lifting to help with all the over use the good arm was going to need to do. Researched to know all I could about what to expect. Deep breathing exercises to relax when in pain. Hair cut.
What were your fears before surgery? This was 1st surgery, so fear of dying on the table. Loss of ability to ever garden or play with my family and dogs.
Was it arthroscopic surgery? No
Open? Yes
Partial or Full tear? Full Supraspinatus
Spurs removed? Yes
Did you receive a nerve block? Yes, it lasted 8 hours. General Anasthesia
What type of PT did you do? 1. Pendulum 2. Towel 3. Broomstick 4.Overhead 5. Pulley Exercises 10 reps each
And how soon did it begin? Before they released me from Methodist Hospital they had me run through it. Then I was to work up to 3 times a day.
At home? Yes Another facility? No How often? 3 times a day
What medications were helpful? Oxycodone 5mg, Aspirin 325mg for 1st two weeks, then 81mg 1 daily for next 4 weeks Stool Softener 1 a day
Did you use ice or heat for relief? Continuously used ice for 1st 2 weeks, then as needed thereafter.
Anything else that helped make you more comfortable? Lots and lots of pillows of all sizes. A cloudz http://www.cloudz.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=CTP100-BLK neck travel pillow for reclining and sleeping. TJ Maxx had them for $8.
A light weight super soft fuzzy blanket in king size to wrap all around me http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Royal-Plush-Blanket/21596953
Frozen peas in quart sized Ziploc freezer bags, kept in place with a pillowcase which easily draped around my other side.
2 in 1 shampoo, so I wouldn’t have to wear out good arm. Oversized tank tops, flannels, zip up hoodies, sweat, and yoga pants. Anklet socks, lambskin slippers. A polyester type down filled hunting vest, (slides on more easily than duck), lots of pockets. I like to be outdoors no matter the temperature.
The family arranged the lawn furniture so I always had a sun spot to sit in.
A small thin strapped purse worn across the shoulder so it doubled as a sling when my arm tired while walking.
Pacing, walking, and slow dancing helped me when the pain got bad, but I still had a few hours till I could take a pill.
Did you sleep in a recliner? Yes For how long? First 2 weeks
When you were able to sleep in bed, what aids did you need? Had to work up to it gradually after day 12, increasing it 20 minutes at a time for the first week. On my back until 1 month, then gradually increasing time on my side. Neck and assorted pillows.
What were the hardest things for you to do? Bathing was assisted until day 12. Opening pill bottles, water bottles, anything that requires 2 hands. Dressing, especially putting on a jacket, and pulling up pants. Finding a comfortable position.
What did you need assistance with? All of the above, plus I needed people to carry stuff up and down stairs, so I could use good hand to hold onto railing, until I got my balance back. Cutting up steak.
How bad was your pain? 1st two days were unbearable. After that I could go between 4-6 hours without medication. Bending over and typing really hurts, still.
Before surgery: I thought it was pretty bad at the time, but in comparison, maybe it wasn’t as bad as I thought. After surgery: Still feels as painful, with less flexibility.
How long ago was your surgery? February 18, 2013 32 days ago
When did you feel 100%? Guessing it’ll take a while J
What was the worst part? Not being able to do all the things I used to. Feelings of useslessness. Boredom. Feeling pretty good, then setting myself back from over doing it.
What stressed you out the most? Pain killers only working for a few hours, pacing in between. Inability to find comfortable position. Not being able to snuggle with hubby! Bills. Having everyone do my job.
What stresses did it put upon those around you? They hate seeing me in pain. They have to do my job.
Was it was worth it? Sure hope so!!!
What kept you going in the tough times? Fervent prayer, pacing, walking dog, dancing like a 90 yod, MP3 player, photography, Facebook, My Life in a Sling, online puzzles, online banking, making my bed, folding laundry, friends, family, neighbors, and comedy shows.
What were your goals? Not to gain more than the 10 lbs I put on before surgery. Be faithful to PT as directed. Return to normal!
How did you pass the time when you couldn’t participate in your usual activities?
See above
What were your favorite snacks? Rainbow Peppers, Kefir and Blue Gooness smoothies, 6 pack of water a day, Sun Chips, Wrigley’s spearmint gum, life savers, Fiber and Slimfast bars.
When were you allowed to resume driving? To be determined, hopefully at 6 weeks.
What wisdom can you pass along to the next person considering this procedure? Listen to your gut, your doctor, and anyone who has had this done.
Are there any other questions or comments you would like to share?
I wish surgeon had better informed me. Physical therapy exercises should be taught before surgery, not when you are going home after.

My last post was supposed to be addressed to George and Angela and not myself.

John

Im going to have surgery on 3/27/13 and just found this site today, thanks for all comments, help a lot, I really need to hear real experiences……Please keep posting.

Good luck Anh! It is great there are so many different experiences here. We can all learn so much from one another. It really helped prepare me for my surgery last month. Be sure to tell us how you make out. Praying for smooth healing for ya!

Thanks Suzanne for your prayer and words of encouragement. I’m so nervous just think about it. It was long overdue, should done this 6 years ago but I am here now. I guess everyone has a reason and a lesson to learn from this. As Scott put it: “My life in a sling”. He is soooo right.

Ann, I’m sure it will go well! We will be thinking about you!

Best, Scott

Will be 2 weeks Tuesday, Go back to Dr. on Monday. Says if I am doing well he will start to “wean” me off the sling. No pain unless I move the shoulder wrong. Never lost any motion in my hand, wrist, or elbow. Will have to work on the shoulder, though. Have been sleeping in recliner since surgery, just too awkward to lay in the bed with this sling. I have already got several good nights of sleep, even though the recliner took a little getting used to. Rough time the first day after the surgery, I have a hard time with Hydrocodone making me sick, so a pain pump was installed at the time of the surgery. It turned out to be defective and leaked all the medication out all over me until I took it out, so I went without pain control the first day and a half. Finally got some Codiene, pain had began to subside a little by then. Surgery with no pain control isn’t much fun.. Still, if the end result is life back to normal, it will be worth it. Hardly no pain by the third day.

Fred, wow – you’d be fortunate to start coming off the sling so quickly! My surgeon kept me in it for a full six weeks – followed by six weeks of limited movement, etc. before starting physical therapy. Hope yours goes much quicker!

Best, Scott

Hey Peter! I’m only about 6 weeks out, but I find that simple stretching is helping with my neck pain. Slowly roll your head around 5 times in each direction. Then tilt head to each shoulder to the count of 5/ 1 thousand. Also, I recline and sleep with a neck travel pillow. Good luck. Hope it helps. Out of curiosity, do you have more pain when the weather is damp by you? If so, has it decreased over time?

Hi Suzanne, Thanks for your reply, perhaps I have been concentrating to much on my shoulder excercises, and forgetting doing to do some of the neck stretching you have suggested, yes and it does feel worse when the weather is damp which we get plenty of in Scotland, also wishing you a fast recovery, regards , Peter

Surgery 12th of March, today is the 4th of April. Don’t wear the sling at all anymore, Hand and forearm work as good as ever, shoulder still somewhat stiff. Getting better every day. Still have to sleep in recliner, though. Laying down in the bed makes it ache. Sometimes it still aches for no apparent reason, but not bad enough to take pain meds. I don’t like taking them unless I really have a lot of pain, because of the side effects. I think i had an excellent surgeon, and the hospital was great too, just that defective pain pump caused me lots of misery.

Hi Scott! (this has been great! I wish I’d seen it before surgery!)
I’m also supposed to wait till week 6 to do any thing at all with my arm (though I have to admit, I’m out of the sling quite a bit and using it carefully….) I’m across the Bay from you… I wonder if they like 6 weeks around here! I keep hearing 6 weeks from others in the area, so when I read about people starting PT right away or soon after it’s sort of shocking – even if I think I could do some! But then not all surgeries are the same… so we really can’t compare them unless we know what was done. I had a supraspinatus rotator cuff tear, bone spur and one or 2 labral tears…(I think! )

I usually make someone place the baby into my left arm. It’s so crazy that I can’t even pick up a newborn. Besides the baby, I am trying to avoid picking up anything more than a few pounds. It’s hard to know what is too heavy so I am just avoiding using the right arm. My biggest problem is using my right arm by habit. I need to start enjoy not being able to do the dishes or carry things instead of getting frustrated.

I agree that this is a good time of year b/c I can’t imagine a coat on. I might be able to use a cape. Though when I take the percocet, it makes me very hot — I just radiate heat.

I saw my surgeon but he didn’t have the surgical report or pictures yet so I don’t specific numbers of anchors just that he did use some to “clean up” my labrum.

Based on time zones I believe you are now finished with your surgery and hope you are back to reading here within a few days. I do hope and pray that everything goes well for you. My husband has his surgery tomorrow – March 28th at noon.

I had rotator cuff and labrum tears and damage to bicep after rolling head over heels down Mt Killimanjaro whilst fooling around on holiday at beginning of January (i’m 45 and should know better – at least i made it to the top though!).

Lived with minimum pain but loss of movement until surgery 2 months later. Then it took a 2.5hr arthroscopic operation and 5 pins to fix up, which was on March 6th. Also had the bone shaving thing and bicep relocated to help with future movement.

I was in hospital overnight. Don’t know what nerve block is but guessing that’s what gave me the tingly fingers and no shoulder pain when i came out of anesthetic. if so that lasted around 24hr.

Was on oxycodone for about 4 days (to take when/if needed) together with another slow release pain killer that also contained oxycodone (7 days proscribed) and some anti-inflamatories (5 days). Since then it’s just been the occasional regular panadol when needed (wanted to minimise the oxycodone use).

I had high hopes of limping in to work last week to run a training course which was important for my job – but in the end i just wasn’t up to it yet, and was only able to do a few conference call meetings and keep up with email (via phone text or left hand typing which is what i’m doing now) .

I spent the first week just sleeping and resting in short repeating intervals. Didn’t feel like watching tv or doing anything. The second week was a bit the same but awake for longer periods and read books/browsed internet etc.

The pain isn’t awful, but i’m getting fed up of being uncomfortable all the time. Last night was my longest bit of sleep so far at 2.5hr. And i’m awake for a few hrs between sleeps too so only just in the last couple of nights that i’m really differentiating between night and day

I pace around a bit to relieve discomfort but wasn’t able to go more than a few steps without it feeling to jar my shoulder for around 10 days. Now i’m ok to walk slowly for 15min and not tried much longer but hope to extend that out this week coming.

I’ve had passive PT to do at home 3 times a day at home since day 1 (to try to prevent frozen shoulder). Yesterday was the first time i went socialising – dinner party at friends over 5hrs, and that was fine (maybe the wine selection helped!)

Thanks to all previous posters for all the experiences you’ve shared, it’s been great to read and makes me think i’m doing alright really.

Doing alright? Sounds like you’re doing great! I hear ya about short sleep and not being able to find a comfortable position. I put my MP3 player on and slow(like a 90 year old) dance often at 3AM! Thank God no one can see me or it would be on America’s funniest videos. I’ve only had 3 good nights in over a month, but they were wonderful! Isn’t it amazing how much better you feel day by day, though? Aside from the occasional awful day, probably weather related for me in PA. Glad you are healing so well! I’m able to walk about 2 miles a day now and that does help a lot, granted it is a snails pace, but I always wanted to take time to smell the roses. If they would just start bloomin already! Did it feel like your shoulder was slipping out of place? Mine feels like that sometimes. I just have to stop and ever so slowly almost roll it to where it’s comfortable. Sometimes I just have to lay in the recliner and take all pressure off it for about 10 minutes. Congrats on the climb! May you never be old enough to know better! That’s what keeps us young at heart, and surgeons in business 😉

I like your dancing idea! Funny. Think that would help me too. And i know what you mean about the shoulder slipping – i tend to heave mine back across me using the other arm a bit.

Luckily for me it’s beautiful weather here in Sydney, Australia and about 30C today (approx 80F??) and went with hubby and dog to dog beach. lovely. Had to have a 2hr nap to recover when i came back though. At least summer’s on its way for you – we’re heading the other way.

My main worry is that i’m going to end up with this frozen shoulder thing as there was the beginnings of it there when the surgeon did the op and my PT movement definitely hasn’t improved for a week. If i have, tough luck apparently as surgeon won’t do anything more til after the sling is off after which i may get a cortizone shot (whatever that does)

Anyone else had frozen shoulder?

I didn’t have frozen shoulder, fortunately! I did have a superb PT who watched me carefully and encouraged me to do my home exercises in between sessions, That was important for me!

Best, Scott

Oh you lucky dog! We got another wintry mix of rain, sleet, snow. As soon as it melted though puppy and I walked 2 miles and both slept for an hour 🙂 I’m seeing surgeon on Friday and want to ask him about the frozen shoulder. I can’t seem to make any progress with the Broomstick and the Pulley exercises. On the one hand I’m hoping he says I can drive, because hubby won’t be able to take son to work anymore. On the other, I’m not crazy about being unable to take pain pills. I tried to go 13 1/2 hours yesterday and by then the pain drove me almost to tears. When it gets to that point I have to recline almost to lying flat to make it stop. I’m a real fidget and staring at the ceiling just isn’t my cup of tea. My daughter was teasing me, and said she’d make me a mobile out of our ceiling fan! I’m going to ask him if I can take 12 Aspirin a day, because I am allergic to tylenol. Wish me luck. Enjoy the beach!!!

wow, you poor thing to be in so much pain still. Guess that’s the difference between your open surgery and my arthroscopic? I’ve not had any more than 2 paracetamol a day since the 2 week mark. Its uncomfortable quite a bit but then i just recline or change position to improve it – or do my pt.

Hope the surgeon is pleased with your progress and you’re going ok. Report back. (He’s working on Easter Friday?! Don’t think mine would be that dedicated!)

Hi Scott ,I know that it has been quite some time since your operation, at what stage in months did you find that you were finally getting better, and did you experience neck pain, this seems to be my biggest problem at the moment, looking right and left while driving, I am five months and two weeks since op. Thanks, Peter.

Peter, I felt fine after my six weeks in the sling. My surgeon then recommended I take it easy on that arm for another six weeks before beginning physical therapy. My PT was initially about range of motion and them about regaining strength. I did not have neck pain anywhere along the process – hope yours fades soon!

Best, Scott

I went to Dr. for first followup since surgery on the 12th. He says to keep wearing the sling when I go out in public, or any outdoor activity where i might fall. Otherwise, he said to take it off and use my arm and hand,but not to the point of being painful, and no overhead lifting with it yet.(I don’t think I have enough strength in it to lift anything anyway.) Gave me a rope pulley to exercise the arm with and a page of PT exercises to do.
Very little pain, but I still cannot sleep in my bed Lying flat in the bed does bring on pain. He said I could drive,BUT, if I were in a collision, he warned me that I could have legal problems, because he couldn’t testify that I was 100% capable. So, he advised against it,unless it was an emergency. I will be glad when I can, because I am used to getting out and doing things, and have new vehicle to enjoy, too
And have to be carefull playing with the dogs, too. I live in the country and have 4!☺ One is a Rottweiler puppy who loves to come running up and crash into me:) He is only 13 weeks old, but weighs 45lbs already, so I’m having to teach him he can’t do that anymore☺

Wow, how come you are up so early 3am? Im going for my surgery at 7am. Wish me luck and many thanks to all of your posting.

My husband is having rotator cuff surgery tomorrow afternoon. Two months ago he was simply reaching to turn on a lamp, felt a pop and terrible pain and has not gotten any better in all this time – doing the exercises etc. An MRI finally showed that he has complete tears on two tendons – superspinatus and infraspinatus, also a partial tear to the biceps tendon. Seems rather dramatic for not having any injury but so it is. He is very, very nervous as he is also a bluegrass musician and hunter – so most of enjoyment comes from the use of that arm – it is his dominant right arm.
I have read all through this journal and find it so informative! From all of the ideas presented I have purchased him a shoulder ice brace – not really an ice machine but a comforatble brace to wear that has two long ice bags that I keep in the freezer and then put in the pockets. It encourages him to use the ice more often for pain control. Since the event, he has had pretty much continual pain and weakness and ice is what helps most along with acetominophen every 4-6 hours.
I also read here – do not recall who – but that they loved having a bed wedge for sleeping! I found one at Amazon for $35 and it should arrive tomorrow, so in time to use it for sleep tomorrow night! It seems like a great idea since so many of you site sleeping in the sling as one of the major problems post operatively. If it is not helpful, I am sure our grandchildren will enjoy having it for reclining and watching the TV 🙂
He is 62 years old and completely retired now so we are both home and thankfully, he will not have to worry about having the help he needs. I am home all of the time and plan to be nar for whatever he may need. I really feel for those who live alone and those who struggle with having to ask for help when they are used to coping with everything on their own.
The surgery scheduled is for arthroscopic repair but may require a mini opening or open repair – though the surgeon feels confident that he can repair the damage through the smaller openings. He is treating it as a presumed sudden tear even though there was no injury that we know of. One day his shoulder was healthy and the next minute he could not use it. The surgeon felt that the surgery should happen as quickly as possible to avoid damage to the joint. Apparently the MRI shows that his arm bone is too high in the socket, and not centered. What all I read is rather frightening and I worry that the surgeon will find degenrative changes in the shoulkder – but even those he says can be improved by trimming, scraping, reattaching etc. He says he will be using some anchors and some sort of mesh tape applied in an “x” stitch to reinforce the tendon where it attaches to the bone.
Agan thanks to everyone for all of the ideas and information about this surgery, I think it will help us know what to expect in the months to come!
Debbie

Debbie, I’m sure your husband’s surgery will go fine – just be prepared for him to be extra cranky and groggy for the first couple of days afterward! I know I wasn’t much fun to be around – slouched in the recliner and drifting in and out! He should be looking forward beyond that and getting back to his music!

Best, Scott

Hi Debbie, I am also a singer musician and play part time in a band I am right handed, and it was my right shoulder that was operated on. after six weeks I could play the electric guitar as it had a much thinner body, but with some pain, the acoustic guitar took me much longer. I had to cancel engagements, we use lots of equipment and it was the risk of damaging my shoulder carrying this equipment that I was worried about. I don’,t know what instrument your husband plays, but it will take some time and patience, you cant keep a good musician down, give him my regards, Peter.

Hi Peter 🙂 Oh my …. right dominant arm for you too! Since hurting his shoulder my husband has had lots of pain trying to keep up his playing and found that the slimmer banjo and banjo guitar were easier for him to play. He also plays acoustic guitar, dobro and electric bass. We also went to the hardware store and for about $30 we found a dolly/truck for him to use when moving his equipment and he also found a much smaller and lighter practice box amp. The hand dolly/truck is wonderful and we wonder why he did not have this sooner – bet it would be terrific for you! It folds up nicely for storage – it has a handle, two fairly large wheels and the platform to push under heavy boxes, equipment etc and then he can pull it easily. He plays with several bluegrass and gospel groups at our local coffee shops and at nursing homes. Since he is now retired – this is all for pleasure and enjoyment 🙂 I know that he will be happy to get into this once the pain is lessened. Hope you are once again able to do more and more!

Debbie, I play a USA strat, and a Gibson les Paul, but find the les Paul a bit too heavy, and cant play it for too long as it hurts my shoulder, we used to have a roadie, but he got fed up with all the late nights. I was worried at first after my operation that I may have to quit my music which I love, as each month goes by you get your strength and confidence back ,I am back playing with my band but cutting down on my gigs, until my shoulder is 100 per cent better. I hope this is some encouragement to you husband. all the best keep playing.

My prayers offered for Cindy and welcome to Bettyyou 🙂 I am trying to figure out the best mehtod to “reply” to correct poster but can’t seem to figure it out oh well…My husband had his right dominant rc suregry this past Thursday so he is just on day 3 after the surgery. It turned out to be more complicated than the surgeon thought and he ended up having his shoulder opened – he has told us this may be needed. So the surgery was also very long – it took 3 1/2 hours and he used five anchors to put him back together. I brought him home that first night with an ice machine nd what they caled a “Q-Ball” which is a clear ball about the size of a tennis ball that is filled with numbing medication that goes through a tiny catheter and enters on his neck near the surgery. It is supposed to last about three days and then I will revove it. Mostly he has been sitting in his recliner, dozing off and on. He tried the foam wedge I bought to use in the bed but he prefers the recliner for now. I am giving him the Percoset every 6 hours and the shoulder starts throbbing about an hour before he can have more. Considering all they ended up doing I think the pain medicine is probably justified.
That ice machine – he LOVES it! It is called an “Iceman” and looks like a regular cooler with a pump attached that fills the shoulder cuff with ice cold water. Our ice freezer cannot keep up so I have bought a bunch of bagged ice from the grocery store.
His biggest complaint is that the thumb and index finger of his operated side are swollen and numb. We called the anesthesia department but they have not returned our call yet. I suspect it has something to do with the nerve block (Interscalene) or maybe a bit of nerve irritation from the position his arm was in during the surgery. His hand is warm and pink and he can move everything but that numbness he is worried about. Did anyone else experiience this?
Take care all of you and keep posting your experiences – this blog has been so helpful – wish it was now a “forum” with topics to search and the ability to follow threads. I don’t think Scott had any idea just how popular this would be!!

Cindy, you’re right – a couple of years ago when I wrote this post about my rotator cuff surgery (and recovery), I had no idea how popular it would be! It’s the great sharing by everyone participating that’s made it so interesting!

Hubby sure is lucky to have you!!! I had the exact surgery he had 33 days ago. For the swelling in his hand I squeezed a soft squishy ball, and gently rolled my wrist around a lot. I found the meds wore off way before they were supposed to. Since they told me I could take 8 oxycodone a day, I ended up taken 1 every 3 hours, that helped. Sure praying your hubby heals faster and better than I!!! Bless you for taking such good care of him 🙂

I am facing right shoulder surgery soon. I see the surgeon on Wednesday & am anxious to get it over with. This site is great. I will write my log as I go along.

Getting a bit nervous. Had left shoulder done on 10/3 and having right shoulder done on Wednesday. I know what to expect, which is a double edged sword. But being right handed I will have even more trouble doing stuff and with my left only being about half way there, I have some legit fears…bathroom stuff is probably my biggest…Prayers and good wishes will be accepted

Cindy, many best wishes to you. So brave to have both shoulders done not so far apart. My left shoulder was acting real bad before my right sd surgery but the pain killers I am taking now take care both sides so that a relief. At night, they are so stiff and as sleep just like myself so that not so fun. Im going to PT on Monday and intent to follow any comments he wants me to do. I was treading and fearful before surgery but it went thru very smoothly. I did not have the nerve block cause I do not like the feeling being numb for 15 to 30 hrs, and it turned out pain free as normal. I guess my pain tolerance is pretty high for being put up with this for more than ten years. But as they say: no pain no gain. Life is a challenge…Happy Easter!

Good morning. I’m back and have joined the “sling” club. It’s on my right dominant shoulder. Only day 4 so cannot write much with one left finger. Some get used to this new life. See doc on Tuesday and will take off the bandage. Live like a baby, hubby has to bath and wash hair….Have a good weekend.

Hi Anh – you are one day ahead of my husband – his also on right dominant arm – like you, pretty much helpless 🙂 He can take a shower without the sling tomorrow and needs to dangle his arm and he dreads this – he really does not even want to move much. Monday I will take him for his first PT – as I understand it will be passive motions for the first few weeks. I hope they can get him used to moving a bit more as I fear he will become even more sore and stiff from holding so still. I don’t know if it is the pain or mostly the fear of pain as he is 62 and has never been cut into before. Take care and have a blessed Easter!

Hi Debbie, why does your husband have to dangle his arm in the shower. Doesn’t sound good. I was told to use a basic triangular bandage in the shower as a sling. It’s knotted to tie at shoulder but also knotted at elbow and wrist to give a good fit (maybe all those extra knots because i’m small?). Works well and i keep the knots in, so all i have to do is put it over my head and move it in to position each time. It pretty much dries out over the course of the day.

Hi Ahn – I think the arm dangle is pretty much the same as the passive pendulum that helps maintain some flexibility in the shoulder without using the muscles/tendons yet. The doctor even demonstrated it for him and showed how he could lean forward and let the arm dangle away enough to wash and rinse under the arm. Hubby did all of this 3am this morning and felt so much better afterwards – went back to sleep until 8am 🙂 I think we were both very anxious about getting totally out of the immobilizer. I saw an inexpensive lightweight mesh sling that I may order for him to wear in the shower after he dos his pendulums. I think that would make him feel more secure and able to enjoy his shower! Tomorrow morning he goes to PT for the first passive session – no idea what they will do. I also removed the “On-Q” pain ball this morning and he is very glad not to have that taped to his neck anymore. It had a tiny catheter that went into his neck near the clavicle and delivered a local pain medication. I just had to remove all of the tape, grab it near the entrance and gently pull it out – there was maybe 2 inches inserted. He was able to wash the shoulder area and pat dry – then I applied a few bandages. He has 3 arthroscope holes and the mini open which is about 3 inches long – everything looked very clean and dry. No stitches to remove – everything is closed with a surgical glue and dissolving sutures underneath.
He is taking the 2 Percocet every 6 hours and sometimes one every 3 hours as (I think) Suzanne suggested. The hospital has called each day to check on him and answer questions. They said the Percocet one tablet every 3 hours was fine and that he may need something stronger – will talk about that tomorrow. This is certainly a very painful surgery for some people anyway – he had so much repair work done in there. The doctor explained that the mini open is more painful in the beginning but long term about the same. I wish they had been able to do it all with arthroscope only but it was more involved than he hoped though he did warn us the open may be needed. Apparently he had some trouble getting the anchors to dig in because of a bone cyst and ended up using 5 anchors.
I hope everyone is doing well and getting better day by day! ~Debbie

Sounds like I am the oldest one on this blog. At 73, had torn, retracted and deteriorated infra-spinatus, supra-spinatus and biceps tendon from history of falls and years of swimming. I had long standing severely restricted motion in the shoulder. Had surgery 8 weeks ago. Off oxycodone by day 4 and even Tylenol by day 10. Sling and no movement but pendulums for 4 weeks, then passive pt. All went well and back in my own bed by 4 weeks. THEN, the sling came off and more active assisted ROM. Things definitely changed. Once the sling came off, I started using the arm-a lot. I didn’t taper off the use, essentially quit cold turkey. Big mistake. I am back sleeping in a recliner because it aches so bad at night I keep hubby awake with my tossing and turning. (Can’t sleep anyway.) Exercises don’t make it feel any worse. Using lots of ice. Tylenol doesn’t touch it, and I will not take anything stronger. I am told that as my shoulder regains strength, things will get better. I hope! Am I alone?

Hi,

I had Rotator Cuff surgery for a tear in my superspinatus 2cm 80 percent last July. Then had PT for weeks and was told it was a successful op. Two weeks ago just pulling my top off over my head I tore it again. I need another surgery. Would you please share your story if anyone else has had to have a second operation on the same shoulder. I am quite scared it will not work.

Day 43 Well, I went for check up Friday and won’t be driving for another 4 weeks. At first I was really disappointed, but then he recommended I go to pt. I’ve been doing it at home since day 1, but I hit a plateau. I’m finally able to take Mobic 15 mg 1/day. What a difference the anti-inflammatory is making! Literally increased my range of motion at least an inch a day. Plus, since I can’t drive I am taking more pain meds which is nice not to be trying to keep a stiff upper lip, while inwardly screaming. I had been down to 2 oxycodone 5mg a day, but it was really miserable. Now I am back up to 4, but I feel so much better. I’m still stuck doing the same exercises, but instead of 10 reps, I can do each for 3 minutes. Instead of 3 times a day, I can do as often as I like. If I have to get the left shoulder done, I will go to pt as soon as the sling comes off. I can only get a ride 2 times a week and they want me to go 3. But hopefully 2 will be enough to get me loose enough to drive. Another thing that seems to help is putting the ice directly over the incision. Before I was putting it on my bicep and collar bone which turns out was aggravating it, but that is where it hurt so I assumed that was where it was needed. This whole ordeal has been a real learning experience for me. My dog has been the best medicine. He has me out walking everyday and insists on one more block each time. Today was 2.4 miles. I am so thankful for my family as well. They have pretty much taken over all my chores. They are even turning into better cooks than I am 🙂 They have even been helping me with the gardening. Yesterday, we must have planted 100 seeds! And the Daffodils are blooming which always brings a smile to my face. Anyway, just wanted to let you all know I’m praying for your speedy recoveries. I read all the posts, but it hurts too much to type and can’t always respond. Good luck Sheri! I can’t imagine going through this twice. I hope the second time is more successful for you.

Surgery twois 7:30 AM tomorrow. I am not allowed to take Aleve or anything like it. Just Tylenol and pain meds due to a bleeding stomach issue I have. So they callled in the pain pills tonight along with Naproxen. Good thing I have educated myself. That is Aleve..hope they pay better attention tomorrow….

Good luck Cindy. I have my counsultation with the surgeon tomorrow.

Today is exactly 1 week since I have my surgery. Saw doc yesterday and every thing looks good. Only wear sling as I need. Things are better than I was expecting, that’s a good sign. Go to Pt 3 times a week, mostly he does all the works, thanks to him. Sleeping at night is a challenge, I take 600mg Motrin but still stiff and wake up 3 -4 times at night. Any suggestions might help? Well, just get by each day is a challenge. Suzanne blog very cheerful and help a lot. Cannot do much cooking but reading Scott’s kitchen blog is so much fun. He is a man of many talents. Good day and take care.

(((Anh))), I’m so glad to hear you are doing so well so quickly! Been praying for you wondering how you were making out. I’m amazed they let you take off the sling already! Isn’t it great having the pt do the work for ya? I finally got to go the other day and I wish I could have brought her home with me 🙂 I wonder why my surgeon made me wait 6 weeks to take any Motrin? I am feeling so much better with it! Sleep is still a challenge. I get up anywhere from 3-7:30 AM. Some days are better than others. I’m finally down to one pillow under my head, what a blessing. This is from facebook the yesterday, I’ve been up since 3, and was feeling kinda low. Thank you once again for reminding me that life is getting better all the time. So, here we go 1) I can type, though it still hurts. 2) I made it through pt yesterday and again last night and only had to take 1 pain pill, which allowed me to sleep in my bed, not the recliner, from 11-3. 3) Remember the baby sparrow I nursed last year? He’s back! He actually talks to me almost every morning! Though I have no clue what he’s saying, I know it is Jack Sparrow!!! 4) I can still make my bed with one hand. 5) I’ve already paid the bills and it isn’t even noon! 6) I’ve already done 1 round of pt today. 7) I know my dog Cooper is going to make me walk another 2 miles this morning I’ve lost 5lbs, instead of putting on another 10 since surgery. 9) Maybe I’m biased, but I do believe I have the best family ever 10) I have good friends to remind me how good life is!!! So, even when it’s bad life is still good 🙂 Praying you get a good night’s sleep!

Thanks Suzanne for good tips. I slept better last nite, only got up once. I guest just take 1 day at a time and things will get better. You must have a beautiful garden..with lot of daffodils… I’m thinking positive is certainly help for this long journey of recovery. I’m in California so thinking of walking slow on the beach to enjoy the sun ray and forget all the stiffness ..ha..ha.. Have a good weekend.

Anh, that’s great to hear of your progress!

Good morning Anh! Hope you got a good night’s sleep! I slept from 10PM to 5AM, so I’m actually feeling almost human today 🙂 Anyway, I was thinking about what helps me sleep so here ya go…mind you this is day 44. About an hour and a half before bed, I take a pain pill. I start watching a murder mystery, because I need some closure after a day of not really being able to do anything productive. If I can figure out who done it, it helps me. Crazy, I know, but it works for me. Some of my favorites are Midsomer Murders, Sherlock Holmes, anything Agatha Christie, nothing with gore, that just gives me nightmares! Or an online puzzle like http://thejigsawpuzzles.com/ has. Now it’s an hour later, I set up a cup of Sleepy Time Tea to simmer while I do my pt. 20 minutes later I’m finished my pt and enjoy my tea. Get into jammies and use as many pillows as it takes to get comfy. If my neck is sore and stiff, even after sitting or standing up straight and trying to lie it on my shoulders side to side to the count of 5/1000 and gently rolling it around 5 times in each direction, I use one of those travel pillows that looks like a horse shoe and is filled with those little beads. It helps take the pressure off my shoulders. I put on a CD of the Ocean, turn out the light and tell my body it is relaxed, one spot at a time. I start from the top of my toes, to the top of my feet, to ankles, shins, knees, quadriceps, hips, pelvis, stomach, chest, shoulders, biceps, elbows, forearms, wrists, palms, thumbs, fingers, back of my hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, triceps, shoulders, collar bones, neck, throat, chin, cheeks, eyeballs, eyelids, eyebrows, forehead, scalp, spine, down through my neck, between collar bones, between shoulder blades, under my ribs, lower back to tip of tailbone, hips, buttocks, hamstrings, behind my knees, calves, ankles, heels, arches, balls of feet, and toes. Hopefully you are not as tense as I am and may not need this, but years ago I learned it in a yoga class and I’m usually out cold before I can finish 🙂 While you’re mentally telling the body to relax take long slow breaths. Hope this helps. Have a great day 😉

I am 61 and retired. Two weeks post surgery for right dominant arm. Rotator cuff surgery for full tear required anchors and clean up. This blog saved me an immensely by offering good info and tips beforehand. I followed advice found here and searched out a specialist for the work needed. I’m happy with the whole experience so far and will rely on this blog for more good tips! Four weeks in sling, so start PT in two more weeks.

Combined many suggestions here and thrilled to report I’ve slept like a baby every night post surgery—in the recliner. Put it in the bedroom for best chance to rest well.

So far the Iceman cold therapy machine is the best help for me, using it several times a day. Thanks to everyone here. Your encouragement is so helpful!!!

Cindy Newell

Hi Cindy, so we are same age, 60 is the new 40:) the young at heart:). Good to hear that you sleep well. I sleep more soundly at night and try not to take any pain bills. I listen to CD with bird sounds and waterfall, so far it help. I learn to use left hand a lot so at night, they both hurt, I use ice pack for both. Enjoy your retirement, I will follow your footstep next year, so take good care of your shoulder and we can both enjoy smelling the roses along our new paths:).

Hi Ahn! So nice to hear from you. I’m three weeks post surgery now, drug free and sleeping well on a pillow-designed wedge in bed. Taking sling off frequently to swing my arm. I’ve had to learn to sit and relax these weeks more than I want. Trying to eat clean, but darn those carbs…. Hope you are doing well. Sunshine is my best therapy for now.

Cindy

Thanks for sharing your thoughts everyone! New at blogs so wasn’t sure where to post again. (And no, it’s not drug induced confusion! Lol). I’m three weeks out for similar repair and find that thoughtful motion and planning enable me to do a lot. Have learned to do what my body is ready for at the moment, from walking to resting, from ditching the sling for exercise/stretching to full immobilizer sling use. I’m sleeping well every night—two weeks in my bedroom recliner, a week in pillow-raised bed, and sometimes both if my shoulder ‘says so!’

Start PT in a week but somewhat leery of it. Any tips would greatly help me! I hear taking pain med before pt session helps–what kind? Been drug free after week two…. Thanks all—LOVE this blog and hugs to Scott for doing it!

I saw the surgeon last Wednesday & said I have a small tear in my rotator cuff but also my bicep (I can’t remember whether he said muscel or tendon) that goes through a notch is inflamed & very thick & also has a tear & that is what is causing the severe pain in my bicep with certain movements. (like turning the key in the lock) Unfortunately I have to wait for surgery until May 13 because we have rented a cottage at the beach & can’t get out of it. The doctor said I could do it now & still go to the beach & I thought no at least this way I do still have guarded use of my right arm. Anyway I will be reading the blog right up until May 13 & then will write when I can after.

Betty,
I’m 3 weeks post-op on my right dominant arm. I also had plans for the beach 2 weeks after my surgery that couldn’t be cancelled, I just got back and it was the best thing I could of done for my recovery. Yes, you will depend on others to do some things, but I had no problems. I took a pillow wedge to sleep on because our condo didn’t have a recliner. However, if you need it now, go ahead….you will be fine to take your trip.

To everyone else, thanks to this post, I’m doing well. I start PT tomorrow and looking forward to moving forward. My next goal is a cruise in June, and the ability to sleep on my back. Good luck to everyone success. We can do it! Live for the good days and reward yourself for all you accomplish!

i’m 5 weeks post op now and i suppose i’m doing alright, but have a lot of pain (which i don’t really take anything for as i feel that either its only going to be effective for a few hours so what’s the point, or id be taking stuff all the time which i don’t like the idea of). Saw surgeon again today and looks like i am developing the frozen shoulder too (going backwards with my range of movement even though i’ve done the exercises 3x daily without fail). Joy.

Some things are getting better as i can sleep semi on the injured side now and i’m working full days now (just one-handed computer stuff). I live in Australia but off on 2 week business trip to Arizona on Monday, but i think i’ll be ok with that. And the surgeon said i can take my sling off next week for general activities!! That sounds unachievable to me though as any movement is painful, so will be interesting to see how i go.

Fed up that i’ve put loads of weight on during this time. i’ve changed about 2 sizes and nothing fits. This has been because i’ve been eating more carbs and sugar (but not more volume). I used to eat 3/4 of any plate as salad or veggies, and not usually bread, pasta etc, but can’t chop any more and can’t drive to shops so being relying on hubbies choice of menu! i also used to do at least an hour strenuous exercise a day which has also gone out of the window and no doubt my metabolism has slowed as a result. Ah well, after this US trpi i need to get back to some more discipline !

Great to hear everyone elses updates.

Tomorrow is the month mark for me. Still doing my home PT, still getting better. I’d say my recovery is at least at 75% now. For some reason I am still having to sleep in my recliner. If I lay down in the bed I start getting a dull aching pain in the shoulder. I could do OK if i took pain meds, but I prefer not to take them, so I just sleep in my recliner. Have a little trouble tucking in my shirt, but overall my ROM is good. No pain at all as long as I sleep in the recliner. A little stiffness during the day.

Fred, I slept in the recliner for 8 weeks before the bed was comfortable enough. You will know when it is time to switch

Day 9 after surgery on right shoulder, my dominant arm. It was excately 6 months since surgery on left I wish I could have waited longer as my left was babied so long that now both arms hurt This time they repaired the tear and removed a biceps tendon, it was too far gone to save 🙁 Mentally, sleeping in the chair is easier but wearing the sling is about to make me lose my mind.. I am trying my best to do as I am told. I go back in three weeks and start PT on Wednesday. I need to be useful and sitting around doing next to nothing is not for me. And I must be use to the pain as this time around it is a lot more tolerable. Am not sleeping well, but then I never do. Took pain meds every 4 hours the first two days and now I take 2 in the AM, one midday and 2 at bed. I will probaby stay on them till the sling is off as they help me a lot and I tolerate them well. Looking at going back to work around mid May. So all in all, having it done once has made the second one not so bad

Take care Cindy, I feel for you. It must be hard to take care both shoulders. Mine is the dominant right shoulder and this is the second week post-op. While baby the right, my left start to feel pain so I have to slow down and icing both sides. I think that I will need to make appt. for doc to check on my left to make sure it does not get worse. I wonder if anyone experience the same, surgery on one side and it affects the other as well? I sleep better at night, just lot of pillow and sleep with the sling but during daytime, I go sling free but keep the arm close to the body, and keep icing about 2, 3 times a day. PT 3 times a week and I do passive excercise both arms so they will be equally happy:)

Hi Ahn! Hope you are doing well this week. I went for the four-week follow up and get to ditch the sling completely. Funny but I have started to feel a lot safer with the silly thing on!. Sounds like you are doing your PT at home. I start my first PT next Monday. Any tips on getting through it? My shoulder is more stiff than I anticipated, so a bit apprehensive of beginning therapy. Do you take pain meds to help with PT? I’m ready to get going on this. A walk on the beach sounds wonderful! I live in Oklahoma so my scenery is flat and grand. Lol

Take care and best of luck on your progress!
Cindy

Three things should be pretty obvious 1. Everyone has a different degree of injury and 2, everyone has slightly different procedures, doctors and restrictions after surgery. 3. Everyone has a different degree of pain tolerance. There is no comparing yourself with one another.
I do well for a few days then back slide a few. The biggest issue is regaining strength, which in turn leaves me quite “lame.”
Just when I started feeling sorry for myself, we learned my husband’s cancer was becoming more aggressive. Guess what? I feel much better because I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself any more.
I know it will take me another couple of months at least before things return to “normal” But so what. I am already better than before, and the pain is only different.

This is so true! I see people around me that are two weeks post surgery earlier that are way ahead of me. It seems I turn a corner on pain or ROM and then I wonder what I did to re-hurt myself. The other day I thought my PT tore something because he pushed me further than before. I heard this terrible sound come from my shoulder that sounded like my repair tearing. Pain? Oh yes pain. evidently it was scar tissue separating, ok tearing, and lots of pain. Well, three days later I’m fine and making more progress. I’m just under three months post with what I can see as another three months more of PT three days a week. So tired of this!
Good luck all!

So, I will be at the 10 month post op stage early next month and feel like i have turned a real corner this last few weeks.
I am now able to pass several days at a time forgetting that i ever had surgery or an injury. I have just been able to complete my second half marathon since the surgery with much less soreness than the last one. I am finally off the ibuprofen that i have been using on and off for the last 18 months.
I keep thinking back to the 4 – 6 month post op stage which seems so long ago now when i suffered from bad weakness and soreness in the shoulder and thought i would never recover from this.
I still find myself checking back here regularly to see how everyone is getting on as i remember well sitting on the sofa with my arm in that sling for 4 weeks last july.
I really do believe that at that magical 12 months i will now be fully recovered and back to normal pre tear condition.
From the initial tear it has now been 2 years 4 months.

I’m actually one month post-op today!!!! Started PT last week, with already doing PT at home the day after surgery! I have to say that recovery is going well. I’m already back in my bed, but with a wedge. I found heating the shoulder before home PT works well. I starting to get a small amount of range of motions back and hope to start my strengthening exercises within a few weeks. I have to say that I had a lot of anxiety before having this surgery. I know that we all handle things differently and that each surgery may vary as well. I had a very large tear and had to have a bone spur shaved down. I was given a nerve block and underwent twilight sedation instead if general at the time of sirgery. Afterward, I took my pain medication religiously for the next two days and by the third, I was only taking one a night to sleep. As well, I kept the ice cooler device on my shoulder for two days around the clock to keep the swelling down. After, the bandage was removed, I took a much needed shower, which was on day 3.

By week 2, I went to the beach with lots of pillows. I didn’t swim or any activities except enjoyed the sights.

By week 3, I dropped the sling. My elbow was getting sore and stiff.

I have to say again, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Working toward range of motion is my goal now and working hard at it.

Please know that it is true that being committed to your PT is the answer! If I don’t exercise regularly….I can feel a stiffness starting to build again.

Good luck to all that are recovering and to all that are looking forward to this. Just remember….you can do it and you will get through it.

Andy, nice to hear from you again looks like your almost there. It will be seven months since my op in two weeks time. Three weeks ago I thought that I was going back the way with my recovery, but I think that I was just overdoing it with my shoulder workouts, I cut back and things seemed to calm down again. I am starting to get more confident, before the op, trying to putt a golf ball was so painful, now I can almost do the full swing, I am still in some pain but feel as each month goes by its getting better, as I said earlier before I had this op I had many sleepless nights, that problem has well gone. Best of luck to everybody in this excellent forum.

Pete
I found significant improvements around the 9 month mark so hopefully you too will be in the same position soon.
I tried lifting the heavy weights again at about 7 months but eased off this for a bit as things were still sore and agravated. I am maintaining the daiIy runs though.
I must admit i have not had one sleepless night since about a week after the surgery so i must be very lucky. This certainly was not the case prior to the surgery.
I never believed anything could take a year to get over but this certainly has been proven and experienced by me.
Good luck with your recovery as you are nearly there. It is all worthwhile as we all know.

Thank you so much for this wonderful site. I had rotator cuff surgery three months ago. Very little pain and discomfort and I thought I was going to be one of the lucky ones that got off easy. But trying to regain my range of motion has been incredibly hard and painful. I’ve had to fight for every degree of improvement (I’m only at 100 degrees overhead after two months of PT). My therapist was concerned that my progress was too slow and he told me to push harder. The result was that I inflamed my shoulder so badly that the doctor put me on an oral steroid to calm it down and I can do any exercise for at least a week. I’m so frustrated…I’d be very interested in knowing if regaining ROM has been as slow for others and if there was anything in particular that helped accelerate your progress.

Ginny,
I’m three months this week and am a little further in ROM but on Monday we were fighting my measurement. I was around 145 -150 and it’s been two weeks like this. My PT is great and I have had several while he was out having a baby. Last week we had a release of scar tissue and thought we were going to get significant movement, but we just couldn’t get beyond this point. He asked another PT to work with me for some stretching to see if we could get more. She started working and then she started doing some deep tissue massage. That hurt like hell but when she was done, I hit 163. roughly a 15 degree improvement just by having another PT work me. I will do this in the future. More eyes on the problem sometimes bring added benefit. My advise is to have more than one PT work with you. You can keep your main person but they all have different techniques. some are good, some are better, and some are awesome. I feel like it’s going to take forever for this to be over but I try to keep positive. Most days are good now but I still go back to periods that make me feel like I just started.

Thanks Rick, I really appreciate the tip. I’ll give it a try once I can start PT again.

I’m 8 weeks post rotator cuff and labrum tear repairs (5 pin) and the sling came off last week. The first couple of days after the sling felt weird. It hurt for my arm to hang down and it took a couple of days for it to straighten out too. Since then i’ve had heaps of movement back (by my moderate standards!) and i can almost put my arm above my head, and the sideways movement has increased another 40 degrees. Its still hurting quite a bit but then i’m doing a lot more with it so not surprising.
I went to the physio for the first time today (i’ve been working overseas for the last couple of weeks so couldn’t go earlier) and he increased the range some more and gave me some new exercises. So i’m still at the extend-range-but-don’t-make-it-painful stage for the next 4 weeks until the more painful stage starts!
I can drive now, although reaching the steering wheel is painful so i do it one-handed where possible, and reversing round corners (lots of wheel turning) isn’t easy. I can work in the office all day. I can walk easily for say 40min with the dog, although haven’t really pushed that to see if i could do more. I still can’t blow-dry my hair or put eye make-up on with my right hand, Also i’ve put on about 10lb (and had gained a bit before i did my injury too) and my clothes don’t fit any more, so i’m fed up about that, but the diet started this week so hopefully i can turn the corner on that one.
Good luck to everyone with their recoveries – slowly but surely!

2 weeks since surgery to repair 2 massive tears, labrum tear and bicep tendon fraying. Doing passive ROM exercises. Using only OTC meds.
Sling to stay on for another 4 weeks. Doing quite well considering the MRI showed 2 non-repairable tears…so the 1 hour surgery to just cleanup the shoulder turned into 2 1/2 hours to repair it. See PT again in 2 weeks. Working at home with rope and pulley. Thank God for my “caretaker wife.”
Sleeping on the recliner for the 5th month. Almost 61 years old and diabetic so good blood sugar level was needed for correct healing. On we go….

I am having rotator cuff surgery in one week and am terrified . To make matters worse I am a nurse and have taken care of these people many times . I will Not have any help after . How do you get dressed, pull up pants , wash your hair, brush your hair ( mine is long) how go you drive it function. Due to the nature of my sick time I have to be able to be back to work in 3-4 weeks . I don’t work I don’t get paid . I’m just sick about what might be ahead

(Nora), I’m praying for you! Is it open or arthroscopic? Dominant arm? I’ve always had long hair too, but opted to get it cut just above my shoulders, like Jodie Foster. It was an adjustment, but now I like it even better 🙂 My surgery was open and I needed to be able to work with one hand and a wide tooth comb. VO5 makes a good 2 in 1 shampoo/conditioner. From what I’ve read, a second sling for the shower would be good. Lots of prepared foods in easy open containers. Putting all your fiber, protein snacks in ziplock bags. I wasn’t even allowed to grip lids, jars, etc. Maybe cracking the seals on the water bottles ahead of time. Elastic was my best friend. Everything had to be loose to get over the bad shoulder, head, then good shoulder. I loved tank tops with built in support and wide straps, yoga pants, sweats, zip up hoodies, and big light blankets, lots of extra pillows, a recliner, a neck pillow, and ice. I used frozen peas in quart sized bags, slipped in a pillowcase I could wrap around my neck. I put the ice where it hurt, should have put it directly over incision 🙂 PT has really helped, even though it was not fun. I do feel better afterwards. If you’re in PA, feel free to email me. theroyalscribe@verizon.net I am limited to only lifting 1 pound still, but at least I can drive now, and would be happy to help any way I can. 12 weeks out now and I am glad I went through with this! You’ll be twice as strong when you’re all healed up 🙂 I know exactly how you feel, I was probably the biggest coward here before surgery, couldn’t eat, sleep, terrified! May you be flooded with peace and rest and sail smoothly through this storm!

I washed my hair using 2 hands for the first time this year today!!!! 9 weeks after surgery. Very excited. However it is possible to wash your hair (and do makeup and all those other things) using one hand

Had my surgery on Friday. Made it to today…rah! All of your posts have been great. This is hard, but I see you all working your way through it and that gives me strength. The sling is annoying. Need to find something yo ease the pressure on my neck. I alternate from chair to sofa and bed. I am trying to get off all pills because I hate how I feel when taking them. Today is day four and I am pain free this morning. I will make the switch to Tylenol today. 🙂

Congratulations on getting through the first few days – hopefully, the roughest ones! What did you have done in your surgery, and was it arthroscopic?
I am scheduled to have surgery next month, and am trying to get an idea of what to expect. I am pretty nervous about it. From reading the posts here, it seems there is a wide range of recovery times/rates, depending on the person and the surgery.
I am most worried about sleeping at night – do you have a recliner, Margaret? It seems that most people seem to find that the only option for sleeping, but you mention being able to use a bed at times. I will have to rent one, as I don’t currently have one and it seems like lying down is difficult soon after surgery for most people.
Thanks for your post, and your information. I hope you continue to recover quickly!

I’m getting ready for surgery in a few weeks, and am unsure of how soon I will be able to put my arm into the sleeve of a shirt in order to wear something somewhat presentable in public. I’m hoping no longer than a week or so? Not being able to use any muscles actively in the arm sounds a bit challenging with regards to putting on a shirt. Can anyone comment on what their experience was regarding the ability to dress after surgery? Just for perspective, I have 2 tears (one full, one partial), calcium deposits to remove, and some bone spurs to be removed.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

Hi Rene,

When it comes to dressing (as with almost everything related to this surgery), everyone is different. However, for me (also had one full thickness and one partial thickness tear and a bone spur) it was about 5-6 weeks before I could comfortably put on a shirt that fit me. I strongly suggest that you buy a couple of button-up shirts that are a couple of sizes too large for you. I actually bought a couple of inexpensive men’s shirts at Target, and I was extremely glad I did because they were roomy and comfortable, looked fine paired with nice lounge pants, and made my life SO much easier. I don’t think you’ll want to even attempt putting clothing over your head for five or six weeks or to wear jeans (hard to pull up). The other things that really helped me were comfortable slip-on shoes (couldn’t tie my shoes for about five weeks and even then it wasn’t easy) and a stand for my hair dryer.

I’m sure all of that sounds like a pain in the neck, but it’s not that bad and the time goes quickly. Before you know it you’ll be back in your regular clothes!

Hi Ginny,
I had figured on the slip-on shoes and pants with elastic waists, but just wasn’t sure about the shirts. Were you able to put your bad arm into the sleeve of the large button-up shirts and then put the sling back on, or did you have to keep your arm and sling inside the shirt for the 5-6 weeks?

Thanks for your input, and I hope you’re doing better now with your PT (I’ve read all of the posts here, and recognized your name).

Yes, you will be able to take your arm out of the sling to put your shirt on provided it’s a loose shirt and you do it gently. I wore only mens size large short sleeve shirts (easier to get on and off than long sleeves) with snaps (easier when you have one hand) the first few weeks — slept in one of them too!

A week ago today I had my bicep tendon which was partially torn & a rotator cuff tendon that was thought to be partially torn but was found to be toally torn reparired. It is my right arm which is my predominent. I have done pretty well. The block wore off at 1 am Tuesday morning & I went from one percoset to two every four hours & that kept the pain down fairly well. Three days after surgery I had a great day & was so encouraged. The fourth daybrought me back to reality. As far as pain medicine I usually take one after my shower in the morning & one before I go to sleep. I am still sleeping in the recliner. I tried the bed one night but woke up sore all over with a stiff neck & a headache. I have been getting stretchy soft knit tank tops over my head without problems. I can’t stree enough that along with the pain medicine you need to take some kind of stool softener every day. The meds are narcotics & you are certainly not as active as you were therefore everything SLOWS up.

Like many others here, I really want to thank Scott for starting this thread, and all of the posters who have shared their experiences. I had a Rotator Cuff repair on 21 March. Everything suggested it was a partial tear, but once the doc got in there he found a full tear with severe rescission and tendon adhesion. I was an avid weightlifter and had very developed shoulder muscles that totally masked the tear: I could raise 25lb weights to the side with no issue. The only pain I had was when sleeping on my side and when doing bench presses. Needless to say, the severity of the injury was a big shock.
Life in the sling was tolerable, once I found the “Shoulder Immobilizer & Sling w/ Abduction Pillow & Strap” on Amazon. The crappy little sling from the doc was terrible. I added a micro-suede Seat Belt Shoulder Pad and it never bothered my neck. I also bought an ice machine; I never really had any pain (although I did take a Vicodin at bedtime for the first 2 weeks), but I used it three times a day for 30 minutes to help with inflammation. I was used to taking body building supplements, so to help with healing I took double doses of Hammer Nutrition Tissue Rejuvenator, USP Labs Super Cissus Rx and Beverly International Quadracarn. Can’t say for sure they helped, but I have been way, way ahead of the curve on my recovery.
Being very independent, it was really hard for me to be so helpless. The worst was showering: I needed help washing my back and “good” arm and drying off.
I started driving after the first week; I installed an Allison Heavy Duty Steering Wheel Spinner and was easily able to steer on-handed. Fastening the seat belt is a whole other story. The best day by far has been the first morning of week 7 when I was able to take off the sling… and throw it across the room. That night I slept in my bed and got the first full night’s sleep since the ordeal started. Hadn’t realized just how sleep-deprived I had been. Within days people were commenting how much better I looked.
I had a quite a few emotional breakdowns over the six weeks in a sling: I felt so trapped and helpless and I had a lot of regret over having the surgery (because I was doing so well with a full tear) and I still do, actually. My shoulder muscles are gone, and the doc says because of the severity of the damage I will never be able to lift the kind of weight needed to get me back to where I was. So I’m fixed, but worse off.

I start strength training next week (week 9); wish me luck!

Thanks for the suggestion for the shoulder immoblizer. Just ordered one from Amazon. I am 10 days after surgery. My doctor said I could lift my arm up slowly, but it won’t go. Do I just keep trying and it gets better? I am in the sling for 6 weeks and the pt. It sure is a pain not doing what I did before. I feel like I am in slow motion.

Hi Doreen,

I’m at week 3.5 and my doc doesn’t start me on PT until 5 weeks… I can move a lot, but I know I don’t dare lift my arm or it would hurt too much. Are you sure your doctor meant you could lift is slowly now, or that in time, you would slowly get better and better?

You are probably just fine! Read the other posts, this takes a while to heal from – try to accept that and don’t be in too much of a hurry…. 10 days in the big picture is not very much and you don’t want to further injure yourself or rip out the work that was done. I was very impatient at first and I wasn’t even letting myself sleep more than usual even though it would be good for me and I had a perfectly good excuse to do so! I finally accepted what it is.

What does the PT say about your progress or lack of it?

Take care!

Hi Lynne, thanks for the note. My doctor said I could lift my arm up, if I felt I could. Well, I can’t, so will wait. I don’t start pt until get sling off. It is amazing what we do with 2 arms. Had daughters, son in-laws and grandkids for dinner today. Let the girls do alot and didn’t even feel guilty. Husband did the meat. Had a beautiful day in Michigan today. I do sleep ok, so thankful for that. Thanks again for the help,Doreen

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories. I will join the club June 13. Dreading it but so tired of the pain, and inspired by you all. I now have a better idea what to expect. Thank you! Blessings and healing to you!

Greetings to all! I’ve been reading the posts of post and presurgery comments and it all makes sense at this point. I’m 11 weeks post-rotator cuff repair on dominant arm, with 7 weeks of therapy completed and seeing some strong results!

I’ve learned that we are all quite different in our surgeries, but we all need the same kind of patience and endurance to walk through the process. This blog continues to be a supportive place to learn and share. I took hydocodone after nerve block/drip wore off, two every four hours for a few days, then weaned to once at night fairly quickly. After week two, switched to nothing. At week four was allowed to use Aleve. I’ve do take a pain pill every time before physical therapy, and the sessions have been good with little pain. My surgeon encouraged me to speak up anytime I needed to during stretching/manipulation if I had pinching or unusual pain. Been doing my homework routine religiously, and it shows back at PT.

Sleeping in bed on my back since week four but still inclined with several pillows, with one under each arm. I look like I’m in an infant seat with a “boppy pillow” for my arms. Night regimen has been two 12-hour Aleve at bedtime, and I’ve slept every single night like this since surgery. Can’t say enough about good nights rest—-I’d be a basket case without it.

Clothes were crazy the first week, but was able to switch to two-sizes larger-than-normal cute tops without a problem. (I’m just not into men’s clothing). Did you know that most salons will let you come in with a wet head and just style your hair for ya? What a treat!!

For those who are getting ready for surgery–take heart and know that you can do it. Just listen to your body, sleep when you need to, and use patience. My surgeon’s best advise—take your time, nobody said it was a race.

Best of health!
Cindy

Hi Cindy,
Thank you for your positive comments and congratulations on your amazing results. I believe attitude is half the battle.
I undergo rotator cuff surgery to my dominant arm on June 18th. I live alone and was very concerned about so many different things especially preparing healthy meals. I am blessed to receive an outpouring of support. Along with full use of my arm, sleep is what I hope for most, as it hasn’t come easy since my accident last summer.
Best wishes for a complete recovery.

Colleen

Dear Colleen

You will need a little help at first plan for a neighbor, relative or friend to visit once or twice a day for at least the first week.
I am 18 weeks post non dominant arm and doing better than I had hoped!

I am a chef and my food advise is do some cooking now and freeze individual portions of your favorite foods. Many grocery stores have delivery services you can shop online.
Use the simple nylon sling the hospital gives you after surgery for showering and buy the adduction pillow sling for sleeping and daytime.
Plan ahead for everything you can think of you have two weeks. Read this wonderful blog ask questions it helped me so much!
Follow doctor’s instructions buy a recliner if you don’t have one it will be your best friend. Good luck George

Hi Colleen,
Sounds like youll be ready for your surgery with pre planning and help from friends. I practiced everything with the non-dominant arm before surgery. That helped me place necessary items where I’d need them. Insulated drinking cups with straws for any place I would sit, flushable wipes, tissues, mouse pads to create non-slide areas for items…..also tied a plastic basket atop a smal table next to recliner to hold my On-Q medicine drip ball I wore home (it was localized pain management directly to surgery site). Homemade ice bags in freezer. Iceman cold therapy system (a lifesaver) Also loaded up on drinking water, fresh fruit and nuts to counteract the comfort food I received. Converted my recliner close to my bed into a giant ‘infant seat’ with thick comforter covered with favorite sheet. Best of luck to you and keep the faith—-you’ll do great!

12 day recovery from rotator cuff surgery report. I think my biggest issue has been about 3 days of foggy brain from anesthesia in the beginning. My pain was very minor from the beginning. My doctor said it was a “significant tear” what ever that means in relationship to the experience of the others here. I only took Hydorcodon-acetaminophen for a few days, Tylenol PM to sleep. Seriously, mine does not hurt at all. I have been a very good girl though. Getting to sleep on my back has not been good, EVER. I have issues with blocked nasal passages and asthma so I have trouble there still. at this point- I can type with two hands, for a little while. I can knit!( I am right handed, but I knit as if I were left handed because that is the way I was taught about 60 years ago) I can wash dishes , I can pick peas, and water the garden. I can use a knife to chop things if they aren’t too tough, but I still can’t get a fork to my mouth right handed. I am glad I took the time to prepare myself for things. You ladies will appreciate this, I bought two bras, they have front hook & eye closure as well as the straps connect with hook and eyes too. I would not have had the strength to pull velcro apart, these are working out very well. I went through my clothes and picked out button front loose fitting blouses and wear super long tank tops under them. I found pants that I can put on with one hand, yes I actually mastered this BEFORE surgery. They are not all elastic waist either, if you can pull up the zipper it is easier to button the top. I could not get my contact lenses on for about a week. My makeup has been less than perfect, but at my age … not too worried about that anyway. My husband has been opening cans and jars for me in advance, like the dog food, soup etc so I can take care of that stuff when he is not home. Thank God I am well on my way to being ambidextrous. This process makes me really appreciate the challenges of truly handicapped people. It also makes me appreciate the family and friends that have been blessed with, especially my husband and daughter. She took me for my first hair washing.. it was heaven! They have been awesome. Praying for patience, 4+ weeks more in this darn sling! I have lost the ball to rest my hand on AGAIN! Bummer.

I’m having surgery in July-two tears and tenodesis, have no room for, nor can afford a recliner, worried most about sleep issues, since it’s been months of bad sleep since the injury and wake up several times during the night to severe pain. My bed is a temperpedic, (sp?) – but wonder if I should plan to seep on my couch or on bed – should I buy more pillows? I live alone (68 yrs.) my daughter can come by occasionally, but I have no other outside help – any suggestions on prepping for this ordeal?

Hi Lee – my husband had his surgery three months ago. While he did have a recliner and used it the first week – the next best thing was a foam wedge used in bed. I would think several extra pillows would do the same thing. He also suffered so much lost sleep but some positive news was that he found that pain to be less even right after the surgery. Sleep is probably the biggest issue and I hope that you find that sleep becomes easier even soon after your surgery.
In fact I would gladly mail you the foam wedge as he does not use it any more.
Could the forum writer give Lee my email? I don’t want to post it here but I do give Scott permission to give you my email if he is able.

Hi Lee,
I’m just past the 3 week mark. I have a small house and no room for a recliner so I got a wedge to put under my knees and had a lot of pillows -once I was settled in, it was a very comfortable way to sleep! The only problem with this, was that getting in and out of bed without jostling the shoulder was very hard and it might have been made harder by the wedge in retrospect (but the one Debbie is offering to send you is probably for behind you – so it won’t be the same issue.)

I’ve learned a few things since then. In retrospect I wish I had tested out the different sleeping places before surgery. I started sleeping on the right side of the bed, but it turns out it is easier to get out on the left side. I also discovered that I could just as easily fallen asleep sitting upright on my sofa with my legs on the coffee table (with a pillow and pulled up to the sofa) I do wish I’d realized this earlier because I worry that i was moving my shoulder too much.

Where ever you decide to sleep, see if you can get small soft pillows – they help me a lot! I already had some small japanese pillows filled with buckwheat and I like them a lot because it is easy to mold them into the shape you want… but I especially like another pillow that has very small styrofoam balls inside and the outside is a shiny slippery sort of fabric and it is wonderful to rest my arm on when it is out of the sling (I think the neck pillows that Colleen has been talking about also have the little balls) I actually have been sleeping without the sling and I just put these pillows under and around my arm and I manage to leave it there until I wake up. If you don’t have small pillows, try rolling some towels, you can make them fat or thin depending on what you need.

I think it would be very important for someone to be with you the first 24 hours at the least, if not the first 48! It was hard to get in and out of bed, it was hard to get comfortable once I was in bed and my daughter was wonderful in helping me to figure out what made me the most comfortable – which was good, because then I wiggled less and slept more! Once when I got up to go to the bathroom I almost fainted – so that’s one reason it’s good to have someone around. Also, since I was on medication and not thinking very well, I’d often forget something until I was already comfortably in bed – so it was wonderful to have someone I could call for help – a glass of water, my pills, my glasses, my phone, etc. Put a tray by your sleeping place to keep all these things.

In the first 2 days, I found I sometimes forgot if I’d taken my pills since I was sort of groggy – so I learned to take them out and put them on top of the bottle. That way I knew if they were still there and I was in pain I hadn’t taken them.

I made a very large pot of chicken soup with lots of vegetables and fresh ginger (good for healing) I would ask my daughter to poor it into coffee cups which she left covered in the fridge – that way it was very easy for me to microwave a cup of yummy comforting soup. I also found that I really like Amy’s frozen burritos (I don’t think they sell these everywhere) they are easy to heat up and eat with one hand. I asked my daughter to cut up a pineapple (she’d doing another one for me tomorrow!) they have bromeliad – a natural anti-inflamatory. I also had her open and then lightly tighten the screw top lids on the bottle of coconut juice that i like so much.

Make sure you drink a lot of water and take something for the constipation you will get from the pain killers – it can get really bad.

I also used a raised toilet seat that I use when my 88 yr old mom visits – it really helped me to get up and down from the toilet.

If they give you an ice machine with a big wrap that goes around your shoulder – here’s my experience: it was great to have, but every time I had to get up to go to the bathroom, I had to turn off the machine and un-attatch three little hoses. By one weeks time, my fingers were practically raw because they were very difficult to do with only one hand – I was so frustrated! Then I had an idea! I took the cold pack out of the wrap – (it is velcroed in) and I just used it as if I were using a frozen ice pack! no more hooking and unhooking! I just put one of my little pillows on it or a towel around it to weigh it down on my shoulder. That made a huge difference for me!!

Well, that’s all I can think of for now!
Good luck!

I would think more pillows would probably do the trick Lee. I used ice bags at night especially. Every time I took a pain pill I got a fresh ice bag. Good luck!

I haven’t seen anyone complain of knots in the back, neck & shoulder. I am experiencing this & when they work the knots out oh dear it hurts!! If anyone has had any experience & has any hints I would really appreciate it. Forgot to mention I am four weeks post rotator cuff & bicep tendon repair.

I had rotator cuff surgery four months ago. I’ve had may knots in my bicep tendon and shoulder and yes, it is painful. I suggest liberal icing after PT and patience…it gets better over time. Too slowly for my taste, but at least it does get better. 🙂 Hang in there!

I had some old muscle relaxant (Flexeril) in my medicine cabinet and it did wonders….. at my 2 week I asked for a prescription and the nurse practitioner didn’t blink an eye. (The funny thing, when I’d used it for the original ailment, it didn’t do a thing for me! )

Hi Betty – my husband had his surgery three months ago and YES his biggest complaint is knots in his neck, shoulder and biceps. His surgeon gave him a prescription for muscle relaxers and he uses these even more than the pain pills. I can even look at his arm and shoulder and see lumps and bumps in the muscle. At PT they tell him they are from scar tissue. Maybe you can ask about this? Good luck!

Ginny & Debbie thanks so much for your replies. I glad to know that these are not abnormal. I do have to agree that the pain from these is worse than the surgical pain. After PT yesterday I pretty much slept the rest of the day .. of course the pain medicine does that to me. I will ask the doctor when I see him in a week & a half. Thanks again for your replies.

Glad to see someone else said the same thing – but why wait a week and a half? Call up and have them call your pharmacy!

Thanks for all the information and ideas from this blog.
I had arthroscopic surgery on my right/dominant shoulder on 6/5/13. It was supposed to be a torn ligament but probably a torn labrum also. I will find out at my doctor appointment on 6/13. I am looking forward to getting this giant dressing off my shoulder. I think someone just decided to see how many gauze pads he could stick to my shoulder. It’s an inch thick! I am also thoroughly sick of the sling.

I have had very little pain which actually worries me since its so different than when my father had a similar surgery a few years ago so. He could barely wiggle his fingers without pain and I can do just about anything. So this has convinced my family that I am going to overuse it. I am hoping they are wrong and it will be fine on Thursday. I haven’t taken any Percocet in over a day and the pain is still minimal. I have been really tired but not sure if that’s because I just can’t sleep sitting up. I wake up every two hours. As I type, I am propped up in my nieces bed (b/c mine is a waterbed) but I keep sliding down so soon my arm will be over my head —ugh! You should see me get out of this bed.. I have to walk on my knees to the steps so can push up n my left arm. This is the only bed in the house not a waterbed or loft though this a mattress on the floor. Did I mention we are mid rennovation? I think my biggest wish is to be able to put my hair Ina ponytail…it’s just driving me crazy…pixie doo here we come.

Has anyone else had tired watery eyes or even tend towards weepiness? I was wondering if this could be reaction to meds?
Thanks and good luck to all

Hi Mary,

My surgery was on 5/21, so 3.5 weeks… and I’m not exactly sure what was done, because I fell again after my MRI! And, since my doctor talk to me after surgery and didn’t even do the follow up visit I have to wait until the next visit! So I’m making sure my 5 week visit is with him! What I do know, is that I had a near full-thickness supraspinatus tear and at least one anterior labrum tear.

I also feel that I can do a lot more than I’m supposed to! Which means that I have spent an increasing amount of the day with out my sling… because it feels okay to do so… that said, I have recently started wearing it more as I learn more. So I am definitely not advocating spending too much time outside of your sling or using your hand even if it is in the sling.

I do wish I’d been more prepared by my surgeon and want to understand exactly what he did, how it’s supposed to work and specifically what movements I need to avoid at all costs. One thing I was told is that most injuries to the repairs take place between weeks 2-3. I suspect this is because people are feeling less pain and getting sick of their slings so they get careless do more than they should. Finally what it really comes down to is: if you rip the work that was done, do you really want to go through this surgery again? And I do think I over did it the other day ’cause my shoulder is hurting more… hopefully I didn’t do more damage. You sound a lot younger, but I also read that more repairs fail in those over 60…. and I’m 58… But I sure hate my sling.

But to answer your question, the first week was pretty trying and I definitely cried when my meds didn’t work when the nerve block wore off… so anything after that was no where as bad! So after that I may have cried once in the middle of the night when I couldn’t get comfortable and I couldn’t sleep. But mostly, I got incredibly frustrated at times, especially when I finally got myself all comfortable in bed and hooked up to my ice machine… only to remember I forgot to bring something with me or I had to get up to pee (this was about 3 days after I didn’t have anyone helping me).

But I will share what I think is a strange outcome of the surgery – though maybe a little too much info! 6 days after the surgery I literally had to pee about every 15 minutes…it felt like all day long!! And, as I’d weighed myself in the morning, I did it again at night and I’d lost 5 lbs!! I think all the liquid they put in my shoulder for surgery was finally getting processed out of my system! It was really bizarre – and annoying!

Hang in there!

Thanks for the encouragement and I am glad that you are recovering well.
Thursday, 6/13, I finally ing got to see the doctor and forgot most of my questions :). I was excited to get the giant gauze bandage off my shoulder. My surgical wounds are healing great and just glued so no stitches. Today they hardly even hurt when I push on them. The nurses, docs, PTs were all impressed at how little bruising I have.
My surgeon said I don’t have to wear the sling anymore since “it will start driving you crazy” which my parents assured him that I had already driven them crazy complaining about it. The PTs want me to wear it when my arm hurts and to protect it. I wear it to remind myself not to use it. I am allowed to have my arm only in the box in the middle of my chest and lift nothing more than 5 pounds. I have cheated used it to help lift my nine pound nephew b/c I can’t resist.

I fully expect more pain this week b/c I will be PT everyday an it kind of aches after that. I am excited that I am cleared to pe and knit, crochet just have a hard time not leaning on it. I never realized how much I leaned or pushed off. It’s good for me to use my abs more!

And maybe in two weeks I can put my hair Ina pony tale myself…..or I am getting a hair cut;)

Hi Mary, glad things are going well! Yeah, I removed the big pad so that I could ice it better! And I was also glued and my arm only yellowed a little.

I’m definitely getting a hair cut – I had one already actually – but it needs to be shorter. However I’d much rather be too hot than too cold. I’m really glad I had it now instead of the winter… it was chilly today and just going out in the wind made my shoulder hurt…plus it would mean putting more clothes on over this shoulder.

I finally got my doctor’s report! I’m trying to understand it all, but it looks like the labrum had healed in the wrong place so he moved it and put in an anchor, then he removed my “very prominent” acroial spur (I’ll be that’s one reason I hurt!) and then fixed the rotator cuff with 5 anchors!

So a total of 6 anchors… seems like a lot to me… I’m curious how many others got? But since I got all this damage from several falls over the years, with that arm outstretched, maybe it will be harder to damage if I fall again.

Last night I tried sleeping on my side – with the repaired shoulder on the top – I didn’t last long because it hurt – and reluctantly went back to sleeping sitting up. But I am so tired of doing so! Unfortunately, all day my shoulder has been hurting me and I guess I blame trying to sleep on my side…. even though I wasn’t like that for more than 5 minutes!

Be really careful about that weight…. 9lbs sounds like a lot! My doc said no heavier than a coffee cup!

Hi all! Looks like my fiancee will be undergoing surgery for a torn rotator cuff. Any tips on how I can make things easier for him? Best wishes to all of you in your recoveries.

I am 2 1/2 weeks after surgery. Read the emails from all the ones that have had the surgery. It sure helped me. It sure is a slow process to get back to normal. I guess I am wanting to do more, but don’t let myself. I think icing is very important. Don’t know why there hasn’t been much activity online the last week?

I haven’t had much to say these days. I will be six weeks post rotator cuff & bicep tendon repair. I see the doctor on Wednesday & hope to get rid of the sling. To be honest I haven’t worn it much for them last week. I started PT a week after surgery … Some simple exercises like a pulley, flexion of the elbow, nodding head side to side, up & down & ear to shoulder. Now I am using a cane or stick to gently push my arm out to the side & raising it up in front of me trying to get it over my head. My recovery seems to be a little slower because of the bicep tendon repair. I still can’t pick up anything with any weight to it at all. Hoping that the doctor will let start next week lifting a little weight. Still using a half of a pain pill now & then. The muscle knots that I was experiencing have gone now thankfully. Think this all on me. Oh still not driving & REALLY hope doc will allow that this week. I feel like a prisoner. Good luck to everyone.

Tuesday will be 5 weeks for me…. seems like forever!

I’ve made the mistake ( a couple of times now) of thinking I can sleep on my side (bad side up) for even just a little bit – I am so tired of being on my back! But if it do try it I really pay the price! It hurts all day and I feel like I’ve slipped back 2 or 3 days. And this morning I finally just got out of bed – though I could have used a couple more hours -because my shoulder was hurting and I just couldn’t get comfortable. I’ve also had some tingling down to my little finger…. something I’d really hoped this surgery would get rid of…

I too, have been going long periods at home without the sling, but definitely wear it when I go out. And I’ve also driven a couple of times – but only locally and on surface streets. Really, the hardest part is buckling my seat belt and reaching over with my left hand to turn the key.

What perturbs me – is that I still hear a lot of noises in my shoulder, but they almost seem to be coming from behind my scapula… and it has me wondering if that area was part of the MRI and maybe something is wrong in there! I also have a muscle that seems to run over my scapula towards my spine, that just seems like a thick chord… and that hurts. Now that I’m no longer on the opiates I seem to have to remind myself that I can take ibuprofen or aleve and that I also have muscle relaxant pills… I think I’ll go do that right now!

Sorry for all the griping this morning! (Colleen, where are you? I miss your positive outlook!)

Lynne I have tried to sleep bad side up & like you regret it the next day. Reaching the key & the seat belt would get me too but I’m ready to try it.

I haven’t heard any noises in that shoulder but plenty in my supposedly good one. Hope that’s not an omen. LOL You should write down your concerns for your next doctor appointment. I know one day we will look back at this & say well I made it.
Have a good day

Oops, I meant to say Suzanne! But Colleen, you just had surgery on the 18th! Let us know how you are when you are up for it!

Hi Suzanne,

4 weeks post op ( 2 tears) and I feel quite good, aside from the usual discomfort. I have great respect for my surgeon and his team.
My family provided me with excellent care and attention. Now I’m back living on my own again so the meals aren’t quite as impressive. 🙂

I returned to work (sales office) after 10 days and was driving after 2 weeks. Started passive pt last week. He is very happy with my progress. I will see my surgeon again on July 31st.

Like everyone, sleeping is the toughest part – next to patience.

Grateful to have the summer months to recover – easy on and off clothing and shoes!

Overall, I’m very pleased with my progress and anticipate a full recovery. I have plans to ski in Italy in February!

All the best to everyone and thank you Lynne for checking in.

Colleen

Hello all,

What a great forum for all things rotator cuff. Thanks, Scott, for providing this service. After scheduling and canceling surgery twice, finally decided to proceed, and will be going in on July 16th for repair of a partially-torn rotator cuff and bursitis. Not too concerned with the actual surgery, recovery, and therapy, as I’m extremely patient and by reading many of these previous posts, I can see the benefits of this. I’m mostly concerned about how this will impact my work, as I am a salesman, and drive approx 1000 miles per week to visit customers. Probably a question for my doctor, but what is the general consensus regarding driving? Thanks in advance–Trent

Hi Trent, I notice that no one really answered your question…. but you might want to read more below and also look at the link to the article on not using the shoulder for 6 weeks…. I’m in my 5th week and have driven a little bit.. and each time I notice it in my shoulder. Whether that is impeding healing who knows… As you said, that’s something you’ll have to ask your doctor. It may have a lot to do with the location of the tear and whether or not it is in one of the rotator cuff muscles that you use a lot when you drive. And, do you have an automatic transmission? I hope so!
Best!

Has anyone else had a SLAP repair or is everyone rotator cuff repair? Tomorrow is week three from day of surgery so I might start some new stuff at rehab. Fingers crossed

Hi Mary,

I had rotator cuff and labral tears, although my labral tear was anterior only (on the MRI it looked like a SLAP tear…) Today marks week 5, but I have yet to start any PT. I do think there are other labral tears among us….

My surgery was June 12, full thickness tear supraspinatious and bone spur removed done arthroscopic.not sure how I did it wasn’t having much pain at all just couldn’t raise my arm.I’m 52 yr old.I had heard so many bad stories about this surgery. And I have to say my experience has not been too bad at all. Woke up in recovery no pain had nerve block. My anesthesiology told me in a few hours start pain meds demorol 50 mg one every 3 hrs whether you need them or not and if needed take two and ice packs so I did that and also I had the cater her in neck with the ball of numbing meds. I managed my pain well never had bad pain. After 11/2 days the line came out of my neck suppose to stay in three days then I felt a little more pain but still not horrible,they said the numbing meds take away about 50-80% of pain so I highly recommended it!so surgery on wed by sat I took only two pain pills and I’m unloading dishwasher,put clothes in washer and dryer up and about the house had lots of company everyone’s amazed with how well I’m doing and me too! My mom said I must have high tolerance to pain idk but doing extremely well.five days after surgery my husband took me to red lobster and went to Walmart to buy me a lot of fruit.been eating all the great foods people had bought over gotta watch out don’t want to gain alot of weight! And no problem sleeping we had bought a month before a sealy posterpedic hybrid cooling gel memory foam adjustable bed! OMG best bed ever I have slept in bed every night I would adjust bed at zero gravity and pillows on bad arm and I would have to say I have really been sleeping good!! I had been taking advil then I may take a flexiril.I have been to dinner and store serval times in first ten days! Do my exercises 3-5x a day do chores around the house get bored staying home! Started rehab on day 10 and did pulley was able to get my arm all the way up he said my ROM was very good said I’m going to do well!! No pain after rehab. Drove to pt just took off my sling .take off sling at home a lot when sitting even when walking around the house hope I’m not hurting anything I did use my hand . even though I doing so well I know its still a long recovery! Just hope things keep going so well!!today second day for rehab hope it goes well.I’m so thankful to be doing so well and I feel so bad for the ones suffering so much! God bless talk to ya later!

Just came home from my six week post op check. Doc says I’m doing fine. Go back in six weeks & he stressed not using that arm to pick up anything heavy. The next six weeks is totally working on my range of motion. He said this is most important so that I don’t develops frozen shoulder. I am doing some exercises at home plus have PT twice a week. And best of all I can drive …
Hugz

Hello we all have something in common!! Went to PT today for second times I’m two weeks post op and my ROM is really good he said its OK to take off sling a lot at home and I’m able to do a lot with my right hand I’m really surprised things are going so well for me no pain meds since 3rd day of surgery I may take advil and maybe a flexiril I also drive since day 10 take off sling and drive just a little sore from PT not bad! Good luck you all!

You’ve been doing great! It’s interesting to see the range of results here! And good to see some positive results so that everyone isn’t scared away from the surgery!

Scott,
Thank you! I am 60 years old, male and 5 weeks out from right shoulder rotator cuff and bicep surgery. I found this forum 3 days ago and all of you have helped me so much. My experience is not exceptional. The one thing I have noticed is a person’s attitude and patience is very important. My physical therapy is progressing, pain level is manageable, obstacles can be overcome and my appreciation for the simple things in life has greatly increased. One of life’s rules is to check for paper before sitting down. Attack the situation of being in one place for an extended period of time. Plan ahead and have: telephone , remote control, drinks, snacks, paper towels, waste basket, blanket, books, ice packs, wet wipes, and any other items needed. I made a nest in the living room on the love seat and large footstool. Fortunately I am now sleeping in my bed, but it took a couple of weeks to get there. Prayers for all of you and your caretakers.

I’m wondering if anyone hears noises from the shoulder that has been fixed? Sometimes my arm seems to click out of place and then I lean forward and let it hang and wiggle a little until it clicks back into place. It’s not real painful, but it’s uncomfortable and I just don’t think it should be doing this! And I’ve heard this from the first day after surgery when I was trying to shift myself into place on my bed.

Also, I know we’ve all heard that we are supposed to wear the sling forever, not lift things, not lift the arm etc. but I haven’t heard exactly what happens if one doesn’t wear the sling all the time or one lifts something heavier than a coffee cup, etc. The surgery fails? but just what does that mean? I imagine the rotator cuff doesn’t heal well, or is ripped again and there is too much scar tissue the labrum doesn’t attach because it gets moved too much? I also wonder if the anchors can come out in extreme cases? Anyone know? I guess I’m just wondering what’s with these noises? Did my surgeon miss something? Did some bone stay in my arm instead of getting vacuumed up?

Thoughts anyone? Did your surgeon give you any gory details of what can happen? I’m also puzzled that some doctors don’t do any PT for 6 weeks, yet others seem to start almost immediately – I know often that has to do with the surgery specifics, but I have seen people who seem to have had similar procedures and yet they start early.

Thanks!

Lynne,
The Hospital for Special Surgery in New York did a study about waiting six weeks before starting PT. Their website has an excellent article on this subject. Search their website for rotator cuff surgery recovery.

Driving??!?! I haven’t driven since surgery but my doctor said I could try. Though I cannot use my right/dominant arm since the wheel would be higher than I am allowed to lift my arm. Anyone driving with their left/non-dominant arm? I have enough trouble getting dressed with my left arm so I am a bit worried about driving with my left arm only. Any experiences driving with your non-dominant arm? Advice?

I tried driving with my left (non-dominant) arm – but you don’t mention how far along you are! I wouldn’t do it if you are still on opiates and I also would never try it if I had a manual transmission!
I’m at 5 weeks and the hardest part is putting on the seatbelt and putting the key in. I have kept trips as short as possible, and avoided the freeway too. I avoid sharp turns as well, since it involves more turning. I often keep the hand of my “bad” arm on the lower part of the steering wheel just in case.
But in general, given what I just read about keeping the arm immobilized, I would say don’t drive for even 6 weeks unless you absolutely have to… even if you don’t actively use your arm – 6 weeks is relatively short in the scheme of things and you want to heal!
Even if you don’t use the arm that’s healing, it moves when you make a wide turn, when you lean over to buckle & unbuckle, or lean forward to put the key in and out. Also, if you have bumpy roads like I do, by the time I get home, I’m definitely feeling the stress on my shoulder.

Hubby is 14 weeks post op. He started driving at 6 weeks using only his left non dominant arm and he says that went very well. The hardest part was reaching over to engage Drive, Reverse and Park and to turn the key. Also, he practiced everything using his left arm before the surgery. 🙂
His PT is getting much more aggressive and his newest exercise is using rubber bands and trying to lift them up over his head.

Thanks for the tips. I have driven a few times this week which has gone pretty smoothly. I find I need to wear my sling to ensure I don’t use my right arm. I have only gone on short trips and am not sure that a long trip would be a good idea b/c it’s near impossible to reach anything on the passenger seat. I am excited that I could reach the radio:)

Jerrell, thanks so much for the tip! They have great info there – I sure wish I’d done this research prior to my surgery! And I wish I’d been wearing my sling more…. I don’t know why doctors don’t give us more info!

BTW, for anyone reading this, here is the link to at least one article on the subject : http://www.hss.edu/newsroom_changes-rotator-cuff-surgery-rehabilitation.asp

and a good general PDF from the Hospital for Special Surgery to prepare one for surgery:
http://www.hss.edu/files/PE-pathway-Shoulder-surgery.pdf

Lynne, I have wondered about lifting more than a coffee cup. I know I have, but don’t know if I did anything wrong or not. Would it hurt if you did damage? I wish someone would give us an answer. I find it hard not to lift something with both hands. I don’t have any noises in my arm, so I can’t help you with that question. I don’ start PT until 6 weeks. I am now 3 1/2 weeks. I am 72 and this is my first surgery ever. So I guess I have been lucky so far. I fell on the ice this winter. Hope all are healing well!!! Doreen

Doreen I just had my six week check up & the doctor told me to use the arm more but don’t lift anything heavy. After the next six weeks weight will be added. Betty

Look at the article Jerrell referred me to: http://www.hss.edu/newsroom_changes-rotator-cuff-surgery-rehabilitation.asp

I think we’d better behave ourselves!

Lynne,
You are right, we should behave ourselves… to a point. My wife of 34 years has been telling me to behave myself … for 34 years! She may disagree, but I try most of the time, well, some of the time, maybe every now and then, but this is for all the people who are contemplating surgery, have had surgery or is a caretaker. Stand up, sit down or whatever, take a deep breath , stretch and relax. We are in this for the long haul. Life is so short. Enjoy the ride. Patience, meds, ice, patience, meds, ice, etc., etc. etc. Today tell the ones you love, that you really do love them. Prayers and peace to all.

Hi Lynne,
I am only at the Day 9 mark, so haven’t been able to do much yet. As such, I haven’t heard any noises from my shoulder. It would definitely be a good thing to ask your surgeon and/or therapist about when you see them next. Hopefully it is just something like scar tissue from the surgery site that will break down over time.
As far as failure of the repair, I was told that the tendon is attached to the anchors by sutures only during the surgery. Over the following 6 weeks, in a successful repair, the tendon will gradually reattach itself to the bone. Even at the 6 week mark, this reattachment is still quite fragile – hence, no active lifting for most people. Most failures involve the sutures being torn before the tendon has a chance to reattach itself to the bone. My PT told me it is rare to have a failure if you keep the sling on for the full 6 weeks (or whatever time frame your surgeon has given you), except for doing any prescribed exercises and for showering.
It is interesting to hear about the different protocols that people are following, even with the same types of repairs. My surgeon seems to be very conservative. He is adamant about the shoulder being abducted out away from the body at all times for 6 weeks, even when doing the simple exercises or when showering. For these activities, I have to keep a rolled-up towel under my upper arm to take the place of the big pillow attached to my sling. He said this position keeps the repaired tendon relaxed and free of strain. Also, my exercises for the first 6 weeks are very simple, designed only to help prevent getting a frozen shoulder, elbow or wrist.

Yes, it’s very confusing… I have yet to see a PT and the only exercises I’m supposed to do are with the ball that came with the sling moving my wrist and elbow and letting my arm hang free sometimes, but now pendulum swinging like I’ve seen some people do.

I made some comment to my surgeon about not liking the abductor pillow (or what ever it’s called) when I had a chance to briefly speak to him about week 2 – and he said I didn’t have to wear it. Then when I had my first appointment with the nurse practitioner, she didn’t seem to approve of that! Go figure.

I have to admit, that knowing what I know now, I would have been a lot more careful and probably would have put up with the pillow. I just hope I haven’t damaged anything to the point of having a failed operation….

You shouldn’t worry that you have undone the surgery. I doubt it is so easy to ruin all the good…at least I hope so.

I thought I’d screwed up my surgery a few times. What I learned from my surgeon is that it’s pretty hard to screw it up — they sew us up tight! So try not to worry because it’s unlikely. If you are experiencing a lot of pain or discomfort, they can do another MRI to make sure all is well. Recovery is a slow and frustrating process for many of us but it will get easier for you as the weeks pass and you start to heal. Best wishes — hang in there!

Thanks Mary & Ginny – ! I’ll be seeing my doc at 3:15 today! I’m making my list of questions. What I read in the article I mentioned somewhere, is that the rats in the study had less scar tissue and the repair was stronger, more successful than the rats whose “arms” were not immobilized… so I don’t see that I would be pulling out all those anchors, but that maybe it would loosen the repair somehow… as I mentioned somewhere, I’m also concerned about the cracking and crunching I hear in my shoulder… well, hopefully I’ll know more by tomorrow afternoon!

At about week 3 I confessed to leaving the sling off a lot & my therapist said don’t do that because those tendons need to heal out like that so they aren’t contracted. It really was a pain in the butt. Now at week 7 they increased my exercises to include light ones for the bicep. Oh dear that has hurt. The exercise didn’t hurt but was difficult but for two days after I had bicep pain & took pain med for it. Be sure to let us know what your doc says about your shoulder noises.
Betty

Mary, I asked my doctor about the noises in my shoulder and he said it’s perfectly normal (?!) Makes me wonder why my other shoulder doesn’t speak to me! Before I met with him his assistant said that the scapula can move against one’s ribs…
Overall, I’m fairly frustrated by my visit… I think his assistant warned him that I had a long list of questions because when I started to ask the first, about the MRI report vs what he actually did, he responded by discounting the MRI report, saying I was fine and then suavely moving me along by saying he was wanted to introduce me to the physical therapy unit… It wasn’t until I was in my car that it hit me that I left without getting all my questions answered… ultimately it’s my fault … but boy he sure was skillful at diverting me from my mission!

I thought I’d report back on my noisy shoulder from my surgery in 2013. All the noises went away! And now after surgery on my other shoulder, I have had very few noises… although the shoulder isn’t doing nearly as well as the first one….

Glad to hear your noisy shoulder has resolved. I’m sorry you had to go through that kind of surgery twice!

A few tips:
Since the surgery I found that the right pillows have made a huge difference in my comfort level.

I have a lot of shapes, sizes, and types and use them for different purposes.
– I have a huge one that was my grandmothers “french” pillow and that is what I sleep on to keep me propped up in bed.
– I have an inflatable pillow that I use to sit on my desk chair because I have lower back/ sacro-illiac pain…. early on I realized that sleeping in the same position with more weight on my rear than usual would probably cause back problems so I stuck a pillow case on this “pillow” and it has been sooo comfortable and I haven’t had any pain – which is very unusual.
– I bought a foam wedge for my legs – so that I’m not trying to adjust a pillow to keep my knees bent… I’m sure that has also helped my back from going out.
– I have some small pillows that are filled with buckwheat husk – they mold really well and I use one under my good arm or my arm would be hanging…and a small one right behind my neck….
– Finally, and why I’m writing this… I have a favorite pillow for putting under my arm since I had surgery – whether when I’m sleeping or I’m sitting on the couch watching TV. It’s a blue stretchy fabric cylinder filled with very small little balls (styrofoam?) and it molds really well. When it really hurt to move my arm at all, I could easily grab some of the fabric and pull it under my arm with out having to lift my arm it because it could stretch and flatten down. Since I like it so much I wanted another one and I finally found it at the discount store: “Tuesday Morning” for only $4.50. It is distributed by the company Homedics and it has a label “Sqüsh” I was also told you can get it at Bed & Bath. It normally runs about $10. (I must sound like the Princess and the Pea…but who knew a pillow could make me so happy!)

So here i am a year on from my rotator cuff tear surgery which i had done on 5th July 2012.
I still check back here regularly to see how everyones experiences are and i have been through most of it over the last year.
I am pleased to say i am 95% recovered now. Although i recovered very quickly and got back to work, regained very good motion and even managed to go running (with pain) within 6 weeks i suffered for 6 months with very bad soreness and then gradually during the 6 – 12 month period i started to recover up to being within the last few weeks almost completely normal again.
I never believed it when people told me it would take a year to recover from this but have found that is certainly the case.
Good luck to everyone on their recovery and keep patient. It does get better!

Thanks Andy. Several people have told me that recovery would take six months to a year & I wondered if that was true. This experience is teaching me patience for sure. Thanks again.

Hi Bettyyou
I would say yes definitely need to give 6 -12 months for good recovery.
It has taken me the full year from surgery to get to 95% of pre surgery condition.
it is nearly 3 years since the day I initially tore the tendon in the gym.

Andy,
Did you really mean to say your condition before surgery rather than before your injury? If before surgery, why do you think that is? Is it scar tissue, the cutting to go in for the repairs?
Thanks!

Lynne
Yes, sorry I am 95% recovered from where I was before the initial injury. I put up with the tear for about 18 months prior to to having the surgery to re attach the tendon. Had the bone shaving surgery done first at about 12 months after injury.

Andy,
i’m curious, how come you did the bone shaving first? I had bone shaving, rotator cuff and labrum all together! Unfortunately I waited 9 years to get mine done!

While I’m at it, can you (or others reading this) tell me how long it was before you could sleep on your side? I’ve been sleeping siting up now for 6+ weeks and I’m getting very tired of that! I’ve recently started moving into another bed without all the pillows and I’ve been managing to sleep a couple of hours on my back before I start to feel a bit uncomfortable. A few times I’ve made the mistake of thinking I can roll over onto the good arm… (usually when I’m really sleepy!) – only to quickly find that I’m not ready… and although I do it for 5 or 10 minutes at most, it seems to set me back a couple of days 🙁 I let another week go by before I try again… but it’s still a problem…. so I’m really wondering what others have found.

Thanks!

Lynne
In reply to your question I had the bone shaving done initially as the initial diagnosis was impingement from the X RAY and not a torn rotator cuff.
I only had an MRI scan after the bone shaving surgery as I was still complaining from pain. It was only at this point they found the tear that had been there all along. This meant a second surgery six months after the first!
I found I was unable to sleep on my side for about 3/4 months after the bone shaving and this was certainly more painful post surgery than the rotator cuff surgery.
I was able to sleep on my side about 4 weeks after the cuff surgery.

Andy, nice to hear from you again, and glad youre almost 100%. I am nine month since my op, I felt that I was recovering well, but over the last four weeks I feel that I have went back the way a bit both with pain and weakness. I have went private to a very good local physiotherapist, he dose,nt think that I have re- torn the tendon, but thinks that my problem may be imflammation, and may try me with a steroid injection, I cant remember doing anything different that may have caused this set back, but I am not giving up, and certainly wont play sqosh again, but we have both said in earlier blogs, about the length of the recovery time from this op takes. Best of luck to everyone in this excellent forum.

Peter
Good to hear you are progressing but sorry to hear you are suffering some discomfort still.
I actually didn’t bother with any physio after surgery as I re started my running instead and foolishly thought this was enough of a workout of the arm and shoulder, however it only inflamed it for 5-6 months.
I only begin using the stretching band at this point every day to regain the strength. This seemed to fix the soreness and tightness.
I then actually started using the band again every day at about 10 months to get rid of the last bit of soreness. Again I noticed significant improvements at this point. I have come to the conclusion that this stretching and strengthening is very beneficial if experiencing continued niggling pains.
I would say that my 100% recovery goal is only a matter of weeks away now for me. Keep us posted on your progress over the next few months.

Hi All, I am six months post op from a dislocated shoulder, displaced fracture of the greater tuberosity and complete tear of the rotator cuff and although I am still far from “normal”, I am much improved. However, I still hike my injured shoulder when lifting my arm. Has anyone else experienced “hiking” after such a long period? And, does anyone have advice on how to work on improving this? Thanks! Dixie Lee

Hi Dixie, I am not that far out, but I just started PT so I’ll ask my therapist (if I remember to!)

Thanks Lynn… I appreciate it!

Im coming up on 7 months out of surgery from 2 full tears.I have pretty good flexiablity but still working on the strength ….it is aLONG process!! I still have soreness. I wholeheartly agree that it will take a full year to recover!! Hang in there…it will get better!

Thanks so much for the reassurance : ). Some days it is hard not to feel defeated but your comments help a lot.

Dixie-
Darn! I keep forgetting to ask my therapist!! It will have to wait until Monday! Are you still hiking it up?

Still hiking it Lynn but getting better! I have a new pt who gave me some good ideas. Hope you are doing well?

So so…. I’ve been to 2-3 PT sessions of very passive stretching…. only just a little painful. But I’ve been trying to sleep on my good side since my therapist said it would be okay… but it is still quite uncomfortable. Just last night I woke up and my thumb and index finger were completely numb! I’ve had my pinky do that for years, but never my thumb. It also hurts when I do certain things – like when I try to get into parking spaces a- nd there are still a lot of things I don’t dare do with it. I just hope that 9 months or so from now it is all healed and that I have no lingering pain. Aside from hiking your arm up, how is your pain doing?

Lynn, I had the same tingling and numbness in my thumb and index finger that you are experiencing. It has resolved over time , with only a faint sense of strain or slight numbness at the last joint if my index finger. I found the pain started decreasing noticeably from 5 months post op onward and now at 6 months plus , my pain is very slight and tied to exercise and sleeping “funny”. If really does get better just not fast enough for most if us impatient types I expect : )

Thanks – that’s good to know! Do you sleep on the healing shoulder yet?

Lifting my arm whilst watching in a mirror, I see quite a difference in movement between repaired and un-injured shoulders. If I understood the therapist correctly, the hiking up on the injured side is caused by enlisting some bigger muscles…maybe the trapezius…to complete the movement when rotator cuff muscles are too weak.

Hi Ron, that is my understanding too but I was hoping someone make have hints on how to get those small muscles going again? Thanks : ) Dixie

Hi guys. I just wanted to check in here with you. It has been a year since I had my surgery. I have to say as I read back that I will always remember what a trying and in many ways frightening time it was. I doubted so many times that I would be my normal self again. The pain and Oh my gosh, the trying to sleep with that sling! Geesh! Well, hang in there and absolutely do your therapy no matter how much it hurts. I am back to doing everything I did before, good flexability, and no pain. I was 63 when I had my surgery . So if I healed so will you. This next week we are headed with our church group to Moore Oklahoma to help with the tornado clean up. I don’t expect any problem with my arm or shoulder. So those of you are are in the middle of this, in a sling, in therapy, and in a lot of pain. Hang in there. If you do what you are told and do your therapy, it will be a distant memory some day. Hugs to all! Karen

Glad to hear you are doing so well. I just got my sling off on Mon and started PT this week. It is hard, but I know it is what we have to do to get better. I sure got tired of the sling!!! I had to wear it for 6 weeks. I am 72 and fell on the ice last March. Looking forward to being stronger each day with the therapy. My gardens look awful this year, but I finally said oh well. Have exercises to do at home and I will do them. Now that I look back, the time seemed to go slow, but it really didn’t. Hoping for the best for all. Doreen

Let the gardens wait Doreen. This is a time to take care of yourself. That’s hard for us women. We are use to taking care of everyone else in our lives. I wore my sling for 6 weeks too. Take good care of yourself and next year your gardens will be beautiful again.
Hugs.

have had 2 weeks of PT and can even do some weeding. It is getting better each day. Finally!!! There is still a long ways to go. Can’t lift my arm up very far, yet. Dressing is so much easier and driving, too. I am doing exercises at home, too. I guess I thought I would be able to do more sooner, but at PT they say be patient. Trying to, Doreen

I had rotator cuff and bicep repair 4 1/2 weeks ago,,,,, shouldn’t i being doing more therphy besides the dangle???,,, i still have lots and lots of pain,,mornings are worse, i guess it’s the way i sleep,, ( my back was killing me, so I moved to bed), a reply would be appreciated),,,

Marie how you progress in your physical therapy is entirely up to your doctor. At 41/2 weeks I was having little to no pain. I assume you are still in the sling. In PT I was doing the dangle, bending my arm at the elbow & not much more. I was still sleeping in the recliner because it hurt to sleep in the bed. I still don’t get a good night . I start in the bed & wake up a few times before getting in the chair. I’m 10 wks post rotator cuff & bicep tendon repair. In PT they have just started me with a three pound dumb bell. They say I have excellent range of motion & now we will work on strength. Good luck to you & just do what they say.

Hi Marie,

Don’t rush it and be careful. I thought I should be able to do more too and then found that surgeons have changed their protocol in general to wait until 6 weeks or so before doing anything – because they discovered people did a lot better in the long run. I mentioned above that I’ve had 3 sessions of therapy (I’m almost 8 weeks in) and the therapist is starting very gentle and all he has me do at home is sit up straight (in general), squeeze my shoulder blades together periodically and the dangle. I still have pain, but it’s less and less all the time. What position have you been sleeping in? I’m back in bed but sleep with a wedge under my knees and I was sleeping with soft pillows under my arm… but I can’t wait to sleep on my side all night long…Are you keeping the sling on most of the time?

Hi Marie,
We are within a few days of each other with regards to our surgery dates – mine was on 6/21, so I am at Day 30 today. Although I started PT within a few days of the surgery, I also am only doing some simple exercises: wrist stretches, squeezing the shoulder blades, pendulums, table slides, and using a dowel to rotate my forearm outwards while reclining on a bed. I am not allowed to use my shoulder muscles at all during any of this, which sounds pretty much in line with other people’s protocols here. I am wearing the sling with the abduction pillow at all times except when exercising 4 X a day, and when showering (and then I wear a shower sling with a towel under my upper arm to keep the arm abducted out).
I actually have a lot of pain in my shoulder if I lay flat in a bed, so I am sleeping in a recliner (which I’ve had to rent, so I can’t wait to stop using it!). This bothers my back a lot too, and I am very stiff and sore when I get up in the morning. Even with the recliner, I have some pain in the shoulder at night, but thankfully it gets better when I get up in the morning.
Your repair may have been more involved than mine, as I did not need a bicep repair. My PT said the therapy at first is more conservative if your bicep tendon is involved, so maybe that is why your exercises seem minimal right now? I know it is important to follow our directions from the surgeon and the PT, and not to rush things. I was told I can do my exercises as often as I want (but at least 4 X a day) – if you want to do more, check with your PT and see if this holds for you as well.
I’m not sure why you are having lots of pain – are you wearing the abduction sling most of the time? Are you able to take Aleve, or any pain meds? My PT said many people are still taking pain meds at our stage, especially at night. Maybe this would help your pain?
Hang in there – everyone here says it does get better!

Hi All! I’m in the middle of this, typing with my left hand. Had what was supposed to be simple bone spur and frayed tendon clean up. It ended up being much more damaged than the MRI showed. Had almost total tear on one tendon, which was sutured and anchored to humerus with 4 titanium screws. Started passive PT 3 days after surgery. Unfortunately X-ray showed a screw had come loose from the bone and is floating around inside the shoulder. I was devestated because I got very sick from the anesthesia and painkillers and the pain and not being able to use my dominant arm. I also have to miss our family reunion at the beach next week which I had been looking forward to all year – I only get to see my mom once a year at this reunion, so I’m feeling really sad. Anyway, I see surgeon in 2 days to discuss surgery which should take place next week. I need to be back at work in 6 weeks or I will lose my job. I’m having a hard time with this. Thanks for this blog.
Demetra

Demetra! I’m so very sorry! How did that happen, and why did they decide to x-ray it? It sounds like that is probably very unusual! Although I have to say that I’ve feared the same since I have 6 anchors!

It is hard enough a procedure as it is, but to go through it again – ouch! Make sure you discuss using different anesthesia and pain killers!

Is there anyway you can go to the reunion anyway and have surgery right afterwards? Or are you in too much pain? Anyway your mom can visit you? I wish my mom could visit me, but then I wouldn’t be able to help her get up because she is 89 and can’t get up by herself! What kind of work do you do? Can you do it with your arm still healing?
Lynne
Good luck with all of this!

Thanks Lynne – I think they need to get the screw out asap because it’s floating around inside the shoulder and could hurt other tendons and they want to reattach tendon asap so it can continue to heal. I don’t know how it happened, maybe jerking my shoulder in my sleep. I can’t put off surgery right now. I’m a pre-K teacher, which is pretty hands on. The good thing is that my oldest son and girlfriend just drove up to see my mom, so that will be nice. She is not able to travel. Also, my in-laws and dad came to visit us last month for our middle son’s high school graduation. My inlaws have not traveled to our house in many years,so that was like a mini reunion. Right now, shoulder healing comes first.

Demetra – wow – it’s scary to think that it could happen without your knowing! I hope you don’t mind my asking so many questions – but how long after the surgery did that happen to you, and how did you know something was wrong? I’m asking because it’s something I worry about – but I never imagined it could happen while one slept! I wonder if it was loose and made it’s way out when you slept . Do you feel you were wearing your sling and generally being careful about not using your arm? (I admit I was having a lot of trouble doing so since I live alone).
Thanks,
Lynne

The x-ray was taken one week after surgery. I was really not aware of any extra pain involved. The dr thinks the screw was either defective or too small. this is only the second time this has happened to him and he’s been doing this procedure sine 1997. He’s going to use a larger screw this time. I have to be at the surgical center tomorrow at 5:15am. oh joy! only thing I’m scared of is my reaction to anesthesia. Always makes me feel sick and groggy for days. And the nerve block is very creepy to me. My fingers felt like pins and needles and my arm felt like a slab of meat.

Good luck Demetra. When you feel like it let us know how you are doing.

Hope the revision surgery goes smoothly.

Demetra, I hope it all went well and that you didn’t have as much nausea! Drink a lot of water to get the anesthesia out of your system and don’t forget how important it is to ice that shoulder!
(I mentioned your story to my physical therapist and he said they wouldn’t normally x-ray unless there was a problem… I wonder if your physical therapist noticed something…. very odd… but hopefully you’ve been patched up correctly this time!)
Keep us posted!

The surgery went well. They used lighter anesthesia and a scopamine patch for nausea. I was not sick at all and felt much more alert after getting back home. The only problem is that the nerve block wore off within 6 hours and the dr didn’t want me to take the extra anti-inflammatory/painkiller I had last time because studies show it may impare tendon to bone healing in some people. So I am in a lot more pain than last time.

Here’s a report from 9+ months post-surgery for suture of a full-thickness supraspinatus tear, and removal of bone spur, followed by about 9 weeks in a sling. Use of my left arm/shoulder is still a long way from normal. Certain movements, like hair-brushing, are very difficult. I had a long spell of pt and continue the rehab exercises on my own. Improvement is extremely slow, altho my orthopedist says it is normal progress for this kind of bad tear, and age 72. My sport is rowing, but no indication when I can get back on the water…probably 1 year + from surgery.

The lesson, I guess is: be patient, you can’t hurry this.

Hi Ron! It’s good to hear from those of you who are farther along…. I need to remind myself that it’ll still be a while… I read one account where the person suddenly hit a critical threshold and almost overnight was almost completely well – right about the 10th month I think. I wish you the best – and that you’re back on the water soon! Thanks again!

Hi Lynn, I can sleep for longer and longer periods on my repaired shoulder. I notice it a bit in the morning but my goodness it feels good not to have to sleep sitting up and on my back! You will get there too : )

I took a unisom last night and had the best sleep ever since before the surgery. Unfortunately I have revision surgery tomorrow morning and have to arrivr at5:15 am. I am not a morning person 🙂

i started reading this page 3 days prior to my surgery, frankly it put the fear of god into me, this was my first surgery, so i was not looking forward to it. i had a very similar procedure done to most people here, full tear of the superspinatus, bone spurs, lots of arthritis, tendonitis and most concerning a frozen shoulder. The surgery went well, the nerve block was fine except for the tingling and pain in my fingers, it was very uncomfortable. I took the oxycodone twice a day for 4 days, naturally got constipated, decided to take stool softeners, it made a difference, after a week i was no longer o any pain meds, all i take is a anti inflammatory.

Because of frozen shoulder, i started physical therapy two days after surgery, i am now 28 days post surgery, out of sling after 2 weeks, physical therapy 3 times a week, very aggressive work on range of motion exercises, make sure you do your exercises no matter the pain.

While i know the road back is a long one, it does get easier, setting small goals like shaving, putting on a golf shirt, washing your hair, become great successes.

I am a professional athlete in 2 sports and my goal is to return to competition, even though your arm is injured, one of the best therapies is taking long walks, it really helps.

i know everyone is different, younger and older, but i think even though i am only one month (almost) post surgery, i did the right thing.

Good luck to all, it is no fun, but hopefully the payoff is large

Hello Steve,
I dislocated my arm 5months ago am doing PT, have partial tear and impingement on both arms but my right one is far worse. After being on a sling for 3 weeks, my ROM was very limited, was progressing slowly but last week was diagnosed with frozen shoulder. So even if I would choose to do surgery can’t do it now. The doctor said no we will worry about the frozen shoulder,gave me a cortisone shot and told me to move the arm a lot with exercises. Anyone had the same experience? You said you had frozen shoulder, he said it’s very painful to treat surgically. What did you do? Thanks Mary

I had my rotator cuff surgery May 2013. By January my surgeon said I had progressed so well that I didn’t have to come back for the twelve month check. Two weeks later I was back in his office with frozen shoulder .. had a cortisone injection & told me to continue with my trainer in a few days. My trainer only didmrom for a few weeks on that arm plus he iced my shoulder after each session (2/wk). Then gradually we have increased the exercises. I’m doing more than when I developed the frozen shoulder BUT I can not raise my arm straight above my head. It just won’t go. So I have had frozen shoulder for four months now. The pain is gone except if I try to reach up farther than it wants to go. So here I am a year post op with a successful surgery but the unfortunate occurrence of frozen shoulder. Oh well .. It is, what it is.

Hi all .. I am almost at eleven weeks post rotator cuff & bicep tendon repair of my right arm (dominant arm). Today I “graduated” from physical therapy. I am 80-85% back to normal. I can lift five pound dumbbells easily. They gave me eight exercises to continue at home which I will do since I have been in therapy since January except for a month. I went to PT before surgery to see if that would take care of the problem (not an MRI first). I improved nicely until I tried to catch something heavy without thinking & that was it. I said no more let’s fix what’s broke. I joined this blog before my surgery & was scared to death by what I read but it wasn’t as bad as I had thought. Bad yes but not awful. I have been sleeping back in my bed for two weeks now & the last couple of days I have been sleeping on my right side for a few hours at a time. So I still have a little way to go but I have come a long way. This blog helped me to know what I might experience. Thanks to all here.
Betty

I’m almost 3 weeks status post full tear repair & bone spur removal.

For all: How long before your arm had recovered sufficient mobility & strength to drive?

For ladies: how long before you could wear a real bra?

I am not planning on underwear at all unless going to an appt or out for any other reason the first 2-3 weeks. I have read where underpants and pants can be difficult to pull up also. I have enough nightgowns and roomy dresses to handle the first bit. Then will reass when I get there (no surgery yet).

BK forgot to answer question about wearing a bra. I still can’t get my arm around & up far enough to hook a bra. From the beginning I bought some bras from Walmart that hook in the front & they have been life savers. I think they were about $10.00.

Driving – I drove a little bit before i was supposed to not sure, but I think around week 3 – but only short distances and no freeways….. I think technically it was supposed to be 5 or 6 weeks. I definitely would not have driven a manual transmission.

Bra – I really worried about this because I’m job hunting! I used a strapless several times after the first week when I went to the store… not great but good enough with a baggy men’s shirt. When I had an interview at 2.5 weeks I managed one of my real bras with just a little help hooking it (after I used the wall to hold it in place while I used my good arm to adjust it! )… the key is to bend over as you put it on so that your arm hangs away from your body and there is room to pull the strap onto your arm. But I found that a week later I was able to completely do it on my own – by hooking it in front of me and then moving the hooks to the back.

According to my doctor, the strap sitting on the arm is not a problem and since some of my bras have straps that are cushioned at the top of the shoulders it was fine. But there was one bra that did bother me – until I found some silicone pads that go under the straps (I think at Lane Bryant) So that part wasn’t really an issue (and I’m not small) – the hard part is getting the strap up there and getting it hooked – because even if I hooked it in front of me and then moved the hooks to the back – it’s hard on the arm – so I made sure I used baby powder on my torso so that I could pull it around more easily and pull it up carefully – all with a lot more pulls than I usually need to use – to make it easier on my arm . All in all tricky… I’m 9 weeks now and it hasn’t been an issue for some time. Oh! one more think…. some bras have straps that stretch and others don’t. Most of mine don’t – so I was glad I had some that did stretch.

WOW!!! Am I glad to see this site. My s date is Aug 7. I have help for the first 48 hrs, and possibly a bit more as friends see if I can be put into their schedule.

What I am doing to prepare:
Making several Alcholol Water Ice Packs…I will not have the ice machine.
Cutting hair….it will make managing my whispy bed hair more presentable.
Getting toes and nails done…something I do not do. But is something to make me happy—-small butterflies on the bigger nails.
Getting lots of frozen meals. Juice, etc.
Have already rearranged my living room and bedroom to accomodate my using a bed or couch recliner for sleeping, and entertainment.
Housekeeper coming in tomorrow to do thorough clean, and again the day before surgery….presentable to guests.
Have list of allergic pain meds in purse.
Have someone to take care of parakeet for first week? or two. (He likes to sleep on the injured left shoulder…after surgery…I don’t think SO)
Purchasing a “grabber”….for arranging sheet or blanket or?
Have 3 baby cloth diapers—-to put around arm in sling——I am a total no rough edges against skin person. Also, and car seat belt soft seat belt thingy for the strap that will go across neck.
A fanny pack for caring cell phone with me. On some opiates, I can get off balanced.

Thank you for some great suggestions to this 56 yo lady who lives alone…partial tear left (nondom) arm with at least one known spur.

Hi Iris
A few things…
Did you see my post of June 12? I wrote a lot of my suggestions there….
I also did one on June 27 that focused on pillows!
– the diapers & rough edges – I couldn’t believe how much they bugged me even when my arm was still numb!! Diapers sound like they will slip and bunch up… If you have a medical supply place, see if you can buy two arm-lengths of the stretchy sock-like woven sleeves they put on arms before they put on casts. If you can’t find that – try going to a physical therapist or hospital cast person and ask if they’ll give you some 🙂 Alternately, get an old, soft, long sleeve shirt you don’t care about and cut off the whole sleeve and use that.
A few responses to other’s comments.
– i basically had no problems at all with a button down shot sleeved shirt – as long as I bent forward and put the sleeve of the bad arm on first. There is no way I could have used tube tops – it depends on your build I guess!
– Aleve – was okay with me and I’m still on it now…
– I don’t know what gel deoderant is…but I cold never lift my arm enough to use anything but a rub on cream deodorant – rolling or spray would be out of the question!
– about washing your hands – it helps to bend forward as much as possible, but yeah, at the beginning it was one -handed.
– packaging – some as mentioned is very hard one handed…. those “zippers” on frozen food boxes, “film” to pull off, etc. Rather than a lot of frozen foods I really liked soups.
Well enough for now!
The good thing is, that all feels so far away now!
Good luck!

To that list I would add:
– Unless you have someone to do dishes for you, lay in a supply of disposable plates, bowls and plastic ware.
– Make sure for the first 4-5 days after surgery your foods are easy to open–easy open Tupperware type bowls are best. For the first few days I couldn’t even open a Ziploc bag. You find out just how hard food packaging is to open when you’re down to one hand. Keep a pair of scissors handy for opening these items.
– When you rearrange your room make sure to leave room for a side table on the side of your good arm so you can easily reach water, pills, phone or food that you eat before taking pain med. I’m going to arrange my room better next time–because I was cramped for space I couldn’t pull my side table far enough forward, & learned that reaching somewhat backward w/your good arm pulls on your operative shoulder. Avoid that if you can.
– If they don’t do it automatically as part of your post surgical care, ask ahead if they can line your operative armpit w/a piece of dry gauze when surgery is done. Your armpit is going to be closed up for several days & you will get a rash w/o protection. When I was finally able to move my arm enough several days later, I kept a dry washcloth tucked in the operative armpit but it took nearly 2 weeks for the rash/discomfort to resolve. Avoid that scenario if u can. Shoulder surgery has enough discomfort already. 😎
– If you have a big dog that doesn’t mind on a leash (like my dog) you will need to make arrangements for someone to take the dog out for potty breaks. You can’t risk ruining your surgery b/c of a non-behaved dog.
– Make sure the pharmacist puts an easy off cap on your prescribed meds. I didn’t ask and ended up w/pain meds w/a cap that was Impossible one-handed. Fortunately I was able to get someone to open it for me & I put them in a pill sorter for easy access.
– Your recliner is your friend. I’ve read varying accounts of how quickly people can begin to sleep in their bed, but for me it’s been almost 3 weeks & I don’t see myself being able to sleep in a bed for AT LEAST another 3 weeks. Thankfully I have a comfortable recliner but I have not managed more than 4-5 hours sleep a night since surgery.
– Someone else mentioned pants–elastic waist athletic shorts or scrub pants are easy to get on & off. For ladies, I’ve been using tube tops which you can pull up 1-handed but they are a bear to hike up in the back w/o help. http://www.shouldershirts.com makes shirts for women, men & children that Velcro at the shoulder. They’re not easy to get on 1 handed, but easier than other shirt options. And they make it easy for the physical therapist to access your shoulder while still allowing you to retain a little dignity (speaking from a woman’s point of view.) I couldn’t work myself into an oversized button down shirt till 2 weeks post surgery.
– Aleve sucks as a pain reliever. At least that has been my finding.
– Well my one hand is tired of typing. If I think of more tips I’ll post them.

Forgot three things–
1. Maybe not everybody has the same experience, but my operative hand/wrist dried & chafed horribly. If you have someone you are comfortable asking, get them to apply lotion to the operative hand regularly. You won’t be able to do it yourself for several days.
2. I couldn’t extend my operative hand to wash both hands together until after 2 weeks. That drove me bonkers!!!! One-handed hand washing is annoying.
3. Gel deodorant is your friend. Ordinarily I hate gel deodorant but for now, it’s the only kind I can manage to apply to either arm and you have to be a contortionist even to apply it to your good arm.

Forgot– Friend said to get 2 cheap kids walkie talkies. One for main outside door. That way you know who is outside the door, and why before going through the hassle of getting up. I will have the remote to the gargage door for people to enter.

Anybody w/rotator cuff issues both shoulders? As mentioned above, I’m 3 weeks status post full tear repair left shoulder. Problem is, I have the same symptoms in right shoulder though not yet as severe.

If you had to have surgery on both shoulders, how far apart were the surgeries? I’m assuming it’s a minimum of a year given the lengthy recovery process.

Likewise, what restrictions did you abide by to keep your non-operative shoulder functioning until the operative shoulder heals? Minimizing overhead activities seems a given, but what about lifting weights? Certain weight lifting moves? I continue to do rotator cuff strengthening exercises for non-operative arm. I just want to be sure it holds together till left arm is healed.

What a great resource! Woke up in a funk at 5a.m., but in my bed, at least. This is Day 9 post op for me and I can identify with so many of these observations. I am getting pretty good with my left hand, but it sure makes for a lot of tedium. I am not enjoying being sedentary at all. I normally walk, garden, do Pilates and/or yoga daily. I am finding it most difficult to figure out what is okay to do. I’m planning on a walk, then out to breakfast, then my first PT. Sounds like the timing of PT varies a lot, too. At any rate, love the varied perspectives and the supportive responses.

Hi Lucy,
Hope you are feeling better at this point in your day! At least, like you said, you are able to sleep in your bed. I am 6 weeks today, and still in a recliner which I find very uncomfortable. I’ve had very little pain through most of the recovery except when I try to sleep in a bed.
I, too, miss my normal exercise routine. To compensate, I take long walks (1-2 hours). Dr. said this was fine, and would help the healing process by increasing the blood flow to the shoulder. Just being outside seemed to lift my spirits on those occasional off days as well.
I remember being at the point where you are, and thinking that 6 weeks was an awfully long time to be in the sling. If it’s any consolation, the time actually goes by pretty quick. So hang in there – your sling will be off before you know it!

I’ll echo that! I’m at 10.5 and those weeks seem like a looong time ago… and yet I was going nuts at times. I’ve finally started spending the whole night flat on my back or on my good side (yay!) although now that I mention it, I remember being very frustrated at not being able to do so just last week! Hah! so much for being frustrated such “a looong time ago” 🙂 but yes, time passes and as it does there are less and less frustrations. Now what I’m finding is that I am pretty much okay most of the time (mind you, I’m not trying to do yoga or anything like that yet) – but I can go about my day to day chores without a real problem and sometimes I forget and start to reach for something and I’m quickly reminded – like last night – I got all comfortable on my side – still with a few pillows for my arm and I realized I hadn’t turned the light just over my bed off – I reached up, but couldn’t do it… had to turn and sit back up 🙁 but there are certainly worse things in life! What I really would like to know… is how I’ll be a year after the surgery… and if I’ll have any pain or restricted movements… I sure hope it is worth it in the long run.

Hi Rene,
I’ve just been reading the MLIAS entries that come to my e-mail and missed your words of encouragement, just happened to be trolling the site.
I am 4 weeks out today and looking forward to seeing my surgeon next Tues. Maybe he’ll take me out of the sling.
I am walking daily ,though a couple of times I have returned with a tight, painful shoulder and lower back pain, which I never have. I think I must walk funny because of the sling; not my usual motion. I’m going keeping busy going out to lunch with friends and getting massages, shopping. Still doing a lot of reading on the back patio, but am unable to adjust my binoculars for birdwatching. Ah, the million everyday things we take for granted.

I enjoy reading these posts with such a wide variety of experiences. There is a lot of hard earned wisdom, useful tips, and valuable moral support. I have lots of help, including my incredible husband; PT is going well, and, it is just temporary!

My back was awful for the first couple of week, I couldn’t even stand up long enough to shave, but the minute I started getting around without the sling my back has been fine.
It upsets the way you stand, changes the position of your spine and apparently can mess up your back big time.
Look, everyone is different but I feel 100% better without the sling at 3 weeks and now will be only using it occasionally when I deem necessary.
You are the only person who can judge whether you can or cannot do this but as long as you keep your arm motion to a minimum, really nothing bad should happen.

Jim my understanding of the sling is so that the shoulder can heal for six weeks in that position because of the nature of the surgery. I was told it needs that six weeks to heal before removing sling. I know I was more than ready to get rid of it. Good luck

I was told 3 weeks with the big pad (I got rid of it in 18 days) and another 2 to 3 weeks in the sling but everyone is different.
Sure, they would like me to use the sling more, but in the same breath I was told if I’m very careful to use my own judgement.
I haven’t hurt it … (yet) !!! so as long as the sling is on most of the time when I’m not at my desk or watching TV in this padded position I made up for my chair, I should be fine.

I am envious, Jim, I would like a good night’s sleep too, please!

The sling really is the most tortuous of things, if it isn’t itching or affecting my neck, it is driving me mad in some other way, often a new agony appears each day as a direct result of wearing it. I am on my second and have just ordered another, simpler, version to try.

It really is so helpful to read the comments and advice here.

At 3 weeks post op I’m finding rotator cuff surgery to be quite an emotional roller coaster. Last week I was excited b/c I was finally able to wash my hands & work myself into a button down shirt. This week not only have I made no forward progress, I feel more sore. It’s just easy to get freaked out. I can’t wait till I’m farther down the road in my recovery so I don’t have to worry so much about my shoulder being fragile.

I hear you! I’m 3 weeks post-op from the first surgery but only a week out from the second surgery. It has been a total emotional roller coaster for which I was not fully prepared. I went in for a simpler surgery, just removing bone spur, came out with major repair, then screw came out and had to redo surgery just 11 days after first surgery. Anesthesia and pain meds were very hard on my body. I guess my body and brain chemistry are rather delicately balanced and the whole experience did a number on me on every level, physically, spiritually and emotionally. I had to stop the prescription pain meds because I couldn’t tolerate the side effects. just taking tylenol arthritis alternating with ibuprofen which isnt really cutting it for me. Sleep is the worst. Had horrible insomnia plus pain started in good arm! I am in the process of letting go of the intense control I had over my life. Have to let others help. Have to pace myself and not over do. Pushing in the earlier stages is not that helpful. Tendons take 6 weeks to heal. I have to learn patience and to ask for and accept help. This has humbled me. What a lesson to be learning at age 52!

Hang in there Demetra!
Yes, at 57 I thought I’d learned more too… I was especially surprised by how much I held on to just doing things and even just being awake on the day of surgery and the few days after! I had every right and excuse to sleep – but I fought it like crazy. I felt a compulsive need to at least catch up on reading or research more info about this surgery on the computer or other things that didn’t need my arm. I’d completely forgotten that sleeping is one of the best things one can do for healing…until I was reminded by some article … then I was better about it. And as a single parent I’ve had to do so much on my own that asking for help is also very hard for me… except for my daughter who is grown and who helped me a lot at the beginning – thank goodness. I’ve also had a very hard time letting others help me with things like lifting (unless it’s obviously very heavy) or reaching. It feels silly to ask my boyfriend to get up from the couch to do something real simple like pull out or put back something on a higher shelf, or carry the laundry basket to the washing machine, or help me bring something in from the car – it’s easier to just carry it in rather than go in and ask for help. I’m also impatient to get some things done… I live alone and don’t want to have to wait for a visitor to come over to help me with something – so a lot of times I do it – carefully – but I do it if I can’t figure out an alternative way that don’t take as much use of that arm!

I had an interesting discussion with my physical therapist, who by the way, gave me a 12 week figure for healing tendons and anchors! He has only been doing passive work on me starting week 6 and I’m now over 10 weeks. So far all I’m supposed to do is walk, pull my shoulder blades together and hold all though the day, and dangle the arm (not even swing it yet!) What he does hurts a little sometimes – but really not much at all. He says if I go home and it hurts a lot – he’s done too much. I’ve only had to ice it once after seeing him…

I asked when I was going to get to the “no pain – no gain” and he said that’s old school. First he needs to get all the flexibility back by moving my arm more and more each time and massaging away adhesions. If my muscles are tightening in response to pain, it’s not good – because then he has to work to relax them in order to get the range of motion he’s looking for. He also does a lot of repetitive motions to get the motions back into my muscle memory – there are the ones I haven’t been using since the surgery, but also the ones I used less as a result of the original injury – which in my case was 10 years ago. Once he feels I’ve achieved good range of passive motion, then we’ll work on building back the strength. It feels right and makes sense to me. Sure wish I’d learned a lot of this sooner… I think I would have done a lot less lifting. Obviously not all PTs are doing this… just glad mine is.

So – something to think about…. no need to push the strength training… we’ll get there in time.

Yes, I’ve totally rethought no pain, no gain! Yes, my own impatience has been my worst enemy! I start passive ROM next week, sling comes off 6 weeks after 2nd surgery (so in 4.5 weeks), then still pretty passive for 6 weeks after that, then strength. What I am finding is that others do want to help and it can be a gift for both of you. You are giving them a gift by receiving their help.

Thanks for the reminder that people often do want to help!
I’ve had such an independent streak in me for so long and a need to prove that I can do things people thought I couldn’t do….. that by now it’s so counter-intuitive to ask…

But it is inevitable…. the older we get the more we will have to come to terms with asking for and receiving help – or gracefully accepting help even if we haven’t asked for it!

a very simple answer to the possible chafing under your arm is to take old tee shirts and cut hem down the middle and just use the side of the tee shirt for the arm that is injured.

simple yet really effective, good luck to all
, 5 weeks post surgery, things going as well as can be expected.

I had a complete tear of my rotator cuff and bone spurs and I had my surgery 5 weeks ago. I only wore my sling for 3-4 days. Only took pain meds the first week. Started therapy one week after surgery. Five weeks later, I’m feeling pretty good! I want to try to use my arm but I can’t because I don’t want to tear it again. I should be able to ride my horse in 3 more weeks, I hope! The first week is horrible, but after that, still very painful, but the pain is doable. Going back to work after one week was a little tough. I just hope that this all pays off and I get my full range of motion back. I’ve lived with this torn rotator cuff for 2 years now. The worst is over – thank goodness! I wish you all a successful recovery! 🙂

You sound like me but geez, be careful regarding riding your horse.
I know you really want to but what would happen if you fell, or got thrown for whatever reason … and you fell on that shoulder, you could go straight back to 0 without passing go!

I would wait on the horseback riding, the alternative is just not good enough to try right now.
You really need to wait a good 3 months for ride

Just wondering what others’ experiences were when you were allowed to stop wearing the sling? I was 6 weeks yesterday, and was allowed to ditch my sling 2 days ago. I’ve had very little pain during the 6 weeks, but quite a bit more since I took the sling off. Shoulder & bicep mostly. I was expecting some discomfort at first with the arm now hanging down, but not quite this much. No pain if I am sitting with the arm supported, just when I am up and moving around or trying to sleep. I haven’t seen any posts regarding when the sling first came off, so just curious how others felt.

I’m not a good one to ask since I wasn’t consistently wearing it… I was told I could let it out to hang about 5 times a day and then something would happen and I’d forget to put it back on again…
But depending on what was repaired, for example your biceps tendon, it could well be shorter and will have to stretch out. You’ll also have adhesions…are you getting therapy yet? If not, I’d say ice it and wear your sling a little bit to give your arm a rest when it starts hurting too much and put pillows under it to support it at night….

Hi Rene,
I’m at the same point you are with the same sensation. Physio has intensified over the past week which has added to the night time discomfort. I know the shoulder and arm will be feeling better each day and this too shall pass – as long as I behave myself. I believe the pain is there to tell us to slow down and be patient.
I have several exercises that I do twice a day at home and these seem to be loosening up the muscles.
Hard to believe that 6.5 weeks have passed! I know there will be more obstacles but it is far improvement from a year ago when I had my nasty fall.
All the best!

Colleen

I had more pain right after I was told I could take the sling off. I would support it when sitting & I had a small round pillow that I used at night for a little support. It seems like the pain started getting better in about two weeks. I figured that it was the bicep tendon stretching out.

Thanks for this info. I’m filing this away for about 3 more weeks from now when hopefully the sling comes off.

I GREATLY appreciate everyone sharing their experiences. It greatly helps keep me from freaking out when it feels, at times, like I’m digressing. I don’t know how people survived the uncertainties of RC surgery before there was the internet for reassurance. 😎

Thanks for your posts Lynne, Colleen, and Bettyyou. I agree that it seems that the muscles in the upper arm are tight. I didn’t need any work done to the biceps tendon; just think it is from 6 weeks of being supported and no weight-bearing except for the 4 short stints a day of doing exercises. When it starts hurting too much I have been stopping to give it a rest by supporting it for a bit – even a few minutes seems to help.

I’m at exactly the same stage as you Rene, had my sling removed on 31 July and have the same sensations. I’m still sleeping propped up in bed and find that resting my arm on a pillow helps. I feel a bit vulnerable without my sling but I expect it’s early days and I will become more confident as the days go on. My fingers are a bit stiff when I wake up in the morning and wonder if anyone else has experienced this. I am an active 60 year old.

Yes, I had some stiffness and numbness and tingling…. it’s all gone away! I also had crunchy noises when I moved my shoulder and they’ve gone way down. I’m almost 11 weeks and 57 year old – so not too far behind you.

I have a question about painkillers. Since I had the very bad reaction to the celebrex, but we weren’t sure if it was the celebrex or percocet, I stopped taking both and switched to Tylenol Arthritis alternated with Ibuprofen. At night I’ve been taking Ibuprofen PM plus Unisom and still not falling asleep for hours and hours and in pain. I had bone spurs removed, full rotator repair from 90% tear and tendoned reattached to humerus with 4 titanium anchors. 7 days later, xray showed screw had come out of bone, which is rare. So had surgery last week to remove the screw and put in a larger one. They delayed my PT for two weeks and I must stay in sling for 5 more weeks.
Question is re pain. I’m still in a lot of pain at night. What did people take at night for pain? I think the percocet started giving me insomnia and I went through really bad (for me) opiate withdrawal when i stopped cold turkey. I will call my dr on monday about it, but was wondering what worked for people. Percocet seems too strong for me, but the ibu/tylenol/unisom is obviously not working for me right now. Trying to be patient but this has been worse for me than my 3 natural childbirths!

I doubt my experience will be helpful. After the full RC repair w/bone spur removal, I was sent home w/oxycodone 5 mg. I’m not sure what oxycodone equates to. I did not have a reaction to it & it managed the pain (along w/the ice). When I went to my first post-op appt 5 days later, he switched me to Norco. Again, I don’t know what Norco is equivalent to. I had hoped to be totally off pain med by now (3 wks post op) but still take it twice a day–right before each of my PT sessions.

Are you still icing at night too? Hope you get some helpful answers and more comfortable rest at night.

Interesting – the percocet I was on has 10 mg of oxycodone in each pill and I was prescribed every 3 hours for pain, so that is twice as much as I had been taking. Maybe I should have cut the pills in half.

I was prescribed Percocet immediately following surgery, and started taking it about 7 hours afterwards when the nerve block wore off. It made me very sick, however. Even anti-nausea medicine didn’t help. Dr. prescribed Vicodin, which I tolerated much better. But, it didn’t really do much to relieve the pain. For me, the best pain relief came from the ice machine – I used it all night long all through the first 6 weeks. Many posts here spoke highly of using an ice machine, which is why I went ahead and got it, and now that I’ve been through this, I would agree that it seems to help a lot with the pain. I also started taking Aleve at Week 4, and that seemed to help as well.
Good luck to you, Demetra. Keep talking with your Dr. to find something that helps – having back-to-back surgeries on the same shoulder seems unbearable to me!

Thanks Rene – the iceman has been a godsend and yes, the two surgeries were almost unbearable but I kept trying think of others who had it much worse, like children who need multiple surgeries or people who have lost their limbs or people fighting incurable diseases.

Demetra – I don’t remember what I’ve mentioned to you or had previously posted… but here’s my 2 cents on a couple of your posts.

You mentioned thinking of others who have gone through worse surgeries…. I met a woman in her mid 60s (or older?) who had a fall and broke both shoulders and had some rotator cuff work done too! She was sent home without any help and of course without the use of her arms!! She had to pay out of her own pocket to go to an assisted care facility! I still can’t get over the fact that her insurance wouldn’t pay for this!

As for pain, I was given percocet ( 10mg oxycodone/325 Acetaminophen) to take every 4-6 hours… I first took it at 11pm while the block was still working and then again at 4:30 when I could feel the block beginning to wear off. It didn’t work and I was in excruciating pain. I called my doc before it got to that point and he told me to take Aleve. Finally I took another percocet 30 min – 1 hour early ( I don’t remember) since I was in such pain – and eventually it worked.

After a few days I noticed that while on the percocet I would stop breathing when I was dozing or asleep – which was scary! So I think about a week in I switched from the percocet to hydrocodone 5mg/325 during the day but at night I still took some percocet which I cut in half so that the pain wouldn’t keep me awake. Eventually I moved to Ibuprofen as needed. And now I’m just on Aleve. So maybe if the doc says it’s okay, try cutting the percocets in half… don’t forget, you can also call your pharmacist to ask if it’s okay to mix the meds…. not sure you can mix percocet with ibuprofen and what you can mix with Aleve…

Does your ice machine work at night? Mine was programmed to cycle on and off about every 30 minutes and I slept with mine for more than a week! I also found I could reduce my pain significantly by placing my arm in the right position and supporting it with the proper pillows – eventually I didn’t even sleep with the sling because it was keeping me awake and I knew the pillows would keep my arm where it was supposed to be even if I was asleep.

Thanks Rene! I finally cut the percocet in half last night at 3 am and fell into a good sleep and slept for 8 hours – HOORAY! My iceman is more primitive than yours, no cycling, etc. But I used it for 3 hours last night before going to sleep and I have a great generic large moldable ice pack from Walgreen>s which I sometimes use at night for pain. Percocet has acetaminophen in it 325 mg, so one has to watch out for tylenol products so the liver does not get overburdened. Aleve is an NSAID so can be used concurrently with percocet. PS I’m not a dr, but that”s what the nurse told me.

i just went to the Aleve.com website and printed out a coupon for $2.00 off a 50 count bottle of Aleve. I will try it today!

Demetra – good for looking! I had to call Aleve customer service for some reason and they sent me some really good coupons! By the way, get the liquid gels – for some reason, several of my docs have made a point of saying to get them – check you may need to print out a different coupon! And yes, I avoid acetaminphen as much as possible. I used to always try to get codeine with aspirin… but it’s hard to get anymore. The only time I ever take it is for surgery…. Good to read that you’re doing better!

I’m very happy to report a new milestone this morning. 😎 😎

For 3 weeks I’ve been lying on the bed doing that exercise where you hold the cane lengthwise in front of you, and use your good hand to guide the operative arm straight up and back as much as you can. For the whole 3 weeks, I haven’t been able to achieve a 90 degree angle (the therapist could, but I couldn’t replicate it at home). It was beginning to freak me out, especially this week since I felt I digressed a little.

Happily, this morning when I did it, I finally hit that 90 degree angle! WOOHOOO!!!!!!! It feels like I won the lottery. 😎

Good for you BK. Progress is a good thing & it makes you feel so good.

Wow-Congrats! This recovery really changes our perspectives on achievements in life – at least it has mine 🙂 I am at 6 weeks now, and just got my sling off, but my PT protocol doesn’t have me doing that particular exercise until next week, when my Phase 2 of PT starts. It’s interesting to hear of the different protocols that people are following here. I remember doing that particular exercise prior to surgery though, in the hopes of rehabbing my shoulder and avoiding surgery. While I did make progress with it, it was slow. Like you, I was ecstatic when I hit certain milestones. Keep up the good work, BK!

Feels great doesn’t it! When I woke up this morning, I stretched and realized that I’d placed my arm to my side with my hand on the pillow by the top of my head! I couldn’t do that at all even a week ago!

Whoo hoo! Hooray for 90% on your own. This injury/surgery/recovery sure puts the important things in life in a new perspective, doesn’t it? We must be patient, loving, kind and compassionate towards ourselves – we will get through this one day, one hour, one week at a time.

Hi, I’m a 60 yr old female and tomorrow will be 7 weeks since my op. I had a right rotator cuff repair (open), right arthroscopic subacromial decompression + ACJ resection and right arthroscopic biceps tenotomy. My sling was removed at week 6 and I’ve felt more pain this past week than when I was in my sling. I do find the use of ice packs very beneficial and really help with the pain. I have slept propped up in bed with very little pain at night since day 1, I still rest my operated arm on a pillow and find this helps. I’ve had PT since day 1 and always suffer when I receive a new set of exercises – this passes after a few days though. I enjoy reading this blog and realising that I am not the only one going through this long process. Thank you and stay strong.

Hi Celia – you’re 6 weeks ahead of me. Glad to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Yesterday someone drove me to the pool and I put on a mesh sling and was able to get into the cool water and paddle about for a while with my good arm and legs. My sutures are out and incisions seem healed but I covered them all with waterproof bandage just to be on the safe side. It felt really wonderful to be free from gravity for a while and to get some gentle exercise after feeling so incapacitated (I had to have two shoulder surgeries in the last 4 weeks, so was having a lot of trouble being active due to my pain and my bad reaction to the painkillers). Anyway, I recommend paddling around gently in a pool as a way to exercise without harming the recovering shoulder. My county has senior rec centers that anyone can use and they have specific times for swimmers with disabilities to be able exercise safely in the water without llittle kids jumping on top of them 🙂

Hi Demetra, Can’t imagine what you’ve been through having had two shoulder surgeries in four weeks! You seem to have a positive attitude and I do feel this helps with recovery. I try to take every day as it comes and any pain free movement, however small, is another step towards recovery. I live in the UK (Cornwall) and I’m sure our local pool has senior sessions, must look into it! I’m planning to drive for the first time this afternoon, only a short journey, can’t wait!

Celia, my mother’s family came to America in 1636 from England. One of my dreams to go back and see England and Scotland. I’ve always felt that a part of my heart is still across the pond. My husband (whose great grandparents were born in England and Scotland) and I recently watched the Poldark series set in Cornwall and fell in love with the romantic images of the place and time. Good luck with the driving! My car is an automatic, so in an emergency, I know I can drive one handed to go short distances if I had to, even though we’re not supposed to.

Demetra, how exciting to have traced your family so far back, do you know where in England they were from? Yes, Cornwall is a lovely county with many small fishing villages and narrow roads, not for the faint hearted in the summer months when the roads get really busy! I also drive an automatic car which makes it a little easier and was guilty of driving one handed too often before my op! My arm was quite painful after my first drive yesterday and I used quite a few ice packs last night. Still aching today but decided to attempt another short drive (about 7 miles). I was able to get my arm further up the steering wheel today and felt much more relaxed and confident than yesterday. The bonus is that my arm doesn’t feel as painful as it did after yesterday’s drive.

Hooray, you are mobile! You have wheels! 🙂 I know the family patriarch was a Peter Hallock (Holyoke) who sailed from Southhold England on the Mary Margaret with his family and 12 other families with their Presbyterian pastor to start a Presbyterian community in America. They landed in Conneticut and eventually bought land from the Native Americans on the North fork of Long Island, NY and were the first Western european settlers in what is now New York. Then in the 1700’s one of the grandsons married a Quaker young woman and was disinherited, so he left with his wife and 11 children and sailed up the Hudson River and bought 400 unsettled uncultivated acres from the Native Americans there. He and his family started a Quaker community there and built farms on the west bank of the Hudson River. One of the daughters married a boy from the neighboring Clarke family farm. Eventually my grandmother was born on the farm. The Hallock homestead, which was a site for Quaker meetings and a stop on the Underground Railroad, still stands in upstate NY, as do a few acres of the original Clarke farm which is run by my cousins. Also, the Northern fork of Long Island has a museum called Hallockville that still has some of the original homes built by the descendents of the first settlers.

What a fantastic family tree you have! I think as we get older our thoughts turn more towards those that came before us and how they lived their lives. My great uncle emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1863, I haven’t found his ancestors yet. My husband’s great, great, aunt, husband and 8 children emigrated in 1856. They were Mormons and walked from New York heading for Salt Lake City. Her husband died on the way together with 3 of their sons. She continued the walk, despite being snow blind an led by her 6 yr old son pulling their belongings on a hand cart. That son married at the age of 18 and had 14 children, settling and farming in Idaho. I can’t imagine the tough lives our ancestors endured but if they hadn’t persevered we wouldn’t be here today!

Celia!
Oh my gosh! What an amazing story! I can’t but wonder what kind of shape that great great aunt’s rotator cuff was in after all that pulling….
Aren’t we lucky… in many ways!
(My great grandmother had 16 children! )

Lynne, I think her rotator cuff must have been in pretty good shape as she lived to the age of 76, which was really good for that era. There were such big families in those days, I often wonder how they managed, we are so, so lucky today!

Nah – I wouldn’t be so sure! 🙂

My aunt is 89 and one shoulders is shot, so are her knees and back…. she lives with horrible pain… but was always afraid of surgery. She tried really hard to convince me not to get my shoulder done! But seeing her pain, is one of the reasons I did!!

I’ll be she lived with the pain like so many others…. maybe that’s why all those snake oil potions did so well!!

Argh! I think rotator cuff repair is turning me into a “Nervous Nellie”. The hardest thing about the recovery to me is that the arm never feels the same two days running. This morning I was elated to assist my arm backward to 90 degrees, thinking it would start feeling better from here. Today I’m back to being sore & achy & it feeling fragile again and going backwards in time.

Logically I know this is all par for the course, but even so, it’s just hard not to get all freaked out. I can’t speed up the recovery but I think I need to ramp up the amount of time I spend walking & also get control of my diet. I’m generally a healthy eater but I eat bad things when stressed & I’ve been letting the stress win this weekend. That will NOT help & only serve to make matters worse.

Deep breaths…..

Yes, I’ve been feeling very fragile and off balance through this whole experience. Yesterday afternoon, when it was not too hot, I found a shady stretch of sidewalk and walked up and down the street for about 20 minutes. I believe that when you are able (I was not really able for a long time), some kind of whole body movement like walking or paddling around in the pool seems to help my emotional state AND I have less insomnia at night. I have to remind myself many times a day, that I am not “sick”, I had an orthopedic repair, which is now healing and recovering. Though my shoulder is immobilized and the surgery and the pain are traumatic, the rest of my body can still move and has strength, so I need to remind myself to keep using and moving my legs and other arm because they need movement to stay strong.

Just breathing here. 2 days until surgery. I think I have every thing that I can control ready. Housekeeper coming tomorrow to make the house look nice. I will be having LOTS of people coming in daily (first week) to help me with “things”…..Removing the sling so I can do the exercises multi times a day, opening items, etc. I have asked my housekeeper if I need her, would she be willing to come in extra for several weeks…she said yes. She is amazing:; does the kitchen, LV, Bath, and all floors and laundry.

I went on a fun outing yesterday with the spinning and knitting group. I am finding about 4 hrs right now is when my energy starts to fade. I will be so happy to have energy again.

Pain Meds: I am allergic to Hydrocone, Viconde, Percoset, Tramadal……usually given Codeine for major pain. Has any one else had to go this route? How did it handle the pain?

When does the scaryness of the surgery ebate? I feel like I am stepping off a cliff with only the guide behind me saying it will all be okay. I don’t have much faith in that guide right now.

This post is a reply to Iris–

Iris, RE: fears before surgery–I had a little fear before surgery but honestly I was so extremely stressed from PREPARING to go out for surgery that I was eager to get put under and have someone responsible for doing all the work for a change.

Try to relax. RC surgery isn’t easy surgery, but the flip side is these surgeons do tons of these ops & they know the drill and have it down pat. The surgery day was the easiest day of this whole shebang.

Sorry I can’t help you w/alternative pain meds. I have no experience w/that.

BK–and everyone else. Thanks for all your postings. I am loving that I am hearing that I will be okay, that the pain is normal, and there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. My teacher assistant is 8 weeks ahead of me….but she had major damage repaired…10 anchors, 2 grafts and a full tear…..and is going to loan me her ice machine that she is no longer using on a daily basis. This is going to be a major blessing.

This hospital has no idea of who I am…….I am first surgery at 6 am…which means a 5 wake up time for me. No food, and NO CAFFEINE!! Okay, I will be sleeping through the surgery. but no CAFFEINE!!!!

I think all put one room is ready for the surgery, and I just don’t have time to do it. So my housekeeper will straighten it so it is not too much of a mess. (Besides getting ready for surgery, I lost my teaching job, and the back bedroom is where my office/tv is and appx 18 boxes of first grade teaching materials.)

BK—today, I stopped being nervous. I am just wanting it over with. Kind of numb and tired and peaceful with the decision.

Iris you will do fine. I came to that “let’s just do it” feeling too & I have done fine. Good luck & let us hear from you.

My great grandmother always used to say “And it came to pass,” meaning “this too shall pass” and “be patient and don’t worry, good times are right around the corner.” I’ve been trying to take that attitude with everything that has gone on with my shoulder. Yes, I had two setbacks, but with each day that passes my body is healing itself and I am getting better. I am not sick, I am just recovering from an orthopedic repair 🙂

A week has gone by since I had my sling removed 6 weeks post op. It was a very strange sensation but have found that my arm movement is improving daily. I get frustrated when I can’t do simple tasks but always try to look on the positive side and look back on my progress so far. I started driving this week, only short journeys and my arm is slowly getting used to it. I still feel a bit vulnerable and worry that I might forget myself and stretch out to grab something without thinking. Can’t wait to be able to yawn and stretch both arms above my head!

Celia, you mention something I’ve been wondering about. Today is 4 weeks post op for me so I’ve still got a couple weeks in the sling. When they say ‘take off the sling’ in 6 weeks, does that mean you don’t even wear it at night?

I ask b/c every single morning, before I’m truly awake, the autonomic process starts & my shoulder tries to shrug & stretch. If the sling weren’t there, restricting that autonomic process, I’d likely be in a world of hurt. And did your doctor say WHEN that will be okay? It’s amazing to learn how instinctive such moves are to your body. It happens before you’re even fully cognizant.

In my case, yes, it does. I did wear it the following day when shopping, just in case anyone bumped into me. I have become more confident now though but still avoid crowds. I haven’t worn it since! I have been in more pain since the sling was removed but I expect as my arm has been immobile for so long, it’s to be expected. I still sleep propped up in bed, resting my arm on a pillow. I jerked my arm a couple of times at night when I was in the sling but haven’t done so since I’ve been out of it. I don’t think my arm moves around a lot during the night anyway as it’s always stiff in the mornings. I also have it snuggled into my pillow so I don’t think it could move much if it wanted to! I wasn’t told when this would be ok but when it is, I shall certainly be posting it on here! Maybe someone else has experienced this and could answer your question more fully.

I’m about 11 weeks and just starting to do some semi reserved decent stretching! Finally! I also mentioned a few days ago that I woke up and my arm was lying on the pillow to the side and sort of above my head! I’m not sure how it got there – but I needed help from my other arm to get it back!

But an interesting thing…. that might sound silly… I was told by a body worker to stretch my good arm and imagine that I’m stretching the other as well … that it’s actually a good thing to do physiologically. So I’d keep my upper arm in place but go ahead and imagine the stretch ending by actually stretching upper arm out my hand and fingers and wiggling them about….and I think it even helped a bit psychologically!

This week, my PT finally gave me some real exercises to be done lying down….including one where I clasp my hands behind my head and up near my ears and then I bring my elbows down to 45 degrees… and another one, also lying down, where I put my arm up vertically and use the other arm to push it over my head a bit until it starts to hurt. Both should help me stretch better.

Today I had my twelve week post op doctor’s appointment. I had a dom. right arm rotator cuff & bicep tendon repair. Today he said that now is when my restrictions are removed & I start working more on strength slowly. I see him again in three months & don’t have to have any more physical therapy unless I feel like I need a little help. It’s amazing how good that 15 min appt made me feel. It’s a long haul but so worth it & I still have a ways to go. 🙂 🙂

Today is 4 wks post op, just came back from physical therapy. I’m onto their game now. You have a couple days where you’re feeling good and thinking you’re on a roll then POW! They increase the level of torture. LOL!!!!

Seriously though, the PT said I’ve regained all but about 10 degrees of ROM w/the assisted exercises, so he pushed me harder–said he wants to do it now before the scar tissue hardens. Can’t say it was fun but it’ll be worth it to get use of my arm back. And Friday when I go back he’ll start me on some active exercises.

Have a feeling I’m going to be a lot more sore when I do home PT.

P.S.—Betty, congrats on the good report on your 12 week visit!!!!!

After reading, over the past 7 or 8 weeks, every post here, I feel like I should make my presence known. As others have said, this forum has been the most wonderful thing! Many thanks to Scott (you probably didn’t imagine it was going to keep on and on all this time!) and all of you who have posted and made this journey a little less lonely and certainly more comfortable.

I had my rotator cuff and bicep tendon repaired 6 weeks ago. Physical therapy begins day after tomorrow. Things have gone pretty well (thanks to all the tips from this website!). I do always worry that I may have damaged the healing, and 2 years from now I’ll tear it again. The failure rate is so high! But we need to be carefully optimistic I suppose. One thing I have always wondered: how do you get out of a recliner when you can’t use your right arm (the chair’s mechanism is on the right side)? I always had to wait for my husband to release the reclining position so I could get out. Thus, I started sleeping in a bed after one and a half weeks so I could get up whenever I wanted to!

Another question to those who are getting physical therapy: should I take a pain pill before going to my first session? I haven’t had much pain since the second week or so but I hear that PT really hurts. Is that true?

Can you believe “at 4 weeks post op the strength of the tendon repair is about 20% of a “normal” tendon attachment?” That is what it says on this very helpful website that I wish I had seen at the beginning: http://www.brighamandwomens.org/patients_visitors/pcs/rehabilitationservices/physical%20therapy%20standards%20of%20care%20and%20protocols/shoulder%20-%20arthroscopic%20rct%20repair%20protocol%20hybrid%20patient%20-%20therapist.pdf

@ Joyce Haynes:

RE: Recliner—until someone mentioned it recently, I hadn’t thought of the right-sided recliner issue. I’m 4 wks s/p LEFT RC repair and THIS time it hasn’t been an issue. Unfortunately, my right shoulder has the same symptoms so I’m sure I’ll be going through this surgery again probably next year. 8-( I’m definitely going to have to contact Lazy-Boy b/c a recliner has been indispensable for my recovery. I would be curious too, if anyone else had a workaround for this.

RE: PT & pain med: It sounds like all of us have varied in our pain level experience. Likewise, all of us were started on PT at different times on the recovery spectrum. I was started on PT 5 days post op. While my pain level was tolerable throughout the day, I made a point to take pain med 30-60 minutes prior to my morning & evening PT. My theory was that I wanted to give my therapy the best shot at success & pain med would ease the guarding. The pain med they prescribed me is only 5 mg & doesn’t kill all the pain, just takes the edge off–so I wasn’t worried about pain med masking anything during PT. My doctor had also recommended pain med prior to PT.

While I had hoped to be off pain med by now (3 weeks into therapy) I have for the most part had to continue to take it, with the exception of a few days here & there. The problem for me is that once my arm begins to feel better & less painful, that’s about the time the physical therapist ratchets up the intensity level of the therapy. But I can’t complain b/c my rehab is progressing quite well so far.

As so many have said, follow your doc’s advice. But I found the pain med very helpful as another therapeutic aid.

P.S. I should clarify, b/c I don’t think I was clear–I haven’t found the PT induced pain level to be excruciating (it’s not like it’s a 10 on a 1-10 scale–more like 8-9 the first few sessions then varying back and forth between 5-6 or 3-4) , so I don’t want to give that impression. But there is a good bit of discomfort, especially early on. But even mid-range discomfort can make me guarded, hence my choice to use the pain med as an aid to PT.

Argh! I was all set to go to my first PT session since the 2nd surgery, showered, got dressed, put on make-up all with non-dom hand. Was feeling pretty proud of myself. besides, i was going stir crazy waiting the extra 2 weeks for PT this time around. Right before we leave, I get a phone call “Don’t come in to PT!” The dr. wants to wait 2 more weeks to be on the safe side!” Aiyeeeee! Felt so frustrated and disappointed, but then I considered the alternative … Do I really want to have a third surgery? Nooooooo! So back to twiddling my thumbs for now …

That would drive me nuts too, Demetra but you’re right–it certainly beats surgery! Hang in there!

my friend rentrf a lift chair with thr correct level. shr said it was a God send

RE: Recliner and left/right side lever:

Since someone raised this very good question, and since I’ll end up doing surgery on my right shoulder in the future, I decided to investigate.

I bought my first Lazy Boy recliner in December, wanting to build some relaxation time into my schedule. Little did I know at the time it would turn out to be a surgery recovery tool! 😎 My control lever is on the right.

I called Lazy Boy this morning–you can order a recliner w/a left side control, but he also said their techs can come out and install the lever on the left side of your existing recliner, then switch it back when rehab is over. The only caveat is that to cover the hole in the fabric, they would put a wooden disk on the side, just like the one that’s already by the lever.

They don’t make recliners w/levers on both sides, unfortunately.

I didn’t ask cost to modify current recliner, but like all else in the world, I’m sure it ain’t cheap.

Sigh. The hardest thing about RC surgery is the cycling of ups & downs of rehab. You do a phase of stretches/strengthening exercises & your arm gets to feeling good & the discomfort goes away. Then BAM! Therapy gets ratcheted up to the next level and you’re sore and achy all over again. It’s amazing how physically tiring it gets to be.

But I’m keeping my eyes on the long term goal & I’ll keep persevering. And one day my reward will be a really awesome shoulder. 😎

day 2 after surgery. typing very one handed.

good: only 1 anchor, tear, and “lots of nbumps”…I see Surgeon on monday. I get to see movie of what he did. sorry for spellings.

lots of friends helping. and i let them help. i only have about 2 hr daily no one with me.
walkie talkie and garage remote best idea. i can control who comes into house.

i am working off of pain meds. dont like morphine or codeine long term. love ice machine….it helps lot.

???? my tongue is numb. normal? havent heard anyone say anything about it. ???normal for right below arm pit to itcj like crazy? on rib area…..havent found any relief yet.
luckily, i am sleeping in bed. proppped up with lots of pillows. but i have place to go when i dont fell like peiople.
dehumidifier God send. helping to keep me comfy. the diapers are working. not mich slipping.

having problem with stamina. I awake for 1-2 hr then sleep for 2 hr.

more later. thank you for posting where you are at….gives me peace to knowis normal.

Iris glad to hear you are doing well. They told me not to stop taking my pain med because it helps you relax to heal well. I took it for two weeks .. not every four hours but at least three times a day. I had no numbness or itching so I can’t help you there. I’m glad you have a lot of help. I had no stamina for two months. Sometime during week two I stopped sleeping so much but there again sleeping does help you heal. (also helps pass the time 🙂 ) Iris now you are on your way to BETTER. Take it easy. Soon enough you will get back to your normal pace. Just do nothing right now. Hugz

Iris – with my first surgery 4 weeks ago, the nerve block seemed to numb part of my tongue, throat and diaphragm (which the anesthesiologist said can happen) and it took a day or two to wear off. With the second surgery 2 weeks ago, the nerve block wore off very quickly, after less than 6 hours, and that time around nothing seemed numb when it was done.

I am now nearly 8 weeks post op. Haven’t seen a great improvement this week except that my daily exercises are now nearly pain free – until I visit my Physical Therapist on Monday and start all over again! I tried to wear my rings this week but couldn’t because my fingers are swollen, anyone else experience this and, if so, when were the fingers back to normal?

My fingers are still quite swollen as well, and I am at week 7. I think it is from not being able to do much with that arm; if I am up and about, it is just hanging straight down so it doesn’t have as good of circulation in it compared to my good arm. I imagine it won’t improve until after week 12 when we can start using the arm more. So I think it’s pretty normal at this point.

Rene, I’m quite relieved that someone else is experiencing this as well. I get so much information from this forum, it’s really wonderful. Thank you.

You’re welcome, Celia. I agree with you on the forum – it has been a lifesaver to me for numerous issues that I was concerned about. It seems that no matter what type of problem you might be dealing with, someone else here has dealt with it and has at least some information, if not an answer, that can help!

Celia: I don’t typically wear jewelry so maybe I haven’t been as observant, but I don’t recall finger swelling being an issue (just a little over 4 wks post op).

Iris: RE: Tongue swelling–when you get a chance, double check w/your doctor. I’ve only had that happen one time about 4 years back and it was a reaction to a new med they started me on. I’m no doctor but it couldn’t hurt to run that symptom by them. Swollen tongue is a very creepy feeling. And yes, the first 3-4 days I slept a lot. Helps our bodies repair themselves.

Unfortunately since that first 3-4 days I only average about 4-5 hours sleep a night. There have been maybe 3-4 days in the last 4 weeks where I was able to get 5-6 hours a night. This week I have been more tired–as my arm progresses they keep ratcheting up the PT, which means higher level of discomfort. (that gets tiresome in more ways then one. I can’t wait to know what it feels like to be NOT constantly achy)

I’m scheduled to return to work on 8/20 (at which point I’ll be just under 6 wks post op). I hope by then the pain associated w/physical therapy will have decreased b/c I won’t be able to take pain med and Aleve has been completely worthless.

Iris: forgot to add–I didn’t have armpit itching but I did end up w/a very bad armpit rash w/the armpit being closed up that first 5-6 days & not able to air itself out. As soon as I could after first post op check I squeezed a dry washcloth under there & kept it there. It took about 2 wks to go away.

I ended up with an itchy rash under my armpit as well in the first week. Dr. said it was likely a fungal infection from being damp and unable to air it out. I found an easy and natural cure online that worked immediately to stop the itching and cure the rash: Put about 3-4 cups of water in a bowl, add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar (I used just plain). Soak a washcloth in this, wring it out, and put it under the armpit for an hour or so. Repeat as needed. I did this twice a day the first week, and it really helped.

Things I wish I had known:
1.Narcotics can cause horrible constipation. If you are on prescription painkillers, take something like colace, miralax, senna, prunes for a while.

2.If you don’t have a recliner, you can make a nest in your bed with pillows to support your upper back and injured arm. The main thing is not to lie flat – always support “the arm”.

3.Celebrex can cause high blood pressure and/or panic attacks in some people. Other NSAIDS work fine. DOn’t need to spend $60 a month on something that makes you sick.

4.The shoulder is connected to the arm, back, neck, spine, ribs, etc. It does a lot more than I realized! You can still move your hand,wrist and elbow while your shoulder is immobilized. Use that little exercise ball so that you hand stays strong and flexible during your recovery.

5. Six weeks seems like a really long time, but in the space of an entire lifetime, it’s not that long. Be patient with your healing, but speak up to your dr if you feel like something is wrong. Don’t suffer in silence but be patient as your body miraculously heals itself.

6. Acccept help graciously, ask for help when you need it, don’t be afraid or embarrassed to reach out to others – especially you independent types! You may end up making some marvelous friends in the process, and good people are happy to help you. Those good people can make good friends and you can return the favor when you’re fully healed.

7. If you have a connection to Spirit – NOW would be a good time to cultivate it and nourish it.

8. Nothing is as important as loved ones – your make-up isn’t important, washing your hair isn’t important, wearing a bra isn’t important, cleaning your house isn’t important. When you are lying there coming out of anesthesia with one arm temporarily paralyzed from anesthesia, the only thing that really matters are that you loved and were loved by the people around you. I would add also that you learn to love yourself, not in a selfish, narcissist way, but in a compassionate, nurturing forgiving way.

Just thought of a few more!

9. Ice is your friend. Ice numbs the pain so you don’t need as much painkiller.

10. Don’t be afraid to use prescription painkillers if you are in pain. Yes, I know they are highly addictive when not used properly – when not needed, too much, too often, etc. Use the least amount necessary and taper down as your pain diminishes. If you have a prior history of substance abuse, then by all means ask your doctor about non-narcotic alternatives.

11. I was practically crying to my doctor, “I’m never sick, I don’t go to doctors, I don’t take medications, I’m the one that takes care of everybody and everything!” He said something I will never forget – he said, “You are not sick, you are healing from an orthopedic repair.” Shoulder surgery is not an illness (I know some of us have true illnesses and diseases we are struggling with) – it is a temporary inconvenience we go through in order to try to restore our shoulder and arm to more normal functioning. Every day after your surgery is one day closer to healing. Every day after surgery is one step away from pain and debilitation and one step towards fuller functioning. It’s just hard to remember that when you are stuck in the middle of it, but the only way out of it is through it.

12. Clothing: I had surgery in the summer, so I picked up some XL colorful tank tops and soft cotton tees with large armholes. Slide shirt arm up affected arm first, then pull over head and other arm. To get shirt off, start with good arm first, then head, then affected arm. Large tank tops can be pulled up from your feet, over waist and slide affected arm through. I used cotton shorts with elastic waistbands for day and pull on velour pants for evening. For bras, I ordered some inexpensive Coobie type bras. They pull on, you can pull them up feet first, you can even get the type with no straps for the first few weeks, or only use a strap on the good arm. They have added pads for coverage, so you can wear them to go to PT or grocery shopping. I found the XL worked fine for casual wear, not major support but good during the initial recovery period.

13. After the large bandage came off, when I wanted to shower, I covered my incisions with waterproof bandaids and used a lightweight mesh sling. I also would fill the bath tub halfway and add epsom salts and some drops of lavender oil for a sitz bath. Just keep your shoulder out of the water.

14. Don’t overuse your good arm! Be aware if it starts to ache or feel sore. It’s very common to injure the other rotator cuff by overcompensating with the good arm (of course some of us have tears on both sides). Try not to overdo it!

Demetra,

I’m definitely w/you on #14. Even though it hasn’t been evaluated yet, I know my right RC is torn–the only question is to what degree. So I’m trying to be as careful as I possibly can and keep ‘er together till the left is healed.

RE: Shirts–I haven’t been brave enough to try pulling any kind of shirt over my head, I’m still using Shoulder Shirts or oversize snap down the front shirts.

Well, I’m 11 days in.
I’m not sure how bad my tear was (I’ll ask for surgery notes tomorrow) but this was supposed to be a clean up only until he got in there!
I’m almost 69 and generally a very antsy person, plus of course I’m right handed and this was my right shoulder.&#$^&#
Amazing what you can’t do!
I really didn’t have much pain but I have everything going against me.
Diabetic, overweight, smoker, etc
The worst thing is I can’t really do anything, no driving yet, (ergo, no work), no nothing for me
I do not have a recliner so I’m forced to sit on this one chair I have that used to be fairly comfy but it’s quite old and was never a lounger. Couch doesn’t work for me right now, it too is old with poor support. Sleeping is rough but I’m making do with that.
Everywhere the sling and pad touches me, I’ve developed a rash (I have sensitive skin) so when I’m at the computer I remove the sling over my neck and just hold my arm against the pad with just forearm and wrist movement. I think it’s OK so far but I realize the next 8 to 14 days are delicate and it’s hard for me to stay still. I’m hoping I’m not going to cause or have caused any damage…. so far and not make any stupid moves or mistakes.
It’s odd, I have absolutely no pain whatsoever and really didn’t from day one!

Jim,

It bites not to have a comfortable chair to rest in, especially since RC surgery is fraught w/down time. My sympathies! Maybe someone might have a good chair they can loan you?

RE: Sensitive skin—I have read somewhere on my internet searches that some people lined their sling w/a certain type of cloth to help w/rashes. Problem is I can’t remember what type of cloth worked. 8-( As long as it’s absorbent (assuming sweat is part of the issue) that might help (maybe a dry washcloth??). Maybe someone here has a suggestion.

Be careful w/the unprotected arm time. You do NOT want a do-over.

Best wishes to you.

I purchsed baby diapers and used them to line the sling. also put velcro on one section to cover ribs (where I got my rashes).

I amsleeping in bed, but, with a body pillow and 5 others to make an incline slope.
i love that I have my bed feel andsmell and house road sounds. Trouble with wanting to roll over and sleep on repaired am…but body pillow is holding up with the top sheet wrapped aroulnd it.

How can a piece of Velcro be softer?
Velcro is rough

When it was time for my ice machine to go, I realized they were probably going to dump the foam sleeve that held it against my shoulder – and sure enough they do. So I kept it and cut out a piece to line the inside of my sling! And I used the velcro that came with it to make it stick to the insides of my sling. It made it a lot more comfortable! So in case you don’t have anything like that – see if you can get some foam covered in fabric on both sides (I have no idea where! Are wet suits made like that? Maybe you have an old one?) But really any thick fabric would do – an old fleece jacket, blanket etc. And if it’s at all fuzzy, use double sided velcro to hold it in.

Why do they have to make such uncomfortable slings??? Maybe I should go into business making padded cotton ones!

From day one my sling felt itchy – even when my arm was still numb from the block! (funny how one can still feel some kinds of sensations!) At any rate, I just picked my oldest flannel pajamas and sacrificed one arm to put over my arm before putting on the sling. I think someone here suggested keeping cutting half of a shirt. Of course, you could also just wear a long-sleeved cotton shirt – but if it’s hot, just use a sleeve on it’s own. Good luck! I know how it is not to be able to sit still and also worry about causing damage! My doc also made a big deal about the 2-3rd week being the most delicate one…. so do be careful. It will pass – in retrospect I (almost) wonder why I was so antsy and impatient – and even angry at times! Just glad it’s behind me. Hang in there!

Well, I’m now 38 days in (5 weeks) and I’m doing really great with still basically no real pain.
They moved me to active rehab starting today as I seem to be healing very quickly, perhaps me coming out of my sling early, being careful but always slightly moving (wiggling!) helped!

I can reach almost 180 degrees over my head with essentially no pain.
(Now if the rest of my body would cooperate it wouldn’t be so bad)

Jim,

It’s good to hear you are progressing so well and with manageable pain. That just goes to prove–again–that no two people will have the same experience with their surgery so it’s always encouraging to read the diversity of responses to therapy. Hope everyone with pending RC surgery has your type of experience!

To those able to type w/your operative arm in a sling:

Maybe I misread some posts, but it sounds like some here have been able to type w/your operative arm even during sling stage. How in the world did you do that and still keep your arm in the proper protected position?

When I think about both my home desk and work desk, the keyboard is positioned at a fairly high point up on the desk. I’m having a lot of trouble envisioning how operative arm typing would work.

Are you putting your keyboard in your lap? That would seem uncomfortable too.

I’m doing it now.
Remove the sling from your neck, but keep it strapped around your chest with the block in place.
Concentrate on not moving your shoulder and use your elbow and wrist as a pivot.
I really don’t think you’re hurting anything as long as your shoulder movement is kept to an absolute minimum, (almost no movement)
Just concentrate and when you stop typing put the sling right back on

As for typing with one’s arm in a sling, I have been using a laptop which helps a lot. However, at the beginning I still would partly type one-handed or use my good arm to move my “bad” arm into position.

I had my first PT a couple days ago. I told the therapist that I had a hydrocodone in my pocket “just in case.” He said he prefers to be gentle enough that I would not experience pain because pain inhibits proper movement of the joint. My shoulder did hurt on rising this morning, though, after practicing the ROM exercises that he gave me. I have been using my arm a lot, too (I’m six and a half weeks post-op and out of the sling), so it’s not surprising that it hurts a bit.

Hi BK,
I found that I could use my bad arm (my right arm) in the sling to type without too much trouble. I found the tallest chair in the house (a kitchen table chair, in my case) to use. It wasn’t quite tall enough for my hand to rest naturally on the keyboard, but by putting a pillow on it, I got there. I was already doing exercises at home that rotated my wrist, so I knew it was OK to do that to type. Occasionally I needed to rotate my body a bit or lean forward more to reach the furthest keys or the number pad.
I am now out of my sling, and ironically back to typing one-handed since I can no longer get my arm up high enough to reach the keyboard without using my shoulder to lift it. Dr. said the only way I could type now was to have the keyboard at the level of my lap, and then rest my forearm on my leg for support. I suppose a lap desk might help at this point, but I hesitate to buy one as I wouldn’t use it anymore once my shoulder is more functional.

Rene,

Yes I’ve noted there seems to be a significant strength difference between raising your arm from your lap (which I’ve only tried once & had to let my non-operative arm do ALL the work) and raising the arm when you’re already standing.

They’ve had me do a standing cane flexion exercise for a couple of weeks where you push your arm up and slightly out in the direction of a “Y” and I can slightly assist w/the operative arm. But it’s a whole different ball of wax when you’re sitting down. Really makes you feel vulnerable. 8-(

I was told that I could type with the operated arm one week post – as long as the keyboard and mouse were on my lap – and that the mouse needed to be as close as possible – it’s not good to reach or rotate.

Latest observation: between weeks 4-5 post op, I find myself more tired then I’ve been since starting PT. I’ve had to take a nap every day this week. Well, one day I tried 3X but between my roommate & the doorbell, I didn’t stand a chance.

The increasing levels of PT seem to be wearing me out. I’m so thankful that I have this first 5 weeks to just stay at home & concentrate on getting better. There is no way I could do the necessary demands of twice daily PT and meet the demands of my job. It would run me into the ground.

One small thing I haven’t seen mentioned: during physical therapy, I think some of the muscles that have been guarding me from moving in ways that will cause some pain are made to relax – so afterwards some movements hurt more than usual. I’m not sure exactly why, but maybe my arm moves a little farther since it’s relaxed . At any rate, I’m trying to remind myself to be a bit more careful after PT.

5 day followup. I am doing well, and am scheduling pt for 2-3x weekly for next 3 weeks. No use of left arm for work. (huh! I am unemployed right now.) And with pt, not available much for work.

Typing, I have a laptop on a low table-about waist high–and hold my left arm –nondom– next to body and just use fingers to type, and if cap or out of reach, then rt hand does it. Still doing 70% with rt hand typing.

Okay, feel good, but no stamina for doing anything….lots of naps.

HEEL PAIN

Just curious if anyone experienced heel pain in their recliner? Having slept in my recliner for the last month, I experience regular heel pain from having them pressed into the foot rest. Back when I slept in bed (feels like a while ago. LOL!) I sometimes had this problem when I had to convert from being a side sleeper to sleeping on my back. But when I had to elevate my knees on a body pillow, that alleviated the heel problem while sleeping in bed.

For now in the recliner, I bunch up a part of the comforter under my feet. But looking ahead to my eventual right shoulder surgery, I’m wondering if attaching one of those long gel wrist rests to the foot of the recliner would help. Has anybody tried it?

BK-My mother slept in her recliner for years. She velcored a pillow at the end of the recliner to raise her feet off of the recliner, about 2-3″. Otherwise, she had heel pain or cramping in her calves.

Day 8—beginning to feel a bit of energy. But PT starts tomorrow. Told I could drive starting Mon. YES.

Drove today (@15 days).
I had to, no one said I could or couldn’t.
Difficult at best but not impossible.
I’ll limit it until next week when I can get out of the block!

Iris, thanks for the pillow/Velcro suggestion. I’ll try that.

Energy. That elusive creature. Overall my experience hasn’t been bad but this 4-5 week post op timeframe has been exhausting. In each of these weeks the intensity has gone up which means more discomfort & more fatigue. I wish there was a fast forward button for this whole process. 😎

I just wanted to say how helpful the comments, hints and tips, experiences, advice and positive support on this blog page have been for me.

I had my left (I am right-handed) rotator cuff repaired, plus some bone reduction, 8 days ago. I really felt as though I’d time travelled into some kind of pain hell and have only got through it by reading what others have gone through. I feel slightly more human today, a manageable kind of pain which I can cope with by using ice packs, and I feel brighter in spirit! Yes, the sling still feels like some sort of instrument of torture, sleep is elusive, and typing one handed drives me nuts, but I know all these things are short term and I can cope with each and every one.

I’ve learned a lot over the last week. My lovely hubby does really good hair washing, he has endless patience too and never fails to make me smile with his little witticisms and fine sense of humour! Friends will help if I ask them, and they don’t mind listening to me rambling on and on about my pain, frustration and generally anything else I can find to grumble about! And I have found I have more patience myself, something I always thought I was lacking.

Time WILL get us all through this, and I hope, for the majority, things will be an improvement to how they were before.

Good wishes and thank you one and all! And a public ‘thank you, Ian’, I couldn’t do this without your support, help and love!

Here I am now 14 days in and while most of you have mentioned pain, I seem to have none.
Even if I moved too much and messed up the Dr.s work, one would think I would have pain to some extent, but I don’t!

Jim – I’m curious, I assume you normally haven’t noticed a difference between you and others when it comes to pain? It’s interesting, because I felt a ton of pain when the block wore off… and I recently received my 23andMe genetic testing results and one of my genetic traits is that I feel more pain… maybe you would come out as having a higher tolerance… It also showed that I’m a “fast metabolizer” which explains why when I’ve been in the hospital before I’ve felt like I needed pain meds before they were ready to give them to me! In any case, lucky you! I suspect it may also have a lot to do with the skill of the surgeon and of course, how messed up your shoulder was in the first place, and the particular things that were repaired. Hmmm…. I hope no nerves were cut? Do other arm sensations feel normal? skin, movement, hot, cold?

Complete tear, 3 anchors and bone scraping

I, too, had very little pain after the first 24 hrs. I felt the nerve block starting to wear off about 6 hrs after the surgery, and started taking pain meds then in an attempt to stay ahead of the pain that I was expecting to come. 24 hrs later I wasn’t tolerating the pain meds well, so stopped them. Although I could feel some pain and discomfort in the shoulder, it was tolerable without any meds. I started taking a couple of aspirin tabs per day. For reference, I had 1 complete tear (2 anchors), 1 partial tear (sutured), and bone scraped away to make more room for the tendons. My pain level was tolerable while in the sling (except when I tried to sleep in a bed – then it became intolerable). My sling came off at Week 6, and the pain did increase quite a bit for about 2 days as the arm got used to being unsupported and no longer abducted.
I am now at Week 7 1/2, and the only time I have discomfort is during PT, when doing my home exercises, or moving the arm in a way that I shouldn’t yet. Even then, it’s tolerable. I feel very lucky given what others have gone through, and what I had prepared myself for!
Lynne has a good point – our individual experiences are really variable depending on a number of factors that she mentioned.
Glad you’re doing so well, Jim!!

The variety of pain level experiences among commenters is very interesting to read, I find myself in the mid-range on pain & continue to take low dose pain med about an hour before each of my twice daily PT sessions. I found the increased demands of PT between weeks 4 & 5 particularly uncomfortable—my shoulder felt beat up and I remained exhausted the whole week.

Today marks 5 weeks post op, and I’ve graduated to doing some active exercises, so we’ll see how the shoulder feels tomorrow. I will most likely be returning to work next Tuesday so pain med will no longer be an option, so I hope I will make great strides forward this week. OTC stuff such as Aleve just doesn’t work.

QUESTION: For those of you 6 weeks or more post op, do you still have to “work up to” your ROM each time you do your exercises? I ask b/c no matter how I progress w/therapy, even on passive assisted exercises, I still have to do them passively first for several reps before my shoulder unkinks and performs them more actively. Has that been your experience too?

Hi BK,
I do my home exercises 4 X a day, and on each one of them the first few reps are disappointing in how little ROM I have. I always think I’ve gone backwards at first, but after a few reps the shoulder always loosens up and by Rep. # 10 I have equaled or exceeded my ROM from the end of my last session. Although I am almost at Week 8, all of my exercises are still passive. Don’t think I am allowed to do active ones until Week 12.

Hi. All,
I’ve been reading the posts here for several months in preparation for my surgery which I had yesterday, I am so happy to have my IPad which makes getting on line from the recliner a piece of cake. Feeling a bit frustrated right now as there are so many fun things happening this weekend that I would like to attend. When did you all feel up to getting out on outings? I was out of it when they were telling me about my surgery so I will ask more on my first follow up visit. I do know I have 3 anchors (any one have a boat) . I am a 61 yr old female, and this was a workman’s comp claim so I am still unsure how soon they will let me or require me to go back to work on light duty. I work as floral manager in a grocery store here in Colorado. Also a photographer and would like to get back out with the camera for Aspen season. Are any of you on Percocet, not having any experience with heavy duty pain meds, I find it makes me very warm and very chatty.

I didn’t feel like going out the first week, then when I did it was to the supermarket and I felt everyone was going to bump into my painful side! It was also painful when the car hit a pothole. Day 11 now and I actually feel much more like doing things around the home, one handed of course!
Hope your recovery goes well, Edie 🙂

Hi Edie,

I’m not an outings type person in the typical concerts/ballgames way that most are–I like nice quiet low key pursuits. I have gone out to eat a couple times in the last 2-3 weeks. I started back rebuilding my exercise program about 2 weeks ago (a shadow of its former self–mostly going for walks). And it was not until a couple days ago (five weeks post op) that I felt up to pursuing any hobbies (which for me are writing & research). I have found weeks 4 & 5 to be particularly strenuous and tiring. But in the last few days I had more energy to devote to mental pursuits, less of the brain fog and a lessening of the anxiety that came w/the early weeks post surgery. Overall though, it hasn’t been too bad–it just grinds on you that recovery is so slow.

But as I’m sure you’ve noted in reading posts here, some folks recover more rapidly than others.

For those of you who are back at work and less than 12 weeks post op, what are you using for pain?

I’ll be 6 weeks post-op next Wednesday & I have to continue to take 5 mg Norco an hour before each PT session. I don’t see my pain level miraculously decreasing by next Tuesday when I’m scheduled to return to work. I have follow up w/doc Monday morning & need to discuss options. OTC products such as Aleve are worthless. I’ve taken Tramadol in the past for low back pain, which was also worthless.

I’m wondering if taking 5 mg Norco in the evening is an option, so that I can take the edge off at least 1 PT session each day. Would not be able to take in a.m. due to drowsiness, & I doubt I will be cleared to drive yet so I won’t have to worry about that complication.

Insights?

BK – I’m wondering…. when you say Aleve is worthless, how much were you taking and how often? I find that one on its own doesn’t do anything but after I start taking one in the morning and one in the evening after several days it makes a difference for me. Also, my doc made a point of telling me to take the liquid gel (or whatever it is). Previously, I found that Zyflamend helped me a lot with my pain… it’s over the counter natural food store supplement – but I stopped because my docs didn’t know about it and its more expensive. But when I get a job again, I’m going back to it if I’m still in pain. I’ve been on the two aleve since before 6 weeks and occaisonally I’ve taken an ibuprofen on top of that. Good luck! And don’t forget to ice when you can!

Lynne,

I tried taking the Aleve about an hour before therapy just like the pain med, but no, I didn’t take it for several days. Just the thought of having to wait several days for it to kick in makes me cringe. It was also tablet form, not liquid.

If it were just about the pain, I’d suck it up & deal w/it. But I now know first hand how fatiguing pain is unchecked. Likewise, I don’t want to be too guarded w/my therapy and end up w/less functioning in the end.

I think I’m also going to ask for a script for an e-stim unit too, when I see the doc on Monday. I was using one on rental since my surgery but had to send it back on Friday. I’ve been debating this b/c there doesn’t seem to be consistent agreement or studies on e-stim’s true value as a therapy tool. But the therapist still uses e-stim (w/ice) at the end of my sessions. I’m thinking if there is any truth at all in the idea that e-stim disrupts the pain receptors, it’s worth a try.

I would really just like to fast forward to “the end” & complete healing. 😎

I thought you might be treating it as a straight pain killer instead of an anti-
inflammatory – that’s really the problem. If I wasn’t clear – I’m on it continuously (1 am one pm) ! – So I would try what I’m doing to keep the inflammation down in general and it will do so during PT and if that’s not enough, then take an ibruprofen 30min before the PT (from wikipedia: “Onset of analgesa (time to effect) is 24.5 minutes using liquigel format orally”) Eventually, you could try one Aleve in the morning before your PT (or if the PT is early, the night before) plus the ibuprofen half an hour before…

I am 7 weeks post-op and just returned from driving to visit my relatives who live 300 miles away. Happily, driving was not a problem at all, and I’m not in pain. It was hard to fit in my PT exercises. Hopefully I didn’t lose too much ground. Will find out tomorrow when I see my physical therapist. He measures at every visit.

Edie, I used Percocet the first week and a half. It did great with pain, but I felt slight nausea and bloating and also some mood alteration while taking it. I was anxious to get it out of my system. Much better now!

Had f/u w/surgeon today (will be 6 weeks post op on Wed). He agrees w/therapist that I’m on target w/rehab so effective today the sling is off. I’ve had to designate my roommate as the arm police to remind me NOT to hold my arm in the guarded position. It’s a hard habit to break! 😎

He rx’d a lower level pain med–the tramadol. So we’ll see if it works better on shoulders than it does on backs. I also got a script for a TENS unit as I had to send my rental back.

I know the fatigue level is going to be high so I’m going back to work starting tomorrow working a 6 hour a day shift for the next 3 weeks, then I’ll transition back to FT. I want to give myself ample time for therapy and be able to take a nap if I need it.

Tomorrow I will no doubt feel like a cat under a rocking chair being amidst a lot of people in close quarters w/o my sling. So time to adapt and conquer–again!!!!! 😎

BK – can you wear the sling to work just as a reminder to yourself and coworkers?

I had considered taking my sling to work as a backup but turns out I didn’t need it. I was mostly in my cubby hole and people were respectful of giving me space. So that was nice. I did very little with the arm on Tuesday (first day back at work), but I saw the physical therapist Tuesday night and he said move it as much as possible, just no weight bearing/resistance.

So today at work, I made a point to put my arm on the desktop (or lift it up there when I was tired), reach for things, etc. I’m really tired and achy after just six hours, but it’s going to benefit me in the long run. The sooner I get this arm used to moving and lifting in various directions, the sooner I can drive again.

My big WOOHOOO moment came this morning as I tried and successfully accomplished getting a real bra on (sorry fellas). I think it’ll be a week or so before I try pulling on a regular size pullover shirt, though when I go workout tonight, I’m going to try pulling one of my old supersize T-shirts on over my head and see if I can at least accomplish that.

And it was painful and almost didn’t happen, but I did manage to raise my other arm enough (with assistance) to help part my hair, which I haven’t been able to do up to now. I think the next few weeks are just going to be fatiguing and uncomfortable, but it will get better.

I did sleep in my bed for the first time last night–but it didn’t go any better than sleeping in my recliner (and actually a little worse). In the recliner, I average about 4-5 hours. Last night, managed about 3.5-4 hours sleep, even with my arm nicely propped. I think it’s just going to take time to get back to normal. So I’ll just have to suck it up and deal with it and let time take it’s course.

And just for confirmation, Tramadol is equally worthless for shoulder pain as it was for back pain. At least that has been my finding. Thankfully this morning’s home PT wasn’t as painful. Tonight will probably be harder after a long fatiguing day at work. Eh well. On we go.

Jim–glad to hear you finally got a good night’s sleep. Do that again, for me this time! LOL!!!!!!

Well today is 3 weeks to the day and my first rehab.
It went well, STILL no pain even during my first passive rehab! Sure a little wince here and there, but no lasting pain for more than a minute.
Apparently this damn sling has given me a nasty case of hives, )(*#&*(^&*(^*&, I must be allergic to something in the material.
I’ve never had this in my life and I don’t wish it on anyone, the itching travels all over my body so I decided last Sat to remove the sling for most of the day, especially while sitting here at my desk where my movement is limited.
I’ve been driving for 4-5 days now and the neighborhood drives have now become a bit longer.
I DO wear the sling in the car, if for nothing else than to remind me not to make any odd moves or turn the wheel with that arm.
My therapist said I was doing fine. I have done no harm to the shoulder and my movements and/or any resistance/stiffness is normal for someone like me (age/lack of normal exercise, etc).

…and FINALLY I had a decent night’s sleep

P.S. I’m very excited to be typing with 2 hands now and super excited to be able to clean my left ear with a Q-tip in my LEFT hand! Trying to do left ear with right arm can sometimes be painful. LOL!

I am 52 and have a complete tear in my right shoulder. Not real sure when i did it but have some pain for a few years. Having a tough time trying to talk myself into the surgery. Not sure if it wouldn’t be better to just live with. I am a big guy, 290 lbs and live alone. If I do have the surgery will I be able to use my playstation to help pass time for the six weeeks I will be living in my recliner?

Oh, by all means, have the surgery if that is what the doctor advises! And, yes, you should be able to use your playstation during the recovery so long as you don’t move your shoulder (ask the doctor). Also, some people including myself are not in the recliner for 6 weeks. I slept in it for 1 1/2 weeks. After 2 weeks I was becoming more active.

Do you have a friend you could ask to help out for a couple days after surgery? Could you afford to pay someone to come in? Those first few days one is somewhat helpless. If you read the posts on this blog you can get lots of tips for how to prepare ahead of time.

Keep us up to date on your decision and your surgery if you have it. I’m sure we are all rooting for you!

The big question is have you tried all the alternatives first? PT to strengthen the other surrounding muscles and tendons? Steroid shots? Anti-inflammatory painkillers? Also, is the tear major or small? Are you in overall good health? Do have any allergies or bad reactions to painkillers or anesthesia? Do you have some one who can stay with you during the first few days, drive you to PT sessions until you are cleared to drive (i.e. off any narcotic painkillers and out of sling). Do you have someone to drive you to the store to get food, or fast food 🙂 or to the drug store to get your medications? How is your pain tolerance? Do you have 12 weeks to be able to recover if your job requires lifting or is physically demanding? Are you prepared to live in a sling with shoulder immobilized for 6 weeks if necessary? Is it your dominant hand? All these things come into play when making the decision. If you are strong and healthy, have help and time necessary to recover, then maybe surgery for a small tear will end up being a better decision than waiting and then having the tear get larger and larger. If you are not in great health and not athletic, not in a lot of pain, can function okay with your daily activities, then maybe you can do okay avoiding surgery. I’m 52 and it’s been 6 weeks since the first surgery, but I had a complication and they had to redo the surgery 4 weeks ago, so it’s been 8 weeks in a sling, and they decided to be extra cautious and delay PT after the 2nd surgery, so it’s been 6 weeks in the sling with NO PT. That is making everything harder. I also had a bad reaction to the Celebrex which could have been very serious, so that set me back about a week as well. All in all, I am still in a lot more pain now, after the surgery than I was before the surgery. The jury is still out on whether I will ever be out of pain or regain range of motion. I HAD full range of motion before the surgery, despite a 90% tear. I now only have 15-20% range of motion, but it’s still early. I won’t know if this decision was right or wrong until 6-12 months after the second surgery, but if it was “wrong”, I can’t go back and undo it. All I can say is that this experience and the recovery has been very rough for me and I would not have made it through without a helpful spouse and older children here supporting me and doing the things that I could not do for myself.

B Trom, I wish I was farther along in my recuperation to answer your question. I did have a complete tear (left shoulder, non-dom arm), but my surgery was only 6 weeks ago and I’m not willing to give my surgeon a final grade until 9 months or so from surgery. I certainly hope it will have been worth all the trials and discomfort!

Demetra’s post about considerations below is a good one. There’s lots to think about and plan for. The only other thing I would add is, a tear is not going to mend itself. It will always be there. So I guess in that respect, the question is, how much impairment are you willing to live with as is? (even though there’s no guarantee after surgery). It’s a very hard decision to make. I’m praying my left shoulder heals completely. But until I know the long term outcome, I’m not making a decision on my right rotator cuff tear until I have to.

http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Health_Tips_620/Most-Rotator-Cuff-Injuries-Heal-Well-Without-Surgery.shtml

I just read this article AFTER my surgery that suggests that 85% of people who followed a certain PT protocol were able to regain sufficient functioning after a rotator cuff tear that they chose NOT to have surgery. Now, I think this study was done by the people who recommend this protocol, so the findings might be biased, but it does seem to indicate that many people probably could get somewhat better without surgery if they followed the right protocol for their individual injury AND had positive expectations.

Demetra,

This article highlights one of the frustrating things about deciding on treatment options–the assumption is always “what treatment gives basic functioning”. While of course I want to be able to do the basic activities of daily living, no matter what treatment choice I choose for my shoulder, I want to do more than brush my teeth. I want to be physically active, do the sports I like to do, etc.

The medical community seems to evaluate on the basis of bare bones functioning. As the patient, I’m asking “What gets me TOP NOTCH functioning”. I don’t just want an okay shoulder, I want an excellent shoulder.

Whether that is provided through surgical or non-surgical means is probably different for each person. I certainly don’t know what the right answer is. And until I’m 9-12 months out from surgery, I’m not going to know if I made a good choice or a bad one. Even then, the question becomes: what will the repair be like in 2 years?

It’s just a bunch of unanswered questions and only time will give me the answers. It’s a tough call. Knowing that my right rotator cuff is torn (I just don’t know how much) I’ll have to make this call again. It’s nerve wracking.

6 weeks post op: This is my 4th day back at work (Admin Asst/Medical Secretary) since having sling removed on Monday. Am working 6 hr rather than 8 hr shifts. Amazed at how tiring moving my arm for just 6 hours is! I am so thankful I asked to return on a reduced shift for 3 weeks.

I’d give anything to be able to get a good night’s sleep. I’ve been sleeping in my bed the last 3 nights. Day before last I got 6 hours sleep, which is a record since the date surgery took place. Today, I woke up at 2a after just 4.5 hours sleep. I know how critical sleep is to rest and repair of my body, so it’s frustrating that I seem to be capping off at about 5 hours a day on average. I know. I know. I need to be patient and it’ll work itself out. 😎 😎

Drove for the first time yesterday (not by choice–every time I fax paperwork to my doctor’s office it goes into a black hole, so I had no choice but to hand deliver). Driving was doable but a bit painful. But that will get better as the days progress. Since getting the sling off and having to force myself to actively seek ROM throughout daily activities, there has been good improvement this week. Just not instantaneous like I want. LOL!

The one thing I’m very happy about is that I’ve finally reached the point this week where some of the stretching exercises don’t need a stretching warmup. By that I mean, for example: when doing the lying overhead cane raises with both arms, I’d have to start each PT session doing 10 passive reps just to get to the point of doing them passive/assist with full ROM. Within the last day or so, I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can achieve full ROM after just a couple warmup reps and move right into the exercises. Not a big deal, I suppose, but feels like a mental as well as a physical victory of sorts.

Have a great weekend everyone. Hope everyone is meeting their recovery goals and doing well!

It all sounds really positive for you, BK! I am with you on the sleep, waking after 2 or 3 hours, then I read for a bit, then get the other 3 or 4 hours. I would love to sleep right through!

I am 3 weeks post op on Monday and start my physio on Friday next week. It has been very helpful to read how everyone has progressed here.

The first 2 weeks were unpleasant to say the least but looking back it soon passed (even though it didn’t feel like it at the time) and I feel much better now, not so sore, and I am able to sleep virtually flat and do a few more jobs around the house (one handed of course)!

Hope you ave a great weekend too, BK! And everyone else!

I slipped, fell and slammed my shoulder into a brick wall resulting in a fully ruptured rotator cuff and other tendon tears. I’ve now been in a sling for 10 weeks.

Two weeks before I was scheduled for surgery (August 16, 2013), I did the search “How to sleep after shoulder surgery” and found this blog. I want to thank all of you who have posted for your tips and recommendations. I had shoulder surgery in 2002 – bone spur tore the rotator cuff – and I’d forgotten a lot of the tricks dealing with only having one working arm. Fortunately, for me, this time the working arm is my dominant one. I love the bed wedge. Ice has become my best friend. So is Advil. I saw my orthopedic surgeon today and had the sutures removed. I now have the “pendulum” to do 3 times a day – clockwise, counter clockwise, front to back and side and side. I see him in two weeks and we will go from there.

Thank you again. You were a huge help!

Ouch, Judy! I cringe in pain thinking about yours and other reports of sudden falls causing the tear. That’s got to be even worse then ones like mine that develop over time. 8-(

You bring up an interesting point I’ve noticed in many of the posts—when commenters speak of relief for your shoulder, I’m seeing most people mention ice. But I have found my shoulder feels better after applying heat (which, in line with PT at the clinic, I apply at the beginning). I do ice afterward each time, of course, but in terms of comfort, I find the heat more soothing. Go figure. (Not counting the first 3 days post surgery–the cold pack was DEFINITELY a great help in easing pain then).

I have a tip that I forgot to include in my original post. I started taking Arnica Montana pellets the night before the surgery – 4 under the tongue and allowed to melt. Don’t drink any liquid for about an hour afterwards. I started with the 200 ck strength 4 pellets 4 times a day for about three days and then switched to 30 c 4 pellets 4 times a day.

Arnica Montana is very good for bruising and swelling. I’d also received a cortisone shot in my left thumb shot while I was under anesthesia so my hand and fingers were swollen. Within a day and a half my fingers were back to normal and the incision site on my shoulder isn’t bruised nearly as much as it would have been had I not taken the Arnica.

I first became aware of Arnica Montana after a second hand surgery for carpal tunnel and ulnar release. My husband had driven me to the health food store I use and when the owner saw how swollen my hand and fingers were, he said “Jude, you need Arnica”. He told me how to take it and a day and half later, the swelling was considerably reduced. It was also strongly prescribed after I was bitten in the face by a dog in 2001. After the plastic surgeon put me back together, he told me that he wanted me to take Arnica Montana and asked if I knew what it was. He was very pleased when I answered “Yes” and told him I had a vial at home. I was diligent about taking it and when I saw him five days later, he told me he could tell I’d been taking the Arnica as he directed because I wasn’t bruised nearly as much as I would have been. It works and it’s a natural product.

Right now, ice is my pain reducer of choice. I’m sure when I start PT, heat will be applied to loosen the shoulder and ice will be applied afterwards to calm everything down. I am not looking forward to PT. Shoulder PT is brutal. I remember from last time when one particular exercise I had to do would make me nauseous. But, the exercises have to be done or you never get back your range of motion and strength. I can already see and feel how much muscle mass and strength I’ve lost.

Good luck to all of you. I hope your pain is reduced and your shoulder back to normal soon.

I read this site before I had surgery June 21 (9 weeks ago) and was bracing for the pain and agony that went along with the cure. My surgery involved 4 things — torn rotator cuff, bone spur, frayed labrum and arthritis and bursitis removal. Here is my experience that may or may not help others. I am a 60-year-old male, fairly active, but live alone — who had surgery on my dominant (right) arm.

Before the surgery, I did four things that were very helpful and one I did that was not helpful at all.
1. Put a stool in the shower. I could then sit down and let the warm water flow over the shoulder (when you are allowed to shower). The stool is still there and will be there most likely for another month.
2. Because my recliner had the bar on the right side to make it recline — I tied and taped a rope to it so I could open the recliner with my left (good) arm. I could NOT have been able to recline the chair without that rope.
3. Put a table on the left side of the recliner (instead of the right side — my bad arm side). I moved that back to the right side about two weeks ago.
4. I rehearsed not having use of my right arm before the surgery. I was able to see where the problems would be and make adjustments. No one came and lived with me to help me bathe or get dressed. And you do have use of your arm from the elbow down (not pain free but useable) after a couple days.
5. The one thing that I thought would be useful to helping me dress was I bought a couple sleeveless t-shirts. I thought they would be easier to get on. I WAS WRONG. You need polo shirts or shirts with big neck holes, or short sleeved button shirts.

After surgery, here is how the pain/recovery went.
The nerve block wore off about 15 hours after the surgery. Very, very painful after that. Was prescribed Percocet which did not seem to help the pain (just made me sleepy). I had a huge hematoma on top of the shoulder (the size of a golf ball) and a gigantic bruise (the size of a pancake). Both were more painful than the incision and surgery sites. I went back to the dr. three days after surgery about those and was told both would be absorbed by my body (which did eventually happen). I also had him switch my pain med from the Percocet to Nocor (a form of Vicadin). That helped a lot.
I was told to start arm circles, leaning over and letting the shoulder hang, the day after surgery. I thought I was going to pass out doing that as the circle I was able to do was about an 1″ in diameter.
Worse part of the entire ordeal was lack of sleep. I tried everything — recliner, bed, couch, over the counter sleep aids. Nothing worked. Probably got 3-4 hours sleep a night the first 4-6 weeks – with added one hour naps in the day.
I drove one week after surgery — making sure I was not under the influence of any pain med — and it was not a problem. I used my left arm to turn the key and shift my automatic car. My sling was perched on the center console. I work part-time (I am a retired teacher) and was able to go back to work one week after the surgery too. I did not feel well the first two days back so if I had to do that again, I would wait 10 days before going back to work. I started PT one week after surgery. The sling came off after 6 weeks. I had pain the entire time until the end of week 8 (see below). I did notice range of motion and strength coming back but was still in constant pain 24/7 — some hours worse than others.

Here is my update as of today (again, 9 weeks after surgery):
The hematoma and bruise are gone (both disappeared about the 4 week mark). I am lifting my arm on my own above my head — no pain — just stiffness and slowly gaining more and more strength. I am lifting and stretching at PT two times a week and making steady progress. My awesome change came at the 8 week mark — to the day (a week ago). I had PT, took a 2 mile jog (my first since the surgery as okayed by the dr) and noticed that a lot of the constant pain was not there. Stiffness and pain when I got to range of motion limits, but not constant. Before that time, I wondered if I had done the right thing in getting the surgery and was depressed because the pain was constant. (Another thing that might have caused this sudden change — I had an infection at one of the incision points (the other two were healed). It was red but I did not think it was inflamed but it did hurt to the touch. I picked the small scab and out came some pus and it opened the original size surgical hole. I squeezed all the pus out (very little blood) and put a hot compress on it and Neosporin.) That was also a week ago. It is now almost completely healed with no pain. I probably should have gone to the dr. about it but my PT said all along to just put Neosporin on it and no need to see the dr. unless it was oozing or streaking (which it never did). Funny but the biggest first change that I noticed at about week 4 was that I was able to tie my shoes with both hands.
So as of today, 9 weeks out — I still struggle with above my head arm strength but pain (more discomfort) is around about 2 hours a day (usually in the morning). I just got back from doing an hour elliptical workout at the gym, using my surgery arm to move the arm bar. I am wearing a one lb. weighted wrist band during the day which is helping gain some strength. So from what I can tell — all seems to be going fine (which two weeks ago, I would have never believed).

My advice to others having the surgery.
It is going to hurt. Expect it. Don’t look at your recovery on a day-to-day basis expecting changes. Look at your recovery as a week-to-week basis expecting changes. One week you can’t put on deodorant without pain, the next week no pain. One week you can’t reach the shampoo, the next week you can. My one inch excruciating arm circles are now pain free three foot circles.

Hope this helps others in their quest for a pain free shoulder.

Mike,

Thanks for the tip on tying the rope to the recliner handle. Once I’m more healed, I’m going to try that and see how it works out, just in case I end up going through this again with my dominant arm. I’ve not seen anyone suggest that before.

I am also heartened by your report of lessening of pain over the course of weeks. It gets really, really tiring (both figuratively and literally) when you are constantly hurting. Next Wednesday will be week 7, and since week 4, it seems, although I’m making progress, that I just never seem to get a break from the pain. I went back to work starting this past Tuesday (so I was out way longer than you–don’t know how you survived returning so soon!) and that constant use of the arm (even without weight bearing) plus the added burden of driving has made my shoulder feel even more beat up than weeks four and five.

But knowing there will be light at the end of the tunnel in a matter of weeks helps me to keep going and pressing on. 😎

I guess I am normal….I am at week 3, and I am going to be posing a small rant.

1. PT found out that not only did I injury my shoulder…..but I also dislocated BOTH elbows. But won’t be able to do anything about it until shoulder is more stable. Like I didn’t have enough on my plate as it is.
2. Trying to balance Workman’s Comp with Unemployment Benefits is a total pain (even worse than RC surgery).
3. Still no stamina. I have a friend that is wonderful, and visits me, and I can say “I’m sorry, but I am going to go lie down now”. And it doesn’t hurt her feelings.
4. Roommate (I rent at my spare bedroom to a just graduated teacher not employed yet) was out having a “last summer fun in the mountains” family and friends, and brought home head lice. I don’t have it, but she is washing everything, and putting EVERYTHING into a bag that she doesn’t have to have out. OHHH joy, and here I thought I would only have to worry about it with school kids.
5. How many times can you say “I didn’t look for work this week due to surgery recovery”? Getting old.
6. Was suppose to be able to drive last week, PT said at least 3 more week.
7. Had MRI on left hip……it is bone on bone…can you say Hip Replacement?
8. My house is a mess. I told my housekeeper, to go on vacation with her daughters before school starts…..but, I want dishes done, and floors done, and I like the way it looks when she is finished….hopefully Tue she will come and all will be right with the world.
9. My sleep cycle is completely off. I am not getting to sleep until 3-7am. I head to bed and do my routine at 11/12.
10. New parakeet. He is fun to watch.
11. I miss getting a classroom ready for the new school year. First time in 23 years. Boy am I grumpy at last year’s principal in forcing me out. I really want my classroom. And to see the learning lights turn on.

Can I just hide from the world and preted I am not here?
I miss late night fast food.

UGH! Iris, sorry to hear that all these things are happening at once. Hope it gets better soon!

So sorry, Iris, that you are experiencing all these difficult things! You do have good reason to rant! At least you have a new parakeet! I used to have two, and they were so interesting. The female loved Wagner opera. She would sing along (not in tune).

Today, I am 10 weeks post op. I have been driving (short journeys) since week 7 and can now lift my arm to the top of the steering wheel and feel in full control of the car. I continue to do my PT three times a day and am slowly feeling the strength returning to my arm. I started weight bearing exercises week 8 which were really difficult at first as I couldn’t lift my arm until I really concentrated (weird!). I am still using pillows to prop myself up in bed but woke up this morning feeling ready to ditch the extra pillows and lie down tonight… feeling quite excited actually!
A question for the ladies… I still can’t get my arm behind my back to fasten my bra, is this normal at my stage of recovery?
It’s very true what many people have already said – the recovery is slow but the feeling you get when you realise that you can do something this week that you couldn’t do last week is amazing!

Celia,

(Pardon me, gents on the list) but the bra issue brings up the funniest thing about my rotator cuff experience. All of my life (I’m 47) I thought ALL women fastened their bra in front and slid it around to the back. So imagine my astonishment when I started reading sites like this and found out women routinely fastened in the back! LOL!!!!

I’m sure I would’ve had to have rotator cuff surgery long before now if I’d always fastened it behind my back.

So I can’t answer your question. What I can tell you is that being 6.5 weeks post op, I would not even dream of the possibility of getting my hands back there in that position. Plus I was never very backward reaching flexible to begin with.

Yes, I’m with BK on this one! I can’t remember ever doing it like that!

I’m now 13 weeks post op and while I can get my good arm’s hand up higher than where my bra strap is – I can get my other hand behind me, but not any higher than my waist.

For what it’s worth, other things I’ve been able to do:
– for a while now, put dishes away in the cupboard about eye level,
– hang clothes up,
-brush my hair – but it still hurts a little on the far side of my head,
– I can almost hold my arm straight out to the side, parallel to the floor.
– driving hasn’t been a problem for weeks
-I can lift more than I usually let myself… just afraid of injuring the repair…
– I’ve been able to sleep on my back for several weeks now, but sometimes I still put a thin pillow under the shoulder
– I’ve been sleeping on my side most of the time now, and it gets more comfortable as time goes on, but it is still necessary for me to hug two pillows to hold my arm up and out.
– I’m still taking an Aleve in the A.M and PM

I’m Going to PT twice a week, still mostly passive – usually very little pain during and no aftermath.

I have several exercises at home which I need to do more than I do….
– The pendulum exercise – I think everyone knows that one!
– shoulder blade squeeze
– pulley exercise; I hang a pulley on the door with a rope that goes through it and while sitting I hold one side of the rope and use my good arm to hoist the injured side up.
– “butterfly / wing” exercise: lying down I lock my fingers behind my head, with my elbows out, to passively let the weight of my arms over time lower my arms to the mattress
– posterior shoulder stretching exercise: lying down, grab the wrist on my injured arm and pull it across my chest – (this bothers me the most probably)
– overhead stretching: lying down, grab my elbow on my injured arm and raise my arm up over the side of my head – this is pretty easy now.
– stick exercise: use a stick, cane… to push the injured arm out to the side

BK & Lynne, Thanks for the bra tip. Isn’t it strange that I’d never thought of fastening at the front before! Did it this morning and think I might fasten it this way from now on… another achievement to tick off my list!

Yes, I’ve always fastened the bra in front and then moved it around to the back already fastened.

HELP!

I can’t take it any more. I haven’t had a real night’s sleep since surgery almost 7 weeks ago. Early last week, after I got the sling off, I began sleeping in my bed. My head is nicely propped up, I sleep on my back (out of necessity, b/c can’t sleep on my side due to both shoulders) with a body pillow under my knees to raise my legs, and I have a fluffy pillow tucked under my operative (left) arm to keep it well positioned.

Still I can’t get a good night’s sleep. All those weeks I slept in the recliner I was able to average about 4.5-5 hours a night. Now that I’m sleeping in bed, it’s more like 3.5-4 hours a night. I woke up at 2 a.m. this morning, kept re-positioning but could never fall asleep. Finally gave up and went to the recliner, where it took a long time to fall asleep–I’ll be heading in to work on about 4 hours sleep total.

This is so irritating on several levels. In the first place, I understand how crucial sleep is to the body’s repair of itself, so being robbed of sleep, I’m being robbed of heeling time. Lack of sleep is also magnifying the discomfort, AND I then sleep when I shouldn’t. I missed a dinner date this past Friday night b/c I was in such discomfort after my first week back at work and so tired, I came home in early afternoon to take a short nap, but didn’t even hear the alarm I’d set to wake me an hour later. The only good news about that is that’s one day where I did sleep 6 hours in a row–in the recliner because of the cumulative exhaustion.

I’m leaving a message for the doctor’s office for suggestions to see if there is a supplement that’s safe to take and won’t interfere with my healing process, but do any of you have any recommendations? This is driving me BONKERS! I never had problems sleeping before this. And it’s keeping me from performing my best.

I’m assuming everyone by this stage (6.5 weeks) is getting frustrated. I sure am. It has been constant discomfort since week four, on top of the sleeplessness. I can’t deny that I’m making slow steady progress in improving ROM, but it comes at an uncomfortable cost.

Sorry for the rant. Hope everyone has a nice day (hopefully one that’s pain free and filled with good sleep!).

Same here, BK! The not being able to sleep is driving me nuts too! I had it once before, a few years ago. On that occasion it was due to a drug I was coming off, a strong pain killer. I feel it is partly that and partly the constant uncomfy feeling this time.

I can’t offer any advice. I tend to get up, make a drink, read, then start again, nod off for a bit the wake again. I know it will pass, these things always do, I hang on to that thought – it sometimes helps, not always though. I also try and accept this is how it is for now and try not to fight it and catch up on sleep when I can during the day.

I really hope you come back here soon and tell us you ARE sleeping well! I am sure it will happen!

BK, this sleeplessness can become serious. I’m glad you left a message for your doctor. There are several sleep prescriptions available that, as far as I know, should be safe to use. I use Ambien CR, 12 mg. about once a month for a good night’s sleep. Lunesta also works, but not as well for me, a notoriously poor sleeper. My mom falls asleep with a low dose of generic Ambien. Please get a prescription of something so you can get some sleep! Many of these posts reference poor sleeping after this surgery. It is typical, I think. But when you need to go to your job the next day, you just have to get some sleep! I noticed that more than one person on this blog has received muscle relaxants from their doctor. These also may help with sleep.

Take a Benedryl
You will fall asleep in 10 minutes and be out like a log!

Sorry, but 1 Ambien and 2 Benedryl let me go to sleep 7 hrs after taking them. I am finding I am doing better with hot tea, sounds of waves/rain, and dimmed lights and a fluff reading, cold room, and my snuggle blankets. I usually have no problem with sleeping, but since op, it has been an all or nothing thing (tues I slept close to 19 hrs with 2 bathroom trips and a bowl of raisin bran).

I think because we are all so indidvial in our pain and dealing with life, that even sleep and sleep positions will cause each of us to experiment it differently.

I used to take one benadryl and some melatonin and feel really drowsy within 20 minutes but after the two surgeries the insomnia was so awful and benadryl didn’t work, unisom didn’t work, dramamine didn’t work, Ambien was iffy at best. I am taking a supplement with valerian, hops, chamomile, passionflower & melatonin and I am feeling drowsy enough to get to sleep be midnight instead of 4am. My goal is to be asleep by 11pm because I have to wake up for work at 7am starting next Tuesday. I think that once I HAVE to get up for work and have to keep going, my body will start to be more tired at the appropriate time.

I am 14 weeks out from surgery. Sleep is extremely important . Many years of working nights, weekends, holidays, dangerous and highly stressful jobs , caused me to search for ways to sleep. Duplicate your most comfortable position using pillows , blankets, etc. White noise such as a fan running sometimes helps. Some people ( myself) prefer earplugs to stop any noise. Wear a sleeping mask to eliminate any light, such as the flicker from a television. Try to not sleep on an empty stomach. A light snack will suffice but no spicy Mexican food, it causes weird dreams. Meditation has helped me for years. My meditation is building a log cabin in the mountains, It is a world I can control and solve problems. You can take a trip and never leave the farm. Another is to concentrate on your big toe and cause it to relax and then work on your foot , then your ankle , calf et., etc. till you drift off. Keeping your mind in a calm place and focused may help. Your first priority is sleep, all the other things will work out. Sweet dreams.

I’m 12 days out from surgery, and have just had the best nights sleep I’ve had since I first injured my shoulder in February. Start thearapy tomorrow and am really excited to start getting my life back . Dressing is still a hassle and as my work is very physical I’m not sure how soon they will let me go back. It’s also a 14 mile drive to my work place through heavy traffic and that worries me. Could have someone drive me there but the extra cost in gas is not something I relish. Hope everyone here had a good nights sleep and have a comfortable day.

Edie, I am about where you are. I am now at 5 mile round trip driving. I went to the grocers last night….just about 2 miles. THEN shopped, and drove home. I was tired from all of that. I had to use both arms several times to make turns. Hope you will be okay driving…..but really question about how much you can do one handed at work.

Jim & Joyce,

Thanks for the input on the sleeplessness remedies. Will consider all. I did leave a msg for the doctor so I’m waiting for feedback. Joyce–as to muscle relaxers–I’m not positive but I think Tramadol falls into that category. I told the doc at last appointment on the 19th that stuff never worked for me, nevertheless he prescribed it anyway. Doctors, like everyone else, have phases where they hear with their ears but don’t really listen! 😎

BK – you didn’t say, and I forget if we’ve discussed this before, but are you on any pain pills or anti inflammatory meds? That’s the first thing I go to – not necessarily opiates either. I’ll mention that in the past (and having nothing to do with my shoulder) I would take an aspirin before going to bed if I knew I wasn’t going to get enough sleep – because I knew it helped me to sleep more soundly – even if I wasn’t feeling any pain…. maybe it just made me a little more comfortable?

Tramadol isn’t a muscle relaxant it’s a pain killer similar to codeine I believe…

So I would first try over the counter pain/antiinflamatory pills, followed by muscle relaxants followed by prescription pain pills if the first two don’t work… Early on I was on both muscle relaxants and percocet but I don’t need that anymore.

I’m just taking the Aleve morning and evening to keep the pain and inflammation down – and specifically for a sounder sleep. I could tolerate the pain during the day, but it would get in the way of my sleep at night.

Good luck!

Well, it’s now exactly a month (tomorrow) since surgery and today is only the FIRST day I have had some pain. *(&^#&*($^#
Yesterday was my second rehab day and he had me do something which , to me, seemed a bit more than “passive”, but he said it was just that.
I go back tomorrow and we’ll see how I am when I wake up tomorrow AM, but right now I feel like I took a step backwards, perhaps this is just the way it’s going to be for a while.

Thanks all for the input on sleep. I will probably be trying them all in some variation over the coming weeks. Yesterday the doctor ended up calling something in to the pharmacy, which turned out to be a short term course of the generic Ambien. I’m hoping I can take it for a couple nights then maybe my body will “remember” what a good night’s sleep is and be able to do so on its own.

Went to bed at 9 and woke up at 4:30—so 7.5 hours sleep is an absolute record since my surgery on July 10. I got up for a half hour and for good measure got back in bed to see if I could squeeze out another 30 minutes and I did. I wanted to make sure I didn’t have any “hangover fog” and I didn’t. I’m glad. Yesterday I was truly at the end of my rope. I’m not a crier but yesterday all I wanted to do was cry because of the lack of sleep and the mid-level pain that hasn’t stopped since week 4 of therapy. Well I alternated between wanting to cry and hit someone. 😎

I’m telling you, now that I’ve been through this once, and knowing that my right shoulder is heading down this same pathway, next year, there are going to be some changes. When this whole thing started, the doctor told me I’d only need to be out of work a week—which is absolutely ludicrous. That set up a lot of job related stress because, taking the doctor at his word, I only did so much prep before leaving work before surgery. And then having to keep resubmitting STD/FMLA paperwork and getting the staff at the doctor’s office to fill it out was like pulling teeth. They also delayed doing the MRI for 3-4 months playing around with physical therapy, and GUESSING at the problem instead of using the MRI to find out exactly what was going on.

So next time:
1. They don’t get to waste half my year’s physical therapy visits on guessing games. At this point, I’m intimately familiar with what a rotator cuff tear feels like. The only question now is to what degree my right rotator cuff is torn. I’m insisting on an MRI for proper and legitimate diagnosis.
2. Whether approved for STD or not, I’m taking a minimum 7 weeks off work right off the bat. I’m starting to save money now so I can cover my expenses.
3. I’m not putting up with the “being left to suffer” mentality that I’ve endured this time around. While sleeplessness has been a hell since the surgery, it has been much worse since week 4 because the pain has been a constant since week four. I understand doctor paranoia regarding narcotics because of the addicts of the world, but there is no good reason to leave a patient to suffer and therefore have a more painful recovery simply because they want to be chintzy about the medication (and want to give you rx’s for meds you already TOLD them don’t work for you).
4. I’m going to print out in advance 4000 of the stupid work and insurance forms I’ll need to have filled out 50,000 times during the process.

Okay, I’ve got that rant out of my system. Hope everyone has a pain free sleep filled day. I’m hoping a good night’s sleep will lessen the pain level for me at work today. We’ll see.

I wish there was a way we could set up a database to track everyone’s progress over the course of 2-3 years. There are so many varieties of treatment protocols represented here (starting PT immediately, waiting on PT, etc.). I’d like to be able to see how each of us do over the course of 2-3 years with our respective methods of treatment and how the long term effectiveness of it works out.

Congratulations on a good sleep!! So happy for you!

Yes, I, too, have felt irritated about having to do physical therapy for three weeks before the surgeon decided to have an MRI which showed the torn rotator cuff tendon! What a waste of time and money! But that is quite typical.

And I, too, wish the people on this blog could be tracked for a couple years to see how things work out. This quote is directly from the link that Demetra Dunlop put up:” In general, research tends to find little agreement among orthopaedic surgeons on rotator cuff treatment options,” explains Dr. Yormak. “Of course, when possible, we always try non-invasive options such as physical therapy before resorting to surgery to help our patients resume normal use of their arms. Though most tears cannot heal on their own, satisfactory function can often be achieved without surgery. Sometimes a specific combination of therapies is required to do the trick.” This is from http://www.healthnewsdigest.com/news/Health_Tips_620/Most-Rotator-Cuff-Injuries-Heal-Well-Without-Surgery.shtml
But nothing truly repairs the torn tendon except surgery! And after that? How many of us will re-tear? Do all these different protocols work equally well?

Maybe Scott should start a whole new blog with advertising and I’d bet he’d make a bundle 🙂
I had fibroid surgery and there is an amazing blog a woman set up – with different pages for women to write about their experience and different concerns (types of surgery, fertility etc.) It’s had over a million visitors and I know has helped women a lot! It’s interesting so many people find this blog!

Yes, this blog is a tremendous help. I’ve been thankful to have found it and the information is invaluable. Medical articles are nice, but talking to real people who’ve been through it was the most valuable thing. Because people who HAVEN’T been through it are totally clueless and have NO concept of what it’s like (they figure once you’re arm’s out of the sling you’re good to go, right? NOT.). Between this blog and the many medical sites out there, you can get a whole lot of information on rotator cuff.

The one thing that seems lacking is actual comparison studies, done medically or not, regarding the efficacy of different post surgical treatment methods and their short and long term outcomes. THAT is the info I’m dying to know. I wish that article you posted above had provided a link to that 2012 study to see exactly what the study’s parameters were. I think I’m going to search and see if I can find it. Or maybe a medical librarian can help me find it.

Personally, I have found it nerve-wracking reading about the “wait for PT”/”start PT right away” controversy. So when I started PT I was thinking “I hope I joined the right side of the theory!” LOL! I can’t argue with the continued (slow) progress with my ROM (although very painful progress). But that still leaves the long term in question. And of course there’s no guarantee of ANYBODY’S repair, regardless of the approach to post op rehab. But my mind just can’t help but wonder.

If I can successfully find the study in question, I’ll post the link here.

BK, I wonder if you read this article that Lynne posted awhile back: http://www.hss.edu/newsroom_changes-rotator-cuff-surgery-rehabilitation.asphttp://www.hss.edu/newsroom_changes-rotator-cuff-surgery-rehabilitation.asp.
It tells of a study done on rats that may suggest that keeping the shoulder immobile for a few weeks could possibly be best. However, they really need to study humans!

Lynne, thanks for your suggestion – but I’m happy to keep this going just in our little corner of the web!

Best, Scott

BK – I know how you feel. My dr also ended up prescribing me a short term course of generic Ambien. When I looked up the dosing instructions, it said that as of Jan. 2013, women and elderly people should start with a dose of 5 mg instead of the usual 10 mg. I ended up cutting the pill in half. The first night I took it and fell asleep in half an hour, the second night I fell asleep in one hour, and the third night I fell asleep in 2 hours. I noticed that during the day, I was getting horribly dizzy and felt like I was going to keel over. I looked up Ambien side effects on-line and extreme dizziness was one of them. I ended up stopping them and the dizziness stopped. I am able to fall asleep now and get up early enough for work. I tried a supplement that had melatonin, valerian, hops and chamomile in it for sleep and it definitely helped and I’m not groggy or dizzy in the morning.
Make sure you go to bed immediately after taking the generic Ambien – I’ve been reading horror stories of people sleep driving, crashing, getting arrested, etc, when on Ambien.

RE: Sleep Aids

I wanted to add, someone (not on this forum) recommended magnolia bark as a natural sleep aid. I have NOT tried it yet so I can’t speak to it’s effectiveness, nor have I had a chance to read up on it, but FYI if someone wants to look into that as well. I’m going to research it when I have a chance this weekend.

Joyce, yes I did see the rat study but I’m still holding out for a long term study on humans. No offense to the rats, but I could care less how THEIR shoulders fare. 😎 😎 I’m going to keep digging for research studies. I can’t believe there aren’t any relevant studies that directly answer this question. I’m going to do some digging, maybe see if I can ask a librarian for help. But maybe I’ll turn up something. I will keep you all posted on what I find (if anything).

I know the one consistent piece of advice everyone here has posted is “do exactly what your surgeon and PT tell you.” And I think it’s crucial advice.

But have you ever, during the course of your rehab, felt the necessity to take a day off from PT and give your mince meat arm a break? I’ve done PT faithfully every single day since it began, but I just feel like I need a break for a day or so. I know I must keep moving my arm to regain mobility, but geez, I’m desperate for a break.

Hope everyone has a delightful Labor Day holiday with family and friends.

BK–I have. (Preface to say that I am not a severe repair) I am actually taking a week off from going to PT. I will be going for several days of relaxation at the beach. I am taking my pulley ropes, and the small bar, and of course the walls will already be there. But I will be relaxing and enjoying ocean waves and fireplace.

Did the stupid: I was cleaning out a closet. I was ONLY lifting #3-5 pounds, but multiple trips. Next day, couldn’t raise my arm. So, please do listen about weight restrictions.

Thanks, Iris. I did call the PT yesterday morning and ask if it was ok to take a couple days off b/c my shoulder needed a break. He said ok but keep doing the pendulums to keep the shoulder lubricated.

I’ve followed everything to the letter I’ve been told to do, but it’s still nerve wracking trying to discern between what is “normal rehab pain” and what is “there’s a problem here” pain (especially since I didn’t originally present with symptoms the way people “typically” do–ie. my problem was much more of weakness then of pain that most people tend to report).

I’m praying that a rest from PT this weekend will not only reduce the pain but make the arm feel better in general.

Susan–cool idea with the peanut filled fanny pack!

BK- I am at week 10, and have gotten by on a few occasions with just doing 1 or 2 sets of exercises in a day, when I was busy traveling and couldn’t fit in anymore. I was worried about losing ground, but that did not happen. I think you should be fine with taking a break. It will be interesting to see if it lets you sleep better.
I had PT yesterday, and started some new exercises that let my bad shoulder start doing some lifting. Not sure if it was the new exercises or yesterday’s PT in general, but I had my worst night ever last night: moved between the bed and the recliner every 45-60 minutes when the pain in my shoulder and upper arm got so bad I couldn’t stand it and had to move. I maybe slept 10-15 minutes at a stretch in each place, so maybe 2 hours of sleep for the night. Besides dealing with the physical pain, I find it emotionally frustrating. I, too, am wondering if something is wrong – it doesn’t seem like the pain should be this bad. Yet, once I got up this morning, the pain is minimal. I am not going to do my exercises today, except for pendulums, and see if tonight is better. My Dr. did prescribe some Vicodin, but it did not help with the pain so I have not been taking it.
I had little to no pain after the surgery and while in the sling and slept well in a recliner, but the pain at night has slowly increased since the sling came off and the PT has gradually ratcheted up in intensity. Makes the extreme discomfort of last night all the more frustrating. I start back to work in 2 weeks, and am seriously concerned about how this is going to affect the quality of my work. Those of you who are farther ahead – at what point were you able to get a decent night’s sleep?
There is a certain protocol that most of our PT’s work with, but it does not take into consideration the age of the patient. I am 56, and think that if I were in my 20’s I would be getting through this process a lot easier. I’m beginning to think that the increase in the PT intensity every couple of weeks may just be a little too fast for this older body.
Sorry about the long post – I’m just feeling so frustrated at this point and don’t even see a dim light at the end of the tunnel yet.

Rene:

RE: Work–I had an incident this week that greatly concerned me in terms of how much the chronic pain from this recovery effects my functioning. I returned to work 8/20, just a day shy of 6 weeks post op (lesson for future–way too soon to return). I work as an Admin Assist in a hospital setting. So my job is to support the nurses and docs that are supporting the patients. I’m OCD (not that that would surprise anyone here. LOL!) and very detail oriented, but those are beneficial to my line of work. I like everything I do to be done precisely and that counts especially in a health care setting.

One of my jobs is to triage calls and write up detailed messages and forward to the nurse when a patient needs help between clinic visits. Day before yesterday, my nurse called me and let me know I sent him a message w/o the patient demographic info in it. And then I second guessed myself, wondering if I attached the right message to the right patient (turns out that part was correct). In any case, it’s not a life threatening error to be sure, but that is NOT my usual self.

The point being, I can’t take anything for pain while at work anyway, but it also points out further reason to be annoyed with provider hesitancy to truly address a patient’s pain concerns when you ask about it.

RE: Sleeping at night. UGH! I hate that that’s still happening for you even 10 weeks out. I hope you turn a corner with that soon.

You also bring up a good point re: factoring in age. As I’ve mentioned here already, it’s nerve wracking enough with the wide ranging opinions on how soon to start PT, but I think you are correct in the idea of providers adopting a “one size fits all” rehab, regardless of age. I’m sure it can’t be precise since there are so many variables with each and every patient (individual pain threshholds, ability to recover, general health, etc etc). I know at this point I certainly do question the wisdom of pushing for PT every single day.

All I know is I can’t wait for rehab to be over. But at least I’ve gained a greater appreciation for what chronic pain sufferers go through so there IS some good to come from this. 😎

My neck was sore from the sling until I invented a body contoured shelf to help support my bad arm and keep part of the weight off my neck. It is simply a large fanny pack stuffed with Styrofoam peanuts!

Hi,

I have a question for you seasoned veterans of shoulder surgery. If the surgery was not your right shoulder, how long before you drove?

I had surgery on August 16th. My husband has been able to take me wherever I’ve had to go but this week is a busy week for him at work. I don’t have to go far – one appointment is with my surgeon who is a mile from my house – but is it too soon to be driving myself?

Thanks.

Judy, you don’t mention the extent of your surgery, but I had full rotator cuff repair/bone spur removal on 7/10 and did not drive until 8/22 (and only then out of duress because the doctor’s office kept losing the forms I faxed). As you will see from reading people’s accounts here, everyone has a slightly different experience with recovery. I was able to drive at 6 weeks but it was painful and even now, a week later, I only drive when absolutely necessary.

If you’re still wearing a sling, I don’t see how it’s possible.

I had the same. I slipped off a curb in June, lost my balance & slammed my shoulder into a brick wall. I usually drive with one hand so I know I can manage my vehicle but I’m nervous. My next door neighbors offered their help if I needed it. I may have to take them up on their offer.

I have my second post-op visit with my surgeon on Thursday. But I also have to get the films and report from a thyroid ultrasound I recently had because I have to have a needle biopsy done on one of the 9 nodules. (It never ends!). I have to bring the films & report to the hospital so the biopsy can be scheduled.

I so hate being dependent.

Hi Judy,
I was able to drive at week 3 with the sling on, one-handed with my left arm. I am right-handed, and had my right rotator cuff repaired. I only drove when absolutely necessary, and kept the drives really short and local until I came out of the sling at week 6. Since then, I have made a couple of long trips of about 6 hours length, still with my left hand/arm only as I am not supposed to use the right shoulder until Week 12. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be to drive one-handed, but I’m not sure of the legality of it when you are in the sling. I would take a test drive around your neighborhood first to see how you feel about it.

We are going to a concert this afternoon. I may ask my husband to let me drive the last mile home to see how I do because the distances I would have to drive would be about 2 miles. Home to radiology office to pick up films to the hospital and home. One huge circle. The surgeon’s office on Thursday is a straight line once I get on the highway from my house (4 blocks).

I drove with one arm for 8 weeks before the surgery when I was initially injured. Short distances but I did it. I’m always aware of the injured arm. Reach over and close the door with my right hand. I usually remove the sling when I drive and rest the arm on the arm rest and my lap and because I’m not going far, it’s never for a long time. Sling is put back on before I exit my vehicle. I have to remove the sling every so often and move my arm. It gets stiff and seeing that I’ve lost all my muscle tone does not make me happy. I also have to do “the pendulum” three times a day. I will find out when the PT schedule will be when I see my surgeon on Thursday.

Take care.

Judy, my PT said I would be fine with a 5 mile round trip…my surgery was 8/7. But, just know it will tire you out, with all the movements, and you will want to use the other arm for making turns…..with I did 3 times. See if you can stay off the busiest streets.

Good luck.

Thanks, Iris. I’d been driving one handed since the accident on June 13th. Towards the end of July, beginning of August, I noticed that I was holding onto the steering wheel with the left hand but using the left arm to assist in turns was out of the question. Now I haven’t driven since the surgery on 8/16, but I just received the call that the medical records are ready so it’s time to “jump in the water”. I’ll let you know how it went.

Take care.

Oye. The pain has been getting the best of me. Friday I called and asked the PT if I could take some time off from doing the prescribed exercises because I couldn’t take the “minced meat” feeling of my shoulder any more. Pain has been near constant since week 4 of rehab. He said fine, take a couple days off, just be sure and do the pendulums so you are putting the joint through some motion.

I took off Friday-Monday from PT but it really didn’t help the pain much. At that point, I was freaked out because I was wondering, not for the first time during this recovery process, if something was wrong with the repair. So I called the doc’s office to see if I should have it re-x-rayed. They said they’d do it if I wanted, but that they considered what I was experiencing normal.

Had PT tonight, and the PT also thinks it’s normal pain, and said I should expect this to continue throughout the first 12 weeks post surgery. Oh joy. Four more weeks of torture. It’s not that the pain is a “10” but a constant 4-5 is very draining on your body, very distracting while you’re at work, and of course, doesn’t do much for your sleep either. It has brought me to tears more than once in the last few weeks because there rarely seems to be a break from it where you can just relax and be comfortable. But I do feel better knowing that Doc and PT concur that it is “normal”.

PT also said to be sure and do PT every day from now on–even if I have to reduce ROM by 10 degrees on some movements to avoid a high level of pain. But keep the shoulder moving.

So on we go. I can wait to get past week 12!

BK – So sorry your few days off from the exercises didn’t help. Believe me, I feel your pain, too! Last Friday night, when I had just reached Week 10, I had my worst night since the surgery – numerous minutes of Level 10 pain, with the rest of the night about Level 6. Felt like Day 1 after surgery to me. I was sure I had damaged the repair. This was after a PT session of new exercises – with hindsight I think it was too much, too soon. Since then, the pain has dropped back to being tolerable. I am still only able to sleep 30 – 60 minutes at a time before my shoulder wakes me, but I found last night that if I got out of bed and let the arm hang straight for a minute, I could get back in bed and return to sleep for another hour or so.

There have been numerous times in the last week when my shoulder started to bother me more during the day, and often I noticed that I had been tensing my shoulder muscles and sometimes even hiking the shoulder up. This seems to really aggravate it. I still am doing very little with the bad arm other than occasionally carrying something lightweight. You might try focusing on how you are carrying your shoulder – I’ve found that I have to constantly remind myself to relax it, and this seems to help with the pain level.

Just had another round of more aggressive PT today, but not as much as last Friday’s after I mentioned to my therapist how bad Fri. night was. So, we’ll see what tonight brings.

Just want you to know you’re not alone in dealing with the pain – I hope it becomes at least tolerable soon!

Today (8 wks post op) was the least painful day I’ve had since week 4 began (okay the least painful day was actually day of surgery when I was pleasantly unaware of my existence for most of the day. 😎

Interestingly, the PT taped my shoulder with the same Rock Tape he’s used in the past on my knees. I don’t know if that is helping with the pain or if its the 4 days rest I took over the weekend that maybe helped my body recoup a little (though I sure didn’t feel any relief at the time). Or perhaps it’s a combination of the 4 days rest and the Rock Tape.

Either way, it’s a welcome relief. I’m going to try NOT taking the Tramadol tonight because I think that stuff is responsible for the headaches I’ve been having this week (may be because I had to take so much of it over the weekend in a vain attempt to kill the pain). I’m trying not to use much Advil because I read somewhere (or perhaps I’m mistaken) that it can interfere with your tissue’s healing. But I had to break the headache and take it this time.

Anyway I’m looking forward to experimenting tonight and am hoping for a solid night’s sleep. 😎 I’ll find out in the morning! 😎

I’m on a roll! This last 2 nights are the first time I HAVEN’T had to take a prescription pain killer since this whole thing began. Is it still painful? Yes, but at a level that doesn’t require medication. Don’t know if its the 4 day break, the Rock Tape, or a combination of both, but either way, I’m relieved to have a break from the constant pain.

I’m filing this away for future right shoulder surgery. This time, I felt like the surgeon left me to suffer needlessly in pain this last 2-3 weeks because he was unwilling to prescribe more Norco (small dose — only 5 mg). Instead, he rx’d a med I already told him never worked for me. So next time around, I’m staying out of work a minimum of 8 weeks and insisting on pain management coverage for at least the first 8 weeks. It serves no useful purpose and only causes setbacks to leave a patient suffering like that. It is ridiculous.

In the meantime, I’m elated for a break from the pain and the medication—I’m sure I have chemicals galore swimming around in my system. It’ll be nice to clean out my blood stream. Now if I can just master that full night’s sleep thing….

P.S. Another thing I learned–if you have a dental cleaning a few months after major surgery, be warned, your teeth & gums are going to be much more sensitive to the cleaning. Or at least that was my experience on Wednesday. I don’t know if its explained through your body’s resistance being down or whatever, but OUCH!

Good.
Some doctors are just a-holes, some don’t LISTEN and/or just don’t care.
It also depends on what state you live in.
FL for instance it’s very hard to get narcotics for anything and the doctors are very paranoid to prescribe any!

You have to make your needs perfectly clear to them BEFORE you have surgery

Has anyone noticed an increased in cravings of sweets? I am not normally a person who does lots of sweets. But right now I just can’t get enough of any sugar.

PT just added weights (1/2 lb) to my routines. YOWL, am I sore, and needing to increase sleep again. Also using more of a ice machine. Trying to stay off meds for pain, and just using muscle relaxer.

I am driving!!!! okay short distances, but I am not totally relying on friends. Ohhh I love this feeling of freedom

I did increasingly eat more junk over the last 2 months since surgery. Chocolate cheesecake has been a particular go-to source. For me it was a coping mechanism (starting this week I’m taming it down–don’t want to gain back all the weight I lost over the last 17 months. More importantly don’t want diabetes–that particular monster has been chasing me for a few years but I refuse to be caught). But going through such difficult rehab and enduring the almost never ending pain, I definitely helped myself to “woe is me” food–which usually comes in the form of sugars, since that’s my Kryptonite. Even splurging on dessert wouldn’t have been so bad, but with all of my effort and energy going into my shoulder rehab, my usual vigorous workouts have been practically non-existent.

I miss kickboxing and intensive weight training. It’ll be a LOOOOONG time before I can kickbox again, and I’m probably going to have to greatly curb my weight training goals, but I can’t wait to get back into more of a regular routine.

Thank you all for posting your experiences. I’ve been reading them and trying to get prepared for MY Left rotator cuff tendon repair scheduled for Tues, Sept 10. It has been helpful reading what others have experienced during the recovery period. I’m not sure exactly what will be repaired…I do have a tear…moderate levels of discomfort since Dec 2012… and also what looks like a fluid filled sac…the surgeon just said he would go in (arthroscopy) and fix what ever was wrong. He is highly recommended but seems to not be too interested in preop teaching/preparation. That’s why I have searched the Internet for whatever information I could find (including your website, Scott!). I hope I am prepared…easy on/off clothing…LOTS of ice packs….recliner and pillows ready…short haircut…refrig and freezer stocked up…reading materials…house clean! I have a husband who will be helping out (we are both retired)…and I am very grateful that this is NOT on my dominant side!

Sounds like you are ready. I know reading this blog really helped me. I am almost four months post op now & am doing great. I’m sleeping on my operative side. I have almost full range of motion. Only occasional discomfort .. no real pain. After pain for such a long time before my surgery this is a real blessing. I am still working on strength (on my own).
So good luck to you Jeri! & let us hear from you when you are able.

Dear Jeri,

I wish you much luck with your surgery on Tuesday. I’ll keep you in my thoughts. It’s going to hurt so take the pain meds and use the sling. I slept in my sling for about a week because I felt it provided me with better protection. I’m now sleeping with a boomerang shaped pillow under the arm to provide support.

I had a full cut repair of a badly ruptured rotator cuff and a large spur had to be removed. The ice packs were always handy. Surgery was on a Friday. By Tuesday evening, I was able to move from the recliner to the guestroom bed using a bed wedge and other pillows for support. I’m 23 days post surgery, still sleeping in the guestroom bed – we have dogs who insist on sleeping on the master bed and I wanted some room – and so far I’m doing ok. I do take Ambien at night because I have neuropathy in my feet and sometimes I’d wake up to them burning so the Ambien helps with that.

I’m at the point where I have two exercises to do – the pendulum and another where you sit with your hands clasped as if in prayer and raise both arms slowly to get your hands over your head. Your surgeon will instruct you what he wants you to do when. I start physical therapy on Tuesday, twice a week for four weeks and we’ll go from there.

I wish I could upload a photo of my scar. I can’t believe how good it looks. My surgeon did a great job. My cousin makes a balm (salve) from Comfrey infused castor oil, Rosemary, ground Comfrey root, Vitamin E, Mango butter, Beeswax and other ingredients and this balm work wonders on reducing the redness. I used it after I’d been bitten in the face by a dog and had to massage the area four times a day to prevent scar tissue from forming.

I had also read either here or somewhere else that if you have steri strips on your incision(s), leave them alone and let them fall off by themselves. The longer the steri strips stay on, the better for the incision. Mine came off on Day 19. With my surgeon’s technique, leaving the strips alone and now massaging the balm into the area., I think the scar will be minimal.

Again, good luck on Tuesday. You’ve prepared well. Just listen to your doctor and you’ve got this wonderful site for tips and support. Give us an update when you’re up to it.

Jeri,

I had some other thoughts. Do you have a bath chair, a hand held shower and a mesh sponge back brush? I bought the bath brush after I injured my shoulder because I couldn’t move my arm so I couldn’t wash my back. The back brush really came in handy washing under the injured arm. It’s soft and narrow and easy to slip under the arm.

We use bath sheets to dry ourselves. My husband is 6’6″ so he requires a large towel. I had read either here or some other site to use a regular bath towel. A larger towel is hard to manage.

There are so many things we take for granted that can’t be done after shoulder surgery – flossing, washing your hair with two hands, reaching across your body to wash under the good arm, applying deodorant, reach into the sink to wash dishes. I felt like I accomplished something when I was able to do these simple tasks.

I wish you a successful surgery and a complete recovery.

Jeri–Also remember, keep on top of the pain…don’t let it get to the point of a 10. Be ready for lots and lots of sleeping and napping. Also be ready for some akward situations to come up……just remember to laugh.

Ice machine, Ice machine. Please make sure that after surgery you get one. (Mine came home from the surgery with me.) It has been a life saver. OHHH and small cups w/ water in freezer will help with the ice bill.

My surgeon is KNOWN for NO bedside manner. It is okay, he is good at what he does. The PTs all recommend him, but know that information is not what he is known for.

Welcome. Ask questions. Because I was prepared for the worst, and my repair was less invasive.
We all have differrent reactions to this recovery.

Jeri, my best thoughts and wishes for your procedure on Tuesday! I too really appreciate Scott hosting this blog. It has been a lifesaver and the best information source from the people closest to the information–THE PATIENTS! 😎

Don’t take it too personally if your surgeon/surgeon’s office doesn’t seem very well versed in detailed post op prep. I think that is an unfortunate circumstance of our modern “herd ’em through the gates” healthcare mentality. My surgeon’s office didn’t come close to preparing me either and I would suspect that would be what most here would say too.

I hope it goes smoothly, the damage is minimal, and that you’ll be well on your way to recovery in no time!

Good news! I had my 6 week follow up from the second surgery and the new screw they put in is still in place (so are the other 3 screws). So after being immobilized in the sling for 8 WEEKS (since the first surgery), I ‘ve been officially released from the sling and the PT restrictions have been lifted so they will start working on full range of motion next week.

I will say that by the end of the first day without the sling, my shoulder is tired and achy. I took some ibuprofen PM tonight because I still struggle with insomnia. This was my second week back at work and I need to get up at 7 every morning but it’s not easy because even with sleep aids, I often am still lying in bed wide awake at 2am. I know that some people’s body clocks get severely disrupted after surgery and I guess since I had 2 surgeries in one month it’s taking longer for my biorhythms to get back in sync.

The dr told me yesterday that it usually takes a good 6 months to regain full range of motion and strength from the type of rotator cuff repairs I had. I am hoping that the pain and stiffness will eventually be a thing of the past, but I honestly don’t know. Different people heal at different paces, have more or less pain, etc. Oh well, time will tell!

Demetra,

Glad to hear you finally got your sling off and can start moving forward again. I remember I was a relief to me to finally get that thing off, even though a lot of work still did (and does) lay ahead. Hope your body clock re-adjusts soon!

Excited to share two milestones today! 1) I’m able to put my hair up in a ponytail now without excruciating pain. And, today I was able to slowly raise my left arm unassisted to apply deodorant. So things are getting better. Thank the Lord! 😎 I think by next week maybe I’ll be brave enough to try putting on a regular sized pull over shirt.

I have a DUMB 2x., and a milestone.
Milestone: I am now at 155 degrees over my head (sore, but not above a level 3 in pain.)

Dumb #1: Friend and I were going to have spaghetti for dinner. She prepared it, and needed to go to the bathroom before draining the noodles. I thought “I can do that much”. Right arm lifted the pot ……but the left arm didn’t follow. The pot swung around to my ribs. and I have a very good first degree burn. AND do you have ANY idea how far noodles and water goes when it hits the floor? We are still cleanning up noodles 5 days later.

Dumb #2: I was getting out of my roommate’s car (low to ground), and turned to shut door…but door got me first…….yeah, right on the arm and right at one of the incisions. Talk about bruisings. and sore…that spot went back to a 10, and have lots of different colors on it.

But, a personal milestone….now 8 months after injury, and 1 month after surgery, I can hold knitting needles, and for about 10 min at a time. I am so ready to handle fiber again….to knit, crochet, and spin yarn.

Iris,

So you are saying I may be able to go back to shooting pool 4 weeks post op?

Not on your life!!!!

How long till you noticed return of your stamina and energy?

I’m sure we all have different backgrounds and levels of activity. Before surgery I kickboxed, weight trained, and walked several miles a week. Two and a half months ago, prior to surgery, I took a young friend of mine on a difficult 7.5 mile hike then went out to lunch after–made a nearly full day of it. Today, my young friend and I simply went out for breakfast and went shopping at a bookstore (I had her home before noon) and I had to come home and take a nap! 8-(

Guess I’m just having a woe is me day. I KNOW it will get better. I do. But it just seems sooooooo long in coming. Eight, almost nine weeks and it seems like a lifetime. I just want to be my energetic, active old self again.

At what point in the process did you begin to see a noticeable improvement in your stamina and energy levels?

I am hating PT. I am so sore the next day, that I do not want to do homework. Ice is my friend…as I am doing the homework.

Good news: The hip I injured as a child…MRI came out okay. Some arthritis but no hip replacement for the next several years. Thinks it is a pinched nerve.

I am trying to sleep with less pillows and trying to get more on a “normal” sleep schedule.

I had my first “aggressive” PT session in which the prior restrictions were removed, but it is still passive ROM exercises with the PT stretching out my arm/shoulder. I was in so much pain this afternoon that I ended up taking a percocet tonight and putting the sling back on for a while.

Same as me this week but barely any pain!

You go, Jim! I’m glad to hear not every case is filled with pain! That makes it hopeful for others reading these posts. Nobody’s going to have the same experience.

Demetra & Iris, all I can say is I hear you and identify. I’m 9 wks post op tomorrow and STILL every week they ratchet up the level of PT so every week is constant pain and discomfort and not-so-great sleep. Don’t get me wrong–slowly but steadily the arm is improving and I sincerely am thankful, but it’s very, very draining to constantly be in discomfort. My stamina and energy levels are waaaaaaay down from where I was pre-surgery.

Not that I didn’t expect to have my body knocked for a loop following a major surgery, but I was surprised that even now, just over two months later, the fatigue and lack of stamina is so prevalent. It’s hard to take your mind off it when it is so constant. But the PT said I can expect the same through at least week 12.

For the last 3 weeks I’ve been working a reduced shift at work (6 hours instead of 8) and 6 hours felt like a long time. Tomorrow I resume my full time schedule. So by the end of this week I’m going to be utterly exhausted. I’m thankful that I was blessed to be able to stay out of work as long as I did, because not everybody is that fortunate. But 5.5 weeks wasn’t enough. Next time I’m staying out a minimum of 8-10. Guess I’m just a wimp.

BK – I don’t think we are wimps – I think the nature of each repair is different – some people get a lot of scar tissue removed and debrided, bones scraped, shortened torn tendons reattached, anchors screwed into bones. My x-rays made my humerus bone seem pretty small and screws pretty large – who knows what nerve endings could have been inflamed and sensitized. My injury was over a year old, so the torn tendons had shrunk and the tear was 90% – rehab might be more painful for me than if the injury was new and the tear was smaller. Also, I think the younger and more athletic you were before surgery, the faster you might heal (depending on extent of repair and complications). I’m 52 and was pretty sendentary and overweight before the surgery AND I had complications and they had to redo the surgery – that added further insult and trauma to an already inflamed, traumatized shoulder. Then, no PT for 4 weeks to prevent further complications meant that muscles atrophied more and stiffness was greater.

Since most of my recent posts have been documenting pain and a rather gloomy tone while recovering, thought I’d share a humorous moment.

First the good news. Last night, while it wasn’t long sleep, I actually had some deep REM sleep, instead of the listless, uncomfortable sleep that has characterized most of the last 9 weeks. Pleasantly surprising considering how much my shoulder ached yesterday. But the funny part is my dream content: I dreamed I was flinging my arm around in any old direction I wanted with no problem and no pain—ala The Sound of Music frolic in the field…. ROTFL!!!!!!!!

Have a great day all.

Oh, BK – Thanks for this post! Made me just about fall over laughing thinking about having a great dream like that! What a wonderful feeling to have at least for a little while. I’ve had a couple of dreams along the same note as well, and it was such a relief to be free of the constant achiness and pain, until I woke up and moved and reality slapped me on the shoulder!

It seems like there is a group of us moving through close to the same stage of aggressive PT, pain, sleep issues, etc. It’s nice to read something lighthearted (and encouraging) like this once in awhile!!

Rene, I am a member of that group. Monday’s PT has put me back into the sling, on reduced homework, and severe pain that is interrupting sleep, and back on Tylenol 3 to try and reduce pain level. I am not able to even bring the arm to my mouth…….

BUT: Wed was exam day: Straight up….171 degrees with no aid from other arm. Bent elbow….68 degrees back, and 78 degrees forward. Straight out from body.. 108 degrees. All pushed past the severe pain. All were great increases from before.

🙁 no driving until I can freely move am again.

8) I will be helping a 70 yo unpack her boxes in new apt….via a 12 yo being arms and legs. It is so nice to be able to help someone else.

A VERY pleasant experience this morning. Though my shoulder still aches daily, sometimes dull ache, sometimes sharp stabbing pains, it is now officially just “uncomfortable” pain, rather than “I’d rather just throw myself under a bus” pain. But what was really cool was that for a good chunk of the day, I felt like I was actually human again! I can’t explain in a way that makes sense, other than to say that for several hours today, I felt more like my old self–for the first time in over 9 weeks. It didn’t last all day–it was like my switch flipped to “OFF” around 3:30p, but for several hours today, I felt more alert and refreshed then I have since surgery. I needed that. Did that happen to you about this time in your recovery?

I go to PT tomorrow. I’m slightly concerned that I seem to have regressed in my ability to raise my operative arm out to the side and up. But the other directions are improving. It still hurts to wash my hair, but it’s not as excruciating as it was. And bit by bit, the pain is lessening when I drive. He’s got me doing a stretch where I lay on my operative side with my arm up at 90 degrees and use the other hand to gently push the arm down (he says because the back of my shoulder is still very stiff)–that’s not one of my favorite activities because it sure doesn’t feel good–and my arm is so stiff and inflexible it only goes down a few degrees. I can see I’ll be working on that stretch for quite some time.

Tonight I’m hoping for a little REM sleep for a record 3rd night in a row. But it’s nice to be able to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. 😎

I can’t say that I’ve felt like my old self yet at just past 12 weeks, but your post says there is light at the end of the tunnel! I was just allowed to start using my operative arm unassisted a few days ago, at week 12, and it is very weak to say the least. I can’t lift it much at all in any direction yet, and don’t have enough strength to let it help with driving.

I, too, am having to do the same stretch you mentioned here in your post, BK. I have very little movement in this direction (internal rotation). I also cannot get my hand behind my back, not even to my back pocket on my operative side. I’m having to use a stick behind my back, and pull the arm back towards the middle of my back with the good arm on the stick. I saw my surgeon a few days ago at the Week 12 checkup, and he says if I haven’t made much progress with these stretches in 6 weeks, he is going to put me to sleep and manipulate the shoulder manually. Sounds awful, and needless to say he has put the fear of God into me to work on these areas.

Exciting News!

Today, about 9.5 weeks is absolutely the first time I was able to raise my arm out to the side and up in a full or nearly full range of motion! WOOHOO!!!!!

I confess–I was a little freaked out by my lack of progress in this direction especially as the weeks wore on and it didn’t seem to improve much. Especially given the fact that last week I seemed to regress in that area. But I told the PT yesterday morning and he must have done some extra yanking and tweaking 😎 because this morning I was able to fully move the arm. YEEHAW! Thank the Lord!

Hooray!! I am so happy for you! My PT pushed a bit more yesterday (after getting the all clear from the surgeon) and while I was secretly thinking that PT stands for Physical Torture, I am pleased with a bit more range of motion the day after 😀

You mean PT DOESN’T stand for “physical torture”??? *-) (all for my own good, of course!) 😎

I thought it stood for “physical terrorist” 🙂

It really is interesting to see how all our experiences vary…. & here’s a recap and update on where I am and some tips for anyone new to this.

I’m coming on 17 weeks now (amazing that May 21 was soooo long ago! But it does happen!)

I would have to say that I have essentially had very little pain in my PT sessions – maybe twice (!) I felt a little but certainly bearable! And maybe only once or twice did I feel any soreness afterwards. My Physical Therapist is very gentle mostly massaging areas and repeating different motions until they are fluid (i.e. my body doesn’t sort of catch or get scared along the path).

I mentioned to my therapist just this week that the only motion I couldn’t do was take my arm up to the side horizontal to the ground (as if going up for a jumping jack.) So he worked different areas that time and sure enough – almost like magic – I can lift my hand over my head (though not all the way up even though I can get there by taking it straight up in front of me). He hasn’t started me on strength training yet and says I’m progressing as he would expect. Now as I write this, I realize I can’t reach up behind me higher than my waist – so I’ll mention that to him next.

I’ll add that I was not the best at following directions early on, so I hope I still have a good repair. I took my sling off a lot, drove a little before I should have, have done gardening (digging a bit, clipping a lot…) , and have lifted things that were heavier than I was supposed to… if I had it to do over again, knowing what I know now, I would have been more careful – but hopefully I’ll be okay. I also hate to admit it, but I’ve also had very little discipline when it comes to doing the home exercises… I’m impressed with all of you who faithfully do everything you’re told!! But as long as my therapist says I’m on schedule and I’m not in pain – I guess I must be okay – maybe I’m making up for it with the things I’m not supposed to be doing!

I think a lot of this is also due to the fact that I found a very good, experienced shoulder surgeon – in fact, all mine does is shoulders – and I had no bruising or swelling at all! I think if you find a very experienced doctor who knows exactly what he or she is doing – they can do so relatively easily and quickly without a lot of digging and disrupting of the surrounding tissue. If anyone is looking for a doctor in the SF East Bay, mine is Kurt Jensen in Oakland and Lafayette. He has his own physical therapy office next door so he can hire his own therapists and keep on eye on what they do. It’s also very convenient to just go to one place for everything.

That said, I wish my doctor had given me additional pain relief when when my nerve block wore off ! I still don’t think he has a clue how much pain I was in – the meds weren’t doing a thing! Even though I’d started the percocet well before the block wore off! All he told me was to add Aleve! Admittedly, the pain hadn’t progressed to it’s worst when we spoke – but soon after I was shaking uncontrollably and crying. An hour after that I finally just took the next percocet an hour earlier than I should have and it kicked in.

How am I today? I can’t remember the last time I had to take a motrin and hardly ever even think of my arm unless I need to pick something heavy up and I usually stop myself or do it very carefully. My arm gets just a bit sore and tired when I blow dry my hair, but it’s getting to be negligible. When I sleep on my good side I still need to sleep with one or two of my beloved special Sqüsh or buckwheat pillows under my repaired shoulder to keep my arm from hanging down against my chest – but it only is a little uncomfortable at this point and I’m sure I won’t have to do so for much longer. My PT still doesn’t want me sleeping on the other side, though I think I probably could and have to keep a pillow on that side to prevent me from rolling over in my sleep.

Admittedly, I’m not doing any sports yet, so if I was I’m sure there would be more of an issue…. I really want to start yoga again – I’ve gotten in terrible shape since I had to stop even before my shoulder problem due to a knee injury.

I also asked my doc when I could have my 89 year old mom visit – because she needs help getting up – sometime with two arms – and there is no way I could pick her up if she fell down with just one arm – he said another month. I think I start strength training in another week or so – we’ll see how I’m doing then and I’ll report back.

I’ll add that in spite of all the difficulties I’ve mentioned before there can be some benefits! One unexpected, unrelated bonus of my recovery regimen: I’ve had chronic sacro-illiac pain – where my sacrum and Illeum get unaligned and it is very painful…. this has bothered me a lot for probably about 6 years….in fact, even though I told the anesthesiologist and the doctor that I needed to have a well padded area for my sacrum – they didn’t do it and I was in a lot of pain after surgery! However, since those first few days, I’ve only had *1* light episode since! I think it might have been sleeping on my back for so long allowed the area to stabilize or something – but I am so grateful!

FYI for those of you who are new or don’t remember, I had a full tear of the supraspinatus, a torn labrum around 4 o’clock, and a spur that was shaved down. All told I think I have 5 or 6 anchors, and if anyone is wondering, I’m almost 58.

I’ve mentioned before that even though I found a highly recommended doctor, I do feel he and his staff could have prepared me a lot better for the surgery and taking care of myself afterwards. If you haven’t had the surgery yet, or did so recently, here are some things from the net I found helpful, just make sure you follow your doctor’s orders and use these just to address details your doctor may not have spelled out:
http://tinyurl.com/cowdeoo (from Brigham Young – very good!)
http://www.hss.edu/files/PE-pathway-Shoulder-surgery.pdf

You can also look on Youtube to see the actual surgery or see what it’s like right after surgery – for example this woman chronicles the first few months and gives a year update: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTYYZvzFtZUhimcPMfQAFvg/videos
This guy goes through the time right after surgery for a torn labrum through his first 6 months I think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WelYyp2akz4 I just found it helpful to look at what someone else went through (even if you just had a rotator repair).

There are also other sites with people’s hints: http://jointheconversation.blogspot.com/2010/01/rotator-cuff-surgery-some-tips.html
And I wrote a long post farther up about the importance of good pillows!

And here again is the link to info about a study on rats that showed those who were completely immobilized for 6 weeks healed a lot better (when I read this I decided I should have been a lot more careful!) : http://www.hss.edu/newsroom_changes-rotator-cuff-surgery-rehabilitation.asp

Hope that helps!

Good luck all! Wish so many of you weren’t experiencing so much PT pain!

Awesome! Thanks! This gives me hope if I have to have the surgery!

I just noticed that I gave the wrong first name for my doctor. It is Kirk Jensen, not Kurt.

Hi all,
I just came across an interesting course being offered online by the University of Pennsylvania that will be starting on Sept. 23rd. It is titled, “Going Out on a Limb: The Anatomy of the Upper Limb”. I’m thinking that some of you may be interested in this 😉
The course is offered through Coursera, a non-profit organization that offers hundreds of classes from universities around the world. I’ve taken numerous courses through them, and have had a great experience with each. The courses are free, and there are no requirements for taking exams or doing homework, although students are welcome to do these activities if they are part of the class. You can access the course info through the link below; there is a video that explains what the course will involve. No prior knowledge of anatomy is expected. I am planning on taking it to gain a better understanding of what is going on in my shoulder as I push through all of my exercises and try to get it to move in ways it should but doesn’t want to.

https://www.coursera.org/course/upperlimb

My surgery is on Friday 9/20/13. I am very grateful for this blog. I feel that I am so much better prepared for this than before (no thanks to my drs..no prep at all…which seems to be the norm!!!) I feel I have done all i can do, the rest is in God’s hands and time. Thank you to all that have posted with info. Please keep posting.

Sharon welcome to the group. This group has been a wonderful help for me, and I hope that it will be for you.

Sharon, my best wishes for a smooth and easy surgery on Friday and an uncomplicated rehab process! 😎

Good luck
Think positive and you may be like me (it was no big deal except the first 17-18 days then I basically gave up on the sling).

Rene,

LOL on Physical Terrorist. Some days I wonder. 😎 But my PT is too nice a guy to use so strong a term. 😎 I hope you make natural improvement on your ROM so no manipulation is necessary. That sounds utterly painful!

It’s funny you mention that class (I tried to load the page but it didn’t work. Will try again later). One of the things going through rotator cuff surgery has cemented in my mind is that I’d like to help people with orthopedic problems. My first choice would be physical therapist, because they are the one medical professional that has the power to do the most good. Alas, at 47, it’s way too late for me to start pursuing that line of work. While I’m fairly fit for my age, there’s a reason why most of the physical therapists you see look like they’re barely out of college. It’s very physically demanding–and I’d be in my 60’s by the time I managed to complete the program. LOL!

So my second choice was physical therapist assistant–a licensed position that does some manual therapy. But alas, all the programs in my state do not give you an option for anything EXCEPT a full time school program and I am my own sole source of income. I have to work full time to support myself, so a PTA program is not an option.

So that leaves me with 2 considerations–studying kinesiology or health and wellness and possibly becoming a PT tech or, in the other direction, a personal trainer. To that end, I’m taking two classes starting next month at the community college, one of which is an introduction to kinesiology so I can learn more about what it is and if I’m really interested or just *think* I’m interested. The other class is a general wellness class.

If, after taking those courses, I’m still interesting in transferring to the university kinesiology program at a later date, these classes will transfer. If I’m not going to pursue a bachelor’s in Kinesiology, then I will consider continuing on for my AAS in Exercise Science, Nutrition and Fitness, and pursue the personal trainer angle. In any case, I’d like to be in a position to help people my age who maybe don’t have access to physical therapy benefits on the medical side and can’t pay exorbitant trainer prices on the other side.

All this of course, contingent on my own body holding up through both surgeries. We’ll see. Even if I don’t use the additional education toward career pursuits, I want to be better informed so I have a better shot at taking good care of myself throughout my life span.

Wow, that sounds really interesting. I wish you the best of luck with your courses. Even if you decide not to pursue things further, they will certainly be interesting.

You can access the Coursera website by going to http://www.coursera.org. In the list of courses available, narrow it down by selecting “Courses starting soon”; they will be in chronological order. Scroll down to Sept. 23, and you should see the course listed. BTW, I’ve seen numerous courses offered in the fields of Health and Wellness on this website in the past. You might find something interesting being offered in that area as well.

Rene, I looked at the link about the upper limb course. Good for you for wanting to increase your knowledge. Just to see the little plastic model that the physical therapist had of the rotator cuff helped me a lot. I could finally have a better idea of what was under my skin! I think people today want to know what’s going on. We want to know why we should do this and not do that.

And understanding as much as we can for ourselves is almost a necessity to be able to make good decisions—look at the two hugely disparate views of thought just in physical therapy philosophy represented on this blog–one theory is that you don’t do any PT until 6 weeks or so out; the other that you start moving the limb right away a week post surgery. No wonder patients have a hard time navigating this maze of info!

The rehab process is SO WEIRD! Saturday I was elated that I was finally able to raise my arm out to the side and up. Yesterday morning I had PT and now I can’t raise my arm up more than a 3rd of the way. I’m not sure if its due to the fact of the shoulder manipulation during therapy or the fact that another, newer therapist taped my shoulder (my regular therapist had to leave early to watch a total knee replacement surgery) at the end of the session. Or maybe it’s none of those things. It could be the fact that yesterday was one of the weight bearing sessions. I’ll give it a few days and see if it improves. If it still doesn’t improve, I’m removing the tape to see if that makes a difference.

Taping may SEEM like a simple thing, but not everybody can do it right. I’d like to learn how to apply it myself for other, more accessible body parts (like the knee). There’s no way I can tape my own shoulder.

BK,
I’m curious about the taping – how are you taped up? What is the purpose – to stabilize the shoulder in a correct position? Can you move the shoulder and arm around easily for daily exercises and activities with the tape on? How is it helping you – less pain? greater ROM?

I’ve never heard anyone mention this taping, so am curious about it. Maybe I will mention it to my therapist on Friday.
Thanks!

Rene,

I’ll give you what *I* think it does for me, but then I’ll refer you to the Rock Tape website for more info because heaven knows, I’m trying to grasp all this stuff myself.

I was first introduced to RockTape (this is a brand name, any such tape is kinesiology tape) this past spring when I began PT for knee problems. At the time, the PT (same one I’ve had all year) applied three pieces of tape strategically (they have you flex or extend according to which piece of tape they’re applying to put your joint in the best position) around the left kneecap. I can’t explain it to you from a PT’s perspective, but what *I* feel like it did for me was help keep the movement of the muscle or joint “in track” better, to aid me while I did physical therapy to strengthen glutes, hamstring, calves–basically all the surrounding muscles that have an impact on the knee’s function. Because it helped keep the muscle on track, it reduced the discomfort of the knee.

With the shoulder, it’s interesting. It feels somewhat like a compression device, yet it doesn’t restrict me from doing prescribed physical therapy (as I said, I don’t know WHAT is causing the reduced range this week). But as the shoulder issue has been waaaaaaay more painful than the knee ever was, I cannot say if there has been a reduction of pain due to the shoulder taping.

The link below is for the RockTape website, which I just found today. They have tutorial videos to teach how to apply the tape, which is cool, cuz I really wanna know. But here’s an interesting blurb about RockTape from their website:

How does Rocktape work?

When we manufacture RockTape, we introduce a bias into the weave of the fabric so it stretches in one direction and not the other. This creates a bio-mechanical lifting mechanism that lifts the skin away from the soft tissue underneath, which allows more blood to move into an injured area to accelerate healing and recovery.

Their web address is: http://rocktape.com/products/tape/

One plug I will give for the RockTape brand—I haven’t used another brand so I have no basis of comparison, but it adheres extremely well to the skin. This is important especially if you can’t get to the PT’s office multiple times a week if you can’t apply it yourself. It stays in position for 4-5 days with no problem. Only a few times on the knee did I have the edge of a piece of tape catch and pull free on the inside of a pants leg. It’s very sturdy stuff. And comes in lots of snazzy colors and designs as an added bonus. 😎

But I’m sure you’re PT will be able to give you an explanation of kinesiology tape that is much better than my feeble understanding.

Rene, Between weeks 4 and 6 I had tape applied from the top of my shoulder, down my back to above my bra strap. I was told it was to stop me using a certain shoulder muscle to compensate for the muscle that needed to be exercised.

Quick Update: After my 3rd home PT session tonight following in-clinic PT yesterday morning, I was finally able to get my ROM back tonight. So it wasn’t the taping but simply by virtue of the shoulder manipulation Monday morning that temporarily stalled my progress. Which is good, that means I can have some productive home PT before I go back to clinic on Friday morning. 😎

Good Morning, everyone! It’s a beautiful morning here in Colorado. The flood waters are starting to recede and clean up is beginning. I’m very lucky not to have been in the path of the flooding, but my PT appointment was canceled up in Boulder last Thursday. It has been four weeks from my surgery ( full thickness tear with three anchors ). I have a recheck with the surgeon today and am hoping he will start me on active thearapy. I feel great and want to get this party started. My life has been on hold long enough. I may be sorry that I said that after the real work of thearapy starts. Hope that you are all healing well and sleeping comfortably. A solid nights sleep still eludes me and I find that I need an afternoon nap most days.

I’ll be interested to hear your sleep report as time wears on. For me that magic of real, deep sleep didn’t occur till week 9. Still not sleeping a full night, but pretty much each night for the last week, I’ve been getting at least SOME deep REM sleep. It is a welcome relief after the 9 week drought. It may be hard to explain, but there’s a very huge difference between the “fake” or surface sleep of those first 2 months compared to even a couple hours of REM sleep.

I’m hoping now I can begin rebuilding my stamina and being more like my old self.

I have found that at week 2, I started to sleep longer. (Remember, I had less invasive procedure than many on this thread.) I am at week 6, and still need a long nap in the afternoons when I have had an active morning or PT. I was told it was normal, and to get LOTS of water earlier in the day, and especially on PT days. She said also, that when the pain is down to a very low level, not the constant I have now, I will need less sleep (naps).

In my last reply I must have sounded very negative, I thought that my recovery was going back the way, and I was considering a steroid injection, I decided not to take the injection, and let time do some healing, and it worked, still doing my excercises, but taking care that I am keeping a good balance between exercise and rest, I think I was trying too hard before the set back, I am now 11 months since my op and feel more confidence and strength each day, there is light at the end of the tunnel hang in there everybody and have patience, it will work.

Update: I can DRIVE again!!! AHHHH the wonders of having the freedom to go places without depending on someone else..is wonderfare (Okay, limited to about 30 miles round trip, but that means most of the places I would go are within that range.)
I can add limited knitting/crocheting back into my life (after 8 months of no fiber), and it feels wonderful, even for 15-20 min at a sitting.
I was able to raise my arm above my head, after the 2 week setback. I was able to do several extentions…but still having major tightening of the neck and back muscles….to the point that I still can lift with that arm.
I am now at 1# weight on the left arm to gain strength.
Although I wish that I could do more, I am leaning to slow down my life pace, and enjoy just being more.
Happy day thoughts, and prayers and blessings as we are all going through this time of change.

Iris, congrats on the new milestones! I’ve been driving for a little under a month but I still drive as little as possible–make 3 days a week. Though driving IS getting less painful, especially over what it felt like when I first started.

Peter, I couldn’t find your last post, but I will say that feeling like recovery has been set back has been a frequent feeling with me over the last 10 weeks. It’s hard NOT to feel like something’s wrong considering how long the pain lasts, the fact that the shoulder feels DIFFERENT in its uncomfortable-ness almost every week, and if, like me, you have a hard time trusting medical authorities—well, it’s hard to trust when they say “what you’re feeling is normal”.

It doesn’t sound, based on what I remember reading, that many people had success with cortisone.

So happy I found this blog! I am 41, and have a dominant arm, 50% torn RC and damaged tendon due to a MVA in November of 2012. I am beginning 4 weeks of PT, and October 18 will be the day we decide on surgery or not. Any suggestions on how to cope with two kids in two different schools, being a single mother with a house and 100 lb. dog? I am scared, as since I am the only source of income in the household, and won’t get any kind of financial assistance until the insurance is settled, not sure what to do.

hi i had a greater than 50% tear in supra spinatus,needed surgery soon,my chiropractor said people tear muscles all the time, put ice on 20 min on 20 min off as much as possible day and night,i healed-do this asap as soon as practical,at work whenever,make it as total a project as allowable by boss and life, do in car if possible,i did this, 100%healed now i have 90%tear in other shoulder,90% supra spinatus,2 labrium tears,and she decided to cut and move a muscle TOOK OUT BURSA AND SHAVED BONE(i will find out next week)surgery was 9/12/13 ok but long recovery,my same surgeon had nothing to say when i told her of above story!!! ice warmth,ice warmth,brings blood to the hardest part of body to get blood to HEALING

Tricia–welcome to the group. It was very helpful to know that there is a wide range of experiences. I was very scared when I completed: chiro 2 weeks, PT 6 weeks, and 1 cortisone shot….and then found out that it did not help any and would need surgery to fix it. My surgeon gave me 3 options: Do nothing and live with it; Repeat the above and see if it would help; or Surgery. the living with it was not an option for me….as a primary teacher,I to be able to do lots of movement. Repeating…didn’t seem a viable option for removing the pain and having full use of my arm again. So I chose surgery. At first it was going to be in the school year, then after school was out. Finally was scheduled for 8/7.

Really read the different results. I was able to get info from here and my PT for most of my answers. I live alone. I reached out to my friends to see who could help me. I get/got rides from one lady, and anther helps with cleaning, and others either stayed with me for a few hours to help with dressing or cooking or filling the ice machine (my top gets hard to open at times). I was able to give my fears away by pre-thinking about what others had for needs in their posts. I purchased items ahead of time, I re-arranged parts of my living arrangement to be able to more easily have friends help, and for me to have space for ice machine, my laptop, etc.

I had someone babysit my parakeet for 4 days, I was on morphine and codeine as my pain relievers, and know that I can be really “off” when on them.

My advice: write down your needs….kids picked up? Meals? Dog? Work. (Work is one that you will need to decide. Is there a vacation time that you could schedule your surgery? I was workman’s comp injury, so I have an income while recupping. ) Then see who is in your life to help….can a friend with same age children help with the picking up your children? Is one of your children able to help with laundry and simple meal prep with you to help guide them? Is there a church or community center (like Love, Inc) that could help with the driving and groceries for 1-3 weeks.. or more. I will need to say, I am 1/3 of my friends who are recovering from surgeries…and all of us have been surprised at how many people there really are to help with needs. Right now, I cannot help them, but I am their am/pm call to see if they are okay (ie: haven’t fallen or slipped), may not be a lot, but for ladies who live alone, it is a help to know that someone is making sure they are okay.

Then breathe. One way or another, you can survive this. And you have encouragers who “understand” what you are going through on this thread.

Today I saw my surgeon at eleven weeks post-op. He was very happy to see that my range of motion is just excellent. I am excited about that. Everything is healing very well, he said. I just need to build up strength. I still feel scared sometimes that I might re-tear. There is a post on this blog of a woman who had surgery in July of last year and then suddenly re-tore it while pulling a shirt over her head in March of this year. I have not seen any other posts by her. That would be so discouraging. But I’m sure that is very unusual. I know two people, a man and a woman, who each had this repair a few years ago, and they have completely healed. They are both very glad they had the surgery. And so far I, too, am doing great!
If you are new to this blog, read lots of posts and you will get many very useful hints. Something that has been helpful to me is a wedge pillow that I bought from Bed, Bath & Beyond. I slept in a recliner for the first couple weeks and graduated to a bed with the wedge which I continue to use now. Lots of pillows of all shapes and sizes will pamper and support that arm. And, of course, an ice machine is a great thing for dealing with pain and keeping swelling down. During my first two weeks post-op I had the ice machine on my shoulder all night long (my husband re-filled it at around 3 AM each night). I used it a lot during the day, as well. Some people also use it after physical therapy. (I have a large pack of frozen corn in the freezer which I put on my shoulder now, when needed.)

Joyce, you are a little over a week ahead of me (I’ll be 11 weeks this Wednesday). I’m glad you had a good report from the surgeon. I have my next doc apt on 9/30, a few days shy of my 12 week mark. Like you, I remain a little nervous about re-injuring the shoulder, even though the PT has told me more than once that I’ve reached the point that I’d have to do something pretty significant to mess up the shoulder.

I think it’s hard because the shoulder still aches (nothing anywhere near where it stayed for a long time! Just achy enough to let its presence be felt all day) but it produces anxiety not really knowing what’s going on in there. Even at 10 weeks I use my arm for a minimum of things in day to day life–I only open doors that are easy to open (some doors at work take quite a bit of yanking. No way am I pulling on them with my bad arm), driving, carrying a cup of water, that type of thing. I’m very pleased that things like washing my hair have gotten a lot easier–I don’t quite have full ROM back, but compared to how excruciatingly painful such a simple thing WAS, I’m very excited about the improvement and the fact that it’s only a minor twinge now.

I still haven’t braved pulling on a regular sized shirt yet (I’m still wearing the oversize button down stuff I bought or wearing extra-extra large t-shirts at home.) But I suppose I need to be brave and test it out soon. But right now I’m just enjoying being achy rather than in terrible pain and want to enjoy the moment. LOL!

A big milestone for me came on Friday 9/20–that was the first day I felt something approaching normal energy for several hours that day. To the point that I even played music when I got home and sang along (music isn’t a passive experience for me), had energy to do a few more chores, etc. And Saturday, I had enough energy to drive myself to the boxing gym and do a workout on the weights (greatly modified of course). THAT made me feel a lot better. It’s good to feel human again after such a long drought. Next weekend I’m going to celebrate by renewing my hiking pass at the local county mountain park. I’ve hiked there since I moved here back in ’97, and the symbolism of renewing that pass will be a big psychological boost for me. I won’t be able to tackle my favorite trail yet (7.5 miles, extremely difficult and rocky) but I can start regaining momentum by some of the shorter easier trails and work up.

While I’ve been so focused on my repaired shoulder, I’ve suffered setbacks in other areas–like the knees which I had been getting PT for before the shoulder finished blowing up. Unfortunately, you need good arms to do a lot of the stretching and strengthening activities associated with improving the knees. So bottom line is, between regaining some of my old energy levels, the progression in ROM and decreasing pain, I’m hoping now to begin a gradual full body workout program to start working on all the other problem areas now too. Being virtually sedentary (especially compared to my former activity level) the last 2 months has caused me to gain 4-5 pounds, so of course I want to get that off too. But it’s going to be a slow process.

But YEAH FOR IMPROVEMENTS! WOOHOO!!!!!!!

WOOHOOO!!!! Last night I had a natural, normal, full night’s sleep! YEEHAW!!!!!!! Woke up a couple of times but was able to shift around and get back to sleep.

It feels so good to sleep like a normal person! 😎

So glad, BK, that you got a good sleep!!! Little by little we are moving in the direction of normal! Of course, it’s a long road–my doctor reminded me that it may take a year and a half to be 100%. But we will get there, God willing.

Wow. This is the nicest week I’ve had since surgery just over 11 weeks ago. Every single day this week I’ve finally achieved a normal sleep pattern. Energy-wise I’m beginning to feel much more like my old self. This morning for the first time in nearly 3 months, I took my dog out for our regular 2 mile early morning walk (but walking her with the leash in my right, non-surgical, hand (it’ll be several months before I risk walking her with the leash in left hand. I do not want to think of the force of movement a 70# dog can exert yanking your arm out (as she frequently does).

I am so relieved. I’ve lost a lot of physical conditioning the last 3 months–in the past I’ve had knee and back problems and those have re-emerged to some degree with the downtime, owing to lack of full body workouts, regular walking and a wide variety of stretches including floor stretches. I can’t tell you WHAT about a full body workout helps, but I have found that to be the single greatest reliever of low back pain.

PT says I’ll probably begin to ease my way back into full body workouts in the next couple of weeks. Likewise, I’ll probably be ready to begin tackling some of the floor stretches in the next couple of weeks (right now it’s still a bit awkward getting up and down off the floor with only one good load-bearing shoulder.

Being back now at my stressful job, I miss kickboxing more than ever, but I’m just going to have to suck it up. Kickboxing won’t be on my agenda for a good while yet. So I need to suck it up and reset my fitness goals. I’m starting by training for a walking half marathon in mid-January. I started preparations last night by walking 2 miles in the evening. Tomorrow, if my back holds, I’ll walk 4.

PT started me on some more difficult stretches this week (gone are the cane and the pulleys, in is the monster band to start stretching out those shoulder muscles more). I don’t know about you guys, but at 11 weeks, I still can’t assume “parade rest” position with my left arm up behind my back in line with the right. So in that direction, I’ve still got a ways to go in reclaiming ROM.

But boy, how good it feels to be feeling more normal and energetic!

That is wonderful news! You are about 3 weeks ahead of me, so hearing about your progress really gives me hope!

Hi from Ireland ,
I have been reading the site for a few weeks now and it has helped me with my surgery I had 9 weeks ago, I had a partial tear of the supraspinatus and bone spurs removed, I had a mini open surgery (50mm scar with 2 small wounds at the back) Only had to do 4 weeks in the sling as the Doc said I had a non tension repair which is supposed to be a good sign, I had no real pain the first 4 weeks but since starting active motion all has changed!! I can just now lift my arm above my head and range of motion is about 90%, I really struggle with putting my arm behind my back as this seems to inflame the arm after 1 try! it feels like my muscle is to short to stretch that far! I have always aches and pains with the odd really sharp pain thrown in if i have my arm above my head and twisting around in bed, I really miss my golf and thought i would be back in 3 months but at this pace it may be 6 …its hard to describe the different sensations I get in my shoulder but I never thought I would go through this…anyway its gradually getting better by the week I just hope I will be pain free when I start swinging the club again, I only see the PT every 10 days so most of my rehab is following his instructions from home, I have just started the rubber band excercise which is a move in the right direction!! Like most on here I am continually thinking I have damaged the repair !! but I am hoping the Doc did a great job as he has a great reputation in our area..cheers all…

Buy a back scratcher
You cannot try to put your arm behind your back at 4 weeks!
Do you want to go back to 0?
Behind your back is more like 7-8 weeks and it STILL will be painful
You need to talk with your Dr.

Sorry
I thought it was 4 weeks
You need to go to PT 2-3 times a week not do it from home, it’s not the same
I HATE going there but I would never dream of the things they make me do, it’s working every muscle, some I’ve never heard of …..in weird positions.
What is different is that every day now they have me do something different

I would like to go to PT more but he tells me this is all that I need for now, will see how it goes but I am sure its down to our national health service here!!

By just about every standard, that is just plain wrong

Hi Barney, Yes it is down to our National Health Service. I’m in Cornwall, started my physio the day after my op and saw my physiotherapist every two weeks up to 10 weeks and now see her once a month (I’m 14 weeks post op). I do my physio at home three times a day and can honestly say that I haven’t missed one! I still can’t put my arm right around my back but can move it a little further around than I could a couple of weeks ago. I haven’t experienced a great deal of pain, more of an ache, which got worse when my sling was removed at 6 weeks – nothing bad enough to take painkillers though. I am improving every week (ever so slightly but noticeable). My biggest problem is remembering NOT to attempt tasks that might damage the repair! Have patience and good luck!

Barney,

I so agree with you on the array of sensations you feel in your shoulder. That’s one of the reasons this whole process was so anxiety ridden to me—my shoulder hurt (still aches) in different places on different days with no apparent rhyme or reason. The one area where the discomfort has remained fairly consistent is along the front of the shoulder. But then you’ll get the back, top, and side too. I can’t wait till my shoulder is just a shoulder–you know, so you can ignore it, like you do your appendix. 😎

You’re not going to be playing golf for at least 5-6 months. You try and you may damage your shoulder again but the biggest reason is that you won’t be able to!

Are you a Doctor Jim?

Take a look at this.
After reading it scroll down to the graphs
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3325631/#

Ok, my surgery is gonna suck! I havnt read anyone with my situation. I have so much calcium in my rotator cuff tendon that it has destroyed part of my cuff. So when he takes it out( I think it’s been in there so long it’s hardened) its going to leave a hole that is big enough to have to be patched with an Allograft ( cadaver tissue). Lovely right?… Then he’ll use screws to reattach tendon to bone. So it’s a full thickness tear. Not sure how many centimeters. I am 46 yrs old. It’s so ridiculous I have this…I didn’t even have an accident… I hadn’t had full range like reaching all the way above my head for years, kind of pinching. But no pain. Then a couple weeks ago I woke up from sleeping on it.. In excrushiating pain. Had to go to the ER they gave me a narcotic shot which didn’t help. Pain meds til I saw orthopedic sports surgeon… Wokd up 5 nite straight at 3 am in excruciating pain, when the meds wore off. im thinking i should set sn slsrm for this not to be happening. Gave me one of those shots in the joint that took away the pain fully within 3 days. But I was in a light sling for ten days, so got used to using my left arm. Didn’t think it’s so bad. I’ve had several other surgeries, which makes me anxious because I know that I have zero tolerance for pain. Having the surgery within 10 days. They are going to do a nerve block and give md an ice machine.. My sister is staying with me for a week and my mother lives close. I have a 10 yr old daughter. This blog has helped. I am going to rent a recliner, get a blow dryer stand, get wedge pillows, get new slippers and pjs, my mom is going to watch my bulldog for two months. Because she is such a high maintenance dog, needs out 3x a day and doesn’t listen at all. 🙂 I have been mentally preparing…mainly nervous about the pain I will be in a sling for 6 weeks, and it sounds like I’m going to need a lot of physical therapy… I know I won’t feel normal for like 9 months it sounds like. I am a makeup artist, so I don’t know when I’ll be able to do that… Whatever, then I’ll just do retail.
Not happy about my long recovery ahead.. I know I have to have the surgery, I just can’t believe it though… I want to have a normal use of my arm…I am very confident in my dr which is a plus.

Oh Rebecka! You have been through so much already! What you are facing now couldn’t be any worse. The good things: you are confident in your surgeon, you will have a nerve block and an ice machine, you will have help. In just 3 months you will probably be feeling quite good (I am 12 weeks post-op–the worst is way behind me. True, I did not have such a problem as you, but if your doctor feels this will work…..You’re gonna make it!
Keep us informed. Many people behind this blog will be looking for your posts. God be with you!

For those of you facing surgery or who are in the early stages post op, my physical therapist said something that has stuck with me: “Motion is Lotion” 😎 So when you’re in rehab, wondering if the pain and discomfort will ever stop, remember, when you’re following the therapist’s directions yet it feels like the ache is never going to end—you’re working on getting that shoulder better and better.

Trust me, I’ve doubted a LOT during the last 11 weeks, but now the perseverance is paying off, and while it hasn’t been fun, I’ve definitely found “motion is lotion”. So hang in there!

The following site may be of interest to those with more serious rotator cuff injuries…full-thickness tears:
http://www.hopkinsortho.org/orthopedicsurgery/FailedRotatorCuff.pdf

Unfortunately not all shoulder surgeries are fully successful. The Hopkins site has some easy-to-understand descriptions of the more serious tendon tears, why success is less likely with those, and how to deal with a “failed” repair. As they explain, many activities may still be possible with the injured shoulder.

Ron, thanks for the link about failed rotator cuff surgery. That is discouraging, but important to be aware of. We do what we can, but sometimes things can’t be fixed. Like all of life!

13 weeks post op today. For about a week or so now they’ve had me doing monster band stretches (ouch!) and an exercise I call “the John Travolta’s” (Saturday Night Fever style) where you use a resistance band to move the operative arm up diagonally from opposite side of waist to above shoulder. That one HURTS. Evidently the resistance tubing I have at home is too strong as I can’t even complete the full ROM with it, so I resorted to using a 1 pound weight for the exercise. Even THAT is very taxing. I hadn’t had to use heat packs on my shoulder during the day for about a week, but today the discomfort was strong enough that I broke the heat pack out during lunch break. Sigh. I’ll be glad when shoulder is normal again.

I’m finding it hard to get in two PT sessions a day now being back at work and in life full swing. I’m so tired when I initiate evening PT that when I apply heat to warm up the shoulder, I fall asleep in the recliner, and by the time I wake up, my shoulder’s gone cold again & I have to start over. Oye. Next week will be worse because I have 2 classes starting then. I want to be a woman of leisure. Just can’t figure out how to achieve it. -)

QUESTION FOR ALL: Recommendations for air pump or air compressor? I just bought one of those heavy duty rubber physio balls (like 65 cm deals) and the portable electric/battery operated air pumps are not powerful enough to pump it up. What do you suggest?

The rehab facility should give/lend you the correct band(s) for home use, mine does.
As for a compressor, if you’re sure you need one, buy a small compressor, You can also use it to check your car’s tire pressures once a month!

8 weeks post-op. And I am hating the up and downs of pain/sleep/fatigue. I cannot image having to work on top of 2 pt appts/week, doing 2-3 5-10 min pt at home, and to have to deal with not having the ROM also. I have the up. I have the out to the side. I can start doing the across the back….. but I still can’t reach and hold anything out in front of me…..totally maddening.

I am trying to know that I will get stronger, and be able to do my life again. But not being able to do an hour of fibery goodness (spinning on a wheel, or knitting, or crocheting) now for 7 months is taking my patience and the need to have the tactile calmness.

Okay, I am taking less naps, sleeping in bed, and making lots of easy meals……the spaghetti episode has not yet died down from my friends.

I am taking the comments of those who have gone before me to know that “this too shall pass”. I know that it has shown me how many true friends I have in my life. So many have come to meet a need when I have needed it. And for that I am grateful for learning this lesson.

Oh Iris, I really empathise with you – I am 9 weeks post op and feel so frustrated with not being able to ‘get on’ with my hobbies and cycling! The pain wakes me up in the middle of the night and recently I started having nocturnal panic attacks, something I have never encountered before.

I remind myself how far I have come and actually, this last week seems to have made a huge difference in what I am able to do. As you mention, as we pass each stage we get nearer to being fully healed.

The spaghetti episode? Sounds interesting!

Anita, see the Sept 7 post.

I start WEIGHTS (2#…5 reps) this week.Not sure to be thrilled or scared.
And I am ready to job hunt again….yeeech. No more slacking my days with getting up at noon.

I am also going to try to do crocheting and drive up to the next town (25 miles one way) to do Knit Group on Sat. I am feeling like “maybe” life is coming back……. okay reality check… I may be pushing it a bit. But I do want to try.

2# weights are a lot heavier than they seem! Be warned. Those measily little 2# weights don’t look like much but they’ll kick your butt! 😎

I agree it does wear on the patience a lot. Especially since most of us have a lot less patience than we used to. 😎 Everybody’s different, but for me, I had a big improvement at week 9, so if that’s the case for you, you’re due for an improvement in a few days. 😎

This is week 13 for me and it’s nothing like it was thru week 8, but this week has been harder with the increased intensity of PT. My most frequent thought is “When will my shoulder just feel normal?” I suspect I have quite a few months to wait for that one.

Hang in there!

I had a minor setback last night (10 weeks today)
My recovery has been going VERY well, but in the middle of the night I guess I reached back (with the operative shoulder) and did something, sort or wrenched it, trying to pull/fluff my sort of heavy bottom pillow and it really hurt it/pinched it!

Rehab tomorrow so we’ll see if I did anything serious or if it was just from pushing it (accidentally) past its current boundaries and will be OK tomorrow

Well 11 weeks now and I have to agree with BK coz at the end of week nine i started to feel a lot better, was at PT yesterday and he said I have almost full range of motion, I found that if you have a problem with a range of motion area put your arm in that position and get a partner to massage your shoulder in that position ! it really worked for me with the behind the back position… I know I only had a partial tear but I am beginning to see the finish line : ) .. PT said all I need is about 4 more sessions with him then its down to me…hopefully without any setbacks I will be back on the golf course in 8 weeks time!!!

Oh I can hear Dr Jim .. Every surgery is different my doc said I can start golfing in 8 weeks !!

Barney, I would take care with your golf if you plan to play in eight weeks time, especially if your ball goes into the rough grass you may put pressure on your repaired shoulder trying to get it out. in two weeks time I will be 12 months since my op ,I played competitive squosh before my op and had to stop playing because I torn my ligament, probably a bigger tear than yours I feel that I am almost 90% at my 8 and 9 month stage I was trying too hard with my exercises that it set me back a bit, its always a worry for everybody that you think you may have re- torn, I think you would know, your shoulder will let you know if you are over doing it, with much more pain than usual, as others have said in earlier replies this is a recovery that will take its own time, have patience everybody and try not rush it, I often think back to the many sleepless nights I had before this op, I have no problems now.

I don’t think he wants to hear it.
A golf swings, especially a tee shot, of all things requires a particularly nasty angle and twist of your arm, up and over your head and shoulder.
In the middle of the night a few nights ago, I accidentally reached up and over my head in what proved to be an awkward angle to grab fluff my pillow. I accidentally jerked and hurt it a bit.
Set me back nearly a week
While no apparent permanent damage was done, I could not do much rehab until the throbbing pain stopped

Peter Doc said I can only start chipping & putting in 8 weeks time so will see how it goes..anyway hope not to be in the rough too much when I get back … cheers ; )

Thank you, I believe that’s what I said.
You won’t be able to use a wood or a low number iron for a while.
Good luck with your recovery

Ok.. No worries cheers

Jim, what you did with your shoulder while sleeping I also had the same problem, it will probably happen again, as it did with me in my early stages after the operation, sometimes I would go into a deep sleep which was not very often as it was very difficult to get comfortable, then I would suddenly wake up in great pain realising I put my arm and shoulder in the wrong position, most of the time causing more inflammation, I still get the odd painful twinge when I get too confident, you may also find that neck pain will be present for some time during your recovery this is very common, and will come and go at various stages over the months ahead, best of luck and keep me in touch with your progress, and once again best of luck to everyone in this excellent website.

Neck?
Don’t tell me about my neck.
The sling strap messed it up with no end in sight.
I’ve had a bad back and neck for years but this is nuts… ten weeks and my neck is no better.
Oh, it gets better during the day only to freeze up every night now *(&*@#^&*#$^&*#$

Was bacik in sling today….I was help;ing at a garage sale and my friend suggested it to help as a reminder about lifting or stretching…it helped, but still sore. Good news, I sold about 80 dollars worth of things. And some of it is my mother’s stuff from when she passed away. Another day tomorrow. suppose to rain…I hope not.

Question (that I have been forgetting to ask): Is anyone else using a Tens Unit? I have been preop, and I know that it has helped inn reducing pain levels.

Iris, I used a tens the first month or so after surgery but was told I didn’t need to use it longer than that. Honestly, I couldn’t tell whether it worked or not. I was in so much pain at that time (and for so many weeks after) that I don’t think I would have been able to tell if it worked. I have since bought one of my own (because I don’t want to get gouged by a rental again next time) but I haven’t taken it in to the PT to set up and use. It would be curious to try it.

On a bad note, I seem to have somehow regressed this week. For about the last week and a half PT has had me using 2# weights for the arm raises and stuff and my arm feels very catchy and sometimes its a sharp pain. I know the PT keeps telling me I’d have to do something drastic to mess up the surgery, but it’s hard NOT to be paranoid. I think I will skip using resistance in PT for the next few days and see if the pain and discomfort calms down.

Sigh. I keep waiting for this to be over.

The thing I hate most about RC repair is the uncertainty of it all. In the last 2 weeks they had me start working with 2# weights and resistance bands and since then my arm has gone back to being more painful. I can’t pinpoint the exact cause but I’m thinking it’s the John Travolta’s they’ve got me doing (diagonal from waist to above head height with resistance). Pain like before, no. But still painful. And the top of my shoulder is tender to the touch and the shoulder seems to be very “catchy” and things that had gotten a lot easier, like closing doors, are sometimes more painful now. My ROM had gotten relatively free and easy, now going out to the side is harder again.

ARGH!!!!!!!

It’s frustrating when you don’t know what’s really going on in there or how best to approach it. And medical insurance being the lovely affair that it is, I’m down to once a week PT to stretch out my benefits till year’s end so I can’t stay checked in as often as I’d like to stay on top of things. I could just scream.

In the meantime, I’m sticking to the stretches only at home, but even those I’m only getting in once a day because when I begin PT at night (with heating the shoulder) I inevitably am so tired that I fall asleep in the recliner and never make it to the actual stretching part.

BK I am now at 12 weeks and on the resistance bands, (not the travolta move yet) the top of my shoulder is now hurting slightly for the first time !! also when I lift my arm above my head now I fell catching or clicking noises ..nothing painful just annoying I hope this goes away overtime..anyway look on the bright side the first 70s dance night that comes up in your area you will be first on the dance floor with your Travolta Dance : ))

I happened on this website forum and love the helpful information every one has shared. I have two torn rotator cuffs and am getting ready to schedule surgery on the first one. I have found a lot of useful information here but have a few more questions.

1. Is the pain level after surgery better or worse than before surgery?
2. How long will I be unable to drive.
3. What is an ice machine and where to get one?
4. What is a Tens Unit?
5. I am by myself normally, how much help will I need following surgery and for how long?
6. What other things do I need to prepare prior to surgery to make things go smoother?

Thanks to all for your help.

1. Is the pain level after surgery better or worse than before surgery? This is highly individual since no two people have the same presenting symptoms with rotator cuff tears. I had a full rotator cuff tear, but my chief presenting symptom prior to surgery was shoulder WEAKNESS not pain. So for me, yes, the pain has been much worse since surgery—especially the first 8-9 weeks. It has calmed down a lot (I’m 14 weeks post op yesterday). People around you, in my experience, have a tendency to take this surgery lightly, perhaps because it’s arthroscopic. But it is major surgery, and takes major recovery time to get over (again results vary by individual–tear size, extenuating factors, and some people simply heal more quickly than others).

2. How long will I be unable to drive. I did not drive till 6 weeks out but wouldn’t have done so then if the doctor’s office hadn’t lost my paperwork. Driving didn’t get more comfortable till about 8-9 weeks.

3. What is an ice machine and where to get one? I don’t know about an ice machine per se. When my surgeon’s office arranged the surgery, they also arranged to have home equipment delivered for me the day before surgery. Two things: one was a TENS or e-stim unit, the other was a combination compressor/cooling unit. The compressor comes with wraps for your calves to prevent blood clots post surgery, and a sleeve for your shoulder that hooks up to the machine and keeps your shoulder cold 24/7 to help with inflammation. There was no ice involved.

4. What is a Tens Unit? Little tiny portable unit that works on the same principles as the e-stim units they use at physical therapy clinics. The PT programs the unit, you attach electrodes and apply to the shoulder points they show you (not on the incisions, of course) and it is supposed to help with pain. I can’t honestly say whether it helped with pain but I applied it religiously for the first 30 days post surgery. You can buy one for $30-40 online.

5. I am by myself normally, how much help will I need following surgery and for how long? You WILL need help for the first 10 days if they have you on the compressor/cooling sleeve. I was very annoyed to find out that I couldn’t hook the cooling sleeve up myself (it hooks up BEHIND your shoulder where of course you can’t reach! Luckily for me, I had someone who was able to pitch in and help. But they could’ve been more specific about that from the outset. You’ll need rides to doc’s appointments and PT visits in the early weeks.

6. What other things do I need to prepare prior to surgery to make things go smoother? What I did: lay in a supply of paper plates, plastic cups, plastic utensils. Cooked and froze a BUNCH of chicken before hand for freezer and had easy to snap seal bowls for storing veggies handy. Had a recliner-side table ready to go to hold water, snacks etc since you need to stay hydrated and have to eat something to go with the pain meds to avoid nausea. You won’t be able to use can openers so don’t stock up on a bunch of canned goods you won’t be able to open–even tearing open a potato chip bag won’t be an option–have scissors handy. I bought 3 shoulder shirts (specially designed shirts with Velcro closure openings at each shoulder) — you can get them from shouldershirts.com (or make your own if you have the talent). Indispensable for taking care of yourself at home and to give the PT easy access to your shoulder during clinic visits. It has only been in the last few weeks I have been comfortable enough to put on a regular pull over shirt. That took a loooong time.

It took me a good 10 days to 2 weeks before I could put my hands together to wash them in the sink. Washing one hand was MADDENING. Be prepared.

Practice doing things one-handed before surgery: it’ll effect how you wipe after going to the bathroom, brushing your teeth, and a whole host of other issues. If you have other (especially messy) people in the household, have them clean up their junk and clutter so you don’t have to worry about falling over it. You’ll need help washing your hair in that first week to 10 days as well.

Best wishes to you on your surgery.

LOL Barney! 😎

I have to say, yesterday officially freaked me out with the shoulder. As mentioned in my last post, things have backtracked since doing the 2# and the resistance including the John Travolta’s. Yesterday at work, I couldn’t even raise my arm up to but about halfway, and reaching out to the left side of my desk was severely restricted (ie. I couldn’t reach for anything that wasn’t within half a foot of my arm). The shoulder being tender to the touch on top is something I thought I got rid of weeks ago.

And what’s most frustrating is that IT’S NOT CONSISTENT! Yesterday I could barely move. This morning I can do the Travolta very slowly and cautiously (free motion). But I bumped up my PT appt from Thursday to this morning at 8a. It’s time for the PT to give me the standard “Relax, Brenda, your shoulder repair is not falling apart” lectures he has to give me periodically to reassure me all is not lost. It’s nerve wracking!

BK anytime I am sore I cut down my rehab workout …always works a treat.. once a day is more than enough for me…

Barney, don’t worry about the catching and grinding noises in your shoulder, I found that they were more present earlier in the morning, and as the day went on they eased up. I made the mistake of watching this operation on you tube, when you see what,s involved its no wonder you feel lots of pain and discomfort with all the work the surgeon has to do in such a tight area ,, be positive and everything will be fine. regards ,Peter.

My shoulder is like Jekyll and Hyde. Yesterday I could barely move my arm. Today, while still sore, I had something resembling my more accustomed range of motion. I was freaked out, but my PT wasn’t. He says it’s all part of the continuous need to keep the shoulder in motion and the adapting scar tissue, etc inside the shoulder. He did try applying the Rock Tape in a different way to the shoulder to see if that would help things.

So if he’s not freaked, I’m going to try not to freak out when this stuff happens (not too successful, as you can tell from my posts. 😎 We’ll see if it’s Jekyll or Hyde that shows up tomorrow. 😎

This question is directed to those of you who weight train.

RC surgery has blown my entire workout routine out of the water–not just weights—it sucks not to be able to kickbox, and the sheer drain on my energy levels with the rehab process cuts out a lot of my former exercise time.

But specifically with regard to weights, if you weight train, how have you adapted your workouts, especially for upper body work? I had a trainer tell me he was hesitant to work with the good arm because not working both keeps the arms out of balance. Well that makes rational sense in one respect. But reality is if I have RC surgery on the other shoulder NEXT summer, my shoulders and arms aren’t going to be on the same keel for like 2 years. That’s too stinkin’ long to go without working out the upper body, lopsided or no. 😎

I’m going to pose this question to my PT when I see him next Friday, but I’d also appreciate hearing from those who’ve had to live it. Thanks.

I think you have to accept losing a lot of strength, for awhile, and not just in the upper body. Many weight workouts for the legs and torso – ex. deadlift, squat, clean – require some shoulder involvement. A year after surgery, I am doing squats on a Smith machine, the weight bar running on fixed slides so no chance of losing balance or falling. Even so, it is very difficult for me to grasp the bar, because of tightness in the repaired shoulder.

After reading all the comments, at least I don’t feel so alone. I’m at 8 weeks post~op, out of the sling (thank God) and driving once again.

I had a complete rotator cuff and bicep tendon tear where they had to use six screws to attach the tendon back to bone. The surgeon sad it was extremely bad.

The thing that amazed me was, I wasn’t in much pain…that is, until after the surgery. I guess its worse now than lets say, 1 week post~op. From what I was told by my pt is it’s gonna get worse before it gets better.
You have to learn to re~use the arm again and that’s really what it feels like; very weak and not much range of motion. It to me feels like a have a large rubber band in my shoulder that is pulling all the time on top of the regular pain.
I know this is a long recovery, but my patience is wearing thin. I just want to feel normal again, if thats even possible. sometimes I think it would have been better if I did not have the surgery.

The only good thing was, I never had to sleep in a recliner, instead I used a foam pillow on top of two other pillows and slept on my left side. Sleep has not been the best since surgery but is getting a little easier since the sling is off. I’m still taking Norco even after 8 weeks, I guess because the tear was so severe but I don’t like taking it, especially more than one and at bedtime because it makes my mind race and I can’t sleep at all. I found taking it right before pt to be somewhat helpful because the passive exercise is so painful. If I do take it now, I only take one to take the edge off but it still makes me a little nauseous.

I’m 54 and wondering if my age has anything to do with not feeling like im bouncing back the way I should. Just don’t feel like myself. Anyone else feeling the same??

Regina, bicep tendon too? UGH! That’d be even worse. Thankfully I didn’t have bicep tendon involvement so I can’t imagine how much more slowly they must have to progress your rehab. That’s too bad about the med. Norco worked wonders for me and I was very upset that he didn’t provide it weeks 6-8. I ain’t doing that again if I have surgery on my right shoulder.

As to not feeling like yourself, all I can tell you is that I’m 14 weeks post op as of Wednesday 10/16, and I didn’t start feeling more like myself till about 12 weeks (meaning having better energy, better clarity of mind, not so utterly exhausted all the time, and better focused at work.).

Personally, I find the constant daily ache of the shoulder (even though it’s nothing like the pain of the first 8 weeks) to still be a drain on my energy resources. I still get tired more easily and require more sleep (even though it’s impossible to get more sleep now that I’m back at work). I’ve always heard that chronic pain is a drain on your system but never understood it first hand till now. I cannot WAIT until the day comes when my shoulder is just a shoulder and it feels normal. 😎

Best wishes to you in your continued recovery.

Hi Regina I had the rc surgery with bicep tendon repair also. I think the bicep part slows you down for sure. I am five months post surgery & didn’t feel like myself until around twelve weeks. My arm isn’t 100% yet but I don’t have the pain I did before surgery & for that in am thankful. I can do about anything I want except pick up heavy items. The process was slow & frustrating at times for sure. Just “sit back” & turn on the patience. My doc told me in the beginning that complete recovery can take from nine to twelve months. ::sigh:: Good luck BTW I was 65 when I had my surgery .. have since had a birthday. 🙂

Posted before, i am 5 months post op on my right shoulder and yesterday decided to do the left one, it was unavoidable i had to do both.The right shoulder was a complete mess, total superspinatus tear, severely frozen shoulder, bone spurs, arthritis, tendinitis, shall i keep going, anyway there is progress, slow as it is. i am on my own with my right shoulder, did very intense pt for 3 months, started 2 days after surgery.

with regard to the left shoulder which i did yesterday, not as bad as the right, but more tears in different areas, rotator, bicep, athritis, tendonitis, spurs.
Surprisingly the day after i feel a thousand times better than i did the first time, i had nerve blocks both times, a good idea if offered, it lasts about 24 hours.

i am amazed at the difference in the two surgeries, i was miserable the first one, no sleep , pain, everything that others have shared, so far this one none of the same symptoms, but we are not even 24 hours, so best not to count my chickens.

Some tips, guess i have some experience now;

Stick with the pain meds, you need to stay ahead of the pain, i only took oxycodone for the first 5 days, then nothing after that, remember you will get constipated when taking those meds, so take aloe pills, 2 to 4 per day, it will help you get regular sooner.

it does get easier, but you must be patient and you must find something to do or you can go nuts, i almost did.

The best thing i did for myself was walk and walk and walk, i started in a sling and soon the sling was off and i gently started swinging, marching my arms back and forth, it felt great.

Find lots of good books to read, anything to take your mind off the thought of months and months and months of discomfort, for me it will be about 18 months between the two arms and i am only 5 months in, so a long time to go.

If you are young or old and active and you need the surgery, get it done, it is about quality of life and hopefully your life will last a lot longer than the time it takes to recover.

Cheers to all who have undertaken this journey and try and be positive, everyday that goes by is one day closer to your goal of better health.

Steve, I’m glad you posted because I am particularly interested in hearing from those who’ve had to do both shoulders. That you did the other shoulder within 5 months of doing the first boggles my mind. I couldn’t do it that quickly anyway because of benefits considerations, but even 3.5 months out my left (operative) shoulder would be in no fit shape to be the only functioning shoulder while the right heals.

In all likelihood I’ll end up having the right shoulder repaired next June. I wish there was a way around it, but I’ll never truly be able to enjoy serious weight training again if I don’t take care of both (not to mention the right shoulder can do nothing but get worse if I keep letting it go.) I’m hopeful my right rotator cuff is not fully torn like the left.

All in all, I’ll end up facing about 2 years worth of relative downtime but I have to play that against a lifetime of downtime. Not an easy decision.

I do hope you will stop by regularly and update. I’d love to hear of your continued journey of progress.

This week marks 15 weeks post op for me and I’m glad to say this week has been a better week for my shoulder. I take the good weeks where I can get ’em! 😎

Steve,

What a wonderful post and every word of it true.

I’m 9 weeks post surgery and I’m into my 6th week of physical therapy. My surgeon didn’t have me start until four weeks after surgery. So many people have written about setbacks around week 9 and that’s how I feel. The shoulder feels tighter – I guess another healing stage. My physical therapist is wonderful. PT is painful but I know I have to grin and bear it. You have to go to every PT session and you have to do the exercises at home, despite how much they hurt. I do not sleep on my left side – doctor’s and physical therapist’s orders., which is hard because I’ve always been a left side sleeper. If I didn’t take Ambien, I know I’d be doing a lot of re-positioning so at least I sleep.

Shoulder surgery is the worst and rehab is very, very hard but we need our arms. Good luck, good health and “Thank you” to Scott for creating this blog. I’ve just given the link to a friend who will be having surgery in December and told him how incredibly helpful it’s been.

I am now 16 months post op and almost back to how I felt 3 years ago before I tore the tendon in the gym one day in Dec 2010.
Surgery was carried out in July 2012 and certainly at least a year for some form of normality and I consider myself very fit, strong and healthy.
Even now I still am able to feel that the shoulder had some work done on it. I look forward to another 40+ years of usage of that shoulder so it needed doing and very glad I had it sorted. Longest recovery I have ever experienced for any injury.
Do not expect any massive improvements too soon.

I have now reached 3 months today since surgery on the 23rd of July for a 5mm tear of the Supraspinatus, 1 anchor fitted, with subacromial impingement repaired..I saw my physio today and he said I will have one more session with him in 3 weeks time as I have full range of motion and just need to keep up the strength work he will prescribe for me.. I still have an aching shoulder after my exercise but he said this is normal until full strength is reached…also he said not to worry about my clicking in the right shoulder I have been experiencing lately..I was told to start swimming with the breast stroke at first which I did today with no problems at all!! ( could suffer tomorrow though) all in all I am happy with my progress and never ever had any real bad pain..although as I said I had a small 5mm tear…Physio said I could maybe start with a bit of chipping & putting on my golf course after our last visit in 3 weeks time as I am going so well…: ) One thing I have been doing lately is to exercise and strengthen my good shoulder along with my bad one so I dont have to go through this again!!!! ..

just got back from my post op, doctor was very happy with the surgery, changed my dressings, told me to start doing some limited range of motion exercises as soon as possible.

what intrigues me is that most all i have read says patients are told to limit any movement for up to 5 weeks, so while i know that everyone is different , my situation for both arms seems to be the same.

I am very careful, take the arm out of the sling only at home sitting in the chair or sleeping on the couch, but when out i use the sling, stupid not to.

i want to get off medication asap, hate being constipated almost as much as the pain, so going to move to tylenol, hope it works for me, but staying ahead of the pain is always the most important.

one last thing i did both surgeries because financially it was a no brainer, my deductibles were paid, so my out of pocket will be a 10th of what i would have had to pay, i am diabetic, never had any insurance of any kind until last year and through a program called a bridge to obamacare, i was able to get insurance for a limited time, i was so lucky otherwise i probably would have never been able to afford surgery of any kind and suffered the rest of my life.

it is important to count our blessings, whenever they come.

Take care and good luck to all.

Hi. I am due for rotator cuff surgery October 30. I am 41, single mom with two (12 and 8) kids. Any suggestions on how to live post op? I work a desk job, and will be returning to work November 11. There are two tears in my dominant arm. Any suggestions will help. So far, I am making dinners this weekend, to microwave for the kids, stocking up on groceries, have a recliner, and ordered the Elasto Gel Hot/Cold wrap that the PT department had my use when we tried PT prior to surgical decision. Cleaning, laundry and cutting pumpkins Monday and Tuesday next week. Cleaning and Paying bills tonight. Grocery Shopping tomorrow. I’m scared! :l

I seriously doubt that you will be going back to work on the 11th, that is way out of protocol
If you use a computer, 6-8 hours of using a keyboard will be impossible.
If you can do your job while one arm is in a sling I suppose you can go back, but the probability of being on pain meds is very real and possibility not a great idea (depending on what you do).

I am hoping that I will be able to return to work. That is my goal. I have no other income besides my job, and this is all due to a car accident a year ago. (LOVE those doctors). I have to go back to work, because I will have no cash flow from the insurance company until the suit is settled. Therefore, I must. I do work a desk job – typing/ten key. My dr. thinks I should be able to go back to work. I am hoping even for a few hours to help the department out. I don’t do well with pain meds, so if I can use Tylenol and Ibuprophin, I will be more than happy. Ugh. LOL As my tattoo states, “This too shall pass”

I really don’t think you can.
To type means (for most of us) that you need to remove the arm out of the sling and at 11-12 days this is just too early.
Carefully removing the sling and slowly typing at home while your arm is braced is one thing, doing this at work is another deal!

LOL! I probably won’t but I can come in and do some things! I told work I would try to come back, and I hope to for even a few hours. I have to have some sort of income! 🙂 I’m in Cleveland, OH – so if it snows – I’m staying home! 🙂 Work has been really great in understanding my situation, and what I may or may not be able to do. If I have to just answer the phone, I will. I have gotten pretty good at typing leftie, and only doing 10-key with my right. One day at a time, I guess. 🙂 I so appreciate your input! It kicks me into reality! 🙂

Well, good luck to you and I hope yours goes as well as mine did.

There are plenty of good suggestions throughout this thread, but if you haven’t already done so, it’d be wise to practice doing everything with your non-dom arm. And don’t be surprised if you aren’t ready to go back to work in 2 weeks (although degrees of tear and other factors make everyone’s experience different).

Best wishes on your surgery! I hope you have a speedy recovery.

Thanks! This may be my life saver! I have read the posts, and I have met someone through my pre surgical PT who is 3 weeks post op, and he has become my “Idol” doing so well! Everyone is different, so I hope all goes well.

I was very lucky and removed it (sling) earlier than I was supposed to
Just yesterday my Dr. said I was about the worst patient he’s ever had because I don’t listen to him.
However, I’ve had a ton of surgeries and know my body quite well. I’m also old and if it didn’t heal 100% I really didn’t care all that much!
Luckily I didn’t hurt the shoulder and it’s all worked out but I think I’m not the norm….

Hello Jim, I’m also kind of like you I guess. I removed my sling exactly end of 4 weeks after surgery. Although I was very careful with my hand. I was without pain… till.. I slept on my shoulder one night .. probably 30 days after surgery. The morning after I felt I undid something and was very worried. There was pain shooting down the hand and my neck was very painful. Anyway, over the next 3 days the pain went away and slowly got back to where I was before.

I saw the doc also about 31 days after surgery and she asked me to remove the pillow in my sling, but wear the sling for one more week. I tossed the thing right after the appointment. So far I am doing well. My shoulder is doing better and without a sling it is getting more action and probably has more blood flow as well. All in all it is now exactly 5 weeks since surgery and doing just fine.

Tricia, I’m sure you can go to work after 11 days. I actually went to work myself after 11 days. I felt I could have gone even as little as 5 days. But, used the surgery excuse to spend more time at home. Of course you will be wearing your sling. I’m a SW engineer myself and on the computer 8-10 hours a day, if not more. It is a little awkward the first week to type with the sling on. But, after a while the pain gets better and also you figure out how to do the typing with the sling on much better. Anyway, good luck.

Regards,
Nalin

just found this site… three days ago …. I just had surgery yesterday. So EVERYONE on this site knows more about things than I do. I am so grateful for the input. Kudos to you Scott for opening this forum. The response is indicative of how many of us have gone through this. The people at my therapy center tell me that 70% of their business is from shoulder related injuries.

Surgery rendered a surprise not found in the MRI. We knew my Bicep tendon was torn… But we found it was detached at the top. They re-attached it with a calcium screw. So my etiology was a torn supraspinatus, Subcromial Decompression. and Bicep Tendon repair. I cannot get comfortable in any position. Virtually sleepless night last night and struggling to control pain today. My wife is home with me now, but goes back to her work Monday. I am concerned about mobility “alone” I hope to return to work with sling still on… (desk job)

If anyone has advice… I am all ears. Thanks again everyone… your comments were very helpful to my rookie experience.

Tim – In Springfield, Ohio

Just go back a few months and read all comments
I think there has been a lot of helpful hints posted.

Are you on pain meds?
If not, perhaps it’s the time to try some for a while

Thanks Jim… yes I am on pain meds… spoke with Doc today …They increased frequency… and that has helped. I have learned much from past posts.

thanks again.

Tim

Hi Jim! I have my surgery on wednesday the 30th. Your two tears are similar to mine, bicep and supra. I don’t know what I’m getting myself into! I hope to go back to work in 10 days, but have been told that it is unlikely. We are all different, I guess! Do you have a recliner? That was the most important thing I learned off this site – sleep in a recliner

Nope, no recliner
I slept on this pretty awful, “normal” (but slightly oversized) chair for a week. After a week or so of not much sleep… I managed to sleep on my left side, which is the side I usually sleep on, (surgery was on the right shoulder).
For that first week I pretty much fell asleep whenever I could, off and on during the day and whenever I got at night.
An hour here, an hour there, etc

Hi Tricia, I am four and a half months post op and have slept in my bed from day one. I was propped up with five pillows and an additional one on my operated side to support my arm for about eight weeks. I slept quite well like this but, unlike many on this blog, I was in very little pain, which I’m sure made a big difference. Hope this helps.

Just a quick update for me since it’s a new milestone: 15 weeks post op this week: This last few days is the first time since surgery that my shoulder hasn’t felt fragile. That’s a nice feeling. 😎 😎

Hi all,
I’ve been reading here for about three months and have posted a few times, had my surgery on August 15, so thar puts my at 10 weeks out. I’ve been working ( light duty) since I was 4 weeks out. I have a very physical job as a floral designer and manager. Go back to 8 hour days, wth a 5 pound weight restriction tomorrow, I’m more tan ready for it. My surgeon is quite pleased with my progress and the workman’s comp doctor says I should be a poster child for this surgery. I have slept pain free for the last two weeks. That alone has improved my stamina and my over all health. I had not had a restful night since the injury in February. I got off the pain meds as soon as I could, hated the side effects and the dopey way I felt. My best advise is to move as much as you can comfortably, move the arm with slow gentle motion and follow your PT’s instructions. I had my hair cut Jamie Lee Curtis style and have kept it that way since February. Now that I am able to use my hand over my head I am starting to grow it out. That was the best thing I ever did, two days after the surgery I could shower and wash my hair, comb it into place with my left hand and I was good to go.
Best of luck to all who are just starting off on this journey in healing.

I am now 3 mos. since surgery and was wondering if anyone has their clavicle hurt when doing the physical therapy. It’s bad enough that shoulder hurts but now this. Am I doing something wrong?

Sure, if you’re progressing to a harder and more strenuous rehab, (I’m now 11 weeks PS).
Just today my PT person gave me something else/new to do. It was harder and it KILLED my entire shoulder area but just for a couple of hours.
Now, the pain is gone and I again have more movement than before

I went to PT today and they gave me a couple new things and it killed me at the time but now it’s ok.

Gina, now that’s a miracle!!!! … that it killed you at that time and now you are ok …. 🙂 …. I’m just kidding…
I’m going for my PT in about an hour. Hope I don’t get killed too!

I hope you don’t either. Lol. I forgot to mention the dr. Told me to take a pain pill an hr. Before I go so I guess that helps. I asked the therapist why my neck hurts and she said you are probsbly straining it because I’m not doing some of them the right way.

3 Reasons I Know My Shoulder Is Finally Improving:

1. That horrible twisted muscle feeling is FINALLY gone from the front part of my shoulder (that had been lingering for months)
2. I’ve relied heavily on heat for relief and warmup prior to doing any physical therapy. I’ve been able to drop down from 20 minutes or more of heat to just a quick 15 minute warming. AND I haven’t had a need to apply heat to the shoulder at other times of the day.
3. I’ve found myself air boxing in front of the mirror a couple days this week. 😎

So for me, the 15 week marker has been another huge milestone in recovery. I hope that means it’ll be easier from here on out. WOOHOO!!!!!!

Hi BJ,

Glad to hear you are turning the corner after 15 weeks. I’m at 5 weeks now. I should take your heat suggestion to heart. I totally believe in the heat thing. However, I think the best way is to just get your body heated up from the inside (i.e. exercise and warm up), rather than external heat.

I had a small scare today. I was walking up the stairs at a work parking garage and was trying to read the floor number while doing so I misstep on the stairs and was falling when my surgery hand went for the railing and pretty much stopped me from falling . I suddenly felt sharp pain in my shoulder and knew oops this is exactly what my physical therapist and doc was saying how I can undo the surgery. I didn’t even think about it, but instinctually I went for the railing to save myself from falling. Luckily my surgery seem to have held. My shoulder kind of recovered after about an hour and was less painful. I think I missed the bullet this time.

Anyway, I am looking forward to the day the shoulder will be back to normal. In any case I am itching to go on long hikes and backpacking trips.

Regards,
Nalin

Nalin,

Glad no harm was done! Talk about a close call!

Im in a real pickle as I do have full range of motion and good strenght in right shoulder. I did have mri which shows partial tear. Cant decide on having surgery. Scheduled for nov 7th but getting 2nd opinion thursday. I have significant pain at night kind of fatigued burning sensation. We live near Spokane on acreage with horses with winter fast approaching but my wife is tough and can handle stuff for a few months. Im 46 and think i got to get it over with…..

Mike Y,

It’s always a tough call. But the good news is, the majority of the time, it seems that folks having a partial tear (depending on the degree of tear) repaired usually rehab a little faster. But it still won’t be an overnight thing. On the other hand, while some people opt for treatment outside of surgery and do well working around the tear (I’ve read nothing that indicates it ever heals itself), others wait and eventually have to end up having it done anyway.

Best wishes to you as you get a 2nd opinion and decide what is best for you.

Mike,
I am a partial tear RC. When the surgeon went in, he decided to not operate on the tear, but fix the other stuff. Thinking that the tear will heal on its own.

I am now at 80 days out from surgery. Yes, it was worth it. I am a teacher, and could use the arm (limitedly) and had some strength in it. But not full ROM without pain. And extreme fatigue of the shoulder at the mid-day or end of day.

There will be times you “just want it over with” and times you are going to say “I can do this” and know that you actually can’t. (Read my Sept spaghetti story).
Only you can decide if surgery is for you. and yes, really do have a second opinion.
Good luck

My surgeon was very positive today about my recovery. As expected he prescribed Perocet every 4-6 hours for pain the first week. He also prescribed Oxycontin 20mg 2 x day. I am very concerned about taking the Oxycontin due to all of the press it’s abuse gets. I don’t want to end up living in a trailer in some holler in Kentucky robbing pharmacies or robbing old people in Florida.

Oxycontin is great.
Percocet work faster, but in reality start to fall off quite rapidly after 3 maybe up to 4 hours.
Oxycontin take longer to start to work but the pain relief is very steady (at least for me) for a good 6-7 hours.
NEVER has it ever lasted 12 hours.

There’s no bad press how they work, the only bad press is the addict abuse, the criminals stealing them and the junkies who used to crush them for a very rapid high.
(It has since been reformulated so crushing them doesn’t do what it used to)

Mike, if you watch, carefully what you take, and limit yourself, you will not become dependent. With your train of thought, you won’t become dependent. The 30th was my surgery, and thought on the 31st, that the pills wouldn’t work past 2 1/2 hours. I am now up to 9 hours per pill! The sooner we can get off of them (with our mindset we can) the better! 🙂

Well, I hurt my shoulder earlier tonight and now it hurts more then the day after I came out of surgery.
The odd thing is I don’t know what happened!
I tripped in the garage, I didn’t fall. It was more like a stumble and I sort of came down hard on my right leg and “shocked/jolted” the shoulder and I’m in a s**t load of pain.
I have rehab tomorrow and if I wake up the same way, I’ll let him tell me what I did and if I did something serious to it but it’s very strange…*(@^#&*@^#&*^#@*&!

Jim,

Hopefully the pain will go away soon. I don’t know about your particular instance, but I can only say that each time I’ve been freaked out about a seeming setback, the PT has stayed calm and worked me through it. It all seems to work out in the end. I guess the positive is that you DO have a rehab follow up so soon after the mysterious incident. That will give you more peace of mind.

2 days post op and finally frustration has hit. I am a single mom relying on my 70 yo mother to help me. I havent showered yet, have cabin fever bad, even walked with my kids trick or treating last night. I slept 9 hours last night, waking once for meds. Woke repeatedly due to high winds, but not pain. I am so used to doing things on my own, and now I can’t even put my earrings in! Crying like as baby because I feel so helpless….

Tricia
You need to get a grip and calm down a bit.
Since you’re posting here, I’m sure you also read others stories but you CANNOT go by two days, that’s nothing.
Have your mom put a waterproof bandage over your shoulder and try to take a shower, you’ll feel better. Just don’t stick that shoulder under the water and don’t worry about not being able to wash your other side for now nor washing your hair.
Relax, these first few days suck, just take a breath and relax.
Find a comfy chair, watch TV for a few days and in a week you should be feeling a lot better.
I’m also sure you know that this is not a 10 day deal and you’re all better. On average it takes several weeks before some sort of normalcy returns to your life.
Good luck and RELAX

I agree with Jim. 2 days is way too early. I actually showered on the first day of surgery. I used a large garbage bag I wrapped around my shoulder and put duct tape to secure it. The duct tape did the job. No water went into my surgery area. With the duct tape it was like a cast and molded itself to my shoulder shape, where it held it’s shape for over 10 days when I could toss it after I got Dr’s order to shower normally. The duct tape even if it got wet would be dry the next day and sticky, almost like a new cast 🙂

To be frank, I actually considered my surgery days (even with the pain) was a whole lot better than being back to work with all the stress and long hours I typically go through…. I say, let’s have another surgery 🙂 Keep popping those pain pills and you will be okay.

Regards,
Nalin

Just to clarify, I did not wear the garbage bag cast all day. I would remove after shower and hang it to dry 🙂

Regards,
Nalin

Tricia—-breathe. You slept longer than most of us in one sitting. Your reaction is nomal. I also am a person that was used to being in control. Breathe. About day 6 the feeling of normalacy…. It will take a bit longer to feel in control.

Breathe, the pain meds are still in your system, and they really are messing with your feelings.

Re-read the posts, you will see the progress that everyone has taken.

Blessings and Prayers…we all need it in this journey.

I am feeling much better today. Realized that I haven’t taken my anti anxiety meds since surgery… Hmmm, Ya think?

I am in a much better mood. Dr. lets me take out my arm from surgery to move my elbow. Got my earrings in today (mind you 16 in ears), and that was a huge milestone for me. Tomorrow I try the contacts! Being alone all weekend is helping me realize that I can do some things on my own! Got to shower Friday, and today. I changed my three dressings by myself today! 🙂

I still tire easily, but friends are getting me out this weekend, and I have coffee “dates” with friends during the week. Go to dr Friday the 8th for suture removal. I only get out for about 2 hours, and am exhausted! But I had Chipotle today, and saw my pool buddies at league, although I didn’t shoot – haha. Tonight, I wend shopping and got 2 tops to be able to go back to work in, and a pair of skechers slip on tennies – much better than tie tennies!

I feel better, but now am exhausted. Thanks for the reality checks and support! I LOVE YOU GUYS! (BTW – no pain pills for almost 9 hours now! :))

I’m now not certain where you are getting your information, but good topic.
I must spend a while learning much more or working out more.

Thanks for wonderful information I used to be searching for this info for my mission.

Great news! A little over 3.5 months post op I’ve been given the ok from the PT to try some NON-contact boxing. So tomorrow at 10:30a I’m going to kickboxing class. The shoulder should be rehabbed enough to swing the arm for the kicks (I’ll need to toughen up my shins all over again), and hopefully, if I use good strong concentration, I can pretend I’m making contact with the heavy bag and it’ll help with job stress.

The PT said I could even wear the gloves if I wanted but I said no way–better not–that would be WAAAAAAAAY too much temptation for me to actually hit the bag and that would be a disaster. I may be feeling better, but my shoulder is nowhere near THAT repaired yet. But I sure do miss slamming into that bag. But suck it up. I’ll have to wait that one out.

If the shadow-boxing is too much, I’ll just dial back (and why do they call it shadow boxing when there are no shadows involved? That never made any sense to me.). Can’t wait to try it!

1st Kickboxing (non-contact) class 3.5 months post op:

Coming back ELATED from kickboxing class. Had to concentrate hard to be sure I had careful distance from the heavy bag and made no contact with fists/elbows, yet move in carefully for knees/kicks. Thankfully I did not slip up and make fist contact with the bag. The shoulder held up well to the arm swings in connection with the kicks, likewise with right and left hooks and the jabs and crosses. Getting to take the class gave me a good read on my loss of conditioning over the last several months.

Stamina is down but not as bad as I thought, shin conditioning is down but not as bad as I thought. Core strength has gone down badly, but not surprising since I haven’t been able to do floor work for the last 5 months. And best of all, I was hoping that even without fist contact, the kickboxing would aid in reduction of stress level, and I do feel MUCH better after the class–even stayed an extra 10 minutes after to do some kick sprints.

I know it’ll be months before I can do any heavy contact work with the arms, but this was a great first step in the right direction. I’m more relieved than words can say to start getting my life back. There IS life after rotator cuff repair! 😎 😎

BK great to see you doing so well, I will be 15 weeks on Tuesday so not far behind you..like you my muscle always felt tight at the front of the shoulder but today feels slighlty looser : ) but my strength is getting better and better now so champing at the bit for a wee chip & Putt!!! good luck !!

Just a 3 month update – I started to feel some major healing happening around week 9 and then week 12. I am still aware that I had surgery but I now have many pain free moments (if I’m not moving shoulder too much) and range of motion has increased a great deal. I am still working on regaining strength, and the shoulder often still feels stiff or tight or strange BUT it is much better than 3-5 weeks out from surgery. I really never thought I would get to this point, so there is hope out there for people who are further back in the process than I am. I have about 3 more weeks of PT, then they are going to re-evaluate. I can do all the exercises at home, but I still appreciate when the PT does the stretching.

Would like to say it is encouraging to find so many positive people here
Six months ago I tripped on the dogs’ Kong wrenching my arm/shoulder on the doorway….VERY painful at the time
I put up with the soreness for a few weeks then as the pain and lack of movement increased I approached my Doctor for advice. He arranged for me to have physiotherapy, which wasn’t very successful due to the pain
I know you’re all familiar with the miserable night pain too
Then I was sent for an ultrasound which revealed a complete tear in the supraspinatus tendon and a bursa. The person who did the scan said “That’s not going to go away on its’ own, it’ll need an operation”
But after being referred to a senior physiotherapist I was given a cortisone injection and wear and tear kept being brought up. I don’t accept this as there was nothing at all wrong with my shoulder the day before the accident
I am 58 and worried that here in the UK they don’t seem to want to operate when you get to 60
My gut feeling is I had a small tear that became a large one
The cortisone injection has had a degree of success (one week on) but not enough for me to abandon the hope of surgical repair
Going to ask my Doctor to refer me to a surgeon, so hope to add my experience here :o)

Hi Linda, I live in Cornwall and had my op nearly 5 months ago. I am 60 yrs old and, after a scan revealed the tear in my tendon, my doctor immediately referred me to a surgeon. I saw him in February and had my op in June. I don’t think your age is a problem, ask your doctor for a referral and let us know how you get on. Best wishes, Celia.

I have a torn rotator cuff muscle in my right shoulder, from repeated wakeboarding accidents (actually both shoulders have tears). I can’t take the pain anymore, sleeping is very frustrating, so I am going to have my surgery on my right shoulder in 2 weeks. I am a very active 40 year old, work out 4 days a week, moutain bike 2-3 days a week, play bass guitar every day.

Soooooo, I am not excited about this surgery, but trying to keep positve about big picture.

I am very glad that I came across this website, fortunately, I work from my home doing tech support, so I do have it easier than others.

I will keep you posted, and thanks for a great blog… I am slowly getting through the comments here!
Chris in Chattanooga

Welcome to the club
You’ll be fine and by next (hunting, rowing) season at least half of you will be great!

Chris,

Welcome. I am 5 days post op. I had surgery the day before halloween, and I have 2 kids. I went trick or treating on Thursday with them – cabin fever set it. I hit frustration on Friday, but have no choice but to hang in there. I am typing with two hands now, albeit slower, and am permitted to take my arm out of the sling. I know you will be able to do this! Prayers for a speedy recovery!

Tricia

Chris,
Best wishes on the surgery. As I’m sure you’ve already noted in reading comments here, especially if you’re very active, one thing you’ll need a boat load of is PATIENCE to adhere to rehab protocols and let time take it’s course.

Until I had surgery for a full tear I never would have imagined how many physical activities shoulder surgery curtails. You get impatient, but you get through it. Last week was huge for me. I was finally able to take a kickboxing class (no contact boxing, but doing the kicks) and to begin doing floor work (stretches, foam rolling etc). I cannot begin to describe how much that has helped me mentally in just a few short days.

So be patient with yourself, listen to your body, and give yourself time to heal.

P.S. Excuse my ignorance, but what is “wakeboarding”????

My brothers used to wakeboard. BK, it is a shorten surf board being pulled behind a boat. You can do some awesome tricks, and jumps. (Because of a major left hip injury when I was 11) I was never able to get pulled up and stay up…so stayed on skis. Because we just had a regular pull boat, the boys didn’t get to the fancy stuff that is being done today.

Chris, for you to do fancy wakeboarding, you are going to need a really good sports PT person. One that understands the pull forces and the demands on your body.

90 days post op. I am doing well on ROM. Not so good on strength or lifting objects. My birdy (parakeet) is part of my PT…I am training him to eat out of my hand. And that means having to hold my arm still and lifting him up while he leisurely eats. Some days better than others.

Am I gonna live through post op arthro surgery? Scheduled this Thursday. I have a lot of what the pharmacist said were the strongest meds she has. Ice machine, recliner and a wife who readily admits she is not very nurturing. Im in pain all the time now from partial tear a year ago anyway. Really hoping the horror stories are from open surgeries with big repairs.

YOU WILL MAKE IT!!! I am one week post op and have graduated to sleeping in my bed! It is all in how you think of it. You are young like me. That helps. Keep this blog in your favorites! We all have “been there done/doing that!

Yes, I used to wakeboard doing spins and flips, etc. I gave up wakeboarding about 5 years ago, sold my wakeboarding boat.

That ship has sailed, LOL. There is no way I will be able to, nor desire to wakeboard anymore anyhow.

Thanks for the encouragement, and I will continue to read this blog and post my progress.

Thanks everyone,
Chris

Thanks for that Celia
I’m thinking I don’t even want to wait and see how the cortisone shot does…something is telling me it needs a proper repair before it retracts and goes fatty
Hope your recovery goes well
We LOVE SW Cornwall!

You can get the shot.
It will either work in a few days or not
I had shots in that shoulder for a year and a half, helped a lot.
Then it got to the point of not working anymore and we went ahead and fixed the shoulder

Thanks Jim
I will be 9 days post cortisone injection tomorrow. My upper arm was practically cemented to my side due to the fear of reflex movements triggering the agonising 2 minute pain that brings you to your knees….so I am pleased it is now not cemented to my side, but I still can’t reach behind or raise my arm to the side, and the night pain hasn’t improved
Don’t think I will have more cortisone shots…just hope my Doctor will refer me to a surgeon

Had my six month checkup. Doctor says I’ doing well. He again mentioned that I had a significant rc tear plus bicep tendon tear & you can’t rush recovery. I’m sixty-six years old & feel I have done very well. The muscle craps in my back were worse than the pain from the surgery. I found that Lidocaine patches really helped with these. (Prescription) On ocassion I have some discomfort in my shoulder if I have done something like wash windows but I don’t have the constant pain. 🙂 I go back to the doctor in three months & he said to work on my strength & let pain be my guide. I started doing forty-five second planks last week. 🙂 The surgery was SO worth it. Good luck to all

Congrats Betty on the great progress! What a relief to put the pain behind you for the most part. The last few weeks have been like that for me (I’m 3 days away from the 4-month post op mark). Last Friday they bumped me up from 2# to 3# weights for some of the movements and that made me sore again, but compared to what I USED to feel like, that’s nothing. It’s exciting to feel good again. I haven’t been started on any body weight bearing exercises yet (ie. pushups, planks, etc) but that probably will occur by the end of the year I’m guessing, or just after. I have, however, been cleared to bear partial weight on the arm and that’s been great so that I can now begin the slow process of doing foam roller work to begin reconditioning the muscles and ligaments that impact the knees. It’s just plain great being able to get out and move again!

BK it is exciting to feel good again. Feeling good & seeing progress .. nothing like it. Plus I learned some patience .. lol. Good luck to you & everyone else here too.

I am so incredibly blessed! They did the scope yesterday and I did not need a tendon repair just debridement clean up! Yes i feel like i got beaten on my shoulder with a bat but it should only take a few weeks to recover.

Congrats, Mike. The less repair needed the better. Glad to hear it.

I just found this site tonight and have read and cried for the past two hours. I am scared to death. I fella minty ago and caught myself with my left arm and apparently did something terrible. I was in lots of pain to begin with but over the past month it has improved though I still can’t lift much. I have pretty good range of motion but no strength. I went to an orthopedic doctor on Friday and he did a few movement activities with me and said I had much less strength in my left arm and he was pretty certain I had tears in my rotator cuff. I go for an MRI on Wednesday. I have to admit I am traumatized since I can do most everything for myself now and the thought that I will end up worse is making me cry and cry. I am 61 and have never had anything wrong with me. My husband has Parkinson’s and I have to be the caregiver for both of us. I am obviously not brave and am a whiner. I feel like I lose either way. Is the risk of things being worse worth the surgery. Should I get a second opinion? I have surgery penciled in for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving but I just don’t know. All thoughts are greatly appreciated.

You can always get a second opinion but the MRI will not lie
Personally I would have him “pencil it in” AFTER Thanksgiving so you can enjoy it somewhat or if you can stand it, wait until Jan. after ALL the holidays. Regardless, wait until the MRI is read and let us know what’s up

Carla, i fell in the ice in March and tore RC. Did PT for awile and them MRI. Had surgery June 4th. 4 weeks in a sling and them Pt for 6 weeks. I am 72 and feel pretty good now. It does take time, but it is worth it. I have never had anything wrong with me before this, so I know what you mean. Hope you husband can help somewhat. Mine was a big help. Good luck, Doreen

surgery not that bad, because of all the comments I wasn’t even worried,first night I lot pain get your pain meds in you before the nerve block wears off !!!, and no problemif you don’t belong to a church find a Christian Church they will bring you food probably, call around, they may have people to come over an/ or check your Department of Aging something like that in your town 4 different kinds of help, meals on wheels,ect

Dear Carla, I am sorry to hear about your fears, pain and all the other issues you have with your husband and this injury. As a cop of 31 years and a solider I would like to suggest that you start with a change of your thought process. You view your self as a whining sissy, you aren’t and don’t have to be. You are going to go through more pain, will be ok, get through this, and be healthy again. Keep it in perspective, you can do this and will. Read the book “Unbroken”, take your meds, watch funny movies, breath deep and know you’ll be alright and are needed and loved. When your done with this look back with pride in your ability to change your thinking and what a terrible thing you have handled. God Bless you

All, I have been reading this blog since before my RC surgery and bicep repair on July 10. Like many others, I was scared before the operation, but I was also PREPARED, both mentally and physically. I had very little pain after two days of meds and an ice machine (which I highly recommend) and have done my rehab religiously since the day after the operation. I work out seven days a week, so lack of activity was a big concern for me. Just before I went under anesthesia, I asked my surgeon when I could walk and he said, “You can start tomorrow”. That was all I needed–I walked for an hour each day beginning July 11 until I was cleared for the elliptical after three months (and yoga after four months).

To anyone who has trepidation, the surgery WILL be helpful if you approach it properly and follow your surgeon’s/rehab specialists instructions. This is a difficult process and healing does not occur quickly. After five months I am 90% healed and 100% glad that I decided to have the procedures done. Good luck!

DH,

We had our surgery on exactly the same date. I’m not willing to say I’m 90% but close–maybe 80-85%. Physical therapist tells me the constant soreness should finally go away after month 6. I can’t wait! Not that it’s a high level of discomfort, but it makes it hard to work out because you can’t use muscle soreness as a guide because it’s always sore. Makes the process of rebuilding your workouts a bit frustrating.

I’ve just begun in the last few weeks to rebuild my weight training program at a very slow pace (low weights, higher reps) and there’s considerable lack of endurance in the arm yet, much less muscle strength. But as you said, it is s-l-o-w going but it gets there. 😎

Update: 4 month post op surgeon follow up today

Doc was very happy with my progress and cleared me to begin a gradual return to my weight training (I’ve been doing a little weight training in the last month but now I can attempt all the various moves). Only caveat is start slow and err on the side of very low weights and work my way up (which is what I’d do anyway).

He also said I could attempt boxing in gradual doses. But I think I’m going to pass on that for now. With the extreme stress of my job, I don’t want to actually HIT the heavy bag until I can hit it the way I want to hit it. Pure force. That would be a really bad idea this early on. I’ll re-evaluate that after the six-month marker.

I’m just glad to be able to begin the full body re-conditioning process. I’d been rehabbing my knees before all this start and that plus my core strength has gone waaaaay down in the last 4 months. But I got there once. I can get there again. YEAH FOR FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT!!!!! 😎

P.S. IT’S SO AWESOME TO BE ABLE TO YAWN AND STRETCH FREELY! YEEHAW!!!!!!!

Glad you’re doing so well BK. And yes, being able to yawn and stretch again is really awesome!

Last night for the first time since I wrenched my left shoulder 6months ago I inadvertantly slept on my left side…been in agony all day today
I had the cortisone shot, it has given me a little more range of motion and helped with the pain for a few days, but that is all
The day after tomorrow I see a specialist re surgery ( complete tear of the supra ) plus bursa
But today I read something that has me downhearted, it was that surgery is off if they feel you’re ‘frozen’, and then PT would be indicated until you have better ROM
Before the cortisone injection I could only raise my arm halfway to shoulder level, now I can get to the shoulder but not above it. No real improvement with behind the back….so, I think I may be a bit ‘frozen’
Of course I will find out more on Thursday, but can anyone shed light on this?
Is surgery contra indicated if your ROM is poor?
Have been hoping for surgery sooner rather than later due to tendon retraction and fatty degeneration and muscle wastage

Hi Linda,

I asked my PT just yesterday about frozen shoulders – and if I recall his description correctly, you would’t be able to move your arm more than a few inches from your body… not being able to raise it as you describe, sounds like a result of the injury only…
Good luck!

No frozen. You have better ROM than I did before surgery. Hang in there, and get ‘er done! I don’t regret this at all….

Thank you Lynne :o) That makes me feel much better…even though I was downstairs at 2.15 am, rotator cuff problems and sleep just don’t go together do they?

Just a quick update. My appointment with the consultant went well, he confirmed I need surgery and between now and whenever that may be due to his list I have to work on my range of motion as I am very stiff
During the examination he commented that my good shoulder was clicking…eeek

Hello Linda, I know you did the surgery a while ago was wondering how it went. Was it a full tear and did the stiffness go away? I have a partial tear was planning to do surgery after 5 mo of PT but my ROM on the side is limited and they said iam developing frozen shoulder and will wait till September to see how it goes, got a cortisone shot. Do they not do rotator cuff surgery if arm is stiff? Could that lead to a real frozen shoulder? Anyone knows? Thanks hope you did real well with your recovery.

Wow! Weather changes the way you feel! Shoulder achy today in Cleveland with the weather. Just three weeks post op. 2nd week back to work. 2nd week of PT – Passive movements. When the PT moved my arm on Tuesday, she pulled too far, and I was in tears by 9pm. Pain pills come in handy on nights like that, and ibuprophin on others. I can’t wait to get out of this sling, but when I take it off for PT, I know why I am still in it. ROM is very good says PT. I tell ya, I’d do it again if I had to (But I hope to never have to). Feeling hopeful!

Just wanted to post how comforting this site has been for me. I have a complete supra tear in my dominant arm. Having the repair on December 6th, hoping to return to teaching after the winter break. I admit to being panicked about all I will be unable to do for such a long time, but know I cannot continue with the pain and lack of mobility. I wake up every night now, so hoping that will prepare me for the upcoming sleepless nights.
I really enjoy reading about those of you that are doing so well post surgery. It is giving me the strength to embark on the hellish journey known as rotator recovery. It is so funny to see people’s faces when you tell them you are having the surgery. Everyone seems to know someone who has had it and suffered immensely. Hoping I am one of the lucky ones with no unforeseen circumstances.

Hi Shirley,

Glad to hear from you. Hope your surgery and rehab goes well.

This Thanksgiving I’m thankful for sore muscles. Yep. I just had my first rock solid weight workout Saturday (very low weights, high reps) and my triceps were sore (my shoulder’s sore but that doesn’t count because it always is. LOL!) I was so excited to actually be able to use weights enough to GET sore. WOOHOO!!!! I’m on my way to retrieving a normal life! 😎

If I don’t post beforehand, wanted to wish a blessed Thanksgiving to all!

BK Jackson ~ Your workout sounds wonderful! Looking forward to just those kinds of moments in the future.
Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

Has anyone had that tool thing used on them? I don’t know what it’s called but I had it last Thursday and it hurts so bad and I am so bruised its black. It’s supposed to break up scar tissue to give better range of motion. I am four weeks post surgery on Dec. 5.

I know exactly what you’re talking about. I don’t know it’s proper name, I just call it The Road Scraper, because that’s what it feels like. I’ve had to have that used on both my shoulder and knee. Though I will say of the two, it was FAR worse having them use that thing on my knee. Although painful, it seems to be beneficial.

P.S. What was the degree of your repair (ie. full tear, etc.)? I’m endlessly fascinated by what treatments are used and when–there are so many variations and methodologies. The Road Scraper wasn’t used on me until (I’m guesstimating) about 12 weeks. Most definitely not 4 weeks post op.

Goofy me; I am 4 months after surgery, not 4 weeks, so it’s about the same as you. I had a complete tear and the bicep tendon had to be reattached. I like your name for it ( road scraper). I had it done on my calf for plantar fasciitis a couple years ago and it hurt then but this is so bruised she said she wouldn’t do it yesterday. Will I ever feel normal again? With the new exercises and now this, I am back to hurting a lot.

Gina,

I can’t speak for others but for me the pain cycling went on for a good long while. By that I mean, a level of pain which still leaves you doubtful that the darn thing is healing right, complicated by the ratcheting up of the level of PT. I’ll have to look through my journal notes but I think I went through that up through the 15 week mark (I’m at 20 weeks today).

My shoulder steadily remains achy now, but in a nuisance sort of way. Up till about 4 weeks ago, I’d have to apply heat at breaks and lunch at work just for some relief from the ache, but now it’s just an annoyed “Can’t you just hurry up and fully heal?” mild ache. But I’m having to pay careful attention to the ache as I’m just beginning to return to the first baby steps of weight training.

Since you had bicep tendon involvement too (which I didn’t) it would seem likely that you’ll have that pain cycling for a few more weeks. BUT, it DOES end! 😎

Thanks so much ! It’s good to know someone else is feeling the same way I am. It’s just never pain free, especially when doing the exercises. I wonder how long I’ll have to go to PT. I see the Dr. Dec. 3, so we’ll see what he says.

Seeking some specific help from any posters who happen to see this in the next few days:

I’m doing a presentation this Wednesday in an intro to exercise physiology class. I’m pulling together medical journal articles that will hopefully shed light on the question of early vs. delayed physical therapy after rotator cuff repair (is one more advantageous than the other?). In addition to medical data, I’m interested in patient opinions on the subject.

If you had your rotator cuff repair 12 MONTHS OR MORE AGO I’d love your input on the following:

1. If your physical therapist initiated early physical therapy (ie. within a few days to a week of surgery) how do you feel early activation of therapy worked for you and do you feel you are completely healed now that you are a year or more post op?

2. If your physical therapy was initiated on a delayed basis (ie. not started for 4-6 weeks post op), did you feel delayed therapy helped or hurt your recovery? Do you feel completely healed now that you are a year or more post op? If your rehab was delayed, please specify if you were COMPLETELY immobilized during those initial weeks or if you did any kind of passive exercises (either manually yourself, by your therapist, or by a CPM machine).

And if all respondents could specify, for the sake of comparing apples to apples, whether you had more work done than a rotator cuff tendon repair (ie. bicep tendon involvement or other complications) and whether it was partial or full tear.

If I get any responses, they will be used anonymously without any identifying features that would reveal respondents. Thanks!

Started passive PT in 3 weeks
So far so good at 16 weeks

PT 2 days after surgery
Complete tear and bicep tendon reattached.
Only 4 months since surgery so I guess this doesn’t count.

I had surgery last May and things went well for a while.After three months of PT,I went back to doctor and he said I should be A lot further along after six months.I was supposed to go back in two months,so he gave me a shot to see if it would help.After several days my shoulder was in such pain,I had to go see him then.After another cat scan,I need surgery again.Cannot have mri because of defibilator in chest.I am scheduled for surgery dec 26.Dread going through all this again. urge everybody to be careful and not reinjure this shoulder again.

Hi Jack, I’m so sorry you’re going through this again! I also had surgery in May so I can imagine how you must feel! What did he think you should have been able to do that you can’t do? Can you tell us what he/you think happened, and what the cat scan indicated? Hang in there!

I posted on here late in October after my surgery. My surgery was 10-24-13. Extreme repairs with bicep tendon re-attachment. I was in a sling for 6 full weeks. I did the stretching exercises and followed my doctors instructions to the letter. The pain was excruciating after the block wore off. But with some medication adjustments and sleep aids, I was back on schedule after a two weeks. I was reticent about doing the surgery… but here’s the real scoop. My injury was worse than the MRI showed. After the first few days my pain was under control… Start pain meds before block wears off…. Go to bed! Use pillows… Use sleep aids, you will rest better than sleeping in the same chair you sit in all day. Do the stretches post op. No matter how much it hurts … it will help you long run. I went to PT for first time Yesterday (12-11-13). They were impressed with my ROM and they said I was 3-weeks ahead of schedule. I know everyone is different… but we are a resilient creation. Dig deep! You will be fine!

Tim, I had the bicep tendon reattached too and a complete tear of the rotator cuff and did exactly what they said and it is coming along good now. Had surgery Aug. 5 and had to start PT 2 days later. Ugh! It killed me but I took the pain meds and got through it. This is the last month of PT and then I have to do them at home. I also slept in bed, not a chair and was ok propped up on 2 pillows. That’s great you are ahead of schedule with your ROM. I was having trouble with that 2 mos. ago but seems a lot better now.

It’s been amazing to me to watch to beautiful sharing of experiences about rotator cuff surgery here since I first posted my note about “Life in a Sling”!

Thought I’d mention that I’m back on the ice machine again – but this time for hammertoe surgery in my right foot! My shoulder turned out beautifully after my rotator cuff surgery and I’m sure my foot will as well!

If you’re not aware of what a hammertoe is, it’s basically a condition (apparently mostly genetic) where one of your toes “locks up” – sticking up and bending at a 90 degree angle downward. Many people can live with the condition – only buying shoes with plenty of room, etc. In my case, my hammertoe because increasingly uncomfortable – not painful, just weird – and was affecting my ability to walk for anything more than short distances.

So, I decided to have the surgery using a local podiatrist who went in and dealt with the offending toe joint to allow the toe to straighten out. The surgery took almost two hours and I was home by mid-afternoon. As with the rotator cuff surgery, an ice machine was strongly recommended – so we’re renting one made by Game Ready which is working really well. Ibuprofen seems to be adequate for the pain at this point. I can walk on the foot – with a web-like slipper (quack, quack!) so the only challenge is showering – yet to be attempted!

I’m sure this more than you wanted to know about hammertoes – but wanted to share the news!

I’d heard of it but never really understood what it was. Doesn’t sound like much fun but I hope you heal quickly. As always, thanks again for providing community on your site for those dealing with rotator cuff issues. You never know. This might be the start of a hammertoe community!

It’s been a great resource.

Interesting Scott, I hope you heal just as well with this one!

I just looked back at your first post! I hadn’t realized you had your surgery 4 years ago! I was under the impression it was a more recent event! At any rate, I too have really appreciated your blog and all the advice everyone’s offered over the years – it really has made difference for me!

My 89 yr. old mom has really bad hammer toes but she says they don’t bother her – they just look awful! She thinks they are because her mom gave her socks that were too small… who knows? I have one that has a frozen joint, but at least it’s flat…. in general my toes tend to be like that if don’t have shoes on – but then they flatten out. Hopefully I won’t need surgery down the line!

Thanks again!

Lynne, yes – my rotator cuff surgery was a while ago – and my shoulder turned out just fine! Perhaps 90% of the strength I had originally – but otherwise just great!

Re: hammertoe – my podiatrist says it’s a genetic issue – so sounds like you’re lucky so far. In my case, I had one nasty hammertoe which just really started to get in the way and slow me down. I tried to live with it for a while – but finally decided to just get it fixed.

Today was a wonderful day – I had the surgery on Thu, used ice machine on Thu/Fri/Sat and then showered/shaved and went outside and walked a bit. Felt good! I’ve got a followup tomorrow – to rewrap bandages, etc. But the foot is doing just fine!

Best,
Scott

I couldn’t help but giggle as I wondered about the types of toe PT you might have to do…passive, pulleys, different colored bands, weights , etc…..

Lynne, indeed! Fun to speculate – but, as it turns out, there’s NO PT for the toe surgery! Yay!

Best,
Scott

I had surgery for a full tendon tear in my cuff in sept. Everything was going great until a few weeks ago. Not sure how to explain but my Bicep tendon started to kinda of catch. Like it pulls for a second and hurts when it does it. Happening quite often now. It had just started before last doc visit. Mentioned to Doctor and he said it was ok when MRI was took. Therapy has been getting pretty intense lately and starting to worry it got tore or something during therapy. Trying to rest it this week.

Hope you find out soon what’s going on Brian

Wishing you a speedy recovery Scott…keep icing! But going back to rotator cuffs I have scoured the internet and this is by far the nicest place for help and support
I am waiting for surgery on a complete tear, and am aiming to read through again from the first post :o)…so, thank you Scott
Whilst I am posting I would like to add a tip for when your range of motion is very poor is to use a long handled soft bath brush to reach under arms and dry by placing a small towel on the brush
And last night I had a small inprovement in sleep by using one of those small blow up neck pillows used for travelling ( the cortisone injection I had has now worn off and the night pain is as bad as it was )
Whilst I’m waiting for the Tramadol to work I do slow deep breathing, which helps

Please add your favourite tips

Well, nearly 5 months now and all seems MUCH better.
All of a sudden I realized that the shoulder is not hurting or throbbing anymore not matter what position I (it) was in or what I do with it, (within reason).
My therapist and my doctor both said I was just about done with PT, one more treatment/session and he will do a “final” evaluation this Monday, (Happy new Year to me)!
I’ve been careful with it, not doing any sudden weird moves or jerks and not lifting too much and it seems to (hopefully) have paid off.

I will be 5 months Jan. 5 the and I feel the same way Jim. My PT will be up on the 14th of Jan and then I have to still do them at home.

That is awesome news! Congratulations! I’m curious–do you feel no pain or discomfort at all? I ask because I’m about 5. 5 months out and the shoulder is WAY better than it was. But the shoulder remains sore. Not major at all, but still sore. Everything I’ve read and what the PT tells me is that that typically lasts about 6 months. I hope so, because that means come mid January I’ll get my “get out of sore” free card. 😎 It’s only bothersome in the sense that as long as the shoulder has any level of discomfort, it will always leave doubt in my mind about level of healing, no matter what anyone says.

Congrats again.

Well, it’s 5 mo on the 1st.
I’m 69, in awful shape so I don’t push it, plus I have been very careful for the past 3-4 weeks or so because of that minor setback I had in November. I have no idea how it will be if I start lifting heavy stuff so for the moment, I’ve been careful
Yes, 0 pain right now

Today marks 6 months since my surgery. My shoulder has been hurting just a little bit for the last couple days. Hopefully that doesn’t mean anything. I haven’t had much physical therapy—3 weeks of range of motion after I got out of the sling at 6 weeks. Range of motion is wonderful, but that arm isn’t very strong. That arm can barely lift a gallon of milk to the top shelf of the refrigerator. I am hoping that I will gradually gain strength in the arm without doing any special exercises.

I don’t know about the recommendations of your surgeon/physical therapist, but mine eventually had me begin work on strengthening the surrounding muscles, using little 2 pound weights (and it’s amazing how heavy 2 pounds can be when you’re rehabbing the rotator cuff!).

I can lift a gallon of milk on the upper shelf with a little bit of discomfort but it’s not too bad. Though I definitely have not regained full strength in the shoulder (particularly with the arms out to the sides and raising up).

Yeas, 2 lb. weights seem so heavy. They have me doing bicep curls with 3 lb. weights but other ones with 2 lbs.

I am 5 1/2 weeks after right shoulder rotator cuff surgery. Doc visit today, more strength resisting his tests then pre op! I am done with the sling!
I have had 4 weeks of range of motion physical therapy, and have more range than before surgery, and very little pain the past 2 weeks or so.

i have been playing bass guitar for 3 weeks now, just fine, and using my right arm without much discomfort. What helped me the most was buying a Vital Wrap ice machine on Amazon, and the shoulder compression attachment, icing it twice a day.

I am 41 years old and very active (worked out weight lifting 4 X a week, hardcore mountain biking 3 X a week). Now I go to the gym 6 days a week, doing abs and riding a bike for an hour, amongst other leg exercises.

So far, this has been a much easier journey than I expected, just have to have faith, and get in to physical therapy!
Chris

Thank you everyone for your inputs. This blog has answered so many of my questions. I am scheduled for surgery Jan 7 for RC tear, bone spur and arthritis on my collar bone. It’s been a year and a half since my injury which happened during pre-deployment training. ROM hasn’t been limited but lack of strength is highly limited. Since I stopped resistance training about a month ago, my shoulder seems to be getting worse. I have popping and grinding now along with a dull numbing pain that seems to radiate down my arm.

Being a full time student at a university, am I being realistic in planning to go back to school 7 days after surgery? I understand everyone is different in the healing process. I am active, actually bummed I will not get to run in my yearly races. I am catching a ride to and from school until I am cleared to drive again and have large breaks between my classes this semester. I’m just not sure if I will be mentally alert enough to begin school a week after surgery. I would certainly sit out this semester but doing so means I have to sit out a whole year. (My classes are only offered once a year.) I have been told I have a high tolerance for pain (child birth with no meds and burn accident). Though I am not looking forward to 4-5 months in a sling, I know there is an end somewhere down the road.

Anyone have input for this ambitious and positive nail-biter!?!

Rob, I would say you would be OK to go back to school personally, if you were like me. Being active and having a positive attitude helps a ton in my opinion!

Hi,

well its just over 5 months now since my surgery, I was signed off with my surgeon at 4 months, he said I was well ahead of schedule with my range of motion and strength, I have just starting golfing again hitting the ball with full power!! , although after each round of golf my shoulder is tender and sore for a while…the only problem with my shoulder is a clicking or slight catching when i lift my arm up in front of me now and again, although the surgeon said this was scar tissue and not to worry.. as for pain i would say there is still a dull ache in my shoulder but no sharp pain at all as it was before surgery..My Physio said until you have the forgotten shoulder you will not be fully healed ..so still waiting to the day I dont think about my shoulder which is yet to happen in 5 months!! at this point i am happy I had my surgery as I can now hit golf balls without a sharp pain…

Many Thanks to Scott for starting My Life In a Sling. I’ll get right to it. 44yr old male. Surgery date 1/16/14 for MRI confirmed small, full thickness left shoulder supraspinatus tear. Lived w/shoulder discomfort, some lack of strength, trouble sleeping on left side, (rh dominant), for a long time. I am an active individual and have a hard time sitting still. I also work from home, mostly on boats and motors. Injured in a car accident last August and still have lingering back soreness. Married to a great wife, but having difficulty going forward with this, even with one of the best orthopods in the state. I feel like that cat under a rocking chair times 10. Lots of great success/encouragement stories here and gentle high fives to all of you, either now or in the near future.

Best wishes on your surgery, Patrick. Hope it and your rehab go smoothly. Since I’m always interested in the different methods of rehab used for rotator cuff repair, I’ll be curious to hear how they approached your rehab after surgery–ie. will they start you on rehab within days of surgery, or have you on limited motion for a while before they start it. Rehab methods seem to vary based on the patient population represented here.

Today I’m at exactly 6 months post op. I’ve come a long way and am a lot better but rehab is so slow. I’m doing some light weight training and within the last few weeks was started on some modified pushups. The shoulder is still constantly sore–I don’t mean to the point of requiring an aspirin–but enough to make me still uncertain about the true status of healing. Since they’ve been telling me it usually takes about 6 months for that constant soreness to go away, I was kind of hoping to wake up this morning and be soreness free, but no such luck. 😎 I just want the shoulder to feel normal again. And I want to be weight training in earnest. All that to say, don’t get in a rush to feel 100% again. Some people are fortunate and progress very rapidly–maybe you’ll be one of those. But don’t bank on it. You’re gonna need patience! 😎

Does anyone hear popping sounds when doing your PT? I am 5 months post op and sometimes when doing certain exercises I hear what sounds like bones popping. Weird feeling! Told my therapist and don’t get an answer.

Gina,

I have not specifically asked about it (I give up on asking questions because the responses always fall into the “Don’t worry about it, it’ll go away eventually” or “that’s just normal for this point post op” type answers). but I would assume that, since most repairs involve shaving away bone, that that is at least partly due to those bones learning to work together again as they heal–that over the course of time it will smooth out and they’ll settle more. But I have no medical basis to go on.

I do get that sometimes–not all the time–a popping sound if I move my shoulder a certain way. It doesn’t hurt, but it’s noisy. 😎

Thanks BK! It doesn’t hurt and doesn’t happen all the time either, so I guess I’m ok.

Hi Gina, I’m 7 months post op and still hear a popping sound with certain exercises, although the noise is slowly decreasing in volume. I asked this question at the last appointment with my surgeon in November. He showed me my x-ray and explained that, in my case, it’s the sound of air getting into the pockets in the cavity between the joints while it is still healing. Hope this helps.

Yes Celia, this does help. I was always wondering if something was wrong. Thanks,

Patrick .. Go for it. You will feel so much better. It certainly wasn’t as bad as I had thought it would be. Just stay on top of the pain & ice will be your best friend. I am 66 yes old & am 8 mo post op. I wasn’t progressing well with strength in my shoulder so I am working with an trainer who also does rehab for some or tho docs. Don’t know how long i will be able to afford him but for right now its great. Good luck to you

Hi! I am 5 days postoperative for RC surgery on my left shoulder and dominant hand. I too, hear the bone clicking sound. My doctor says its normal. I had my right shoulder done five years ago and it’s started hurting again in the past few months and may need to be done again…probably from picking up all the slack of the left, weaker arm.
Yes, it hurts and is uncomfortable but I constantly have to remind myself that this is just another one of life’s hurdles to get past. I have to work on patience everyday. But as a retired RN, I tell myself to be grateful, at least I have arms to be repaired….sure beats the alternative! Hope your recoveries go smoothly and quickly!

You should not be hearing clicking because at 5 days you should not be moving it!

Jim and Kathy,
Try as much as I might, there were many times that I couldn’t keep my arm from moving! It moved whenever I got out of bed and had to take off the ice thing or just tried to get comfortable. Also whenever I took the sling off and put it back on when I took a shower… So I definitely did hear the clicking! Now 8 months post op, I still hear noises once in a while – but much less – and I don’t worry about it anymore.

I will be 6 months to the day in a week from the day I was operated on and finally no pain whatsoever.
I don’t push it, I’m 69 and not in the best of shape overall, so as long as I’m careful I think now I can worry about my other issues and not worry about this anymore.

I will be 6 months since surgery on February. 5th and was allowed to go back to work 2 wks ago. I have a few weight restrictions but next month none. I work in the kitchen of an elementary school so this kind of surprised me since we do a lot of heavy lifting. I have to continue my PT at home. Do what they tell you and like everyone said the PT is very important. I had to start 2 days after surgery which was complete tear of rotator cuff and reattached bicep tendon. It was very painful but I got through it. It’s amazing how different drs. Are about when to start PT.

Scott…. I had RC surgery in October. supraspinatus… sub-acromial reduction and bicep tendon detach and repair. I was in a sling… immobile for 6-weeks.

Since then …I have been in therapy and have experienced a number of incredible things. I want to say some things.
1- This is a serious surgery… it is very painful and you will not recover quickly. I am a former OSU recruited football player, wrestler, and weight lifter. It kicked my butt! I am now 53 years old.
2 – The therapy is crucial… listen to your therapist and do your homework.
3 – The RC is an incredible part of our anatomy… Look into the physiology of it… prior to surgery. You will be smarter about the whole procedure.
4- Take your pain meds!
5- Give it time… I am just now seeing the rewards of my earlier therapy . It has been three months.
6- Everyone asked … would I do it again? Yes… but I miscalculated the recovery time and recovery effort required.

Finally… Scott – I want to thank you for this blog. It has been very helpful to me knowing others are walking the journey that I am.

Tim, good to hear you’re doing well. Like you, my surgeon had me in a sling for 6 weeks – followed by a second six weeks of limited mobility before starting me on physical therapy. He was obviously concerned about making sure “the pins set” – apparently have some concerns about them during the procedure itself. But everything has turned out really well for me. I had a superb therapist and she provided a big boost to getting strength and mobility back.

Thanks for your comment about this blog. It is fascinating to me how it’s turned into such a useful resource to the community. I’m mostly blogging about my photography these days – using my right arm and shoulder for shooting – the one that was operated on! But everyone sharing and supporting each other here is gratifying as well.

Best,
Scott

Gina said: “It’s amazing how different drs. Are about when to start PT.”

This has been one of the both fascinating and scary parts of rehab. Fall semester I even did a research project on this to look at various medical journal articles/research studies to compare results of people started on rehab early and people started on rehab later. Some of the studies seemed to lean toward the efficacy of starting therapy later rather than sooner, but all in all, the results of the studies were inconclusive and left me with as many questions as I came into it with.

As for me, I’m about 6.5 months out from surgery and so far I’m disappointed. The shoulder still aches daily (not to the point of having to take medication, but aches nevertheless). The big measuring stick for me was always: “When can I box again? When can I do intensive weight lifting again?” So far, it hasn’t happened. I’m lifting weights, but very wimpy ones. Just in the last few weeks beginning with modified pushups to begin rebuilding strength so that I can do a full push up.

I’m trying to temper my disappointment with the fact that it’s “only” been 6 months (ie. an eternity) but it’s hard when you can’t live your life. Boxing is fun, but I primarily boxed for stress (and I have a lot of it in my life) so without boxing as a stress outlet, that leaves chocolate–and as you can imagine, that hasn’t been working out too well for me. 😎

But I decided months ago I wouldn’t give my final grade on rotator cuff surgery until it had been a year, and that’s not till July 10th. Another eternity.

I totally agree with you BK! I still have an ache, especially when I do the exercises, but not enough to take pain medication. I will be one year Aug. 5 and I have heard from other people that’s how,long it takes to really feel normal. My PT tells me that since I had a large tear I may not get back to 100%. Nice, huh! Feb. 15′ I am supposed to be able to have no restrictions at work and that means lifting up to 50 lbs. No way am I ready to do that!

My surgery was 7 months ago and yes, I still have small pains in that area nearly every day. They come and go, but are more noticeable when I have been lifting or carrying something a bit heavy. I have often wondered if the repair is holding. But my surgeon, whom I last saw in August, said to expect it to take one to one and a half years for it to completely heal.

Pre-surgery consult with my Orthopod 1/22/14 ( pushed my surgery into February…..). I think Tim’s comments are very accurate and helpful to me, as I continue to research what to expect. My doc anticipates using 4 anchors to repair the supraspinatus tendon. Surgery will be done on a Thurs., followed with 1st physical therapy appt Monday following surgery. They also arrange a CPM chair to be delivered my house, which I will be instructed to start using after the 1st PT appt., and an ice machine (both are rentals) but I may just buy an ice’r. Just stopping in here for a reality check, and preparing for the inevitable, Thanks again Scott!

Hi Scott,
I too, had Rotator Cuff surgery by Dr Eakin and am currently 10 days post-op. I also work where you had surgery and could possibly have been your OR nurse. I’m finding that the wearing the sling has been more uncomfortable than the actual surgery. I carry a lot of tension in my shoulders therefore, I have knots in the muscles in the shoulder of the affected side. I’m looking forward to the day I don’t have to wear it anymore. Hope you’re healing well and that your surgery was a success!

Lisa, wow – small world! I really respect Dr Eakin and he did a masterful job with my shoulder! Yes, the sling was a big pain – and he had me wearing it for a full six weeks. One of those “just one day at a time” experiences – feels so good when you do get throught it!

I’m doing very well – my shoulder isn’t back to 100% strength wise but mobility, etc. is excellent!

Best,
Scott

Had surgery for a small, complete supra tear in my dominant arm, on December 6th. I wore the dreaded sling for 4 weeks. Started CPM machine day after surgery, and used it for 3 weeks. Started PT 11 days after surgery. I am making slow progress in my twice weekly PT sessions, but it is very painful. I bought the pulley system and use it daily along with the home exercises with the wand (assisted), and the bands. I went back to work on January 8th.

Just had my 8 week check up and was told I am very stiff. Surgeon is starting me on Prednisone for inflammation. Surgeon said small tears often result in more stiffness than large tears. Has anyone experienced this? Has anyone experienced elbow pain and stiffness 2 months out?
Feeling discouraged and fearing anesthesia for manipulation of the shoulder.

Shirley,

I had a full tear but I don’t know the size, and my rehab approach was different than yours. I was kept in the sling for the first 5 days then began PT. I didn’t have stiffness to the degree that the physical therapist remarked about it. I mean yes, when you are doing those assisted exercises you feel like you’ll never get your ROM back. Do you continue to ice the shoulder after your home therapy sessions?

I didn’t have to take anti-inflammatories but I was on pain med for a long time and I don’t know if those pain meds have any anti-inflammatory properties or not.

Yes BK, the physical therapist uses electrical stim and ice at the end of every session and I use the surgical ice packs for 1.5 hours after PT.
I continue to take pain meds daily and at night. Sleeping is still a challenge. Did your elbow bother you during PT?

Shirley,

I had a little discomfort with the elbow (from being stationary no doubt–I was a vigorous weight lifter before surgery so the elbow wasn’t used to so much idle time), but nothing significant.

For a different approach…. and a confession of sorts… ( I’m at 8 months – I had a supraspinatus rotator cuff tear and a labral tear repaired with 6 anchors and a bone spur removed. )

After I read the reasoning behind wearing the sling for 6 weeks, I became much more careful with my arm and stopped trying to do things and wore my sling more. Then when I started PT and my therapist explained the reasoning behind only doing passive exercise for a while – I relaxed a lot. Maybe too much because I wasn’t very disciplined at all when it came to doing my exercises between PT sessions…

When it came to pain, my PT stressed that his work and the exercises were not supposed to hurt too much and it was very rare that I really felt any real strong or prolonged pain during his sessions – most of his work was just passive And there were only a few times where I felt pain following sessions and hardly ever used ice. I did take Aleve in the AM and PM until just recently – because I keep hearing about how bad inflammation is for healing.

While I really want to get back to yoga I wasn’t in a huge hurry to do so – the way I see it, as long as I could get the arm to move where I want it to (i.e. keep the scar tissue down or break through it) I can work on strength later on. Maybe I’m just rationalizing my lack of discipline… but now at 8 mo. and I can move my arm almost everywhere. The only exception to that is that I am only now starting to be able to reach my bra strap… I’ve recently had the opportunity to sit in a hot tub a few times and while I soaked I made a point of reaching up behind me to stretch in the direction of where my bra strap goes – and I think that’s really helped.

I am still careful about lifting anything very heavy -because I haven’t been working on all the muscles and don’t want to stress the repair – and I am especially careful about lifting anything higher than my shoulder, but I probably could do so if I wanted to and I am able to lift my arm all the way up over my head. I did my first yoga class last week and I did pretty well – I only modified a few of the positions so that I wouldn’t put too much stress on my arm.

I realized this week that I am finally at the point where I hardly even think about my arm! So all in all – in spite of my lack of discipline – I’m really pretty happy with how my arm turned out. (it just took forever to get here!!!)

Thanks for the different perspective, Lynne. I should probably be more relaxed, but just dread the thought of heading back to the operating room to be able to move my shoulder. My PT sessions are excruciating! They keep saying we have to be aggressive. The scar tissue point is made at every session. Today in PT was the first time I cried from pain, since giving birth 14 years ago.
I look forward to the day where I no longer think about my arm, elbow, shoulder etc!!

Continued good luck to you! 🙂

UPDATE:

I’m 2 weeks shy of being 7 months post op. I just had my final physical therapy visit Wednesday (it’s going to feel weird NOT going to physical therapy. That physical therapy office has become sort of a family extension. LOL!) But there was no point in continuing PT–there’s nothing they can do for me that I can’t do for myself (other than the therapist running the “road scraper” as I call it, ie. the ASTEM).

I just have to let time, tedious time, take its course and see if my shoulder is ever going to stop being sore and if I’ll ever be able to box and weight train like I want to. I want my life back! Waiting is for the birds.

Hi all. I am 6 months post-op.
Please be smart…. ask for for help. I tried moving some bedroom furniture, not even with arm, and now am set back at least 2 months. Stupid stupid stupid.

Iris, I’m so sorry! Hopefully, it won’t take 2 months this time…

I’ll ditto about asking for help and being careful with everything you do – even with things that you think won’t involve your arm.

Fortunately I haven’t hurt it – but I’ve come close – loosing my balance and having to swing my shoulder to keep from falling down…and on top of that, tensing up all my shoulder muscles in the process. So even though nothing even touched my shoulder or my arm, I could see the potential for really hurting the repair.

Hi everyone .. I’m nine months out & was told I would see the doctor every three months for a year from my surgery. I went today for my nine month check & he said my strength has improved so much in three months that I don’t have to go back. I was so excited I called everyone I know. Do what they say! Wear the darn sling as long as they tell you even if you feel like you don’t need to. Itnpays off in the end. Good luck to all!
Betty

Hey well I was t so lucky with my repair because I’m 8 mos post-op and I have a retear so going for surgery again feb 25 ! And I did everything I was told to do and it still happened 🙁

Just an update from me
I am scheduled for surgery on my left shoulder on 13 Feb
I am having bone shaved off, for impingement
arthritis removed from top of shoulder
Encapsulation release
Surgeon says if he finds a tear that will have to be done in a second operation
Has anyone had similar?
Thanks

Best wishes on your surgery. I’m no medical person but I wonder what the reasoning is for not taking care of any possible tears at the same time? I’m not sure what specifically an encapsulation release is, but the other stuff is standard stuff they do during rotator cuff surgery. If you’re comfortable with their rationale, that’s fine, but if not, be sure and ask questions before surgery to make sure you’re comfortable with the plan.

Hey Linda I don’t understand why your doctor can’t repair the tear when he has you in surgery !

Thank you
Yes, a few people have said the same thing
The surgeon told me I am very stiff ( I think I froze up after my trip on a dog toy)
He said after rotator cuff surgery you have to keep your arm still for a while so if you start off already too stiff it’s asking for problems

It’s confusing as I have had one scan that said I had a complete tear of the supraspinatous tendon. And in another hospital a scan did not reveal a tear

I’m hoping when the surgeon gets in there he does find there’s no tear

Linda… have you gone for a second opinion? I just hate to see you go through two operations! Best of luck in any case!

its been 14 months and one week since my surgery, its been some time since my last reply, I can say at ten months I thought my progress was going back the way, both with shoulder pain weakness and some neck pain, I don’t know what I did to make this happen, I could always test the strength of my shoulder throughout my recovery when opening my car door from the inside, or lifting my fender strat guitar from the wall which at ten months I had to use my other arm to help, the good news is that I feel that the strength in my shoulder is 90% the pain is decreasing and I am totally getting my confidence back, press- ups are no problem, neither are weights, in moderation. I am a support worker and while I was waiting for word for my operation date one of my elderly male clients lost his balance and fell backwards on me , on breaking his fall that was when my shoulder totally went, I thought I dislocated it, as the pain was terrible, turned out to be a bad tear. I think that’s the reason that its taken me so long in my recovery. I would say to anyone who fear they may have re-torn the tendon, I think severe pain like a dislocation you would feel, as many others in this excellent blog have said in the past, this surgery takes time and patience, best of luck to all, you will get there.

Hello to everyone! I never ever expected that I would have rotator cuff surgery twice in 8 months! Yes had a complete tear of the supraspinatious two bone spurs bursatis and some frozen shoulder! My doc said I had the real deal and did not really have much pain just couldn’t raise my arm! So had surgery June 2013 did really good with surgery never had bad pain did PT for 3 mos 3x a week took a lil while to get my ROM but I did and was progressing well could get arm all the way up and wAs about 95% healed about 5th month and then starting noticing month6 couldn’t raise arm and felt like repair wAs ripping when I picked up something so went for MRI got the news I have a retear at edge of tendon so having surgery February 25 again!!!:( I was shocked my doc never expected it cause I was doing great! But if you had a larger teAr you have a 25% chance to retear! So I am one of the unfortunate ones:(! So don’t know if it’s worst knowing what to expect or what! Most of all I dread that sling it aggravated my neck so bad and my elbow! So I’m going to ask doc if they can do Pt on neck also! Surgery was never that bad it’s six wks in sling and PT hurts stretching to get back rom!!but I’m just gonna put on big girl panties and deal with it! It’s just a small part of my life and I will get thru it again! Thankful it can be fixed at least! I’ve been putting meals in freezer and have some friends doing that for me too! And I have a wonderful husband to help me thru it all! So you all be careful with those repairs it can retear!! Good luck !!

Hi Rene, So sorry to hear of your re-tear. I had my op in June 2013 too but mine was only a partial tear which seems to be doing well so far. Good luck for your op on 25th and looking forward to hearing how you got on.

I had rotator cuff surgery two weeks and two days ago, yes you count the days when in pain. I was never told the extent of the tear, but I did have five small incisions. The MRI showed a slight tear, but I fell weeks before the surgery and likely tore it more. I was taking TWO hyrdocodone every 4 hrs,…too much, but as prescribed. Due to upset stomach, I weaned myself off of this after 4 days and took OTC. Now I am off pain meds, but can’t sleep. I tried Ibuprofin PM, Benadryl, Melatonin (3mg and 5mg slow release) all to no avail. Anybody else have suggestions???

In someway I am lucky, the Dr. was allowed me to drive “carefully’ after 10 days. I am a cop, so it will be many months before I return to full duty (can’t shoot a gun), but the Dr. is allowing me to return to light duty after 3 weeks…just typing in the office, and much of it with one hand.

This ortho Dr. does not use a PT. I have done daily pendulum exercises since day 2, and interior/exterior rotator he said until week 4, that’s it.

I must wear the sling for 6 weeks, and be in the recliner for2-3 mos . (big BUMMER)! I find it difficult to sleep, not necessarily from pain, more so from discomfort…I have never slept on my back. The Dr. prescriber Ambian, but it didn’t work either. Again, any ideas on how to sleep easier?

Hi Anthony,
It will get better. I too had difficulty sleeping. I tried 2 Tylenol PM at bedtime and then when I woke up 3-4 hours later, I took an Ambien. Now because the PT is so painful, I take Norco at bedtime and again Ambien upon wake up, usually between 2:30-4:00. The recliner did not work well for me as I need to be able to be slightly on my side. I slept in bed with at least 5 different pillows; bed pillows, travel u-shaped pillow, bolster pillow for under arm, etc. The more pillow sizes and shapes, the more you can adjust positioning for comfort. After a month, it will be significantly better.

Good luck! This is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient. 🙂
Shirley

Anthony,

Sorry to hear the med doesn’t agree with you. Sleeping was a bear for a long time with my recovery, but fortunately for me, my stomach did not react adversely to the strong med because I was on it for something like 6 weeks (it should have been longer but then the doctor switched me to the ever-so-useless Tramadol).

You have to decide what’s right for you but I greatly question not having the involvement of a physical therapist. Maybe I’m cynical in my old age, but I find doctors have a lot of shortcomings. They are no more qualified to speak to the physical therapy aspects than they are to speak to nutrition. And considering what a long and difficult rehab rotator cuff repair is, leaving out a physical therapist is like going to someone for surgery who’s never performed an operation before. Even limited physical therapy involvement is better than none. Though I realize different people’s financial or insurance situations may not make that easy.

But there are others here on this group who have had very limited (or perhaps no) physical therapy involvement. So this, as with all things, will come with varying opinions.

I hope you find the right combination of OTC meds/sleeping arrangements to get the best sleep possible. Best wishes!

I had 4 months of rehab after a “major tear”
Started PT at 3 weeks post op. Operation was Aug 1st 2013, no pain whatsoever after about Dec 15th or so
(and still good)!

Now if they could fix the rest of me…….

My second rotator repair surgery on same shoulder was on July 24th and I am still in pain every day. My Dr thought it would take 12-18 months for my shoulder to get back to normal. Maybe because my bones are small and the screws came out after the first surgery so he had to use larger screws and put them in at a different angle from the original ones because they tore out of the bone … Anyway, it’s obvious to me that the tendons/muscles are no longer attached at the same point they were naturally. Still have a lot of weakness but PT was pleased with my range of motion. I could NOT sleep in the recliner – was on melatonin, benadryl and Ambien but still couldn’t sleep. I made a nest of many pillows in my bed to prop up my affected shoulder and arm. I am actually sleeping much better now at 5-6 months out from the surgery. I take the melatonin and half a benadryl about 2 hours before bedtime and then they kick in at the right time and I am not too groggy in the morning.

Hi Anthony,

I’m sorry you’re going through such a rough period! Like you, I fell (the day) after my MRI and went from a partial to a full tear!

You didn’t mention an ice machine at all! It helped reduce my pain a tremendous amount… it you don’t have one, I highly suggest you rent one. I used mine for over a month and while it was a pain to get the sleeve on and off, it helps a lot. (By the way for anyone reading this, I eventually removed the foam and velcro and just wrapped the cold pack in a towel and placed it over my shoulder… that made it so much easier!)

Really, do anything you can think of to make yourself more comfortable, because they all add up and cumulatively can make the difference. I felt like I was the princess feeling the pea, but so be it. For example, the nylon on my sling was irritating my arm, so I cut the sleeve off of an old flannel pajama top and pulled it over my arm before I put the sling on – it was so much better and it also absorbed any sweat.

In addition, I wrote a long post on June 27 about my pillows… I found some really good ones that made it a lot more comfortable which helped with my pain and sleep. I also found I could pretty much keep my arm from moving if I put all my pillows around it – so I sometimes slept without my sling which was so much more comfortable – but just be very careful or put the sling on loosely just in case.

I also hate to sleep on my back and since I don’t have a recliner, I had to sleep propped up in bed with lots of pillows and with a foam bolster under my knees. Maybe you can try your bed instead or switch back and forth so it doesn’t seem so interminable. I got my leg foam at the Foam Shop in Berkeley, CA. But you can also shop on the net or look at these links to what I’m talking about.
Leg wedge: http://tinyurl.com/kjozvz6 (I put another pillow on top of mine because I have very long legs
back wedge: http://tinyurl.com/k9coqdx (I’d get a thicker one).

Oh, one more thing, I got a muscle relaxant because I had knots in the muscles around my scapula that had gotten very painful… and they helped me sleep… so that may be a different angle to try.

Good luck, and it will pass! I’m 8+ months and it seems like it was more than a year ago!

All – thanks much for your comments, they were very helpful and very thoughtful!

i was reading this because someone I know is probably about to have this surgery. I noticed a few comments by people wanting help with putting a sling off or on. Here is a link to a 32 page booklet from Vancouver, BC that is full of illustrated instructions for doing that plus dressing, putting on socks, etc. Looks very useful. Good luck to all of you. Link to the booklet:

http://www.viha.ca/NR/rdonlyres/974079F8-2D66-4FF1-8736-AA5D8739D3A7/0/shoulder_surgery_final.pdf

My surgery yesterday went well, they did the 3 things they’d scheduled and glory be found no complete tear ( something I had been stressing about since being told at a scan that I had one) so don’t have to face the second surgery
I had the nerve block which I loved…till it wore off! It also meant none of the horrendous sickness I usually get with morphine
Not one wink of sleep since getting up at 5.00am yesterday
Sling is off (except for bedtime and going out) and I am doing my exercises ugh!

On a lighter note when I arrived home our dog was very interested in the smell of blood around my incisions. I felt like her next meal lol

Glad things turned out better than you had anticipated & that you are doing so well

LInda,

Glad the surgery went well and that there was no full tear. I’m especially glad you don’t have to do surgery twice! UGH! Take care…

Brenda

Thank you Betty
Going to take more care of my shoulders now. No more humping rockery stones around and moving large Hydrangeas to different spots OR tripping over the dogs toys!

Thank you Brenda :o)
No tear thank goodness…just had the encapsulation release and decompression bone shaving
Thought I was doing well fri/sat after thur op…sun/mon/tues much more painful
The physio I was doing on my own hurts so much less than proper physio yesterday, am dreading the next session…but know it’s a neccessary evil
Like has been advised pain meds and icing are your friends
So happy to have found this blog Scott xx

Bhama, Hope your surgery goes well and that you will be well on your way to healing!

Doing well had second RC repair in 8mos! Had a small retear and bi-cep repair , having no pain!!

That’s good news. Great to hear it went well and pain is manageable!

On Feb 4 I posted that I had been released by the doctor 3 mo. early. I was so happy I was telling everyone. WELL then on the 18th I noticed that I couldn’t raise my arm above my head. I started taking Advil & doing ROM exercises – no improvement. I went to the doctor on the 25th & was told I’m developing frozen shoulder. OMG you are kidding me. He says I didn’t do anything to it & it doesn’t follow the surgery. It just happens. So he put me on prescription antiinflammatories & gave me a cortisone injection in the shoulder. Doing ROM exercises & he didn’t mention PT but I will call the office on Monday & see what he says. I’m so discouraged. Of course I got on the computer to find out all about it. From what I read I learned that this can last a month to a year & one article saidn three years. Not only can’t I lift my arm up but certain movements cause intense pain. The pain isn’t constant like before surgery but I am really tired of pain & not being able to do things. I go back to the doctor in six weeks. Just wanted to share this with my friends that understand.

Betty,

That stinks. I’m sorry to hear it. Just the regular recovery process is bad enough without having to go through that. I hope between the anti-inflammatories and other treatments that it will be very temporary!

I’d be curious to hear if you do get referred for PT and/or what exercises they recommend to you. I have a long term goal of educating to become a personal trainer and then on to kinesiology for an undergrad physical therapy degree, so I’m trying to absorb all I can from listening to the stories of others.

Modern medicine really needs to get it together and improve shoulder treatment. Best wishes on your recovery!

Thanks BK! I will keep writing about this experience as I go through it.

Hi BK. I told you that I would let you know how they are treating my frozen shoulder a year after my surgery. I have now had frozen shoulder for six weeks. I am able to raise my arm a little more than when it first started. Just saw the ortho doctor last Tuesday. He says its still frozen. He could feel some inflammation & I got another cortisone injection this time above the surgery site. I can raise my arm a little higher now but not straight up. The doctor was satisfied with what exercises my trainer was doing which included stretching & some weights. Well my trainer moved the middle of May & I am doing a lot of those same exercises my self at the gym. The doctor was fine with this too. He said to make sure I do the stretches that they are most important. So here I am one year & one month after my surgery & wondering if my arm will ever be able to go over my head. The positive thing in all of this is that I am not in pain like I was before surgery. In fact I have no pain in that arm except for the occasional twinge. I hope you are doing well.

Dear BettyYou,
Was concerned about how is your shoulder doing? The pain? Doing PT? As I have written on the blog after a partial tear following a fall 5 mo ago, I stopped seeing improvement with my ROM and just got the diagnosis of frozen shoulder! The doctor said surgery would have to wait. I’ve gone to 3 different doctors, most said to do mobilization I think it’s called where under anesthesia they move your arm around to loosen it up. Have the told you anything like that? All I’ve done is a cortisone shot, continue PT once a week and will start swimming in heated pool which should help. Let me know how you did. Hope you are doing better.

Hi Mary I have been doing therapy with my trainer since before the frozen shoulder diagnosis. He is very knowledgeable with orthopedic problems. After the diagnosis he switched from training to only range of motion for about three weeks. We continued with lower body exercises & ROM & gentle stretching of my right arm. He has slowly gotten me back up to some weights & my right arm is quite strong but I still cannot straighten my arm above my head. I still have frozen shoulder but no more pain .. aggravation do to the fact I can’t reach up to get anything, like in cabinets, with my right arm & I’m still very cautious with my arm. I go back to the doctor in June & will post what he says. Also my trainer is moving so I loose him next week. Couldn’t happen at a worse time but nothing I can do about that. He feels certain I can do my exercises on my own. Yes I can its just making myself do it. Oh my doctor said they don’t like to do surgery on frozen shoulder. I often wonder what the outcome of this will be .. at least I have no pain.

BettyYou,
Good news you have no pain. How long has it been since they diagnosed frozen shoulder? Did you get a cortizone shot? I am doing ROM with my PT, go to a heated pool and do exercises with elastic band. I also have tendonitis on my other hand! Go figure! Will need to do anMRI to examine the exact problem. Am afraid will end up with 2 surgeries!
You will do the exercises alone cause your motivation factor is very high-to get well and be free of pain. Let me know your status after seeing your doctor. Mary

Hi Mary. Yes when the diagnosis of frozen shoulder was made two & a half months ago he gave me a cortisone shot at that time because I was in so much pain & it did help. Today was my last day with my trainer. I will continue my exercises! I go back to the doctor on Junen10 so in will let you know what he says. You take care.

Hi BettyYou, how is your frozen shoulder? How’s your ROM? I was told I can’t have surgery for my partial tear since I got the complication of frozen shoulder. I am doing better, have much less pain but with 80% ROM. Will see if I will need surgery it’s confusing cause one the best ortho surgeon that saw me, said he doesn’t usually do surgery for partial tears. I wonder is there Anyone with partial tear who didn’t do surgery and is doing ok? Thanks Mary

Hey Mary how are you doing? Have they decided what to do with you?
I am fourteen months post op rc surgery. Nine months after surgery I developed frozen shoulder. Finally yesterday I was finally released by my ortho doc. My ROM isn’t 100% but its probably 90-95% & I have no pain & I have my strength back. I’m satisfied where I am. My instructions were to keep stretching that arm. That I will do. Good luck to all

I’ll be seven months post surgery on the 16th. I had a full rotator cuff tear after falling and slamming my shoulder into a brick wall. Surgery was full cut and I had nine weeks of physical therapy four weeks post surgery.

I have good range of motion. Strength still needs to be worked on. The problem I’m having is when I go to sleep. It is uncomfortable laying on my left shoulder. I am a left side sleeper because I have really bad acid reflux.

Is it too soon to be able to sleep on that side? I’m sure everyone is different but I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem. The incision looks great. I have done very good scar management. I massage twice a day with a balm my cousin makes and the scar is barely visible. I’m fine all day. It’s night that’s the problem. My ice pack comes to bed with me every night.

Hi Judy,

My shoulder got easier to sleep on around 7 mo, but it was still hurting and I decided if it was still hurting maybe I needed to stop sleeping on it so it could heal a bit more – even though I love to sleep on that side and hadn’t been able to do so comfortably for many years! So I reluctantly backed off sleeping on it and went back to sleeping sitting up for a week or so, followed by sleeping on my back – with a pillow next to that shoulder so that I wouldn’t roll over on that shoulder in my sleep. I’m now just over 9 months and I’ve been sleeping wonderfully for about the last month with no pain at all!

I’ll add that when I slept on the good shoulder the repaired shoulder also hurt some – but what worked was to sleep hugging a pillow – just that little bit of elevation away from my body made the difference. In fact, I still do that sometimes because it’s still a bit uncomfortable to let it hang in front of me – but it keeps getting better.

I’ll add, that in addition to a full supraspinatus tear, I had previously torn my labrum – I think years ago after my first fall – and the surgeon found it had folded over on itself and healed that way. I now think that was why I couldn’t sleep on that side for so many years – but since you had open surgery, I’m assuming they also checked your labrum when they were in there.

Hope that helps!

Help I’m confused had rotator cuff surgery one where they put couple of screws n suture tendon to bone on mar 10. Everybody on blog talking about therapy n sites all talk about importants of movement to get range of motion n get ahead of scar tissue. My doctor insist that I do no movement of shoulder period for 6 weeks then start therapy. 24/7 sling also he did not even say I could do light movement to take break from sling n move elbow. Sound crazy to me based on all I have researched and this blog. I have experienced a lot of pain n lack of sleep pain meds n pain keep me awake had go er for shortenses of breath when I took med to max of 2 norco s ( wife insisted was 24 hour after surgery n all papers say go in for that. I started taking my arm out sling 3 times a day and gently moving and resting in recliner when not sleeping n started feelin better I really want to do shoulder movement afraid will freeze up. I had acl reconstruction on knee and they sarted movement and therapy same day of surgery. help! Please what do I’d do?

Every doctor is different.
Every surgery is different.
We don’t know the extent of the damage that was repaired.
From my experience and others, it seems a bit too long, but everyone has their own protocol
If you’re sitting say in a recliner, after a couple of weeks I see nothing wrong in removing the sling but don’t start doing large movements.
VERY LITTLE movement should be OK. I’m saying no more than moving it an inch, two MAX and no weird movements. Just let it stay in that position andwiggle your elbow just to give it a little flexing
Not mentioning your age doesn’t help us giving armchair (no pun intended) advice.
From what I’ve read there is an important healing process that occurs between week two and week three. I believe this is why most surgeons don’t want to do any rehab, even minor, or removing the sling until week three.
I’m antsy and removed it after week two, (while sitting) but was VERY CAREFUL over the next two weeks after that and now after eight months my (major) repair seems to be basically OK

I would follow the dr’s advice to the letter. It may be that s/he is concerned about the angle of the screw insertion and wants to give it 6 weeks to heal in place before starting to put any pressure on it. One of my screws came out one week after surgery and the dr had to redo the operation. After the second operation, absolutely no movement of arm for 6 weeks. He usually starts PT on the 3rd day after surgery, but for me, no PT for 6 full weeks to be sure the screws held and healed in place. The first 8 weeks of healing are so important – you have lots of time after to regain range of motion and strength, but if the screws get pulled out, they have to re-operate. I was in a great deal of pain for months. after about 9 weeks, every 3 weeks or so I would feel another level of healing. I am 8 months out now, and a lot less pain, pretty much full range of motion, and strength starting to finally come back now. Patience and faith are the name of the game when you are recovering from rotator cuff surgery!

Allen,
I’ve done some digging on this because all m orthopedic issues have caused a great interest in physical therapy. There are two schools of thought with regard to rehab from rotator cuff surgery:
1. Restricted movement for about 6 weeks
2. Passive motion therapy beginning anywhere from 3-6 days post op

Numerically, probably a greater percentage of us on this site fall into the early passive motion category and fewer in the restricted movement category. However, for one of my exercise science classes in college last semester, I did a presentation on this subject by reviewing whatever peer reviewed journal articles I could find to determine if one method or the other was better. Frankly, the results were inconclusive. While some of the studies revealed they had a lower re-tear rate on restricted motion patients vs. those who started therapy early, the parameters of the studies in all cases seemed to have missing variables. For example, some didn’t screen subjects for other chronic illnesses that might impact recovery, such as diabetes, or age parameters were not consistent, etc.

In short, I don’t think anybody in the medical community has any conclusive idea which method is better, and each doctor’s office has their own favored approach. My doctor requires early activation, so that’s what the PT does.

For me personally, the jury is still out. I had left shoulder surgery 7/10/13 so I’m 8 months post op. The shoulder stays sore, still has 20-30% weakness and I still can’t box or lift any weight of significance. I have often been told it takes at least a year for the discomfort to go away, so I won’t give my final assessment till the one year anniversary. I am more than eager to solve this debate because my right shoulder is messed up too and I’m not letting any surgeon anywhere near it until it is proved the surgery worked the first time.

Best to follow your doctor’s advice. I would discuss your concerns with him regarding fears of stiffening up. From what I recall of stiffness discussions on this forum, restricted motion patients had some of that, but I don’t recall instances that were severe (someone can correct me on that if I’m mistaken).

Either way, rotator cuff repair is a very long haul. You’ll have to learn extreme patience because apparently shoulders are in no particular hurry to heal. Best wishes to you.

Thanks words helpful I’m 54 but pretty active n my job requires it so off work 6 weeks cause can’t come back with sling. So if I barely trying to get motion after 6 weeks I can’t see going back to work n chance re injure would be high n kicker is no time left on books so need rely on little disability insurance so all above factors into my concern about lack of movement too
I slow down take it easy hope I not damage already but feelin way less pain so I assume it ok I go for post op in 2 days. I be more patient n follow orders.
My other issues as seems everybody has is sleep on top of usual stuff slig uncomfortable n pain I have ringing in ears I developed last 6 months n pain meds wire me up n i used to sleeping on sides so difficult to. any ideas ? I tried malatonin n music but limited success and I go between medical bed n recliner so sitting up as everyone says do any other tricks armchair friends

Anybody know if ok to go in jacuzzi 8 days after rotator cuff surgery ?
I had artherscopic seems healed n closed good before surgery Jacuzzi helped a lot with pain.

Allen,

I’d check with your surgeon. Those incisions may look like they’re healed, but they’re not. I think you could end up with an infection. Stick with the ice. I’m 7 months post-surgery & my ice pack is still my best friend. I also fell, slammed my shoulder into a brick wall like a linebacker & completely ruptured the rotator cuff. My surgery was full cut but an incision is an incision and shoulder surgery is a rough recovery.

Take care.

I’m going on my 5th week after my RC surgery. I had a complete tear where the little bone that holds the ligament which connects the muscles that controls the RC [hope I got that right] actually broke off due to a stupid freak golf cart accident. The golf cart I was driving [not fast BTW] started to slide as if it were hydroplaning. My friend who was the passenger jumped out and I think that was the problem. The weight then shifted and the golf cart turned over. I was lucky not to be killed. Anyway, the surgeon had to put it back together,

I tried to fix it by doing only Physical Therapy for 3 months but that didn’t work. So I had no choice but to do the surgery. I told the Therapist that another friend had a similar thing about a complete tear but he was OK since the other muscles seem to make his arm work normally. It was drummed into me that even though a problem might be similar, ALL cases are individual. Thus his “problem” was not mine.

BTW, it was my left shoulder and I’m left-handed. This presented problems of its own since I now am doing things using my non-dominant arm. Shaving is a trip; I’m lucky not have cut my throat. The surgeon gave me a prescription for Vicodin but I wound up never taking any. Pain was no problem after the surgery the first day. But the second day was a different story. I can handle pain pretty well so all I took the second night was a couple of Aleve, But like I said, all cases are different. So if you need to take the pain pills by all means do it. My brother needed back surgery some years ago and I saw how the pills affected him – not good. It affected his bathroom activities and he also wound up having to be weaned off the drug.

I am 6 weeks post op for impingement and de encapsulation
Physio is going well
Pain was diminishing, but now seem to get good days and bad days, so have gone back on Tramadol as I cannot do physio without it

Shoulders seem to be a long slow job to return to normal

Good luck to anyone embarking on the journey…reading success stories helps :o)

I’m glad the Tramadol worked for you. It seems like they prescribe it a lot but I found it to be completely useless for my body chemistry.

I’m 17 days out like many my bigget challenge is sling not pain at this point but sleeping much better without pain meds. One quick question then coping mechanism help I have done for sling
Even though I wear a tank top as much as possible I have developed lump in arm pit an it real sore I assume from sling position n lack of air. Any ideas for relief ?
I am actually learning to enjoy sling during day but hate at night. Way I have done this is by becoming robo cop – I have taken advantage of the abundance of Velcro on my sling. Since most comfortable shorts r the sweat type it is hard to put all the essentials in one or two pockets n I need my left hand free for knobs etc. (I’m right handed so everything more challenging.). SO I bought Velcro Squares n attached to my phone my reading glass holder to a small riding pad and I put writing pen stylyus for I pad since left fingers not do well. It looks crazy everybody stares then laugh seeing all this stuff attached to my sling. But very convenient everything attached to sling that I use. . I also put clips n will use to clip drink when opening doors. I like being independent as possible. Those enduring challenge of getting settled on recliner then whoops no phone or whoops no glasses etc will love this idea. I just shed all when sleeping. When walking or shopping I ready to rock. u ladies have purses but for me lifesaver kept losing my shorts with weight of stuff in pockets.

RE: Sore armpit from lack of air:

Yes, those first several days when you arm is glued to your armpit is murder on that tender skin. I wish when they’d done the surgery that they had put a thick piece of dry gauze in the affected armpit to prevent that moisture-related soreness.

At any rate, what I did was take a dry washcloth and keep it tucked into the armpit. I think I had to do that for about a week before it began to heal.

I can just picture everything stuck to all the Velcro. LOL!

I took an old flannel pajama top and cut off the arm – I then slipped it onto my arm – since it was only the sleeve, I didn’t have to move my arm away from my body very much – which even a little would have hurt too much! And I love your velcro idea! funny!
Best to you!

Forgot added sheep skin looking seat belt pad to sling to make more comfortable too it Velcro too

I am 18 months post-surgery for full-thickness supraspinatus tear, and bone spur removal. Still don’t have normal use of my left arm in motions like bringing a cup of coffee to the mouth, or hair-brushing. Today I had a therapy session using frequency specific micro current (FSM) applied to my left shoulder. Does anyone have experience with this therapy? It was recommended by my personal physician, not the orthopedist who worked on my shoulder.

Hello everyone,
4mo ago dislocated my right arm, did an MRI have a partial tear am doing PT doing quite well have some pain at night but not full range of motion. Some doctors recommend rotator cuff surgery, others don’t especially my chiropractor and PT. I am almost 50 yrs old go to the gym 3x a week was in a sling for 3 week had a lot of pain was not fun.
Anyone with a partial tear who did not do surgery and is pain free and with full range of motion? My doctor said “everyone as they get older will have tendons that have problems” I don’t have a reclining chair and can’t get one since currently I live in Europe, can I sleep on my bed? see no one does! Thanks for all the tips you can share with me. Hope the best for all of you!

Hi Mary, I had a partial tear which was quite painful and stopped me doing many things. I am now 10 months post op and feeling great! I slept in my bed from the start, propped up with five pillows with an additional pillow tucked under my sling. I was very lucky, suffered little pain and was off my painkillers in the first week. I now have 100% ROM which is wonderful. I am 61 yrs old, have always kept fit and am very active. I am so pleased I decided to have the op as my shoulder would only have deteriorated as I got older. Celia

Thank you Cylia for the reply. It’s very very encouraging that you did so well! Today I went to my doctor who is an ortho surgeon and he said my main ploblem is not the tendon tear, but an impingement shoulder. I searched the internet and the recovery seems easier compared to a complete tear surgery. Has anyone had an impingement surgery plus a partial tear?

Mary,
Like you, I tried to correct my RC doing PT only. After 3 months of PT, my left arm [affected arm] became strong but my shoulder remained weak. Granted my injury was worse than yours because I had a complete tear and a fracture. At the end of the 3 months, I felt that I had no choice but to have surgery to fix it. I am now 8 weeks past the surgery and although the pain is kinda there it is different than before. I am now doing unrestricted PT and my ROM is increasing quickly. Like you, I was a little afraid of the surgery but take my word for it, the thought of having the surgery is MUCH worse than having the surgery itself.

I’m left hand dominant so I had to learn to do things with my non-dominant arm while in the sling. It’s not that hard. I slept in my bed starting the first night. BTW, I live alone. Plus I’ll be 68 shortly. I wouldn’t take the Chiropractor’s suggestion. Do the surgery. Incidentally, I also go to a gym at least 4x a week. I went to the gym on the third day after surgery doing ONLY cardio on the recumbent bike. No arm stuff. I was able to drive my car using my right arm on the third day also because I wound up not taking any pain pills. But that’s me. I took only main roads and no parkways to where I went. Just make sure that you can legally drive in a sling where you live.

And that’s my 2 cents.

Dear Charles,
Great to hear you did so well so quickly. When did you start PT & for how long did you do PT? It’s just that I wish I had done the surgery from day 1 and not 5 months later,spent the money go through the pain and then do it all over again! I unfortunately can’t take time off work right now, so I will have to wait till beginning of July for the surgery. Now I will need to do my research and find a good doctor. Was your doctor an orthopedics doctor or a sports medicine doctor. Was he specializing in arm surgery or did Knees also? Hope you keep progressing well. I plan to start gym ASP. Didn’t the jerking on the bike make your arm hurt? Take care, Mary

Hi Mary,
A little more of my story. My accident happened on 10/6/13. I went to an emergency room with my friend [thank goodness for him although I feel like he might have been the cause but I never said anything to him-story above if you want to read it] where the doctors put my dislocated arm back in the socket. That wasn’t fun!!!! Went to an Orthopedic Surgeon a couple of days later. He had me wearing the sling for three weeks before I started the initial PT. They were hoping that the initial PT would all I needed to correct the problem.

Unfortunately, all the initial PT succeeded in doing was to strengthen the arm but the shoulder still remained weak. Because of the complete break, I had an impingement due to the piece of bone that held the RC muscles [ligament]. So I was still in constant pain from the shoulder down to the hand. I later found out this was referred pain.

My surgery was scheduled for 2/7/14 but two snowstorms and a ridiculous abnormal EKG [later proved to be wrong] pushed it to 2/18/14.

If I were you I wouldn’t wait too long to have the surgery done or the ligament could atrophy some and then you’re in worse shape. Also, and this should be your priority, you are #1 and your health comes before anything else. My surgeon is an Orthopedic guy and not just a sports doctor. He does other parts of the body but I also checked him out with other folks and he was [is] fine. As far as I can tell, he did a fine job and the scar is not bad at all. He had to extend one of the cuts because he had to get to the bone that broke off. After the “cuts” have healed, you can put Vitamin E oil on it and the scar should get less looking. The surgery lasted about 45 minutes and all went well. So don’t be scared. Just do it if that’s what is necessary. I was constantly in the sling for 4 weeks after the surgery. Starting the 5th week, I was allowed to remove the sling while at home except for sleeping. After the 8th week, I was allowed to remove it completely.

I’m from Long Island, NY. So if you’re from here I can give you some good surgeon names because I also did my homework.

Charles

Hi Mary,
After several falls in my late 40’s I lived with a partial tear in my supraspinatus and a tear in my labrum for about 10 years. I saw one shoulder doctor early on who put me through range of motion and said I was fine 🙁 I guess it was because I could do most things – except for reach behind me and sleep on that arm because it would hurt if I did. Last year I finally decided to see another doctor who ordered the MRI which finally confirmed I really had been hurt. (I then fell down the day after the MRI and fully tore it!) It’s a long recovery and not fun sleeping facing up and propped up for so long, but I did it in my bed – and while a recliner would have been easier, I managed. Perhaps look into renting one? And if not, then get a lot of pillows of different sizes so you can get comfortable.
Once I had it fixed I was also happy to find that all the wrist pain I had for years has completely disappeared! All that time I thought it was either carpal tunnel or a result of one of the falls in which I broke a small bone in my hand. I can now reach into the back seat with no problem and I just love being able to sleep on that arm with not a hint of pain anymore! The only thing that hurts a little is snapping my bra behind me and I’m still being very careful picking up heavy things, even though I probably can. I’m 58 and had my surgery last May. Wish I’d done it a lot sooner. If your range of motion hasn’t improved or doesn’t improve in another month, I’d say go for it. Best to you!

Hello Lynne
It’s unfortunate you had to suffer for so long! It’s unbelievable that you fell on the day of you MRI! Sometimes life has some very weird turns! How long did it take you for the pain not to require pain meds and how quickly did you start PT, and did PT for how long? I totally feel for you when you say you can finally sleep at night! I haven’t slept pain free for the past 4 months thank you for your input. Keep doing well!

I dislocated my arm 5 months ago have partial tear and impingement on both shoulders. Doing PT all those months that’s what my ortho-surgeon recommended. I wish I had surgery day 1! Now I ended up with frozen arm so they say no surgery till it improves! I’m tired of having pain at night,hurting at PT and getting little improvement, and now frozen shoulder! Has anyone had a similar experience? Mary

Hi all. It has taken a couple of weeks an hour at a time but I finally read every single post on here, what an awesome thread!

I went in for a small rotator cuff tear repair but like so many others once the doctor got in there he also found the labrum had a larger tear and there were bone spur issues.

One thing I’m still struggling with understanding exactly what was done. Before the surgery I had full range of motion (could clap my hands behind my back), just no strength. Now 2 weeks after the surgery I can’t even lift my arm 2 inches away from my body either out to the front or to the side, there is just nothing there at all. I can’t imagine the muscle deteriorated that quickly so what exactly in the surgery causes this sudden massive loss of ROM compared to before the surgery?

I understand that anchors were put in place to attach the repaired tendon to, but I’ve lost ROM in movements that were perfectly fine before. Seems normal enough based on all the feedback here, would just like to better understand it. Would appreciate any insight or links that anyone has on this.

As a martial artist, racquetball player and weight lifter I’m really not looking forward to this extended recovery time. Day by day I guess.

Derek,

I don’t have any particular website links to forward and honestly, I haven’t seen any websites that give a truly technical definition of the whys of lack of ROM after surgery. Everyone’s surgery is different, but I was advised not to even ATTEMPT to move my arm away from the body those first 6 weeks, so just be cautious. The tissue is very fragile after surgery and it takes time for the collagen and whatever other internal processes to take effect.

I’m swamped with homework, but if I come across some helpful articles that explain, I’ll let you know. I don’t know if this specific question is addressed, but if you google “About Physical Therapy” their website addresses shoulder issues on a pretty regular basis.

Brenda

If you go back to Aug-Sept of 2013 I posted a site in one of my posts that explains everything
You will have to search for it

I found the file, very interesting reading, thanks Jim!

You’re welcome
Happy reading, it opened my eyes and I learned a lot from it.

Thanks Brenda, funny how I feel like I know some of you from reading all of these comments. I think of all the stories on here I followed yours the most closely because the wanting to get back to boxing and weights sounded most familiar to my own. I was supposed to start a black belt training program August which obviously isn’t going to happen now and really miss the weight training. Hoping I can start the next one which will be February. 8 months seems optimistic for something I’d almost definitely need full strength for but we’ll see, starting in 8 months would put the actual test just over 13 months out so that seems more realistic.

Compared to a lot of the stories on here and considering it was a torn labrum, and rotator cuff, and bone shaving, I feel like I’m in a great place 2 weeks from surgery.

I was able to very gently and slowly run a mile on Thursday with the ice pack on, can drive, sleeping through the night, almost completely pain free (until I try to move it) and have been to the gym a couple of times for legs. My doctor seemed cool with all this, basically said “You know how to exercise and you know you need to protect that shoulder so do what you can around that”. My wife expected to have to really take care of me for months and it’s almost like nothing happened to her.

Still, it’s going to be a very long few months with no karate or grappling, no racquetball and no real weight training.

Derek, I was a lot like you, had full range of motion but the arm was very weak before the surgery. For a number of months after the surgery, I had so much pain and limited range of motion. At the time, I was really scared and wondered if I had made the right choice. I am happy to say that I now have pretty much full ROM back and very little pain at 10 (ten) months out from the surgery. I think between the swelling after the surgery and the intense pain plus immobility, plus the fact that the muscle had not been used properly for months before the surgery, all contributed to the low ROM and strength during recovery. My surgeon said he cleaned out a lot of scar tissue that had developed inside the shoulder and also was shooting saline solution under high pressure into the shoulder to keep everything open during the surgery while he worked. That’s got to register as injury inside the shoulder – everything has to settle down and heal afterwards. It takes a good 6 weeks for initial cell healing, and then weeks to build up ROM and strength. I expect that people who had better use of the muscles before the surgery might recover strength quicker than I did.

Just to bring everyone up to date regarding my shoulder surgery in February. My surgery was also pretty severe. Not only did the surgeon have to put back the little bone that holds the ligament to the shoulder [I had a complete fracture], but he also repaired my torn Labrum and did a cleaning of the RC. Anyway, my ROM is coming back because of my work in PT and with the home exercises but so is my shoulder strength. I’ve returned to my gym [LA Fitness] and while my regular fitness program has lessened, I can still do a lot of cardio, back and stomach work. The UBE Ergometer for the shoulder has also become a regular thing for me. Today, I started doing 10 lb. shoulder flies which helps with the ROM so the shoulder lies flat – if you know what I mean. I also found this great PT exercise program on utube. However make sure you discuss it with your Therapist before starting.

These are the same exercises I was given at PT. I was wondering how long everyone continues PT at home. It will be a year Aug. 5 th for me and I still do some of the exercises (not all). And figure it couldn’t hurt to continue them. Sometimes I just don’t feel like doing them though.

I need some help [advice] out there from you folks. I had serious RC surgery in February 2014. It’s been 5 months now and my arm was getting much better. In fact, I had about 75% good range of motion with no real pain. It was really just discomfort and soreness. I was in PT doing “walk the wall” ROM exercise when all of a sudden I got this terrible pain in my shoulder that was as bad as right after surgery. I can let my arm hang straight down with no pain but anything above my waist is very painful. I went to my surgeon who took X-rays and told me that one of the pins got bent and it was causing discomfort to the muscles but that the shoulder repair was fine. He told me to see if the pain goes away after two weeks. I’m not gonna wait two weeks. I want them out now. The pain is brutal again. If not, then they would have to come out. I was so happy to hear that it was only a pin and not the repair itself that I forgot to ask some questions. So, I’ll ask you guys for help. Hope you have the answers I need.

Surgeon says that I will not need to wear a sling after pin removal surgery. That’s good. The bent pin will not injure any muscles or nerves.

My questions to you: 1. Will I have the same amount of pain like I did with the first RC surgery? 2. How soon after pin removal surgery will I get my earlier ROM back with no pain? 3. Do I need to return to PT for exercise to get back that ROM?

Thanks.

I had to have a 2nd surgery and unfortunately, because they had to go back in with the camera and flush out the shoulder with the high pressure sterile saline solution and remove some of the scar tissue that was already forming, I found myself in a surprising amount of pain after the 2nd surgery. No matter what, the new incisions will cause pain and the disturbing of the healing tissues will cause some pain and inflammation that will have to reheal. Not everyone experience the same amount of pain, so hopefully you will be luckier than I was.

Sorry, I have no expertise to offer for you. Just the thought of a 2nd surgery makes me cringe. I hope it goes smoothly for you.

I have no experience with a second surgery but would think it wouldn’t be quite as bad because they won’t be putting pins in. I would think since you will be in a sling again you might have PT again. These are just thoughts. Good luck & let us know how you do.

I want to thank everyone for their replies. I went back to the surgeon’s office today and I spoke to his secretary. I asked her to speak to the doctor to see if I could get about 2 minutes of his time to ask some questions that I forgot the other day. These are his answers: 1. The surgery will be nothing like the first one and will not be as painful. All he is doing is making a small incision to remove the wires. Something like removing stitches. 2. My new ROM without pain should return almost immediately. 3. Since the bone is healed, I don’t have to return to PT but just continue with the exercises. He tells me that the pre-op will actually take longer than the surgery itself. I hope that his words aren’t wasted words. I’ll let everyone know here how I made out.

It’s been about three weeks since I had the second surgery to remove the pins. Surgical pain is long gone and my ROM is pretty much where it was prior to the surgery. Still have some discomfort and soreness, especially when trying to reach across my body, but it’s not painful. I do get some referred pain down the forearm to the hand when doing such, but it does go away quickly. I am hopeful that all will go away when my strength returns to the shoulder.

Charles

im 6 weeks post op full thickness tear supraspinatus,ant/sup labral tear and subacromial impingement..jus wondering if anyone has got the spasms while trying to do passive excercise ie laying down and with good arm, picking up the other overhead and the externa rotation bent elbow and push outward…. omg thought id pass out the pain excruciating brought me to tears now the spasms are horrible and now affects my forearm tendon down to thumb… im going to pt today and they are not going to be able to do these excercises anyone else have this this is the most horrible thing i have ever been through and i had 3 kids natural no epi no meds and of course i dont have any pain meds to take and motrin doesnt help

Those spasms hurt really bad I know first hand. When this started my PT people would massage the knots out of my back while I was there. It always helped but they started again later that day. Finally after a month or so they stopped. Good luck to you. I’m now a year & two months post op.

Hi Bev,
PT does suck at most times but unfortunately it is vitally important to your recovery. You’re in pain now but take my word for it, it does go away with time. Make sure you do your work at the therapy place BUT ALSO make sure that you do the exercises at home. That includes icing the area. I’m going through a bad period myself right now but that will end soon – I hope. I’m having another surgery next week to remove the pins but that surgery is minor compared to the first. Shouldn’t be a problem though since the repair is healed. I was told that it would be done with a local anesthesia shot. Keep your chin up and look to the fact that your shoulder will be healed. Best of luck to you.

Wow! This is a great site. Thanks to all. So, here’s my question. Just discovered that I need this surgery, but earliest possible date is Aug 27. I teach in a college and begin the semester on the 29th of Aug. I’m happy to hear that typing is possible, as I can’t imagine getting through the opening of a semester without email. It has occurred to me to postpone the surgery. I’ve got a sabbatical coming up in January and could just hang out in my jammies and read during the recovery period. Living alone, the thought of trying to get showered and dressed with my arm in a sling, and then get to school and into my classroom by 8am seems a little daunting. On the other hand, everything I read suggests it’s always better to do it ‘now’ rather than ‘later.’ Any wisdom out there on this?

Thanks, Mary

Mary – When I went through this surgery a year ago (on my dominant arm), I thought I was going to be fine within 3 weeks, but ended up having to cancel most of my activities for at least 6 weeks after the surgery. I am so glad I scheduled the surgery with enough time to recover before having to start teaching again. After having been through this – I would never give myself only 2 days before having to go back to work – between the pain, the immobilization, reactions to the anesthesia and painkillers, not being able to drive and having trouble sleeping, I was in absolutely no shape to work for a number of weeks.

Mary,

While it certainly is acknowledged that varying degrees of repair and individual reaction to surgery makes a blanket statement impossible, I can tell you that I had left shoulder surgery (non-dominant arm) July 10th of 2013 and there would be NO WAY for me to return to work in 2 days. I was out of work for 6 weeks (admin assistant) and it should have been more like 8. Most especially not 2 days before a semester starts. I was so zonked out from pain meds those first days after surgery (and if not keeping on top of my meds, in great pain).

Of course the students might like it. They could get straight A’s out of you and you’d probably be none the wiser. 😎

I have no proof to back up my claim, but I also get the sense from following posts here and elsewhere on rotator cuff surgery, that women seem to have a rockier recovery then men. Again, I can’t statistically prove that, but that’s the impression I get from reading various reports from surgical recipients.

Whenever you have it done, best wishes to you for a full recovery.

Mary I agree with the other who have responded to your question. I wasn’t allowed to drive while on pain medicine & as goofy & it makes you I can certainly understand why. Another issue is physical therapy. Mine started three days after surgery three times a week. I’ve heard some say they had to go twice a day. If you lived around here I would help you out because I can’t imagine being by myself through this surgery. Whatever you do I wish you luck. Betty

Mary, I am a teacher and had my dominant shoulder rotator repair on December 6, 2014, so I could back up to winter break for the additional 2 weeks off. I returned to work on January 6th and believe me, I was not certain I was ready. I still had pain and very limited range of motion, a month out. I also had PT three times a week, which is like a part time job! You have no way of knowing how you will heal. The pain meds will make you very sleepy, and you are not allowed to drive while on narcotic pain meds. Everything takes longer than you think. You are having to think about motions you did automatically. It was a while before I was back on the computer; I needed my seat much higher so as not to unnaturally raise my shoulder for typing.

I had a small tear and no surgical complications, but experienced ROM issues despite faithfully doing all daily PT exercises. The surgeon said “sometimes we see this with small tears”. It has been 8 months since my surgery and my arm still is not 100%. I have no pain, but if you ask my to raise my arms, you would immediately identify the repaired shoulder.

My advice is to schedule the surgery in January when you have time off and can heal properly. This is a difficult recovery and there is no way you will be ready to go back in days. Give yourself time to figure out the little life changes that happen during this surgery recovery. Be patient. As others have said, it is a marathon, not a sprint. Best of luck!
Shirley

I had my right shoulder done almost exactly a year ago (8/1/2013)
After 3 months of rehab it seemed to be healing just fine. In early Dec I SLIGHTLY tripped (did not fall) but came down hard and shocked my right leg. Excruciating paint shot up through my right shoulder! It went away in a week or so but after that every month or so a similar thing happened and by April it just fell apart.
I’m not going through this again, so for now as long as I don’t use it hard I do not have any pain, so now I’m cross my fingers and hope it just stays the way it is …
but I’m VERY aware of using it and am ultra careful with it..
(I’m 69, male)

Thanks to all of you that have responded. Your advice is wise, and I will follow it. I had not even considered the problem of driving with pain meds. ; and yes, the kids probably would have loved it, at least until I found myself unable to keep up with their emails!
So, best wishes to you all for speedy recoveries. I will certainly be back here again come January.

Many thanks,
Mary

Mary,
I’m very glad to read that you will heed the advice given here. RC surgery is nothing to be played with. You should know that there will be some surgical pain after the actual surgery that will last about 1-2 weeks. You might need to take pain pills as prescribed by your surgeon. As it turned out, I didn’t need to take the pills at all. Not that there wasn’t pain [there was], it’s just that my personal threshold for handling pain is pretty high so I didn’t need them. Besides, my brother took them for his back surgery and they had kinda a negative effect on him and that scared me. They aren’t a bad thing so if you need them please take them. It was just my personal choice. As a result, I was driving my car after only three days after surgery.

I just had a second surgery to remove the pins [2] that hold the RC bones together. One of the pins actually broke due to the constant movement in PT and I was in pain again from it. I was in pain again after the second surgery but that seems to be going away and my ROM is coming back again. 1st surgery: 2/18/14 2nd surgery: 7/29/14.

Yes, keep coming back here. These contributors have helped me immensely. Oh, FYI, I went through this by myself also. You’ll figure out how to do things by yourself. Best of luck.

Mary’s post reminded me of the fact that it has been just over a year (7/10/13) since my surgery and I had stated from the beginning I would reserve my assessment of the value of rotator cuff surgery until a year had passed.

My assessment is that rotator cuff surgery was not worth it for me. But I want to qualify that by stating that I think the value of rotator cuff surgery is dependent on what your goal was. If it is merely to return to activities of daily living then rotator cuff surgery is adequate and can even be excellent. But if you play sports that involve aggressive use of the shoulder muscles, it is nowhere near adequate.

My positive factors going into surgery were being in excellent shape (the best shape of my life, despite age), eating healthy (for the most part), and dedicated to fitness. Negatives were age (48) because I already had a little arthritis and many years of desk work that had adversely affected posture (including slope of shoulders). Prior to surgery I boxed and weight trained. And, unlike many who post here, my reason for having the surgery was not pain, but great weakness in the shoulders. I wanted that tear corrected so I could regain strength in my upper body and continue with my strength training goals and get back to boxing.

Throughout the course of recovery, the shoulder didn’t feel quite right. I kept bringing it up but they kept assuring me it just took a long time to heal. A year later, I’m not sure if the tear fully healed because I haven’t shelled out the excessive amount of money required for an additional MRI.

What I can tell you is that I still can’t weight train to any respectable degree nor have I been able to return to boxing. However, from reading some of the posts here about some folks who took nearly 2 years to feel back up to snuff, a small part of me still hopes that I can return to my former activities because I miss them very much and they were essential to coping with life’s stressors.

For those of you who do pursue sports, weight train, box or whatever, I would encourage you to please, please, please give your body at least one day of rest between workouts. While that wasn’t the only contributing factor to my shoulder problems, it was one of them. If I could go back and have figured out a way to space my training out more, I would do it (but that’s not as easy as it sounds, especially when you participate in different activities and are hog-tied by gym hours, work schedules, sport class schedules and other things).

Life is uncertain as I go forward. My shoulder surgery was on the left shoulder (non-dominant) but my right shoulder is messed up as well. But at this point, I can only pray I can strengthen and train around it and avoid ever wasting my time with rotator cuff surgery again. The odds aren’t in my favor, but I’m going to try.

Brenda

This is the first time I’ve looked into blogs like this. I’m waiting for a surgery date, which should be in the next 30 days. Your comments have all been very helpful, and I now have a better idea of what to expect post op. All I know is the constant dull pain I have now — looks like I have new pain and new sleeping adventures, and recovery to look forward to.

Bring it on!

Gail

Best wishes on your surgery, Gail. Hope it’s as fast a recovery as possible and goes smoothly!

Brenda

Good luck Gail. For me it was so worth the surgery to get rid of the constant dull pain. Yes things will be different for a while & the pain will be different but you can look forward to being without pain too . I often had to remind myself that there would be a light at the end of the tunnel. Again .. Good Luck!

Ditto from me – I had surgery 15 months ago today and I am so glad I did! I fell and injured my shoulder over 10 years ago and lived with the injury because an orthopedist claimed I was fine and would get better – but I didn’t. I finally got a second opinion from a great doctor who did an MRI and found tears in *both* the labrum and rotator cuff. Before the surgery I couldn’t sleep on my right side and I love being able to once again. A big bonus is that all the so called “carpal tunnel” type of problems I had completely disappeared – I used a special mouse, I always had to keep my keyboard on a tray set as low as possible etc or my whole arm, pinkie and ring finger would hurt… and even with the equipment, if I worked on the computer too long it would hurt. At one point, after a lot of tests, one doctor wanted to operate on my elbow because he claimed the nerve was being impinged – he was going to move it! But the diagnosis didn’t sit well with me, so I didn’t – and of course, now I’m really glad I didn’t. All in all, the surgery and recovery sucked, but the results are so liberating! Admittedly, I’m 58 and don’t use my arm the way I used to, but it works for everything I need to do, for example, I was able to carry a cooler full of ice today and it only felt a little weak, but I suspect that’ll get better in time. The only thing that is still hard to do and hurts a little – is to reach behind me to open or close the back of my bra.

Pain is completely gone [thank goodness]. Some discomfort and soreness remain but not bad. Hey, it’s only 11 months later LOL. Actually now able to sleep on my left side. Surgeon gave me the go-ahead to start playing golf again. My advice: make sure you do PT and the home exercises. Ice the area more than just once a day. BE PATIENT!

Well I must tell everyone thank you for this wonderful place to read about coping with this surgery. I go in tomorrow morning for bone spur and arthritis clean out. Have a partial tear but won’t know if it needs repaired or just cleaned up til after he does it. All of your comments about getting ready for and coping with the aftermath of surgery have been extremely helpful. I got myself a recliner to sleep in. A cold therapy unit to help with pain and swelling.. I am very lucky because I have my husband, daughter and mother at home to help me. Cross your fingers for me!

Mimi,
Best wishes. Hope cleanup and repair needs are minimal and that your recovery is smooth and quick.

Brenda

Good luck.
Betty

I am 14 months post surgery. Found out why I am having such a hard time healing… there is a small tear in my neck. One of the reasons that my shoulder has not stabilized. At this time, will not be operating… just need to give complete rest to the area…. yeah like that is going to happen with me still working as a teacher. I cannot afford to do full immobilization of the neck/shoulder/back muscles and remain active.

My surgeon feels that it has probably happened after the surgery. Great!

I am ready to be lifting and moving.

Iris,

If you don’t mind my asking, what muscle of the neck specifically, do you know? I ask because I’m interested in upper body musculature in general, but also trying to learn the various muscle groups in anatomy and physiology and how they work together.

Following up on the issue raised by BK Jackson above, is rotator cuff surgery worthwhile? Two years post-surgery for a large supraspinatus tear, I don’t see much benefit from the surgery. A recent MRI confirmed the tendon is still torn and my level of disability has not changed much. Apparently this outcome is not unusual for large tears.

If you are diagnosed with this type of injury I would suggest: [1] regarding surgery, be a skeptic; [2] plan for some long-term – or life-long – disability, possibly requiring a change in occupation or activities.

Of course, if your injury causes constant pain, you must do something. I am fortunate that my shoulder, in a relaxed posture or sleeping, is not painful.

I am also two years post surgery, rotator cuff, I don’t think it worked for me as I am still in some pain,both shoulder and neck, my range of movement is fine, but never the strength it was before my injury. I will try and get an appointment to see the surgeon and get his opinion, but I would never consider another op because of the length of the recovery time, the plus points are that I can sleep okay at night before the op I struggled, I often worry if any of the anchors used during surgery may have come loose, but I think if that was the case the pain would be more severe. I also done all the exercises, and went to private physio, I would say that the neck pain can be more annoying than the shoulder,what may not have worked for me, could easily work for others….best of luck.

Its been two years and three weeks since my rotator cuff surgery, I have been following this excellent forum since then. I played competitive sqosh before I started getting the problems with my shoulder, I worked
as a support worker for the elderly, and one day a male client lost his balance and fell on me, trying to break his fall I felt my shoulder really go, I thought it had dislocated, the pain was so bad, the hospital confirmed that it was a rotator cuff tear. I had my surgery, and i,m sorry to say that I don’t think it has worked for me, I have good range of motion, but still with pain and weakness especially in my neck, I did all my required exercises throughout recovery, even went for private physio and acupuncture, my osteopath said that I should make an appointment to talk to the surgeon who did my op and get his views, I have read stories about anchors coming loose, this is one of the questions that I will ask him, the positive side to this op I can sleep without pain, before I couldn’t. I would not take another operation, as I felt that the recovery time was far too long. this op may not have worked for me, but I hope it works for all who are going through the op and who are in recovery……best of luck to everyone

From what I’ve heard from a lot of people, many folks will not get 100% back after shoulder surgery. It’s now about 14 months since my accident [had surgery February 2014, tried PT first – not successful] and I’ve gotten back about 85%. Had a second surgery in July 2014 to remove a broken pin. I still have a discomfort in the shoulder down to about 1/3 of the bicep. But when I stretch it out in the shower, it’s fine. I do “walk the wall” exercise [both front and sidewards], three times each way for a count of 10. Doesn’t take a long time.

I’ve gone back to the gym and am doing my old routine albeit lighter weight trying to re-build my shoulder strength. I kinda doubt that I’ll get everything back but as long as the pain is gone, I’m happy.

Well, here I am 16 month post op (Aug 2013) and hanging in there.
I’m not in the best of shape with many other issues that are not relevant to the shoulders, but the shoulder, actually both shoulders now are still without any pain. I now have almost full rotation with no rehab. (I can scratch almost the middle of my back!).
I’m just being very careful and I’m always aware not to do something dumb and pull or jerk it in some awkward way.
Good luck to all of you and Happy Thanksgiving

Charles,
When you said that you had to get a second op to remove a broken pin, or would that be an anchor, what symptoms were you having and how was the pain, and was the second surgery quicker to recover from. Regards, Peter.

Peter,
The second surgery to remove the broken pin was not as bad as the first one. To make a long story short, any pain from the second surgery left within one week and I regained my earlier ROM within 3 weeks.

I was really hoping that people were still posting on this site! Anyone out there going through this recovery?

Because no one has posted in a month doesn’t mean that we’re not here. Unfortunately, this is a medical problem that is not going away any time soon. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to post them.

Probably because everybody here has been through it at various times in the last few years. My surgery was in July 2013. Are there specific questions you have or simply overwhelmed at reading thru the backlog of responses that have occurred on the subject?

The regulars here have heard my story before but if you want someone’s experience in a nutshell, I can tell you mine: If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn’t do surgery. HOWEVER, I think that decision is dependent on what you want to get out of the surgical result. In my case, I wanted to return to sports. Unfortunately, a year and a half out, I’m no better off now than I was before surgery (for partial supraspinatus tear).

But if you have specific questions, fire away. I’ve no doubt there’ll be someone who can provide some input.

I suspect there are many people who’ve recovered from this surgery, like me, and continue to read the new posts. My surgery was 1 1/2 years ago. I think it must have been successful, but I lack strength and sometimes there is minimal pain in the area. My surgeon, whom I last saw just 3 months after surgery, said it would take up to 1 1/2 years to completely recover. Studies, which are cited within the posts of this website, show that in the case of severe tears long-term prognosis is not real good.
When I am putting heavy dishes into tall cupboards, I need to use my non-surgery arm, as the other one is too weak. Perhaps I could build up strength with training. I’m 58, so muscle is gained now only with effort. Would I have the $25,000 surgery again? I believe so, but certainly not if I had to pay for it out-of-pocket!! Glad I had good insurance.
This website has been a tremendous support in both preparation for surgery and recovery. So many useful tips, plus the comfort of knowing other people have experienced the same thing.

My surgery was Aug 1 2013, only in the past 3-4 months have I had no pain and have about 90% of full movement and rotation, (pretty decent).
I too do not have full strength but enough to get along. I’m 70 and have enough other health issues that if I don’t have shoulder pain (which I don’t) and have decent movement and strength (which I also have) is enough for me at this time.
I don’t know how well it’s healed but I certainly don’t push the lifting envelope to find out!
I’m careful and I’m very aware of both shoulders and as long as I am and am careful what I do with them, I think they will be fine.
My Dr. is happy. He told me up front before the surgery that I would never have full strength again but he hoped to alleviate the pain, which he did, and have decent shoulder movement, which I do.

Hello All,

I haven’t posted anything of significance in a while because I’ve been very disillusioned with the result of my surgery in Jan. 2013. But I wanted to inquire of you all. In the last 3-4 days, my shoulder muscles/nerves/whatever have been twitching a lot. Have any of you experienced this after rotator cuff surgery, particularly a long while after surgery?

I’m just so extremely frustrated. I’ve never been able to get back to my kickboxing. In weight training, upper body weight training has always been the most fun and versatile for me (there’s only so much you can do with the legs). But upper body weight training isn’t fun any more because I still have no muscular endurance and my shoulder has never felt quite right and I always have to worry about doing more damage. Off topic but relevant, my job has gotten 10,000 times worse this year which has sent my stress levels through the roof.

If I don’t find a way to get back to some stress busting physical activity, the stress is simply going to kill me. Period. Sorry. Venting. It has been the year from hell.

But I would like to know if anybody has experienced that shoulder twitching and what if anything, was determined to be the cause. I know you can get twitches from stress–I’ve had twitching eyebrows thousands of times because of stress. But never ever twitching in the shoulder area. Against my better judgement, I’m going to make an appointment to go back to that orthopedic doctor, but I place far more value on the experiences of others over a doctor any day.

Thanks.

Brenda

Sorry, that was supposed to be JULY 2013.

I don’t know how old you are but your body changes whether you like it or not.
It will change no matter how a shape you may be in.
No one is the same and this takes place at different times.
I was pretty good until I had open heart surgery at 58.
The next year I started to develop arthritis, never had any issues before and no one in my family had it. Then other things started to drag me down so without going into detail, I have aged so much in the past 13 years it’s not funny.
I have to take certain drugs which promote weight gain
The list goes on but included is weird pains like you have in your shoulder, it just happens.

You may be able to fix this, you may not, everyone is different, but you will learn to deal with it. I think you’re not accepting getting older, newsflash, unfortunately it happens to the best of us no matter how hard we try to slow it down!
Good luck and Happy New Year.

Sorry to hear that you’re having difficulties. My surgery was later than yours [February, 2014] and while the initial pain is gone, I still have an uncomfortable tightness from the shoulder to the middle of the bicep. It’s nothing like the pain before but it’s not normal. Not sure that it will ever get back to 100% like the good arm. But it is what it is! I only tell you that because in the last few days my arm became more uncomfortable and I started to worry. I understand now that the change in weather can cause that due to the barometric pressure. I don’t know if that’s your problem. Just thought that I would comment.

Charles

I am so very fortunate! I am back to full strength after my rotator cuff & bicep tendon repair. Eight months after my surgery I developed frozen shoulder. With the help of a great trainer I was able to get through that & continue to improve. Would I do it again if I had a problem. Yes because it has been so successful. Good luck BK. Imnnsorry you haven’t had a full recovery!

Betty, I’m very excited to hear how well you are doing. I know the frozen shoulder really threw a wrench into things for a while. That’s awesome!

Charles, thanks. I don’t think this is weather. I’ve had generalized pains before with changes in the weather, but this is more direct functional issues–the twitching for one, a lot of popping which I HOPE is ligaments and not the sound of bone on bone, and sometimes (not always) the simple act of putting your arms/elbows down on the arms of a chair to adjust your position can cause quick pains. All in all, it just feels to me like a shambles. And then there’s my right shoulder which has never been treated at all because I was waiting to see outcome.

Jim, to answer your question, I’m 48. And to be blunt, damn right I’m not going to take getting older sitting down. As we age, we lose lean muscle mass, metabolism slows, and risk of osteoporosis & fractures grows. One of the prime means of fighting those things is strength training to take the edge off bone and lean muscle mass loss. For that, I need working body parts. I chose my orthopedic doctor because they were supposed to be sports focused. Unfortunately, I have found them to be anything but. I don’t know what the ultimate outcome will be but I’m going down fighting.

BK
Perhaps that came out wrong.
I didn’t say your life is over and all that you’re doing will prolong your well being BUT… you (we all here) had major surgery. Some of us get back to 99%, some 90, some 80 and some not at all but we all will experience some premature pain. Some just a little, some a bit more, that’s just what happens with scar tissue and the body. Fact of life.
Exactly 10 years ago, my son was in a very bad auto accident. (He was in the back seat drunk and not wearing any seat belts).
Long story short, he broke his back in several places, was in a full upper body cast for 12 weeks and he was the lucky one! Two people in the other car died (the accident was their fault) and the other person in the back seat of my son’s car crushed his hip. Only the two in the front were “OK” because they had their belts on and the front airbags saved them. Everyone at the time was about 30-31 years old plus or minus.
He’s now 41 and starting to hurt a bit, not much now but I’ll bet by the time he’s 50 he will be hurting a ton. He’s in good shape and goes to the gym all the time to slow this down but the fact is what I’m trying to say, once your body has a significant injury (or operation) it never will be the same and there will be things that you just will not be able to do like you did before.
We’re not 20 years old and in our prime!

This discussion has been a godsend for me. I’m now 10 days post op for repair of a near-full-thickness tear of my supraspinatus. Knowing what to expect, I employed a complement of natural remedies and strategies that I believe has made my early recovery nearly pain and drug free. Despite the inconvenience of the sling on my dominant arm, I’ve been able to get back to my routines very quickly. For anyone who wants details, I’m blogging about it at: http://susanadesstone.weebly.com/
Happy to field any questions you have or comments. I’ll be updating my progress there. And, again, thanks to all of you for contributing here. Very valuable.

I have had 4 surgeries to each shoulder in the past 12 years, many months in arm slings with the sling straps rubbing my neck and shoulder raw, I found the arm sling neck cushion and installed in in a few seconds over my sling strap and my pain was gone. This is a great invention, I wish I would have found it sooner.
armslingneckcushion.com

I am having shoulder surgery March 4, 2015 (next week!) for rotator cuff tear and arthritis bone spurs etc. I’ve had 4 injections and have been having pain for 2 years (injured rotator cuff May 2014). I was due to have surgery in January but my husband suffered a serious shoulder injury from a fall and on Jan 21 had major surgery for 3 shredded tendons and torn cuff, among other things. He is still in a sling and hasn’t yet started real PT….so we will both be in right arm slings at the same time! He is able to cook now so we think we can get along OK. He fitted me with my sling today so I could “practice”…after 45 minutes my neck was killing me! I have severe osteoarthritis, bone spurs and stenosis in my neck. I am really worried now about having to wear this sling, is there an alternative that won’t mess up my neck?

Wow, Pam, I wish I had something helpful to say! That is so amazing that you & your husband both had or will be having the shoulder surgery & sling! Be sure to tell your doctor what you’ve told us—that you don’t know if you can cope with the sling. Perhaps he would have an alternative. My best wishes to you and your husband for quick healing!!

A friend told me about a shoulder motion chair called a Kinex that she rented which really helped in her recovery. I can’t find anyone in VA who rents it; the manufacturer has suggested I contact our insurance company to see if they have any ideas. Wondering if anyone has heard of it? http://www.kinexmedical.com/shoulder.html

Joyce said: “Also, Brenda, how are you doing? I remember that you were not happy with your results from 2 years ago. I, too, had rotator cuff surgery 2 years ago in June and have some pain in the area nearly every day. I have good range of motion. Don’t know if the pain is because of the surgery or not. I’m 59 years old. Haven’t talked to the surgeon since August 2013 but don’t think he would be any help now, unless the pain gets worse (it’s just 1-2 on a scale of 10).”

Joyce,

Sorry, I couldn’t figure out how to reply under your post. My technically challenged self aside, 😎 I’m doing ok relatively speaking. From a strictly functional standpoint for day to day living, my shoulder repair went fine. It’s not 100% but not impeding me from activities of daily living. My beef was (and is) that from a sports playing perspective, the surgery wasn’t helpful. And my tear was not massive compared to what some others have experienced. It has remained a significant consideration with weight lifting. I find myself having to be super-cautious when weight lifting (for example, if I am very fatigued and trying to cram in a workout at the end of the evening (not my preference but sometimes necessary) I literally can feel a very excessive fatigue in those rotator cuff muscles that far outreaches my body’s general fatigue. I did go back to the physical therapist at the beginning of the year to review strengthening exercises once again to keep chipping away at those muscles.

One of the things they don’t bother to tell you is that once you have surgery, rotator cuff maintenance is a life-long task. 😎

Sorry you continue to have pain. Sometimes I think that lingering low-level pain is worse than a 10. You can never feel absolutely confident about your shoulder when that low level discomfort just lingers on. I too regularly experience a very low level of discomfort but I have wondered if that’s because I sleep on my side–which isn’t the greatest for the shoulders.

I’ll be having surgery on Oct 21, 2015.
I have a 50% tear in rotator cuff, detached ligament and torn labrum.
I’m stressing most about post op ability to cook. In need of what to do about that. Can anyone please give me some ideas of what to make ahead of time that is easy to heat and eat. My husband works long hours (he is taking some vacation time for the first few days) and gets in late, so having him cook when he gets home is not an option. We will do some takeout and he’ll bring dinner home on nights that he may get off work early so I’m just wondering what you all had for meals while still in a sling. We just moved ( a week ago ) and do not have any family here nor have we had a chance to make any new friends that might could help out.
I did blenderize fruit and veggies for smoothies. I also plan to have plenty yogurt and fruit on hand. We don’t like tv dinners so that is out.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
TIA

I am eating plenty of meat (a leg of lamb right now), assuming that the protein will promote healing faster. And plenty of water! I live alone and, for greens, got some pre-made salads at Costco…these were fairly good. Also, I have been drinking some pre-made green smoothies. I got some juicing veggies right before my operation but that is a little difficult when working one-handed. Apples and cut-up fruit. Most importantly, plenty of water…probably a lot more than you would ordinarily consume.

I just had my second rotator cuff surgery eight days ago (left , non-dominant hand). Six years ago I had RC surgery on my right (dominant) shoulder due to an accident in which I caught a guy in a wheelchair (nearly 500 lbs total) in a free fall. Saved his life (he was coming down head first) but his head hit my shoulder first and tore everything off my shoulder (lucky he didn’t hit my head!). I have my own business and waited several months before making time for surgery (arthroscopic). I had little pain for the first week, most of it which I attribute to the muscles shrinking while I waited to have surgery (bad decision on my part!). When I got the sling off (4 weeks) I joyously went out to my car assuming that I would be a fully functional driver. I couldn’t even get my hand up to the radio knob! The biggest problem was getting my hand/arm to work overhead (such as using a drill or stowing a carry-on bag). It was slow to heal and I thought I’d never regain full use. However, it was going strong after 12 months. Looking back, I think I had a terrific surgeon and am very happy with the outcome. I didn’t take my arm out of that sling the whole four weeks, which I am sure helped my recovery. I was driving streets during recovery and freeways immediately after (I live in L.A.).

This current surgery is due to gradual wear-and-tear, and the damage is not nearly as bad in 2009. Again, it seems I have a really good surgeon. The pain for the first two days was like someone had punched me in the shoulder, not too hard (I was wondering if the doctor was flirting with the nurses and forgot to operate). No pain after that. I am driving streets but no freeways. Luckily, my arm/hand is tied at keyboard height so that I can write this. I hope you don’t have pain and that you get a great surgeon (mine both had lots of experience). If recovery seems slow, that should not surprise you. Remember, one day you shall have the option of trading careers and becoming a wallpaper hanger!

I have had rotator cuff surgery as I had a full tendon tear on my right shoulder after having had a frozen shoulder for 4 years. I have also had Fibromyalgia for 8years which delays the healing process. It has meant alot of adjustments post surgery.I am now facing having to find a non manual job in the New Year .I have two young very dependent sons. Above all I have had to learn how to do things with one hand. Sometimes my sons help me by cutting up meat,peeling vegetables.I have also not been able to drive or work for three months which was a real challenge. It was a big decision to make to have the operation knowing how long it can take to heal ! !!!

It sucks! I know because I had to have two RC surgeries and they weren’t Arthroscopic. However, believe it or not, when you’re finally back to normal, you’re gonna say that it wasn’t too bad. I know that’s hard to swallow right now but just know, you WILL get better. Best of luck!

I am having my surgery on 1/13/16 – This blog has been super helpful!

One question I didn’t see answered is for the nerve block is that given once you are under general anesthetic or before?

Also for the ice therapy is there a special sleeve used or are the generic shoulder ones you see on ebay for the ice machines the ones used? Eg: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Breg-Polar-Care-Cube-Cold-Therapy-System-Ice-Pack-w-Shoulder-Pad-dm-20-G34-/121838333663?hash=item1c5e216edf:g:eJ4AAOSwfZ1Wa1l9

I’ve also purchased some t-shirts from ebay with poppers down the side for ease of use!

Really not looking forward to this at all. My MRI data shows this and the surgeon mentioned he thought he saw some bicep tendon damage too on the MRI. Anyone know how bad/complex (relatively speaking) the below is?

1. Full-thickness and moderate to high-grade partial-thickness tears at the supraspinatus tendon. 2. Full-thickness and high-grade partial-thickness tears at the infraspinatus tendon. Grade 2 partial tear injury at the infraspinatus muscle-tendon unit. There is a hematoma or cyst at the infraspinatus muscle-tendon unit.
3. Mild acromioclavicular joint arthropathy.
4. Small to moderate amount of fluid at the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa.

Pete,
I’m not a doctor so I can’t answer those final questions. But I can answer how I felt and how I dealt with my RC surgery. First, I came to realize over some time that the thought of surgery was much worse than having the surgery itself. It was really nothing since I was asleep. I wasn’t given a nerve block shot while I was awake so I’m pretty sure it was done during the surgery. The nerve block shot was great. I had absolutely no pain the rest of the day. I thought that if this is what to expect then I was VERY pleased. The second day things radically changed. The pain was very much there. I just dealt with it. I have a good tolerance dealing with pain. In fact, I never took any of the pain pills the doctor prescribed. My brother had back surgery and I saw how they created havoc with his life. I wasn’t gonna have that. I just iced the shoulder with a iced jell pad and kept my shoulder movement to a bare minimum. Never used an ice machine. I couldn’t wear T-shirts because I couldn’t raise my arm to put through the arm hole. I just wore short-sleeve button down shirts.

I’m not gonna say that PT was fun but you just have to endure it. All I’m gonna say now is “Best of luck.” You will survive and get better!

In looking at Pete’s MRI results, I think my damage (for my surgery seven weeks ago) was slightly worse except that I didn’t have a cyst. I did have a bicep procedure (in addition to the rotator cuff) and the surgeon indicated the damage and repair work was a little greater than what he normally sees. I did have a nerve block and it was given during the surgery (I was knocked out with a general during surgery). I was told the nerve block would wear off within 24 hours but I was pleasantly surprised that I had almost no pain after it would have worn off and never took any of the pain-killer medication I was prescribed.

Now, nearly seven weeks later, the only pain I have is when I sleep at night. I sleep on my opposite (right) side and support the repaired arm with several pillows. Still, I have been waking up almost every night due a tolerable amount of pain. It goes away after about 10 minutes once I change positions. I didn’t have this pain when I slept in the sling but that comes with its own annoyances, of course.

For showering, I fashioned a sling out of a pillow case and used that in the shower. I cut a head hole at the seamed/open end, then cut a slot along the lower side for my forearm to fit thru. That kept the arm is much the same position as the normal sling. I stacked two pillows on the sink countertop to catch and rest my arm when putting on and taking off the pillow-case sling as well as to keep my arm pretty much stationary while putting on a shirt (first pulling the shoulder opening over my resting hand). For my 2009 surgery I used T-shirts like Pete described. This time I must have had a different sling as those types of T-shirts would no longer work. I used unmodified shirts, being very careful in putting them on and taking them off.

I got my sling off at four weeks and started working the arm (though very gently at first) for day-to-day tasks. A saw my surgeon six weeks after surgery and I could already get my arm over my head. He was going to prescribe physical therapy but said that a therapist couldn’t do anything better than what I was already doing.

My experience after having two RC surgeries (different sides) was one of little pain. The worst thing with the first surgery was that the month in the sling was the slowest in my life. That month went on forever! This time I was prepared with a whole bunch of things to keep me busy. I couldn’t believe how fast the time went by!

Now, at seven weeks following surgery, I am doing just about every activity than when my arm was good…that includes the past two weekends tiling three backsplashes and the tops of two big doorways. Before surgery I couldn’t even get my left hand up to the car’s steering wheel and had to use my right arm to actuate the turn signal. Four or five weeks after surgery I could do so without even giving it a thought. As a precaution I am not yet doing heavy lifting (over 20 pounds) but my surgeon says I can start that around the two month mark. The arm will be sore the day after working it hard but I figure it’s part of the healing process. I’ll be 65 yo this coming February, so my good recovery is not due to youth.

I do believe the ice helped a lot by keeping the swelling down and it is important to keep this going for at least a few weeks. I used a water-circulating machines for this but I think I would have actually done better with a large icepack that more easily conformed to the shape of my shoulder.

Pete, this may be an easier operation and recovery than you are anticipating. I wish you the best. I haven’t heard of one of these surgeries going bad and, as noted elsewhere on this forum, you’ll sure be happier once your shoulder is doing all the things it used to do.

Part of the concern is going backwards – Right after I slipped and hurt the should back on 10/31 just moving it at all was excruciating but since then it has improved dramatically. At the moment it really only hurts if I lift the arm/elbow above should height. For example at a drive through window to pick up food or use an ATM etc. Regular day to day use is pain free, even sleeping. This surprised the surgeon given the damage the MRI seems to show.

So definitely not looking forward to going backwards to move forwards 🙂 Anyone else have this too?

Had my pre-op meeting today and this thread certainly helped. The Donjoy Ultra sling I have doesn’t feel that supportive to me though will have to play with the adjustments more.

Also was told my surgeon is moving away from the nerve block since it can cause complications – Instead they’re now doing local anesthetic shots all around the shoulder at the end of surgery – these last for 3 days and numb 50% of the pain so combined with the narcotics they find its more effective since it lasts longer and you have a better baseline on pain right in the recovery room versus not feeling anything due to the nerve block…. We’ll see!

Good luck!

Hi Pete,
My surgery will be this Friday, 2/12, and boy am I nervous about the whirly and nausea effects of the narcotics and fearful of the post-op pain. It was very helpful to hear that they’re doing local anesthetic shots around the shoulder and numb 50% of the pain. My doctor’s PA seemed familiar with that said to talk to the anestheologist. She also said that the reason they don’t usually do the nerve block is when it wears off the pain comes on pretty hard.
Hope you’re feeling much better now!

Hi Vicki – I’m back in work now (was off for 3 weeks). Happy to report that while I won’t say it is easy with the pain meds it was certainly tolerable and not as horrific as I was expecting. In recovery I did make sure I told them pain was an 8 or 9 to ensure I got some extra medication before I left. I think that really helped has it took time to get the meds they prescribed right after surgery. Make sure you get plenty of pain meds. They prescribed me 100 Oxycodone and I used all of them. 5 days later they wrote a refill for 40 that I ended up not needing. I also set my phone to make sure I took them every 4 hours on the dot! (3 x 5mg Oxycode HCL along with 2 x 500 Tylenol which was every 6 hours on the dot). I kept that regime up for a good 5 days before slowly tapering off….

Now that PT has started (my surgeon had me wait 2.5 weeks for that) I took some more last night but on the whole PT has not been painful so far but I’m on passive PT for 10 weeks before they start active….

My top recommendations would be to follow all the tips on this blog. Especially important make sure you have a recliner and table all set up around you. I had all the meds within reach, laptop PC, ice machine and used wifi on/off switches to turn ice machine and lights on/off from my ipad! Shower wise after the first few days of help having scrubber on a stick helps for cleaning under your good arm and back etc…. Slip on shoes, sweat pants, super lose fitting t-shirt – we bought one from ebay with poppers up the side and one where we just cut the side up and used safety pins on the side.

Make sure you feel the sling fits you right before surgery – I found it hard to get “just right”….

Oh and the toughest part really isn’t the post op pain it is sleeping in a recliner with the sling on for 4-6 weeks (4 weeks in for me on Wed and sleeping with the sling in recliner is the worst part now – I basically watch TV all night and fall asleep from exhaustion around 4am only to wake around 7am) – Its really not good now I’m back in work!

Hi Pete,
My surgery will be this Friday, 2/12, and boy am I nervous about the whirly and nausea effects of the narcotics and fearful of the post-op pain. It was very helpful to hear that they’re doing local anesthetic shots around the shoulder and numb 50% of the pain. My doctor’s PA seemed familiar with that said to talk to the anestheologist. She also said that the reason they don’t usually do the nerve block is when it wears off the pain comes on pretty hard.
Hope you’re feeling much better now!

Hi everyone!

This blog has been very helpful to me pre and post op. My op date was last Wednesday, Jan 6 so I’m on day 5 post. I had full width tears to the left RC with nothing attached to the bone so anchors were used. I’m a 61 yr male and very physically active.
A couple of things I learned from this:

*My Dr used the elastic drip catheter nerve block, which was GREAT! They don’t tell you that it has two types of anesthesia and the first starts wearing off in about 12 hours. Until then, my whole left shoulder and arm were completely numb. Afterwards, it significantly dulls the pain for about 36 hours but still hurts so take your pain meds. You remove the catheter easily yourself when it’s empty. (This is my 2nd shoulder surgery and the first just used the injection block. When it wore off in 12 hours I felt like a freight train had hit me! If you do the injection, start your meds as soon as you get them to build up some tolerance.)

*Use a large cotton T-shirt split/cut up the side of your surgery all the way through the bottom of the left sleeve hem. It allows you to slip in it easily and keeps the immobilizer sling from rubbing and the velcro from scratching. Simple safety pins will keep you “legal!”

Ice machines are gifts from heaven! Mine is a Berg unit and it’s cheaper to buy than rent. We freeze Tupperware containers of water which fit perfectly in water/ice bucket. It’s my new best friend (second to my wife!)

*Start PT as soon as you can! My started in less than 48 hours after surgery. Thought it would be horrible but the therapist was great and I’m moving about quite well after only one session. Able to take the sling off several times a day and stretch. Do your PT exercises faithfully!

*Pain meds are great but the narcotic based ones will make you constipated, and fast! (It’s well documented.) The sooner you can shift off them to OTCs, the better you’ll feel overall.

Living in the sling is tough and sleeping in a recliner is a challenge at best, but it sure beats the alternative of constant pain and limited strength and motion of a torn RC. I’m sure there are challenges ahead but I look forward to them! Hope some of these tips help someone else.
Good luck to those facing RC issues!

Thanks for the info on the drip catheter nerve block. I hadn’t heard of that. While my surgery was in 2013 on my left arm, my right shoulder is messed up, and while I will try to avoid it at all costs, I would lay odds there will be a future shoulder surgery for me so the cath is good to know about so I know my options.

It is two months and a week after surgery. The shoulder is working great and I no longer really think about it, even when having to use two arms overhead. The one problem that sticks is a dull shoulder pain that wakes me in the middle of the night. I sleep on my opposite side (affected shoulder up) and support the shoulder with a mound of pillows, trying to emulate the position my arm was in while wearing the sling (elbow close to my body, hand not drooping downward). I change the pillow arrangement every night but it still persists. The pain isn’t bad and goes away quickly. The situation might be best classified as a minor annoyance, certainly not the kind of pain that would need medication. I don’t remember having this situation with my other arm when it was operated on in 2009.

While I’m here, a word about slings. I used an UltraSling IV by Donjoy. I liked the sling…it is reasonably comfortable, is easily adjustable, is light and (very important) made my shoulder feel immovable and secure. I slept with it on and didn’t have the nighttime pain that I’ve mentioned above. The first few days after surgery I seemed to be constantly using my elbow muscles to pull up my forearm, as if the sling sat just a bit too low. I shortened the neck strap and immediately felt a lot more relaxed. I also put a folded towel in the bottom interior of the sling so that debris such as dead skin would not dirty the thing. You don’t want to wash the sling unless you have a back-up unit…it would take a long time to dry. I hope that helps!

I’m 42, tore rc dominant arm at the gym. Nov 4 had repair. An anchor pulled from the bone and while was out, tore my bicep tendon. Had 2nd surgery Dec 14. Dr kept me out of pt for 6 weeks this time because I already had to have a revision. It’s hard to get straight answers from pt or dr so Ive been reading about other people’s experiences. I worry constantly that this repair has failed , too. But there’s no way to know if tendon has attached this time without an MRI. So I’m weaning out of sling , still have a lot of pain daily, my concern is the tension I feel in my shoulder when not in sling. Like a pulling sensation. I just want to know if anyone else has felt this same pulling feeling. I tend to wear sling with a small pillow under my arm because it feels the best. Any comments??

Well considering what you’ve been through already, I hope they won’t be too cheap to do an MRI if that’s what it takes to know for sure how the healing is going.

After my surgery, I did not have an anchor pull loose (that I know of) nor have I had a 2nd surgery (I would never want to let anyone touch me again unless it was critical to do so). I also haven’t had that pulling sensation you’re feeling. I did have a general feeling that the shoulder “wasn’t right”–that’s a lousy description but it did (and does) feel like the repair was very frail, but the doc refused to fight to have an MRI done and only did an ultrasound, which they assured me proved there was nothing wrong with the shoulder, said I just needed to keep at the shoulder rehab. I found it very irritating that they wouldn’t re-MRI to make SURE all was well.

Now 2.5 years post-op, I still worry not only about the operated shoulder, but about the right shoulder which has never been treated but shows all the same signs. Long story short, for me at least, continuous shoulder rehab is a life-time commitment. They don’t tell you that part before surgery. So the idea that the shoulder will be “good as new” is bogus. Others here may not feel the same way but that has been my experience.

Best wishes to you in your continued healing. I know what an aggravating and torturous thing it is.

Had the very same surgery three weeks ago. Recovery has been painful but predictable.

I have concerns about one thing I was told.I was told that I may not drive for eight weeks post surgery which leaves me five weeks to go. One of the most difficult aspects of this repair. Someone could tell me if 8 is suggested or required by law. Be disastrous to be in a fender bender and lose everything in a lawsuit

I had the same concern about driving. In my case, it was an insurance thing, in an accident situation, you are considered “driving impaired”, like driving under the influence, until you are released by the surgeon and PTs. So I waited. My husband was a good sport and drove me around.

My surgery was 3 weeks ago. Not painful now.

The biggest deal is not being able to drive. My doctor wants me to wait a full eight weeks post surgery. Not sure I can do this because I don’t have good public transportation and have to depend on friends and family. Allegedly I will be healed at six weeks but the extra two weeks gives you extra protection in case you stumble or fall or bang into a wall.

Best wishes,
Linda Woods Spokane Washington

So many different thoughts on these areas. Some surgeons want PT to start right away, some docs wait 2-6 weeks, some say ok to drive as soon as you’re off pain meds, some say ok to keep sling off at home, some to keep in on for 6 full weeks, some that you heal in 6 weeks, some that it takes 4 months for tendon to actually attach back to the bone….

Who knows!

I took 3 weeks off work, sling off after 6, started PT about 2.5 weeks… .Now at 8 weeks and still doing passive PT moving to assisted active this week. Under strict instructions still not to lift more than a cell phone and not to reach up or grab etc….

Well, I’ve had two rotator cuff surgeries on each arm since September of 2014. I reckon I’m just too big and dumb. “This is why we can’t have nice things” The construction company I’ve worked with since 1983 had a “No light duty” policy. If I cannot do the work, I will not have a job. I have never had a desk job to speak of in my life. construction, warehouse, physical grab n grunt stuff.. CDL truck driver hauling dirt and heavy equipment (which must be secured with ‘ heavier than i can now work with ‘ chains).

I guess I came here to see what jobs other 55 year old males have after going through rotator cuff repair?I haven’t read ALL the comments posted, and mine might get lost in the shuffle, just looking for suggestions. feeling kinda down, though i’m sure i’m not the only person in the world that had to start over like this.

Hello All,

Haven’t been around in a while. I discovered this site when I had RC surgery back in 2013. I’m hoping some folks here can help me. I’m desperately in need of finding a pillow that will accommodate a bum shoulder and allow me to sleep on my side.

My left shoulder surgery was of mediocre success and my right shoulder isn’t in much better shape but I have no desire to go through that torture again. But I desperately miss side sleeping–yet when I do, I feel like my shoulder is getting ground up.

The search for side sleeper pillows is maddening–even when you google side sleeper pillows for shoulder pain, it brings up a list of pillows and proceeds to talk about the pillow’s cervical/spinal qualities and not a blasted thing about aiding shoulder pain.

Anybody have any recommendations?

Much thanks.

I had a Massive Tear on my rotator cuff back in Nov 2014. I saw a dr. a couple of months later when the pain didn’t go away. He gave me a shot and told me to get P.T. Did not get P.T right away. Then saw orthopod who took an xray. Nothing significant. He gave me a shot on the back of my shoulder. In the Fall, I saw a chiropractor, who suggested an MRI.

MRI indicated a massive tear with atrophy. AFTER the surgery they said the outlook for my surgery is not good. “FIRST DO NO HARM!!!”

I am not in pain except when in P.T. and they are stretching it. Scary showering the first few times and putting your arm into clothing. I have so many restrictions that most folks do not have. It is 11 weeks and I’m still not allowed to drive, when most folks can drive at 6 weeks.

I do not trust my husband’s driving, plus he has health problems that prevent him from doing a great deal around the house.

I hope I get back to where I was before the surgery and am able to soon drive and move my arm normally.

I hope you get back to your previous injury state. I couldn’t drive for twelve weeks & had my arm in that padded sling for that long also. I followed the doctor’s instructions perfectly. That was soo difficult to do. I don’t like to ask people to do anything for me. The doctor released me two months early because I did so well. So my only words for you are do exactly as they tell you. Good luck!
Betty

Yes, and it is so painful on my left shoulder.along with the bisept tendons repair.

Here is my experience 24 hours out from supraspinatus repair with one anchor, bone spur removal, and cartilage cleanup.

In a nutshell, not nearly as dire as what other people have reported:

–New pain protocol at University of Penn hospital involves icing, anti- inflammatories, nerve pain medicine (keterolac) and super careful pre-dosing of oxycodone during the nerve block time.
–The above seems to have worked (knock on wood) to prevent what others have reported as a scary onset of pain.

My surgery may have been more straightforward than more complicated ones though. Just my two cents.

One mistake in my narrative, Keterolac was an anti inflammatory. The nerve medicine was neurontin, which worked well but made me a little dizzy but not too badly.

I am two weeks out and now doing well though achy, but able to do a lot for myself and walking, hiking, and using the elliptical and exercise bike. So my fears about being unable to do aerobic exercise were unfounded.

Here is a report from 4 years after rotator cuff injury and surgery. At age 70 I experienced a full-thickness tear in my left supraspinatus. MRI also showed partial infraspinatus tear, inflammation of the long head of the left biceps, and arthritis. Surgery to re-attach the supraspinatus was unsuccessful, but I had fairly good use of the left shoulder/arm until recently, when the shoulder seemed to become weaker, more popping and grinding in the joint.
In retrospect I should have avoided the surgery and 9 weeks in a sling, which made no improvement. Now my hope is to avoid shoulder replacement. Rotator cuff injury can be a big, big deal.

I had a full tear of my supraspinutus tendon and am almost 3 weeks post op. So far the 1st week was the worst being uncomfortable. I started PT on day 5 doing some exercises and passive stretching, and do this 3 days a week along with at home exercises. So far overall it has not been bad for me. I was off pain meds on day 2 and only take Ibuprofen at times after PT since I am sore then. I take off my sling when I watch TV or use my laptop, otherwise I have it on when doing things or going to work. I have a follow up the end of this month and hopefully will get rid of the sling completely. I know its a long road to recovery and I used to hit the gym 5 days a week so this sucks. My best advise is follow your Dr and PT’s orders and don’t overdue anything.

Hello-great thread!!! So much information that all surgeons’ offices should be giving to people! Had fall in September, fractured and dislocated left shoulder (humerus). Plate/screws placed, has been long miserable few weeks, with many crying spells. Has anyone had their legs and feet swell and feel very tight?? Not a DVT. Thanks so much for any input.

Youch, Gayla. Sounds painful. To answer your question, no, I did not experience any of the leg/foot swelling you mention. Hopefully it goes away soon!

thanx BK. might have to f/up with vascular doc. Actually seems related to the norco, but just not sure-pharmacist thinks not.
I am so glad I found this thread. I read and reread it when all I really want to do some days is go see Dr Kevorkian lol!!!!! (not sure everyone remembers who he was :).
I hope all are doing better than expected!

Whomever has posted here has gone through with what you’re experiencing. It’s not the most exciting and can be quite excruciating at times. However your ONLY thought must and should be is that is you’re gonna get better. AND IT WILL!!!

thank you Charles, your comment brought tears to my eyes. Made it all the way to 63 without any fx’s!! I tripped over a speed bump in a parking lot and literally face-planted, which is how I fx’d and dislocated shoulder. I looked like a victim of violence for awhile! I was terrified of having surgery, the accident is still such a trauma in my mind, and the helplessness and all associated trials with this have left me feeling beyond depressed. Am already on an antidepressant and seeing a therapist! Anyway, I have always tried to laugh about something in any bad situation, and that has gotten me through in life.
I realize it will be a long slow process. All I can say is- ” get your calcium boys and girls!!!!!”

I was told recently that I have a full rotator cuff tear in my right shoulder and will need surgery to repair it. The strength in my arm is good and I have very little (if any) pain. I might have a low grade ache in the shoulder occasionally. I can do everything I need to do in life (family, friends, job, hobbies, yard work, personal & business travel, etc) just fine. To go under the knife and have this surgery scares me. I’m not in pain now, but will be after the surgery. I have good range of motion and strength now but won’t after surgery. I’m doing fine in life now, but won’t be for a time (months up to a year) after surgery. It doesn’t make sense to have this surgery. Or does it? What is the upside to having this surgery? I’m thinking about waiting until I have pain/weakness or problems getting through everyday life. Maybe that’s a mistake. I’m 54 yrs old and in very good health. Comments? Thanks.

I waited three years past when the doctor felt I should undergo the repair. I waited until I was unable to play the violin.

I had it done laparoscopically with complete success ( months of recovery and tiny scary.

I’m glad I waited until I was not able to do something that I love or need to do.

Tiny scar

Tiny scar … typo correction

Mark:

First, my disclaimer. I am not a doctor. I am not a physical therapist (but I wish I was!). I have no medical training. So my words don’t mean cow-cookies and cannot be used to make a medical decision.

All I can tell you is the result of my rotator cuff surgery experience and my assessment of the surgery after the fact. I don’t have the surgical report handy, so I don’t remember the length of my rotator cuff tear in the left (non-dominant) arm. But as I recall, it wasn’t as big a tear as some have experienced.

I had this surgery back in July 2013, back when I had idealistic views that doctors could cure what ails you. For me personally, surgery wasn’t worth it. While I have slightly less weakness in that shoulder than I did before, my shoulder is by no means back to its old self. I still suffer weakness, and the shoulder is a constant distraction, not due to pain, but because my goal was before surgery and still is to build upper body strength. And I don’t feel any closer to the goal now then pre-surgery.

I guess what I’m saying is just consider it carefully before you go to all that time, pain, and expense. If your ADL’s are not impacted by the shoulder injury, then I’d question. Now I don’t know what happens if you avoid treating with surgery and I would not want to just assume one way or another. I personally don’t have a lot of trust for doctors–though there are some good ones out there, certainly.

I assume you have done physical therapy first to rule out that mode of treatment. I’d much rather trust the word of a physical therapist. If you have one you trust, I’d see what they have to say about the matter.

On the other hand, as I’m sure you’ve read on this site, many people have the surgery, go through it with flying colors, minimal pain, and are fully restored. So to me it seems like a crapshoot. Don’t discount surgery. But I just feel there’s great value in examining ALL the options first before choosing surgery.

Best wishes to you, no matter what direction you go in.

Brenda, I, too, had the surgery 3 years ago and am not happy with the results. The shoulder hurts fairly often, and when I put dishes away in the cupboard I need to use my other arm to assist. That is, I can’t lift much of any weight with my arm that had surgery. I have wondered if some of the repair has come undone. Apparently, that happens all too often.

I’m in the same boat! full supraspinatus tear with retraction and I’m almost pain free 3 months after the tear…. a little down on strength in certain motions but getting better. 3 well known/respected surgeons all tell me I have to have it fixed. The crazy part is if I never had the MRI done I wouldn’t have given it another thought…I would say I had a minor strain and it’s healing well….damn technology!

I’m afraid to come out of it in more pain…very hard decision

It’s too bad that we’re referred to specialists for everything. In the case of a shoulder injury, they always refer you to a surgeon. I don’t trust them to be unbiased when they make their living by…well….surgery. And I’ve even heard that cynicism from other types of doctors. LOL!

Most PT’s won’t weigh in on do/don’t surgery because of professional ethics. That makes getting an honest opinion very difficult.

I first started having problems with my right shoulder about 8 years ago, which I think was mostly from bench pressing. I went to a chiropractor that specialized in ART (Active release) and things got much better …to the point that it did not bother me for years!

then about 2.5 yrs ago I felt something tear when benching heavy. I suspected a rotator cuff tear but never went to the Dr. Instead I saw my PT who felt it was a strain (small tear) based on the clinical loading tests they do in the office. I did 8 weeks of PT and it felt really good…..so much so I got back to benching very slowly and carefully. and of course riding was not a problem.

fast forward to 2.5 months ago and it happened again while benching. Having been through this before with seemingly good success via PT, I went that route again. Once again it was feeling good, so at 5 weeks I (stupidly) decided I would try and ride my dirt bike. It was too much too soon and I suffered another very painful setback.

I then continued PT for the last 5 weeks and it’s been slowly getting better. Along the last couple of weeks I decided to get a MRI done and was surprised to get the bad news that I have a “Complete disruption of the supraspinatus tendon with tendon retraction to the level of the glenoid margin”

I know….why should I be surprised given all the trauma it’s had? Well, I’m only surprised because while it feels no where near 100% it’s starting to feel pretty darn good. I can lift my arm straight out in almost any direction (empty or full can) with very little pain. I can sleep on the shoulder without trouble, reach up behind my back and over my head with no trouble…all of which were very difficult at each re injury episode.

But…..after reading many posts on the internet, the following should be evident to me:

I’ve probably had at least a small tear for some time which I have recently re-injured.
tendon tears don’t heal on their own…but you might get away with strengthening the other surrounding muscles
it’s only going to get worse unless I get it fixed….assuming it can be fixed at this point.

I’ve now seen two ortho’s who both recommended I get it fixed. One who said he would fix it arthrosocpicaly, and the other who said he doesn’t do them, but recommended another local ortho who is a very good shoulder guy……So that’s two docs with the same advice……what is my reluctance?

I’m feeling pretty good and seemingly getting better every day so the thought of throwing myself into hell for 8-12 months scares the crap out of me. I’m a righty, and it’s my right shoulder…everything is going to suck!
if this is mostly an old injury, has the window of opportunity passed to fix it successfully? might I be going through everything only to have it fail?
having had ACL/MCL reconstruction only a few years ago the recovery is still fresh in my mind…not looking forward to starting all over again with an even longer recovery.

of course if the repair is what is needed to be “right and tight” then that is what I must do. It just sucks having to make this decision when pain wise, I’m feeling pretty good now…..

would love to hear from anyone with similar experiences and the outcomes.

Thanks,
Andy

Hi Andy,

I don’t envy you the decision. It’s a tough call. I’m not medically qualified to speak from that angle. What I can say is that I had rotator cuff surgery because the level of tear was impeding my strength training program. All I can tell you is that, in MY case, improvement was marginal (it was an issue of joint weakness, not pain in my case). And my workouts have never been the same. I don’t know about benching, but I was advised not to ever use heavy weights for shoulder pressing.

Shoulder surgery seems to be such a crap-shoot of results. As you can tell from reading some of these posts, some folks have phenomenal results. Others, not so much. And I’m sure a number of variables play into each case. Best wishes to you as you consider your options and make choices.

If in the end you do opt for surgery, I hope you’ll post down the road and let us know how you’re doing. I would also be curious to hear how your workouts have been impacted after recovery.

In any case, best wishes.

Brenda

I’m a 62 year old female. I had a complete tear and some other repairs 3 months ago. Never needed the pain medication because I didn’t have much pain. There is some pain/discomfort now that I’m doing more aggressive PT. It is terrible not having use of my right arm for the length of time it takes. The worst was sleeping. I’m a right side sleeper and it was very difficult getting comfortable. I hope for all of us that we regain complete use of our arms with no pain/discomfort. Hope you have a healthy 2017!

just wanted to give everyone an update:

I had the surgery on Dec 20th.

so far, so good.

I was off the pain meds in 2 days and really have no pain to speak of. but there is not a lot going on at this point, as far as movement I just have a foam ball to squeeze and I do passive curls and writs flexes. I’m in the sling 24/7 and only unclip the shoulder strap for sitting and sleeping in the recliner.

every now and then I’ll move the “wrong way” and I get a little “zing” of pain that let’s me know…”stop it….stupid!” but all in all I think I’m in good shape at 12 days post op.

the sling gets old quick and I don’t know how I’m going to deal with it for 5 more weeks, but what can ya do.

I’m showering on my own and doing pretty much everything on my own, with the exception of putting on a shirt that is still a bit of a challenge as I can’t let the arm hang down on it’s own weight yet.

sleeping is the real PIA. I do get 7-8 hours a night which is better than what I have been told to expect but it doesn’t come without it’s challenges:

everything I read said it would be painful to try and recline all the way back or lie flat in a bed. At first I tried sleeping in the recliner with the legs up and the back slightly reclined. this resulted in neck pain from my head slumping to the side and for some reason my good shoulder woke up in pain. After a few days of that I switched back to the bed and was surprised to find that my shoulder did not hurt when laying flat on my back and I was able to sleep quite comfortably that way….unfortunately that caused a lot of lower back pain in the morning and pissed my wife off since I guess I snore pretty badly sleeping on my back (usually I’m a side sleeper and don’t snore…unless I’ve got a good alcohol induced coma going)

I would like to sleep on my side, but my sling has a foam bolster which ends up laying directly on top of my ribs which isn’t very comfortable either.

typically I sleep on my side, and switch back and fourth from side to side all night long. it’s been very difficult for me trying to adapt to sleeping on my back and not being able to move….I guess at some point I got old! I don’t ever remember sleep position mattering a bit in my youth!

I have my first follow up next week and hopefully I will be cleared for the pendulum’s at that point….it really is baby steps!

I was able to get out of the house and drive yesterday which felt really good!

Glad to hear things are going reasonably well, Andy. As I continue to read everyone’s stories about their experience with shoulder experience, I’m reminded again why it’s so difficult to pin down any piece of info with certaintly–we all simply have different experiences with surgery.

For example, I couldn’t bear to sleep on my back, and had to sleep in a recliner for probably a month. And I hear you on the loss of side-sleeping. Bugger!

Best wishes on your continued recovery.

I’m now just over 1 month post op. I had my first PT session yesterday and to my surprise it was not painful. She said I had way more range than what she considers normal for someone locked in the sling for the past 4 weeks.

I can sleep in bed on my back, but I’m still having lower back pain in the morning. when I sleep in the recliner my neck tends to be the problem in the morning…..but either way the shoulder is not bothering me.

I now come out of the sling a few more times a day for pendulums and just to straighten the arm. today was also the first day I could put my socks on with both hands…..baby steps!

I have to say that after reading so many horror stories about the surgery and pain associated with PT, I have had it pretty good so far….maybe the worst is yet to come as I advance in the PT?

12 more days until I can loose the sling! YAY!

It’s been awhile since my surgery [February 2014] and although it doesn’t seem so while you’re undergoing recovery, “YOU WILL GET BETTER!”

Hi folks! I had rotator cuff & labrum surgery on my right in 2013 and am now doing it on my left shoulder… One thing that seems to have changed is the cold therapy units and I’m wondering what people’s experience is here. Last time, I had an iceless unit, that I rented, this time what we’re been offered is a small unit that needs ice periodically – and they aren’t covered by insurance and they aren’t rented. I’m looking at two I’m considering buying used. The Iceman by Donjon, or the Breg Polar Care Kodiac. I’m wondering if anyone loved or hated theirs. Thanks.

Sorry, Lynne. I can’t help–I had an iceless unit when I had surgery in 2013. Hopefully someone here can help.

I had rotator cuff surgery a few months ago and bought the Breg Polar Care Kodiak new for $175 (thru my surgery center). I actually didn’t use it for as long as I thought I would but for those first couple of weeks I used it quite often and was glad I had it. And other than the first few days of recovery when I needed help, after that I was able to fill it and hook it up on my own just needed help for about the first week getting the pad on my shoulder. I saw that people suggested using frozen water bottles (4 of them) plus water, rather than ice cubes& water, which makes it much easier than always making more ice cubes. I thought it worked well and was easy to use. Mine is in perfect brand new condition so I’m probably going to be trying to sell it on Amazon or Ebay. If you’re interested let me know. Since its brand new I’ll probably sell it for very close to what I paid but I’ll pay for the shipping. Good luck to you!

Hi Amy, thanks for the advice and offer of your unit. I was lucky to find a neighbor who is going to lend me her Breg, but I also contacted one of the distributors to see about renting the iceless unit… and making certain I can’t get it covered by my insurance. I’m surprised you said you used it “quite often” in the first couple of weeks, because I had mine on pretty much all the time, including all night, for weeks. It makes me wonder if it might not be as effective as what i used the first time… admittedly, we’re all different.

Hi, I had a right shoulder rotator cuff repair in June 2013 and have previously posted in this forum. I find my shoulder is starting to ache again – anyone else experience this?

Hi Celia,

We had rotator cuff surgery about a month apart & I remember us both posting back then. 😎 I don’t feel any more knowledgeable now then I did then. What I can tell you is that my assessment of my rotator cuff repair then and now was “it sucked.” I’m not picking on the surgeon, I’m just saying the problem was shoulder weakness then and the shoulder remains weak now. I’ve made no progress on strength training, haven’t been able to hit my goals. In fact, I’m about to start physical therapy to revisit what exercises I can do to see if I can get at least some improvement. But no surgeon is touching me again. It just isn’t worth all that pain and suffering and cost. But that’s my take. Everybody’s shoulder is different. We’ve talked to many people on this list who had a good repair and seemed not to have any issues afterward. Best of luck to you as you figure out your next steps.

Hi Brenda,

Sorry to hear that. My arm is definitely stronger but it’s never felt right. I had two swollen fingers for over a year, the surgeon said it wasn’t linked to the operation but I think it was. My shoulder still “clicks” when I move it (surgeon said this would stop as it heals and it hasn’t ). I sometimes have a strange feeling down my arm to my hand and wonder if it’s nerve damage. Like you, I would not have the op again.

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