1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Shoulder Problems

Aching arm after shoulder surgery 4 months on

Posted , 59 users are following.

cbc123
cbc123

I had rotator cuff and torn tendon repair 4 months ago. I still get an aching arm most days and have become very clicky, more so than before the opp.  I appreciate there is pain for many months after this operation, but I don't see any sign of easing, if anything, some days are getting worse. Obviously, there would be pain if something has gone wrong, so how am I supposed be be sure it is all fine? Has anyone else had these sort of experiences at this stage?

3 likes, 129 replies

129 Replies

Prev Next
  • kristy56918
    kristy56918 cbc123

    Posted

    its been 5 months since my shoulder surgery and i cant pick my arm up but a little .the muscles spasms are soooo bad . sometimes i just want cry .ive had to stop pt for 4 weeks to see if the spasms will stop ,cant sleep on my left side still . i hope i never have to do this again

    .

  • AmyL123
    AmyL123 cbc123

    Edited

    I had surgery in October and have significant pain still after 3 months. I keep thinking that the level of pain must be an indication that something is wrong. My doctor explained that pain is to be expected for months and that it was usually at least a year before the shoulder feels "normal".

    At times I feel like the pain (especially at night) is unbearable.

    It helps to know that I am not alone.

    • christine_61665
      christine_61665 AmyL123

      Edited

      It takes long time for the pain to subside. I don't know why. I almost feel the doctors don't want to tell you that. Mine still aches in cold weather and it's been 2 1/2 years. Now my non operated shoulder is acting up from overuse! It will get better, just do your exercises and keep your spirits up. These forums were a huge comfort to me because as you said you're not alone! Best!

    • AmyL123
      AmyL123 christine_61665

      Posted

      Thank you Christine. Since posting I spoke with the head PT where I therapy, and he said I was making good progress with both strength and range of motion. Most importantly he assured me that pain was not unusual and like you said. Thanks again!

  • Alucas528
    Alucas528 cbc123

    Posted

    I am 5.5 months post op and I still have pain daily. Usually at a 5. I did PT. Even extended it a few weeks. Both PT and I were happy with my range and strength and overall improvement. I admit, I don't do the home exercises as much as I should. But I always stretch. I do use ice at times. Also since the surgery my elbow always feels like it needs to crack. Once it does I get relief, but only until it needs to pop again. Very annoying! Has anyone ever encountered that?

  • pyesangel
    pyesangel cbc123

    Edited

    **I had the same thing you had done, done to my shoulder about 2 years ago. I have good range of motion, took almost a year to get there. Most days my shoulder doesn't bother me but since the surgery, it tells me when the weather's changing. It aches and when I sleep, I sleep on that shoulder...can't sleep any other way. It aches. Wish I could sleep on the other side, but I can't. Guess with some of us the ache is there to stay. Better than the pain from before though. Good luck, Hope it works out for you though.

    • christine_61665
      christine_61665 pyesangel

      Edited

      I'll be 3 whiny years in May. Everything is working fine, although the other shoulder developed tendonitis from doing too much. I'm with you on the aching, especially when the weather changes, like today. I guess I just have to get over it. It's my bicep that aches rather than my shoulder and I wonder if it's from typing in my tablet. It's a hard habit to break, but I'm trying. Thanks for writing about the aching, it makes me feel that I'm not alone, This was a bigger deal than I ever expected, but the tendons have changed and I guess that's that. It could be worse. Best of luck!

    • pyesangel
      pyesangel christine_61665

      Posted

      I had surgery on my left knee (total replacement) almost 6 years ago, and I'd have the other knee done before I'd have shoulder surgery again. There's NO comparison!! So I guess you know how I feel about shoulder surgery....

    • Alucas528
      Alucas528 pyesangel

      Edited

      I am 5.5 months post op and I still have pain daily. Usually at a 5. I did PT. Even extended it a few weeks. Both PT and I were happy with my range and strength and overall improvement. I admit, I don't do the home exercises as much as I should. But I always stretch. I do use ice at times. Also since the surgery my elbow always feels like it needs to crack. Once it does I get relief, but only until it needs to pop again. Very annoying! Has anyone ever encountered that?

      I have a tear in my left rotator as well. I can tell it's getting worse, but I don't want to do the surgery until my right is at least to 80%. But it protests and always hurts and aches. Weather and fibromyalgia doesn't help either. It's so frustrating, but finding this forum has made me feel better knowing that I'm not alone in the way I feel. My mom had both shoulders done, but she doesn't seem to have the issues that I have. Sleeping is tough because it hurts if I sleep too much on the right and sometimes I can't do it at all. The left side aches, and I have DJD in my lower back so it's so hard to get comfy! I'm ready to feel normal again!

    • christine_61665
      christine_61665 pyesangel

      Edited

      I agree on not wanting to do this again! When my left shoulder starting acting up I was so worried. It wasn't the same pain as before so I thought I could handle it. You have to use your arms. A couple months ago I had a tranquilized 100 lb dog who couldn't get back in the car. I had to help. So much for taking care of my shoulders! I feel better knowing I'm not alone.

    • pyesangel
      pyesangel christine_61665

      Posted

      **It's always nice to know there are others in the same boat, so to speak and have gone through much of the same aches, pains, frustrations, etc.; so we know we're not going crazy! **

    • pyesangel
      pyesangel Alucas528

      Posted

      I'd ask your surgeon or your PT about having to 'pop' your elbow. Maybe they can do something about it. I never had that happen. I'd wait also before having the other shoulder done. You need at least one good working arm. These forums are a good place to get advise and unload because we've all been there. I found them when I had my TKR about 6 years ago and discovered this one for shoulder surgery later on. Good luck and hang in there.

    • Alucas528
      Alucas528 pyesangel

      Posted

      I've mentioned the elbow thing to both of them. Neither seemed to know. However one therapist that covered one day said it was from weakness. Makes sense I guess. Maybe stiffness from when I had to wear the sling? I have my 6 month post OP appointment in about 2 weeks so I'll bring it up again.

  • jay0315
    jay0315 cbc123

    Posted

    i had rotator cuff surgery and torn labrum and tendons and my shoulder still hurts 4 months later bad and arm is still week if i lift over my head

Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.