Posted , 9 users are following.
Diagnosed with Rotator Cuff tear in 3 places on right shoulder. Been trying PT for 4 weeks. Feels the same. Doctor appointment on Friday and I know he will want to do surgery. I’m 65 and not sure if I want to go through it. I don’t want to be down all summer. Plus not driving or anything. Ugh. To do or not to do? Thoughts?
0 likes, 17 replies
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nancy92352
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nancy35829 nancy92352
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Last October I fell and I completely detached one tendon and have a partial tear in another tendon Both in My dominant arm My doctor has recommended surgery to reattach the tendon. and I have been following the discussions on this website regarding recovery
I am really trying to decide whether to have the surgery or not.
I have full range of motion in that arm and my "Pain" is manageable with the Voltaren I take for the Arthritis in my back and knees. I do not even attempt to do any heavy lifting more than about 10 pounds with the injured shoulder. but I can stretch and reach as long as I limit the weight .
I question whether I will get back enough more than I already have to make the long and painful recovery worth it. or the potential permanent loss of range of motion post surgery. I am 70 years old not employed and not a tennis player I can still swim although I go about it much more gently than before
nancy35829 nancy92352
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I don't think you're a whiner anymore than me. I just am looking for input on the cost and benefits when the pain and injury itself is less incapacitating than the surgery and recovery and outcome
nancy92352 nancy35829
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bill49757 nancy92352
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nancy35829 nancy92352
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You both are experiencing more complications than I am so I'm the one who feels like a whiner.
henpen1980 nancy92352
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ruth64822 nancy92352
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I had a full thickness tear of supraspinatus together with bone spurs & bursitis. As the pain was unbearable I opted for surgery 7 months ago. Recovery has been long and frustrating but I finally feel I am getting there with intense physio & hydrotherapy. My advice would be avoid surgery if pain is manageable. I am 67. Good luck.
scrapbooker56 nancy92352
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Unfortunately if you don't do it now it will just get worse. It is painful and lots of recovery time. I wish you well.
Smileyface nancy92352
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If you're having a lot of pain, and therapy isn't helping you, then you should go ahead and have the surgery. You could be making things worse; especially if you have 3 tears. I'm 63, and I had my 2nd shoulder surgery in Aug of last year, but this time was much worse! I thought everything was going ok, but 2 months after my surgery my neck started to hurt, and my ROM isn't where it should be, and I'm still having some pain, so I'll be having some scar tissue removed and freeze something so that I don't get anymore scar tissue. I'm just waiting for the approval from WC. I rather do that, than to have steroid injections. Ask God to help you be a peace with your decision and help you through it! If it wasn't for our Lord Jesus Christ, I don't know where I would be; pain and all! My faith is all in our Lord Jesus Christ! Praying everything works out for you! Keep us informed. God bless!
grammie48 nancy92352
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You can do it Nancy. I am 69 and 1 1/2 weeks ago underwent a reconstruction of my shoulder joint after 2 prior tendon surgeries. Not saying that to scare you. I had torn 2 tendons from a fall, and they were pretty messed up, so it's a little different. Recovery is about 3 months but before that you will be doing many things. Just remember every day you will be better and closer to recovery. I got so tired of the pain prior to surgery and I knew it would only get worse, so the pain after surgery was tolerable and as the days went by, the pain was less and I was doing more. Not saying it is an easy surgery but it won't be all summer. Last year I had tendon surgery on feb 24 and by the middle of May was fully released.
nancy92352 grammie48
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What are you wearing that gets over the sling? I have been looking for these shirts with Velcro but they are so expensive!
grammie48 nancy92352
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Okay Nancy. Here is my best tip. First of all you can take your sling off to get dressed. Hold it very carefully next to your body. I went to Amazon and bought some spagetti strap camisoles with a built in bra shelf. Easy to step into, pull it up, bring your surgical arm through the strap and viola..it's on. Then I wear a button down shirt, leaving it unbuttoned. Slip my surgical arm in first and it's easy to put on. Then put your sling back on. No bras to try and deal with, it's perfect. I know you are scared. I was too. However sometimes we just have to do what we have to do. With an unstable shoulder joint, you are going to start getting arthritis, more and more and that means more pain. Good luck at the doctor, let me know what he says.
christine75909 nancy92352
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Hi Nancy
I had op end Oct 2016 on right shoulder, further diagnosed with partial tear on left shoulder Dec 2016.probably due to overuse whilst right deteriorated.
Yes, it's painful, inconvenient and scary. Would I do it again ?....most certainly. I had virtually lost the use of my right arm by the time I had surgery,now it is fully functioning. My left arm I was given intensive physio on which worked but activity has to be maintained to keep the pain at bay. Should it deteriorate I would not hesitate to have the op again. I am 63.
No one reading about rotar cuff surgery enters into it readily. I was told it is the worst op for pain.....I can believe it. Having worked hard all my life I was not going to be cheated out of an active retirement. Like any procedure there is always a chance it may not go to plan but if you have done your research and have confidence in your doctor go for it. I would impress that your best friend is your physio. They are the one's who ultimately help you heal.
Good luck whatever you decide.
grammie48 christine75909
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You are so right Christine. I could not have said it better. I am 69 and like you, I have worked hard all my life and don't intend to be limited in any way in my retirement, if I can help it at all. Physical therapy is just as important, or even more than the surgery. A good therapist can make miracles happen. I always figured there was no reason to go through surgery if I didn't follow up with my therapy.