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At the "wishing I hadn't bothered " stage!

Posted , 4 users are following.

hjgold
hjgold

Nearly 8 weeks post rotator cuff op and didn't expect such pain after taking the sling off at 6 weeks! I would've rather been prepared as its often very demoralising/depressing. Why don't they tell you? Physio only once a fortnight is also not helpful as I need more reassurance than that!

I also cannot always escape the feeling that somehow it hasn't worked or its torn again or I've done something. The exercises kill me! Really scary at times.... However, from the posts on here I am beginning to realise it is probably normal - so thank you people - you might just have saved my sanity...

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • mia98887
    mia98887 hjgold

    Posted

    Hang in there..I am now 7 months Post Op and I am almost 100%. I do everything now..but those first 4 months are a B*TCH! I had shoulder and neck massaged about 2 times a day by my daughters. When the muscles tighten up in the shoulder and neck, it actually causes more pain. I had a lacross (sp?) ball I rolled on up against the wall. I would put it in my wing, neck, or any muscles surrounding the shoulder to ease that pain. Massage is what saved me. Good luck!!
    • hjgold
      hjgold mia98887

      Posted

      Thank you so much Mia! I'm very glad to hear you're doing well and grateful for your positivity! smile

  • bill49757
    bill49757 hjgold

    Posted

    I've got to say, I am at 10 weeks and going through the same thing since sling has been removed. What is even worse is the pain that has developed in my wrist and hand/fingers. Makes it difficult to do the needed therapy/exercises. 

    • hjgold
      hjgold bill49757

      Posted

      I had real trouble going on with my fingers and wrists very early on whilst still in the sling. It really truly worried me - so whenever I was sitting around (which tbh was most of the time!) I used to just squeeze a little stress ball continally, also massage my hand, fingers and wrist, even soaking in hottish water - maybe this would help you Bill? When I used to have a shower and leave my arm to hang, my hand would go almost purple until - I presume - the blood flow was re-established. For me I think it was poor circulation due to the sling - my fingers are still a bit stiff in the morning but are pretty sorted now, and my wrist. I still squeeze the stress balls though!
  • bill49757
    bill49757 hjgold

    Posted

    Although I had stiffness in wrist while in sling, it has really escalated once I have had to use my hands aggressively during therapy. 
  • arj50436
    arj50436 hjgold

    Posted

    This too shall pass. I don't think that anyone regrets it in the long run!

    One thing that I learned while I  was in physical therapy...say no if an exercise hurts too much or if your p/t wants you to do 40 of an exercise and you can't do more than 5. 

    • hjgold
      hjgold arj50436

      Posted

      Thank you for that. You are so right. I am beginning to realise that I do know my own body and limitations and things have eased now I understand this! I drove today for the first time and am chuffed with myself. Slowly wins the race! Thanks again for replying.
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