After Rotator Cuff Surgery-when will the pain end?
Posted , 94 users are following.
I am a 56 year old female who usually has a high tolerance for pain. I had rotator cuff surgery on 12/15/16. I had one anchor placed during arthroscopic surgery for a full rotator cuff tear and bone spur removal. I'm having lots of pain, especially at night. I slept in a recliner for one week. Now I'm sleeping in the guest room propped up on pillows. And by "sleeping" I mean a few hours here and there. I miss my real bed and my real life. I'm weaning myself off Demerol, because I don't want to become an addict living in a van down by the river! No offense to drug addicts; I just don't want to join them.
Physical therapy is very painful, but I'm doing my exercises daily....well, not as many reps as I should because it hurts so much afterwards. About a week ago a "therapist" we'll call Hitler just about yanked my arm from my body. Things have been going downhill since, and it isn't me on skis!😣
I'm really over this whole experience!
I want my right arm back...the one I use for everything!
I'm hoping to return to school to teach 95 seventh graders in four days. Too ambitious? I did practice driving left-handed for a month before my surgery,
Thoughts? Advice?
5 likes, 413 replies
kim15565 TNteacher
Posted
I like the fact that we can have a little 'whine' here and everybody understands as we are all in the same boat.
frank22665 TNteacher
Posted
2/28/19 was mine . most everything here sounds familiar. what has saved me is the cream "Voltaren" it only last for 3 to 4 hours but the relief is total. i used this instead of pills.
kim15565 frank22665
Posted
I might try that as it is good to not hit paracetamol all of the time.
gtpd22 TNteacher
Posted
I made a post several weeks ago when i stumbled on this forum after a search led me
here. looking back, i was not in a really good place mentally. I had my rotator cuff surgery on 2-26-19. I had a severe tear which required 7 incisions and 5 anchors to repair. I was in my sling (with bump) for about 5 1/2 weeks. I had been in therapy for a few weeks and it was rough. While still in the sling i slipped and fell breaking my left ankle (rotator repair was on my right shoulder). This was a huge set back and really tested my mental health. Fast forward to today, i am in a much better place mentally and i am
regaining my right arm back. I am far from 100% but i have come a long way. i really just wanted to reiterate what others have already said. It may feel like you will never get back to where you used to be but trust me, you will get there. My insurance has a hard cap of 20 PT visits and i have been to 18 now so my rehab is coming to a close. I've been doing PT twice a week (using ice and the tens machine after words for 10 mins) except for this week, it was recommended that i go to once a week so i can continue to have the therapist stretch the arm (apparently this helps alot). I am even thinking of continuing therapy as a self pay just so i get that guided assistance. If i recall correctly, it was right around the 90 day mark that i would consider "turning the corner". After this time period i started noticing a big difference in the way i was able to use my arm. Just remember, do what the Dr and therapist say and you will recover. It is s very slow process but you will eventually see the results of your hard work.
antoinette02776 gtpd22
Posted
It is So Nice hearing about your progress after surgery. I think we all feel a bit depressed for a while afterwards. I'm sorry for anyone that has to go through this. Glad I found this Patient. thing , on one of my painful sleepless nights. Thank You for sharing and giving Hope.
ky196812 TNteacher
Posted
I feel like I'm a hypochondriac after what you just sent about your situation. I'm 13 weeks out now and yes, there have been great gains in my mobility but not so much in strength yet. Still have a lot of pain trying to reach behind my back, but have been told that will come back in time. Sleep, now that is a whole different thing. The ortho doctor doesn't like pain meds or anything to help sleep. It is the time we are living in when a doctor has reservations about prescribing something to help his patient because of the perception that has taken over due to the current epidemic with pain meds. All I want is something like ambien to help me sleep through the discomfort that keeps me from actually falling asleep.
lynley39458 ky196812
Posted
HI there i was given a tramadol, brufen, panadiene to take . The tramadol was awful and made me feel very spaced out and weepy. The most helpful medication I found was a non prescription one called Mersyndol which is a mix of panadol codiene and a 5% calmative in it, i found it really helpful to sleep. I live in New Zealand but it may be called another name in other countries. I am three years on now but it took me about 18 months to feel good again with lots of physio and work from myself. It's a horrible operation and really messes with your head. I feel for you.
SnoopyJ TNteacher
Posted
Turned 57 in April 2019. Been dealing with pain in the non-dominate shoulder since Jan 2018. Initial complaint was pain running down the arm based on neck position. There was no pain do to arm position and had full range of motion. MRI of the neck showed degeneration (narrowing of opening for the nerves at the C5-C6 junction. Was in physical therapy for months before being referred to pain management. The pain management doc was able to prescribe a medication that virtually eliminated the neck position related pain.
2 weeks later, pain returned to the same arm. This time, related to arm position. Couldn't lift my arm straight out to the side more than 30 deg. Forward range of motion was uninhibited. Pain doc tried a cortizone shot but it provided no relief. Doc prescribed a MRI of the shoulder. MRI showed 2 partial tears with the biggest terror in the susprinatus tendon. Both had associated bone spurs above them.
Arthroscopic Surgery for the 2 partial tendon tears with the shaving of the 2 associated bone spurs occurred on Friday, 30 May 2019. Was only on the narcotic pain med that night and the second day ( with the exception of 2 nights 4-5 days later). Now just on Aleve. Lost all range of motion of that shoulder (side and front)
PT began the Monday following surgery at the surgeons recommendations... mainly stretches and Pendulum (with and without swirls) exercises.
Fortunately, the swelling and the bruising that ran down the arm stopped just shy of the elbow. Slept in a chair for 3 weeks (wish I had a recliner). Moved to a camping cot that is adjustable to prop my back up and wedge pillows to keep my from sliding down during the night and a pillow or a rolled up blanket behind the shoulder and elbow.
At 4 weeks, was cleared to remove the sling. ROM therapy began two days later. Using weights/pulleys at PT and bands at home to pull (stretch) the muscles (lifting my arm with near zero help from my shoulder muscles) to near tolerance). It's been 3 days since the sling has come off. I have a nearly constant pain in the shoulder now that the shoulder is bearing the full weight of the arm. Tempted to put the sling back on. Pain can get intense if shoulder is bumped, jarred (I.e. reflex jerk to catch something you were dropping) or arm moves into a bad position while sleeping. Only had 2 full nights sleep since this began - both while still in the sling. Laying completely flat is still an issue.
In regards to pain relief, I found 1 thing especially beneficial - With your PT's permission, getting into a swim pool and floating the arm. Be careful not to get too aggressive with testing how far you can move your now near weightless arm or spending too much time in the pool (I.e. over 15 -30 minutes)... you'll feel the additional ache later. Floating the arm at 90 degrees front and almost 90 left without pain (nowhere near that out of the water) was quite liberating. 1st time I smiled and laughed in over a month. Some or all the pain I was having before getting into the pool returned shortly after leaving the pool, but that brief pain free moment was worth it to me.
I'm just over 4 weeks now.... more to follow.
SnoopyJ
Posted
At 7 weeks out, I was able to raise my arm above head (to the front and side). At 8 weeks, I can raise it to about 160 to 170 degrees and is becoming useful to do simple tasks (I.e. washing my hair). Still a constant ache. Aleve gives some relief but the ache is still there. No strength yet. Even an empty glass 2 cup measuring cup is difficult to support. PT still 3X per week, concentrating on Range of Motion. Most painful exercises include external rotation and raisin the bent arm with the elbow straight forward. by the 30th rep... I'm more than done. Still hard to lay flat on my back, especially on a non-cushioned surface. Finally purchased a recliner. Now able to sleep through the night. Had a follow up with the Surgeon, recovering ROM faster than expected.
antoinette02776 TNteacher
Posted
Hello. Not sure if you still follow this , since your surgery was 2 yrs ago. Its been 2 months and 1 week since my rotary cuff surgery. My tears were called massive and I had 3 pins put in. You are right. This whole thing is torture to me. I've cleaned houses for a living and always on the move at home , so this is Totally No Fun. I am 65, so probably should retire after all this, but I hope I will be normal again to Enjoy retirement !? My main thing is the moving of my shoulder/arm by the therapist had hurt So bad, it about brought me up off the table. I even said , in pain, "Oh, I cant do this". Cried in car fearing I'll not be able to get through it. Now this last time wasn't as hurtful, and the girl this last time said it must have broke through scar tissue. Well after that visit, my pain hurt like I was few weeks ago. Anyway, I was only going once a week and they want me to go 2 x now and also do my PT at home 4 x a day. Ok, so doing my pt at home hurts ( like I think they want it to ) , but I worry if I'm making it worse. Well , I'm wondering how you are doing after a few yrs and your input to the PT. Ive read some people have failed surgeries. I'm trying to be hopeful but its not easy. I hope your back to normal and I would appreciate any advice. Thank You.
martin83324 antoinette02776
Posted
Hi Antioette
Been a while since I posted on here but remember the anxiety well.
I had both my rotator cuffs operated on in 2018. The right shoulder in April and left shoulder in October.
I hope the fact I returned to have the 2nd operation gives you some comfort.
It's a slow road. Trust in your PT. As long as they are good in my experience it was a case of no pain no gain. Yes, it's sore and worrisome at the time but you are having to mend the scar tissue, regain motion and strength.
My right arm best it has been in years. Not sure the left will be that good but still much better and I have to remind myself 6 months fresher.
Keep the faith and good luck with it.
antoinette02776 martin83324
Posted
Thanks for the positive message. Yeah, awake now from stinging discomfort at incision sites so got on here to get any relief !? Lol Well, its funny you say about getting both shoulders done because my left has been having that slight stinging pain off and on. Probably since using it more. Well Thank God it hasn't hurt All day. I've said and thought, theres No way mentally , physically or $$ wise I could go through this again. Thats my thought now and I know I've still a long way till this right side is ok. Of course if I end up in constant pain everyday like I did with this side, I would have no choice. I'm Glad you are doing a lot better, and yes, I will TRY to keep the faith. ☺ Thanks.
bebop antoinette02776
Posted
The key to your post was your final words "keep the faith".That is the most important thing you can do.After just getting out of my sling (6 weeks post surgical)
I was walking my dog and like a fool put the leash in my right hand which was my surgical side. All was going well until she saw a rabbit and took off like a bullet and of course the leash was wrapped around my hand so my shoulder suffered the entire brunt of her surge. I thought I was shot by a rifle in my shoulder at that moment. For weeks after that, severe pain and I finally convinced my surgeon to do another MRI. The results were negative (to my absolute amazement). I did take a week off from PT after the incident just to rest my arm (at my surgeons advice) and it helped a little, but not much. Then back to PT and my normal everyday life. The doctor assured me that I would recover (I thought he was nuts) and it would just take time. Well, I am now 4 plus months post surgical and things are finally coming along. Still some intermittent pain and an almost constant stiffness or soreness but I can still see a big improvement over just a month or so ago. My shoulder really hurts when I first get out of bed in the morning which baffles me. I would think it would be totally rested and calm. But the first thing I do is some pendulums and circles (just light) and in a few minutes I'm good to go and I generally have a good day. I'm back to cutting grass and doing moderate lifting and general day to day things, just trying to watch the weight level when lifting. I'm up to curling 10 lb weights and it hurts a few hours later but then goes away. I'm 76 years old and I know the recovery is slower than 12 years ago when I had my left shoulder done. But at my age I'm very pleased with the progress, even after a setback for a few weeks. Just can't wait to get the green light to go back to bowling. Dr. said maybe another 2-3 months. I'm going to increase my weight gradually over the next few months so a 15 lb bowling ball won't kill me. TO EVERYONE WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH PAIN AND DOUBT I WOULD SAY PLEASE BE PATIENT AND CONTINUE EXERCISING WITHIN THE LIMITS AND YOU SHOULD BE FINE IN THE LONG RUN. SOME PEOPLE MAY HEAL IN 6 MONTHS AND OTHERS MAY TAKE A YEAR, BUT BE PATIENT!!!!
gwen46045 bebop
Posted
I first posted on this site a few months ago when i was having a very hard time. To recap: in Oct, 2018, at age 73, I underwent a full thickness rotator cuff repair, subacromial decompression and distal clavicle resection. on my dominant side. One week post op I started twice weekly PT that continued for five months. The post op pain was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. I progressed well, often saying I felt just good enough to be dangerous! Then at about six months it seemed that not only was I not progressing, I felt that I was going backwards: more nagging discomfort, stiffness/soreness. It was depressing. . It felt like my whole life was going to be consumed with nursing my shoulder! But I continued my home exercises; alternating flexibility and strength days. My chiropractor recommended one of those hand held percussion massage devices. GREAT!! My surgeon assured me that I was doing well and was to relax and be patient; saying 12-18 months to full recovery is to be expected.
I'm now nine months post op. My major limitation is in weight lifting: 5 lbs overhead and 8 lbs otherwise. I still don't have the full back zipper thing yet but it's almost the same as my "good" arm so... I also still have some mild but noticeable swelling from shoulder to fingers. Doctor said it sometimes happens and may not go away. My chiropractor has started doing lymphatic drainage massages. I still do exercises at home. I try for 3-4 days a week though not always successful. I have noticed that doing normal daily activities does not replace the shoulder targeted exercises!!
One more thing. I've noted the comments about the cost involved. It has made me even more grateful for my health insurance. I have had no out of pocket expenses at all, including an emergency department visit via ambulance. I can't imagine going through this with the added anxiety of having to come up with money too!!
antoinette02776 bebop
Posted
Hello. Lucky you were not hurt again after the dog incident. I had a bad experience about 3 weeks ago. Since I"m home now after the shoulder surgery, I was going out to put sunflower seeds into bird feeder. I saw a squirrel hanging on it. The squirrel that always scares the birds away ! I started running at it to scare away and I fell. Luckily I DID NOT put my hand out to break fall since I wasn't using hand much. so my face/chin mostly hit the edge of cement step. My face, rt hand rt knee all were swelled bruised. looked like I got beat up. THANK GOD shoulder was ok. So I learned that squirrels have to eat also and you cant run like you use to when your older. My shoulder also hurts when getting up in morning. crazy. Well I'M tired of going to PT. hoping this may be my last month. Sept 23 will be 4 months since surgery. Hope things are going Better for you. Take Care.