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I had 3 rotator cuff surgeries, the last 2 years ago. The pain is unbearable. What should I do?

Posted , 5 users are following.

mary97984
mary97984

I am 55 yo female. I had 3 rotator cuff surgeries on my right shoulder 2 years apart. The last was 2 years ago. It hurts so bad that I cannot do anything. Lift a piece of pizza, clean, shower. I am in terrible pain. I try to use it, but end up in bed for 3 days afterwards. I have panic attacks before I shower bc I know how much it will hurt and that I won't be able to do anything the next 2 days. I have a stick shift car and havent been able to use it much. I cant have another surgery. The last one failed and there is nothing left to work with. Ibuprofin used to help for 2-3 hours. Now it helps an hour, if at all. My left shoulder is torn also, but bc I had to repair right one 3 times, we never got to left one. The pain is worse than before my 1st surgery and I cant take it anymore. I have no life. Has anyone had this happen? What are my options? I can't have it repaired again. I cant take Aleve and rarely take a pain killer, if ever. I am unable to use either arm. Thankyou.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • grammie48
    grammie48 mary97984

    Posted

    Mary....there ARE options...I know...I did  it.  I had 2 rotator cuff surgeries within 1 year too.  The last one failed within weeks because the tissue was too badly damaged.  The surgeon  only gave me a 50% chance.   I then went to a specialist, someone that really works with shoulders a lot and 12 weeks ago had a Superior Capsular Reconstruction. My 3rd surgery in 2 years!   This surgery is done when there is no viable tendon left to work with.  Mine had completely detached and retracted, turning into a pile of mush.   What they do is build a bridge over the rotator cuff, using donated cadaver tissue.  I did a lot of research and was impressed with the outcome.  Full range of motion, very little,  if any,  pain.  But  it is a long recovery.  Can not start physical therapy for 6 weeks and cannot, under any circumstance lift anything  using your shoulder for 14 weeks. I'm surprised I have assisted nearly full range of motion, without pain!   I found I can do a lot from my elbow down, just do not lift anything.   Physical therapy is about 5 months long because, first of all, your  body has to accept the cadaver tissue and second you will be retraining your deltoid muscle to do some lifting.  The other option is a reverse shoulder replacement, but that is a last resort.  If it doesn't work, you have no options left.  That's why I chose the reconstruction.   Like I said, I am 12 weeks post op.  Can drive, do most everything around the house, shower, take care of personal needs, dress myself etc.  Only restriction is NO lifting at all.  I have some dull aching but no real pain.   Please look into this.  It's a fairly new procedure.  Google the procedure and see if there are any doctors in your area that perform this surgery.   Let me know how you do.   I feel your pain and I'm so glad this option is out there.

    • mary97984
      mary97984 grammie48

      Posted

      Thankyou so much!! I have never heard of this and will definitely check into it. I hope your surgery is a success and your healing process is pain free!!
  • Guest
    Guest mary97984

    Posted

    Have u had testing ?    Did they use cadaver ?
    • mary97984
      mary97984 Guest

      Posted

      No, but I am going to check into it. Thanks!
  • henpen1980
    henpen1980 mary97984

    Posted

    Shoulder replacement?
    • mary97984
      mary97984 henpen1980

      Posted

      I am trying to avoid that. We will see what specialist says. First I have to find one. Thanks so much!
  • mia98887
    mia98887 mary97984

    Posted

     If you’ve already had three surgeries in two years on the same rotator cuff, find a new surgeon. You’re obviously going to somebody that does not know what they’re doing in my personal opinion. You should’ve had physical therapy for six months afterwords, you should be in better shape than you were before the surgery. So sorry...  I feel your pain!!!
    • mary97984
      mary97984 mia98887

      Posted

      I live in a rural area and good surgeons are not plentiful. I only had 6 weeks of PT. Than told I could use it The first 2 were successful. I had a fall the tore it second time, and picked up stepping stones at Walmart and tore it 3rd time. 3rd surgery failed. I knew it when I took my 1st shower. He wanted me to wait 6 weeks before PT bc he had so little to work with, he wanted no movement for 6 weeks.
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