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3months post opp arthroscopic shoulder surgery/post labrum tear/distal clavicle

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Simplymie
Simplymie

I’ve posted about this once before, and probably won't be the last, as I would like to get a few more reply’s, and hear about others who have had similar surgery. This may be long winded, as I’d like to give as much details as possible.

I am 25, and a dealer in the casino business for the last 4 years. About a year to two years ago, I was having pain in a very specific area in my right shoulder, along with ALOT of clicking, popping, and grinding.

Come to find out, it was my AC joint. Several cortisone shots, physical therapy, and pain relievers later, I decided to have surgery, in hopes that this pain would go away, or get some kind of relief. My surgeon told me he shaved my ac joint, cleaned up arthritis, bursa, and any spurs I had, and also discovered I had a post labrum tear. I believe I got a couple of anchors and sutures, and was in the big sling for about 3 weeks before ditching it and beginning PT. Everything was “fine” and my ROM improved very quickly.

Well, here I am, 3 months post opp, and the pain in my ac joint area is unbearable..MUCH like before surgery. Minor clicking which I’m told is normal. And I have noticed the very large bump that was there before, is there, but minimal and still painful.

I am going on Monday, to get a second opinion, as my doctor doesn’t understand why I am still in pain. I have been referred to a rheumatologist, as I have bad cases of arthritis related diseases in my family. However, how can I possibly be in so much pain this late in the game? I’ve had a cortisone shot last month, which didn’t help. Has anyone had a similar surgery, that has experienced this, and hopefully got better?! Yes, I’m aware this recovery takes time, but to be in the same exact pain as before surgery freaks me out.

Any feedback would be great.

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • ED2018
    ED2018 Simplymie

    Posted

    Hi Simplymie,

    First - I'm sorry you are in such pain. I don't think we ever realize how important our shoulders are until we have this type of situation! Last year I had surgeries on EACH of my shoulders - left in April and right in October (both: Rotator Cuff repair, Bicep tenodesis, calcium debridement and acromioplasty). I'm a 53 yo female - active and in reasonable shape...thought I had no limits which was apparently not the case as my shoulders loudly declared! Anyway - the reason I mention that is because the most recent shoulder is doing great...but the left side (done in April 2018) has never truly done as well. PT was more difficult and the pain was just not bearable without NSAIDs. Finally became so painful (7/10) that MD gave me a steroid shot and held PT...when that didn't work, he ordered an MRI/arthrogram; well...that has apparently shown that there is a full thickness tear of the Rotator Cuff....again! You know it isn't good when the surgeon empathizes with your pain, prescribes a steroid pack and tells you to make sure to keep the f/u appt scheduled for a few weeks hence!

    What I'm wondering in your case is....has your surgeon ordered an MRI/Arthrogram? That would be the best way for them to determine what is going on...and I think the recommendation is to wait at least 3 mos post a surgical procedure to have it done - which you are at per your post above. If you go in for your appt. with a list of all the different activities that cause you pain (ex. for me it was as simple as trying to wash my face, place a clip in my hair, hold a book, fold clothes - etc), it might help your doc understand the impact it is having on your activities of daily living. Having that hard test to visualize what is going on internally could help answer your concerns and determine a plan going forward.

    Best wishes for relief of pain and answers!!

    • Simplymie
      Simplymie ED2018

      Posted

      Yes I am very vocal. I’ve had the must extensive talks with him. He just said I need to see if it’s something the rheumatologist can see about, and that I look great from a surgical standpoint. So annoying.

      I am hoping to get an MRI Monday at my second opinion doctor, of shoulder AND elbow. I’m praying for answers and solutions!

      I’ve done everything I can do on my end. Shots, Heat, ice, meds, talks, meltdowns, etc!

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