Working on the recovery.
Posted , 9 users are following.
Never in a million years did my family, friends, or I ever imagine that I would need rotator cuff repair. I had a spectacular slip on sneaky black ice. I flew high into the air. Off balanced falling backward fearful of smashing my head on the frozen asphalt I reached my left hand down to protect my head. The heel of my hand hit the asphalt the force drove up through my wrist, elbow, and shoulder. My shoulder dislocated ripping the supraspinatus muscle tendon and the infraspinatus muscle tendons completely free and retracted from the humeral head. The subscapularis muscle tendon partially tore. The humeral head was off center "riding high" because the muscles that stabilize the joint were ripped.
The pain was excruciating. The surgeon used screws to reattach the two tendons completely ripped off. The pain is intense. For 13 days after the surgery, I wept nearly 24/7. Tears slinking down my cheeks to full blown sobbing complete with moaning and groaning. I used 60 Rx pain pills in 10 days with little success. I have broken bones and I have been cut off east to west yet this pain and recovery is the most challenging ever!
I started PT last week. <deep sign> The recovery is going to be a long and winding path. The progress is going to be slow. Healing is at its own pace. The physical therapist told me that regaining range of motion and former usage will take one year. He said that I will eventually be able to swim again (I am a former collegiate All-American swimmer). I will one day be able to reach and grab my bicycle's handlebars, load and paddle my kayak. I used to play first base and bat fourth in the lineup. I can't throw a ball or lift a bat at the moment.
Thankfully the dog is well trained but cleaning the cat's litter box is a challenge as is changing the pets' water crocks. It's depressing but it will improve. I will need to regain enough ROM and strength to reach the sink faucet, brush my teeth, wash my hair, shower, and dress in a timely manner before I rule out success.
<deep sigh> I am on FMLA from work. I wonder how I will return to work in a couple of weeks. I find myself sleeping a lot. Doing simple things is exhausting. I have tried to walk a half mile and find myself pooped. I used to jog 5-9 miles 4-5 times a week. Who'd thought a shoulder injury would impact short walks?
My friends remind me that rest and sleep is important despite the discomfort and pain. it is a long process but I will make it through and so will you, my shoulder injury cohorts.
2 likes, 55 replies
mzb henpen1980
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Sorry you are struggling- so many of us have been or are currently there! I am 6 weeks post op from rotator cuff, labral and bicep surgery- my shoulder was a mess! Just started PT last week and this is the worst pain I've been in and the not sleeping started for me at about 9 weeks! I am young (42) and was very active and healthy and I too am exhausted from the simplest things like going to the store. I have very minimal use of arm and can hardly lift it because it's so weak. Like you I know we will get there but yes it's a much longer and tougher road than I imagined but pushing through one day at a time and keeping my eye on the prize which will be to have full use of a pain free arm! I lived with pain for 2 years before surgery so I can do 12 months! My doctor will not clear me to go back to work until 12 weeks which is making me crazy however I know I need to rest and focus on my PT! Thanks for sharing and for being so positive! Wishing you a healthy recovery!
TNteacher henpen1980
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I am really very sorry to hear of the pain and agony you are experiencing. My rotator cuff surgery was 12/15/16 and I can tell you that the first two weeks were just awful. I cried lots of 24 hour tears. I guess the best advice I can give you would be: try sleeping in a recliner, then graduate to a firm bed with a foam wedge to elevate your torso. Take the pain medication...don't try to tough it out. I can't take the oxy drugs or anything like them. The only drug that worked for me was Demerol. Try to sleep whenever you can. Drink lots of water. I lost 15 pounds because I was in too much pain to want to eat much more than applesauce, crackers, etc.
I put my phone, charger, tv remote, tissues, etc. on a bed-side table within reach of my good arm.
Maybe someone could come help with the cat litter, walking your dog, making you some comfort foods? I recommend when you feel exhausted, listen to your body.
I am 57, fiercly independent, and hate to ask people to help me. I had to realize that a little help goes a long way. I went back to work three weeks after surgery; started driving myself at four weeks.
PT is still hard. I'm down to one day a week and still just doing ROM and stretching. The therapist works me over pretty well, and she say's my tears are delicious! A friend advised me to get the "tough" PT and I did. She's trying to break up the scar tissue and get me back to as close to normal as possible. I'm at about 86% now.
I'll be hoping for the very best for you and your recovery. Hang in there...YOU'VE got this!
henpen1980 TNteacher
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I will be going out of work AGAIN June 1 for pre-op of the PT's mistake and June 2 for re-repair surgery. Unbelievable. =((((
kmp123 henpen1980
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So - having read reports I'm now worried- booked for surgery on Monday, SAD & possible rotator cuff repair. Just thinking I'm I better of living with the pain and discomfort I have now? 😬
henpen1980 kmp123
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henpen1980 kmp123
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henpen1980
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marsha34470 henpen1980
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Lots of luck! How's your rom?
henpen1980 marsha34470
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Thanks! Lying on the PT table (no head pillow) after warming up the shoulder (30 minutes or so) I can reach 175 degrees. Standing upright is still an issue reaching forward, raising a straight arm upward (like a touchdown signal) is still a long way away, I cannot lift more than a can of Campbell's soup, and then I tend to throw my hand and the can of soup toward the shelf. It's ugly and scary. I have to concentrate on the movement. Standing: still unable to touch the top of my head, the back of my neck, the more opposit shoulder, small of my back. Abducting is improving. I could not swim any of the four competitive swim strokes at this point. Improved but a long road still ahead with rom before I can start strengthening the shoulder. How about you?
marsha34470 henpen1980
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marsha34470 henpen1980
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When I bend over to put dishes in dishwasher the back of the shoulder doesn't move much or reaching down i have to squat to make arm work. Can touch back of neck to a certain point and go behind no problem. Ortho moved it at last visit and said it is popping. Told me there are a variety of reasons for failure:severity of tear, tissue thinness, retraction, how long tear gas been there.
How were you able to get on surgery schedule so quickly ? It takes a few weeks here plus they want primary clearance. As mentioned before reconsidering reverse. I can live with my limitations. Have no pain.
henpen1980 marsha34470
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"tear gas?" I suffered an "acute" injury resulting in massive tear(s), and my surgery was four weeks and three days after the injury date. I should have had the surgery immediately (well, the day after). I was so out of sorts from the injury that I waited all winter break and went back to work the following week (I teach). I was supposed to see the specialist the first work week, but I could not get an appointment (blah). I was able to get in the following week and scheduled my surgery. It was delayed because there were now others scheduled ahead of me. I went to work despite the injuries for three weeks. It was miserable. I also had to contact my employer and request family medical leave. Everything was approved because my injury was considered "a serious medical condition." The recommendation for the injury that I have is to have the surgery asap, and the success window closes at four weeks for good recovery. I am right on the cusp but highly encouraged by the progress.Three weeks ago I was struggling (continuing to struggle) with the bicep tendon. I went back to see the orthopaedic specialist. During the appointment, the specialist injected a combo (lidocaine/cortisone) into the sheath of the bicep tendon. Knock on wood the injection has helped and I have been able to move forward. I am still months away from a good recovery, but I am making progress. How are you doing?
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marsha34470 henpen1980
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No heart problems just nerves(General anxiety disorder)
rafael10538 henpen1980
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marsha34470 henpen1980
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July -Nov due to nerves over having cuff repair he moved arm and said I had a bad cuff . Again Dec was discussed. He meets with patients a week before surgery.. I have been a nervous wreck for 2 wks over this bone scan.
My surgery delay was due to medical issues. Primary sent me to cardiologist for sinus tachycardia. Took 3 wks to see him then another week to set up an echocardiogram. Nothing wrong just nerves. All clearances faxed the beginning of Oct then I had to wait. Scheduled for 11/1 then changed to 11 15 because of surgery center schedule. Day of surgery ortho questioned delay wondering if his clerical staff caused delays. It took about a month for insurance approval.
11/1 then changed to 11/15 due to surgery center.
2 years ago my daughter had knee surgery thru Medicaid and never met surgeon til surgical date. Saw a p.a. in a clinic and then arrangements done by phone. See my point!
Now that nothing will happen for 8 months I can get my nerves back together.
henpen1980 marsha34470
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