Labrum repair five weeks ago - still in extreme pain
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I had my labrum in my right shoulder repaired arthroscopically exactly five weeks ago today. I first dislocated the shoulder about 15 years ago. I did PT at that time and was generally fine. I still had some pain and weakness if I overdid it throwing or lifting, but nothing major. About three months ago, I took one swing at the driving range, felt an immediate sharp pain, and then did not have much function and had a ton of pain at all times. I had a 6-12 tear in the posterior labrum repaired with three anchors five weeks ago. I stayed in the sling for four weeks and have had one PT session, and I have not done anything to it that makes me think I could have damaged the repair. Nonetheless, the pain has been beyond belief at all times. I cannot believe how bad it is, and nothing helps. I cannot let the arm just hang at the side for long without things feeling like theyre going to rip out of place, and the slightest movement hurts. The doctor and the PT do not seem concerned at all, but I cant believe how bad it is. Has anyone had a similar experience that turned out to be okay?
0 likes, 4 replies
Dooges_45m Ntglty29
Posted
HI Ntglty29,
I am currently 4 1/2 weeks post op from a Labrum repair and bicep tinodesis. I went into the operation very very anxious as all I had read and talked to about the procedure described the pain after the procedure as being excruciating. Probably what your feeling unfortunately.
To be honest my whole experience so far has been better than had thought it would be. The pain was bad for the first two days but not as bad as I thought. My shoulder could hang ok whilst in the shower and dressing with only slight pain. After a week or so I had cut my pain medication down considerably to a point now where I have had no pain medication at all for two full days.
My stay in hospital was overnight as they did a nerve block on my arm and wanted to make sure I was ok with the meds etc. My rehab program started the day I got home.
I went back to an office job after 13 days without to much discomfort and back into my own job a week after that. All without to much of a problem.
I was allowed to ditch the sling after 4 weeks, which was 2 days ago, and the most discomfort from doing that has been from the muscles around my shoulder blade etc readjusting to the weight of my shoulder.
I still get those moments were I think I have damaged the repair, its just who I am, but deep down I know I haven't as the surgeon said it would take a significant event like a bad fall etc for that to happen.
If you or anyone else wants to follow my progress from getting the diagnosis right through until now and into the future until I can play golf again you can do so on Instagram by searching for my forum name. It's a bit amateurish but it might provide people with some confidence that people do have a positive experience with this procedure.
All the best,
Paul
Ntglty29 Dooges_45m
Posted
I am glad you are doing well. Mine is such an excruciating disaster that I can't believe it. Range of motion is improving pretty rapidly through PT, but the pain just never stops. The surgeon and PT don't seem concerned, but it's hard to imagine this is normal. Hopefully it gets better.
Ntglty29 Dooges_45m
Posted
I just looked at your insta. Holy s**t! I definitely cannot move my arm like that.
Dooges_45m Ntglty29
Posted
I went to my first hands on physio appointment last 5 days ago. The physio told me that I was about 2 weeks ahead of schedule with my current range of movement. He was however very quick to stress that this is not a race and not to overdo my rehab.
Overall I was very happy with the first session. The new rehab program is not as long now that I'm out of the sling. I'll be posting that to Instagram tonight.