rotator cuff surgery & bicep repair
Posted , 6 users are following.
I am 9 weeks post op, and wondering when is this Pain ever going to stop! 2 deep tears in rotator cuff and my bicep was frayed like a rope so it was cleaned up and reattached, and bone spur shaved down, arthritis also.
I am so glad to read other people having the same issues as me, as I have been feeling like I have done something wrong to still have so much pain.
I am 65 years old and have always been very active, I miss lifting weights I miss being able to reach above my head and I really miss sleep!
I actually hurt both my arms at the same time over a year ago, carrying a heavy picnic table, the other person dropped his end pulling both my arms forward and down at the same time.
Now my left arm hurts almost as bad as my operative arm and I am afraid I will have to have surgery on it as well, the doctor would not have me get an MRI on the left one yet, frankly, I don't think I can go through this again. The pain, the anxiety and misery of this surgery has been horrible.
I have been in PT since 4 weeks post op, had to cut it down from 3 times a week to 2 times a week and will have to go to once a week due to the cost of it. I am doing PT exercises at home.
0 likes, 7 replies
mia98887 linda41826
Posted
Im sorry to tell you this but 6-12 months! The good news is mine was pain free by 8 months mainly because I had a top PT person that knew what she was doing!
linda41826 mia98887
Posted
Thank's so much at least I know this is not unusual.
mike1997 linda41826
Posted
Hi...
I'm 65 and had both shoulders done. Both had serious rotator cuff damage and one also had bicep re-attached (tenodesis). The surgeries and recovery played games with my head and most others on here say pretty much the same thing. The apprehension caused by fear of the unknown, the pain, lack of sleep. and long recovery time make for a hell on earth.
It gets better! Try not to worry about the other arm, one thing at a time, one day at a time. Take joy in the little by little progress you will experience: greater range of motion, increasing strength and yes - less pain. Share the details of your surgery: what exactly was repaired, how long did it take, did they give you pain meds (are you still taking them, do you use ice (I hope you do!), etc.
Share details of your recovery: what exercises you do, how many times a week, pain during and/or after exercises, how long does it last, where do you feel it, is it sharp, throbbing, etc. Do you sleep in a recliner? Do you use supporting pillows under your arms? Do you use an ice machine? Tens machine?
Share what progress you are making: increases in range of motion, more reps, more strength.
Tell us about your therapist and surgeon: are they compassionate? Do they talk to you? Do you talk to them sharing your concerns, anxieties, goals of recovery, expectations, time limits, etc. Have they given you a prognosis regarding recovery: complete without restrictions? some restrictions on exercise, sports, etc?
I love exercising too, but I pretty much cut out shoulder presses with weights, pullups, dips, anything that requires raising weight above shoulder height.
The more you share, the more you learn, and the more you grow and make yourself better and stronger, not just your body but your confidence, knowledge and self empowerment.
Adapt and overcome! That's my motto.
vincent_j65105 linda41826
Posted
LINDA
I HAD BASICALLY THE SAME SURGERY THAT YOU HAD ON SEPT 3 2019. JUST REMEMBER EVERYONE HEALS DIFFERENTLY PUT USUALLY OUTCOME IS THE SAME . I HAD A KNEE REPLACEMENT DONE 3 YEARS AGO AND FELT I WAS ALWAYS BEHIND AND AT TIMES GOT FRUSTRATED AND DEPRESSED. I STAYED THE PLAN AND MY KNEE IS A STRONG AS EVER AND WAS BEST THING I EVER DID. GET YOUR SELF A PAIR OF PULLEY ROPES FROM AMAZON AND DO THOSE AT HOME RELIGOUSELY . THEY MADE ALL THE DIFF IN MY REHAB , JUST MAKE YOUR PT AWARE OF IT . GOOD LUCK
linda41826 vincent_j65105
Posted
Thank you, I have purchased the pully ropes and they do help ! The emotional toll has been a lot, my PT is great she is very knowledgeable and encouraging, but it is still so hard to not feel down. The pain and lack of sleep has been tough too.
Thank you for responding, as I just felt so alone and lost on how I should be feeling at this point and was it normal! Best of luck to you as well!
Roberta265 linda41826
Posted
i was 68 when i had my right shoulder done 2 3/4 ears ago. I tore my cuff playing pickleball. I felt it was the worst thing I've ever been through. I agree in that it seems the pain is never going to end. While my shoulder is close to 100% at almost 3 years, i still have aches and pains, though some could likely be attributed to arthritis settling in around the 5 screws I'm 70 now. I was glad to get back to my golf with chipping and putting at 16 weeks. I lift light weights and still feel slight twinges of pain with shoulder presses of 5 lbs. i have difficulty doing exercises involving my shoulder like planks and pushups. I ache after I've done stuff like vacuuming or washing windows. Nonetheless, you will get better and be able to do more and more things. For me, the real turning point was about 5 months. Hang in there. I get the expense of PT. My copay was $45/ea and i was going 3 times per week. It adds up after a few weeks. I know what you mean about going through it again. I don't think I could either. I just wanted to let you know that I understand and sympathize. What you're experiencing is normal.As i said, you will get better. Just hang in there. ((HUGS))
linda41826 Roberta265
Posted
Thank you so much for your kind words and( HUGS)back to you! My PT is great she is very helpful and knowledgeable, but at $40 each visit it is very costly. I am now starting to only go once a week as she has confidence in me and my progress to work at home, and I always do. My husband also helps me with watching my form to not raise my shoulder too high. This is so hard to get through, with the lack of sleep and the almost constant pain and aching. It really helps to know what others have gone through and not feel so alone in my misery that no one close to me understands.
Best to you !