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Just curious - would you do surgery again?

Posted , 7 users are following.

SaneXain
SaneXain

I had an excellent experience with stem cell treatment on my right shoulder last July. Had a tear but no retraction. Haven't had a problem since and recovery was a snap! Minor discomfort for less than a week with return to use right away with strengthening over time.

Then I fell and injured my left shoulder - tear with retraction. I really didn't know what had happened as I was able to use my left arm, it was just 'weak' and I thought sore from fall. When it didn't get better I had an MRI which confirmed the tear with retraction.

The stem cell doctor told me that stem cells have been used to repair such a tear, but it was a 50-50 chance. He recommended surgery to mechanically repair the tear. We agreed that I could always have stem cell treatment after the surgery if that would assist or accelerate the healing.

I have to say that I was not really prepared for the extensive recovery routine that this (arthroscopic) surgery requires! If I had found this site before surgery I seriously think I might have opted for using stem cell again.

I am not a weak sister, feint hearted type and actually have almost no pain after the surgery. But reality of 'immobility' and then a long PT period following has me concerned as I tend to be active and I wonder if whatever movement I do do will result in undoing the surgery. That and how uncomfortable and unsettling sleep is. I seriously wonder about my arm position when sleeping, even in a 'reclining' position.

Another thing that bothers me is how passive I am encouraged to be other than what/when I am directed to act/move. Certainly the doctor has experience with this, but I seem to have no part providing insights that I could make if I was supplied with hints as to what I can be looking for as well as limitation parameters (how little/ much?) that I could be made aware of (and provide feedback).

Yes this a bit of whine and I can and will follow thru as I am now committed to this recovery. However while many patients are content to be passive participants with this, I can't help but feel that my recovery could be enhanced by me being more supplied with limiting parameters (how much/how little to do x, y and/or z). Yes the doctor is most likely experienced in observing and determining patient progress, but if I had 'watch for these . . ." I could more effectively keep my recovery in line and moving smoothly along.

Thanks for reading and I hope others will respond with their own comments (no advice to me need thanks).

0 likes, 23 replies

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  • SaneXain
    SaneXain

    Posted

    The one good thing about this surgery is that dear hubby is doing all the housework!
    • grammie48
      grammie48 SaneXain

      Posted

      My hubby isn't too good at that.  I hired a housekeeper to come in at 3 weeks post op and do a one time  good cleaning.  I seem to be able to keep up with the daily stuff and husband does help.   Have you tried using a broom?  Forget it..it just doesn't work.  ha ha

    • SaneXain
      SaneXain grammie48

      Posted

      Oh we thought about hiring a cleaner, but our area doesn't have very reliable people so hubby said he would do the necessary things like dishes (that don't go in dishwasher), making bed etc. Of course I am not pointing out the dust and floors that need cleaning - one can only ask so much. I'm thinking that a little house cleaning on my part can dove tail with my PT in a few weeks wink.

  • grammie48
    grammie48 SaneXain

    Posted

    I  can mop the floors with my good arm.  It's awkward, but I can do it.  Can not use a broom, for some reason you have to have 2 hands.  Never thought about it.   I can  make the bed, but changing the sheets are very difficult. My husband carries the laundry to the laundry room and puts it in the washer.  Afterwards he brings it in the bedroom  and we sit on the bed and fold clothes.  My problem was cleaning the bathrooms and shower and such.  There's no way I could get down and do that.  So I did a good cleaning the day before surgery and then hired a girl to come in at 3 weeks to do it just that one time.  After 6 weeks I would be able to do more myself.    It's a hassle.  No one knows unless they have been through it. 

    • mia98887
      mia98887 grammie48

      Posted

      Ha ha

       I can sweep floor.  I hold broom handle with good hand... drag to dirt on the floor... and kick the broom with my foot!

      Takes longer but it works.

       I have cleaning women that come once a week too. smile

    • grammie48
      grammie48 mia98887

      Posted

      Ha ha   that must be quite a site.   Like the first time I took a shower and realized I could not wash my good arm.  I was flabbergasted.  Then I tried all sorts of contortions and finally gave up.   Drying off is an adventure too.
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