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
lisa70118 TNteacher
Posted
Since I first found this forum and wrote a week or so ago, I have read as many of the recent (and older) posts related to rotator cuff surgery as possible. The information I have found here has been so helpful. I am just at the 6 week mark, so VERY early on in this recovery process. Seems like the common denominators are PAIN (all kinds at every stage in differing degrees and areas) and sleep deprivation--not to mention anxiety, fear of re-injury, and not a little shock and surprise at the length of time and discomfort involved in rehab. Reading all the stories and the advice offered is especially comforting in terms of understanding just how complicated and confusing this surgery is for most people. I know I did everything I could (PT to strengthen and stretch my back and shoulders, massage, cortisone shots) for a year to avoid this procedure--not because I ever understood how painful and protracted the rehab would be--just because I didn't want surgery. I suppose the worst for me emotionally at this point is finally accepting that what is offered as a "treatment" is far from a done deal within a certain time frame. I have had other surgery over the years and the recovery period has been time-limited-- usually 6-8 weeks, but this is so far out of my "normal" expectations, it's been very challenging to manage. I know it sounds like I'm whining, but I really do think that the mental piece to this is as important as the physical. Others here have said as much. Also, being older (66), it's distressing to feel one is deteriorating bit by bit, so reading posts from others in my age range has been great. I am grateful for everyone who shares their experience and I very much appreciate the supportive sharing and suggestions for getting through this.
jake123456 TNteacher
Posted
Hi Lisa...
I got good news for you: you're well on the way to healing! Everyday your tendons are healing, you're recovering range of motion, strength, everything. It just takes time and it may be slower than you expect.
THAT'S WHY you need support like this forum and in-person support from your therapist who you should feel is like a friend who will give you emotional, mental and physical support in the form of encouragement, knowledge of the healing process and his/her rehabilitation methods and all the 'hands on' treatment you receive from him/her in the form of massage, mobilization, etc.
Personally, I tried to get back in the saddle gradually doing things that I normally do such as chores like cleaning, laundry, driving, work ( I work on the computer). And I also tried to get back to my old routine of going to the gym. Exercising and doing my rehab regimen at the gym was a form of support for me. It made the recovery process more social where you can talk to people many of whom have also had injuries. At the gym I even met physical therapists who were working with clients at the gym rehabing them.
I can't recommend a more healthier way to get yourself active and shedding fears than joining a gym and exercising: walking on the treadmill, doing your exercises. Don't feel self conscious about doing your pendulums or codman's or peek-a-boo or rock the cradle exercises. Doing them in public reinforces your commitment, gives you incentive and gets you energized. Start out easy maybe no more than a half hour, do a lot of limbering up, stretching movements warming up especially your shoulder if that's what you're rehabing.
Naturally clear all this with your doctor and therapist. My doctor and therpist encouraged me to not only do my shoulder rehab exercises but a complete physical fitness regimen. Remember fitness is the key. Your shoulder is connected to the rest of your body. In fact, I bet every shoulder patient has stories to tell of not only shoulder pains but how they also suffered from neck, back, maybe even hip and other body parts aching and sore to because when one part of your body becomes immobilized it throws off the balance and stresses other parts of your body.
I love exercise now more than ever before and this surgery and recovery process has only reaffirmed the importance of keeping physically fit through exercise and maintaining a strong positive, almost fiercely aggressive attitude about it all!
lisa70118 jake123456
Posted
Hi Jake, Thank you so much for your encouragement. I have been exercising all my life and agree that physical fitness is an important piece in any recovery program. Until a few medical issues grounded me this past year (not the rotator cuff surgery), I went to a gym on a regular basis--and have done so off and on since my teens. I also practice yoga almost daily (currently fewer poses because of the surgery), and continue to ride my exercise bike 35-40 minutes 6-7 days a week (also for years). I do enjoy exercising in general, but find that as I have grown older, I like the gym less and less. Don't much care for the environment anymore, though I do miss the weight machines. That said, I am fine working out at home with hand held weights as well as resistance bands and look forward to being able to get back to my old upper body routine as the months pass (though I probably aggravated the torn cuff as direct result of that routine and will have to find alternative movements in the future). It is frustrating to have been pretty much stopped in my tracks overnight with this surgery, but I do take the PT very seriously and will continue the exercises as required. I appreciate your outlook and approach, though I'm probably less aggressive or positive, as I tend to be a glass half empty kind of person. More a worrier. Just me. Also, you are totally correct in that everything is connected and compensating for pain both before and after this surgery has definitely impacted my neck, shoulders, elbows, and upper arms. I came out of the sling this week (still using it to rest my shoulder and when I leave the house) and was told I could now get a massage for my achy upper back and neck. Pleased about that. It is good to read about and share one's experience with so many others going through the same thing. Thank you again, for your supportive words. Take care.
jake123456 lisa70118
Posted
Yoga!
I love Yoga and have gauged my recovery according to how much I can achieve the moderate to more advanced poses I used to be able to do before surgery.
I told my therapists that I do Yoga and they said maybe they'd start a Yoga program at the rehab place I go to. I got them in touch with my Yoga teacher and maybe that will happen in the summer I'm hoping!
I know what you mean about the gym atmosphere. But you will find people of all ages and states of fitness at my gym. The other day a lady was doing these vertical squats with her back up against a ball on wall and I complimented her. She said, "You know how old I am?" I said, "In your 50's?" She replied, "I'm 95. She was there with her daughter and granddaughter. So charming and inspiring to meet people like that. She didn't use a cane or any assistive device to walk. She was very lucid, sounded very aware and strong. She said she was going to Disneyland the next day and you know how many miles that is to walk around! She made my day.
I got you beat on the 'glass is half empty'. I believe the glass is broken! hahahah! When it comes to the human race I think we're a self destructive doomed species...if only we DID have those machines in the Matrix to take care of us.
With that being said, I will say that humor and a belief in yourself and others, fostered by the acknowledgment that we are all pathetic and the only way to raise above that is to acknowledge it and help each other.
Pretty much sums up my philosophy of life...
You'll be ok, just keep at it! And smile I'm sure you make others happier when you do. Tell yourself everyday: I'm getting better in every way!
lisa70118 jake123456
Posted
Actually, I was just trying to seem more "mainstream" than I am by nature--I too, think of life as a broken glass--no water at all. So, yes, humor does help when it's possible to laugh. And yes, it's important to find support where and when we can in whatever ways make the most sense for us individually (though at this stage it's probably not going to be at the gym. ð)
I have always admired and been inspired by older women exercising and trying to stay physically fit. I think of myself as having endured several physical (and emotional) setbacks in my life and persevering despite the struggle and discomfort, but this particular surgery really took me by surprise. Personally, the last straw in a bad year to end a bad decade. Thank you for sharing your positive approach. I will hang in there. Take care.
mark85805 TNteacher
Posted
I had surgery on 2/25/19 for a massive tear to my left shoulder and feel like a complete sissy concerning the pain associated with this surgery almost 2 months later! I am a lefthanded tennis instructor that was totally unprepared for the chronic pain and sleepless nights that I must endure . I was prescribed Oxycontin but could not take the itching that arose from taking 1 pill! The itching was worse than shoulder pain. I now take Oxycodone and ALEVE and will have first rehab session on 4/24! I cannot believe that pain has subsided from 7-8 first 5 weeks to a constant 4-5 the last two weeks. I now believe that rehab will be excruciating! I have 10 weeks of rehab twice a week and pray that pain does not intensify! DOES IT GET BETTER? The worse is the pharmacist trying his best to help me by not wanting to fill my prescription! I dont have addictive personality and as soon as pain can be controlled with ALEVE the narcotic painkillers will be a thing of the past. I WISH SOME ONE WOULD HAVE MENTIONED THE ICE MACHINE IN THE DR.'s office! I am grateful for this sounding board because people who have never had rotator cuff surgery are in disbelief when I describe the pain!
lisa70118 mark85805
Posted
Hi Mark, I just wanted to let you know that my level of pain was incredible through the 4th week as well-definitely a 7-8, maybe even a 9. My surgeon was stingy with the pain meds (Percocet) despite the fact that the "talk" was all about staying ahead of the pain and not chasing it. Initially, I took one pill every 6 hours as prescribed on the bottle and in the first few days, also according to the directions, 2 at night. When I first spoke to him over the phone the day after the surgery he told me to limit the pills because "they don't really help this kind of pain all that well." I was so angry when I hung up. What???? "THIS kind of pain???" Oh, the Percocet is a PAIN med that doesn't help pain if it's from shoulder surgery?? I get the whole addiction BS but the clamp down on necessary pain relief under circumstances that require it is ridiculous. So because I got the stingy party-line just say no vibe, I began to ration the pills and forced myself to go 10 hours between doses. It really was very very hard and caused what I believe was unnecessary pain. It almost felt cruel. I am on a blood thinner and cannot take Advil or Aleve, only Tylenol which does absolutely nothing. I know ice helps, but ice isn't a pain pill and I really do think that for most of us, with some exceptions for other side effects, the current thinking on the dangers of addiction to opiods is a bit much. I did manage to get one refill for half the amount, 20, but continued to limit how often I took the pills until I was down to 1 every 24 hours. Luckily, I began to feel a little better in week 4 when the level of discomfort dropped to about a 5. Now, at a little over 6 weeks, it's about a 4 most of the time, but it is fairly constant. A dull ache that I'm never not aware of and still some shooting pain when I move my arm in certain ways. My PT program is very slow because apparently I'm on a protocol for people who have massive full thickness tearing in two places on the supraspinatus tendon. He also removed inflamed bursa. This week, my third visit to the PT, I was given a few more difficult exercises that are pretty uncomfortable. However, despite the difficulty and yes, some pain, I can feel how they are beginning to make a difference in my range of motion. I just wanted you to know that the whole pain thing is not handled well at all by the medical community. It's such a hot button issue and those of us who legitimately need relief are struggling. It seems that the majority of people here have had significant pain for long periods of time but also most say it does get better. In my short time since surgery with as much pain as I had, it has lessened--something I didn't believe would happen even a week ago. Hang in there.
christina38656 TNteacher
Posted
I started PT 4 days ago. I am 6.5 weeks post opp. OMG I cannot even move today after I did my exersize at home. My PT is actually pretty gentle with me.I am getting discouraged. Always concerned I will tear it again. I have to drive 120 miles on Wednesday over a mountain for a doctor appointment and a little worried. I did not realize how intense and long the recovery is. I just needed to put it out there. Need a little encouragement. Some days I can take the world on and others I am overwelmed by pain and limitations.
sfatula christina38656
Posted
You will get there. I recall those days like they were yesterday. I am just over a year post op. My PT was not easy on me, he was the roughest one there and it hurt bad!
I recall every time I moved my arm, I was worried I tore it again, which would mean starting over, which would be devastating. At least 5 times I was almost positive I did. But I didn't. I think they scare you so you won't do anything really stupid like try to throw a ball, golf, bowl, whatever. I don't think it's quite as easy as moving a little. But I would definitely do your best to follow the doctor advise, just maybe not worry too much. And I really doubt the PT will tear anything, seems like they will though.
Heck, even 2 months in, when I started to do lots more tougher exercises, and I couldn't hardly raise my arm above my head, I was still certain I had torn it, I had not. I was just super weak from babying it and being scared! And I had extra long time in the stupid sling that I grew to despise.
It's definitely tougher than virtually anyone thinks it will be, I too thought a month later I would be playing basketball, whatever. Hah! Not exactly! It took quite some time to be even semi strong in that arm again, even just over a year out, I am not as string as I was before. But it still improves. Only hurts some here and there, and my other shoulder actually hurts more from osteoarthritis. It's still not quite full range of motion, however, really close. But I didn't have it before either due to arthritis in the surgery arm, that at least they scraped smooth.
Yes, it does hurt, a lot at times, especially when you do something. I recall in the sling, knocking something off a table, and, automatically reaching for it with my surgery arm (which fortunately was in the sling else it could have been worse), and, ouch!! The sling helped me there, but boy did it hurt. That always worried me too. I could never sleep in a bed until 4 months. Many do better than that, not sure why, I simply could not. I really grew to hate that chair too (sleeping).
Time will heal it, you will almost certainly be fine in the end.
christina38656 sfatula
Posted
Thanks I appreciate your experience and encouragement. My other shoulder has a 11x13 cm tear. But I am not sure I am going to fix that one. Going to see how this turns out.
jaycee1956 TNteacher
Posted
All of these recent posts does not make for good reading for me. I am due to have a second shoulder surgery (other one this time). Albeit this was a self inflicted injury, I can remember only too well the trauma of the first surgery. I am keeping everything crossed that it is just the SAD procedure. This is what I thought the first one was, but turned out to be a 3cm rotator cuff tear repair also. Nothing prepared me for it. However, now I DO know what is involved and although I don't want to be stuck with this impingement for ever, along with the disturbed sleep I am seriously not looking forward to this. Taking everyone's advice/tips on board. I do recall the very strong painkillers didn't dent the pain so guess I need to concentrate on the bigger picture and end result. Also it is keyhole surgery rather than open so I am hoping that is a plus.
jake123456 jaycee1956
Posted
jaycee...
I recently tried posting a long detailed message about the way I handled pain with an ice machine, biofreeze and tens machine. For me it reduced the pain level drastically to the point I only used 2-3 strong pain pills and took extra strength tylenol off and on for about a week.
Naturally, everyone reacts differently and pain levels vary, but I hate pain meds and was determined to use them as little as possible. The ice machine can be expensive running from $150-200+ but well worth it in my opinion. I used mine for 2 rotator cuff surgeries and one back surgery. I can't say enough good things about it.
Being sidelined from activities is what was also hard to deal with. I tried to compensate by trying new things. For me, I was never much into computer gaming, but I tried one game and it really helped me get my mind off things. And I always enjoy walking and the outdoors so I did a lot more of that.
The arthoscopic surgery, which I had 2, is definitely a lot better than open surgery. You should have far less recovery time and pain!
jaycee1956 jake123456
Posted
Jake - thank you for the info. I did actually read your earlier post and took note re: the advice. I am due to have surgery within the next couple of months and as I am experiencing quite a lot of discomfort at night from the impingement, I have been using icepacks rather than resorting to painkillers so I am interested in maybe obtaining a tens machine and possibly an ice machine also. I know from previous experiences that I react badly to opiods and they don't actually do much for the pain anyway, just make me feel ill in other ways. I'm quite fearful at the moment of doing either too much or too little. I am concerned about causing a tear whilst waiting for surgery, but at the same time I don't want my shoulder/arm to seize up on me so I am trying to stay active without putting too much strain on the shoulder in question. Your comments regarding arthroscopy being a faster recovery were encouraging. Maybe I am being too pessimistic. I just remember last time being so totally unprepared for the level of pain and rehab. I love your positive outlook in your posts and agree with much of what you say. Since my first surgery almost four years ago, I have stepped up my fitness regime and introduced weights into my gym routine (not heavy) and am pretty frustrated that this is now on hold. At my age (63) I am impatient to getting back to normal. Thank goodness for forums like this one.
jake123456 TNteacher
Posted
Hi,
Don't drive...at least that's my advice. The reason is that driving requires 2 hands. If you have to suddenly make a turn or do something else instinctively your affected arm may react causing injury. Wait till the surgeon gives you the OK to drive.
I've had 2 rotator cuff surgeries. Both were successful. The surgeries are very expensive along with the MRI's. It's an investment you want to protect. It's taken over 1 1/2 years for the left shoulder to feel normal and the right after almost 10 months is almost back to full ROM and improving weekly. It's difficult to be patient but it's well worth it as this is your health and ability to fully use your arms for the rest of your life we're talking about.
Your first surgery is your best shot!
christina38656 TNteacher
Posted
Thanks I appreciate your input. I have been given the all clear to drive this week. When i go to see my ortho-surgeon for back issue I will be at 7 weeks since surgery. I agree with you on the instinct that kicks in if you have to grab the wheel. I also purchased the ice machine. That is the best purchase I made. Definitely helps with pain and has helped reduce medication intake.PT is kicking my bootie. I am just going to gently push through it trying to not get discouraged. I miss Kayaking, building and digging in my garden. I have also been unable to work in my glass studio. The sheets are heavy, large and cutting them takes range of motion and strength I don't have yet. Fortunately I can work. I started last week. My job is not physically taxing. Mentally taxing but does not take physical strength. My energy is getting better. I have my own private practice and was able to manage with a few days a week right now.Thanks for the advice and support. Folks who have not had this surgery don't understand why in 6.5 weeks I am not all better.I kind of thought I would be father into recovery myself. Live and learn.