Working on the recovery.

Hey there.  "The pain" is pretty much gone (13 weeks out).  Discomfort is present pretty much through the day, but I am improving.  Awkward movement but it seems to be coming back.  Whew.  How are you?

HI henpen.....I posted pretty much all of this under 11.5 wks post op, but anyway, here's a summary of what's going on:  Thursday I had my physical therapy assessment and measurements.  My shoulder flexion was 146*, Abduction 150* plus some other measurements I didn't understand.  I was designated "functional", but I feel I have a long ways to go.  Hmmmm - but the unrelenting pain????   Friday I saw my surgeon.  He was very pleased with my range of motin and strength.  I mentioned the pain and he said I just needed more time.  He offered more pills and said to call when I ran out. I'm on Oxycodone 5-325 (with Tylenol) to be taken every 6 hours.  He said to use 3 Motrin in between the Oxy. . Yesterday was my first day with the new pill regime, my first day, and while I'm still in pain, it is ALMOST bearable. I found I took less meds.  Regarding physical activity, he didn't seem to put any restrictions.  He said I could swim and putt and chip in golf.  As I felt able, I could progress to a full swing.  Hahahah.  I don't know if I'm able to even chip, but I'm encouraged Dr. thinks that is possible. Today I did go to the golf course and putted a little bit.  My shoulder is a little sore.  Tuesday starts my 12th week.  I also start strength training on Tuesday and will be going once a week, while doing additional work at home.  I am glad you are improving.  

How are you progressing?

I went back to work two weeks ago with precautionary restrictions i.e. nothing overhead, lifting 5 lbs or less, reaching only to ability, ask for help.

My passive range of motion is 180 degrees.  My active rom is returning.  I can raise my hand over my head if I start off the process like I am making a snow angle.  One my hand is up, and the arm is straight my shoulder feels very good.  Bringing my hand now is still rough.  The bicep tendon is still tender.  The front (anterior) area of the ball (where the bicep tendon is located) continues to be a SLOW recovery.  I can reach shoulder height and above cabinets, hangers in the closet in awkward trembling manner.  I started strength training two or so weeks ago using dumbbells and surgical tubing.  I am at different wts and tubing resistance for different exercises.  External rotation is improving slowly.  I can reach the top of the opposite shoulder but not over the shoulder, yet.  I cannot reach the back of my neck yet.  I can reach the top of my head (awkward/clumsy), I can touch the middle of my back.

At home, I can use a sculling or figure 8 movement to slowly raise and lower my arm/hand.  The deltoid muscle seems to need movement or possibly to keep breaking up scar tissue.  In any event, it is improving.

My days of weeping, sobbing, bawling are gone.  I still have the occasional zinger, searing pain (bicep tendon area).  I still have the trembling arm at times while doing my exercises.  I cannot lay down, and make "Superman" arms in flight or streamline.  That will (hopefully) come later.  I can grab the car's steering wheel at 12 o'clock, and I can turn the wheel now with limited if any pain.  I am still going to PT three times per week.  I started PT 2/13.  Whew, what a journey.  We will all get there.  Do not give up.  Good luck!!

Glad you're improving. Me no. Still little rom. Now I'm having a flare up of my underarm condition on injured side. Been suffering from anxiety due to medical issues. .My mind is a mess.

Hi Henpen - So wonderful to hear that you are progressing.  Today I begin my 14th week.  I'm not sure what my passive ROM is, but today I had my therapist measure my Active ROM which was 166, a 16 degree improvement from a little over 2 weeks ago.  I still have stabbing pains occasionally in the surgical area, presumably where all the screws are.  I, too, tremble with certain strength training exercises, but (for me) it's because my muscles have atrophied.  I've progressed from 1 lb weights to 2-4 pounds in some exercises. I hope that trembling will stop soon. I can comfortably clasp my hands behind my head now.  Also, with discomfort, fasten my bra from the back.    I'm anxious to ride my bike, but it hurts my shoulder to put pressure on the handlebars.  Anyway, I, too am beyond the weeping and excruciating pain, though there are still many times I'm very uncomfortable.  Mornings are my worst, and most often I have to take Motrin.  Sometimes I can sleep on my side for a few minutes, but invariably, it starts to hurt.  I'm still sleeping with several pillows.  Today I'm going to the pool with my water weights.  I'm anxious to see how some water therapy works.  You are right in that this was (is) SOME JOURNEY.  Oh - here's something weird that was transpiring with me.  I was having neck and jaw pain, which I thought was from the surgery, exercises or even the way I was sleeping.  Turns out it was a dental issue, which has been corrected and hoperfully, I'll be on the mend from that.  Hang in there and good luck to you too.  

I am so glad(!) to hear that you are moving along!  Shoulder issues are crappy, period.  Last week, I was very pleased with my progress UNTIL TH night.  My PT and his helper decided to add some things that I knew I wasn't ready to do...viola...loud pop and intense pain.  I ended up leaving PT early, and I was so frustrated that I told PT to cancel the rest of my appts.  This is the third time in 13 weeks that PT has caused some issues because they aren't planning appropriately and not paying attention.  I don't want to bash them, but I do wonder what they are doing.  I have been back to tearful sobfest which ended many weeks ago.  I contacted my surgeon Saturday for advice.  He thinks it may be okay, but he is out of town this weekend.  He said to head over to the hospital ER if the pain continues.  Sheesh.  So disappointing.  I am concerned that the supraspinatus tendon (partiall) ripped ugh... 

OH NO!  This is horrible news.  Of course you're concerneseed.  I would be too.  I sometimes question my therapist too.  A couple of weeks ago she was doing some passive stretches and my elbow still hurts after 2 weeks.  Fortunately it's my elbow and not my shoulder.  Do you still have enough pain pills to get you through until you can see your doctor?  Maybe it didn't tear.  Don't forget you have anchors in there which is giving it strength.  I will be thinking of you and sending some prayers your way too.  When I first started my therapy, I was of the mindset, "No pain, no gain".  Now, I'm so afraid of a re-tear, that if it hurts too much, I don't do it.  During the times I was in such horrible pain, I remember thinking that I didn't care if I golfed or played sports again - I just wanted to be rid of the pain. How is the pain today (Sunday)?  Please post and let us know how you are.  I'm scared and worried for you.  However, I keep thinking about those anchors and that's a good thing.  

Well, HUGE setback.  The carelessness of the PT cost me greatly.  His failure to think resulted in the supraspinatus RIPPING complete off the head of the humerus again.  I feel sick to my stomach.  The MRI was yesterday and the specialist/surgeon and I met today.  He is sick too.  The PT is hiding his head in the sand.  I will need to have RE-repair surgery next week or the week after.  Five months p*ssed down the river because of PT's carelessness.  I am not looking forward to the new surgery to repair the complete MASSIVE tear.  Additional anchors will be drilled into my humeral head.  I will not be returning the PT.  He will be lucky to retain his job.  I have been off work for 13 weeks without pay.  I now have to do this ALL OVER.  No idea who is going to pay for this but I am going to fight the fight $$ and the mental/emotional battle again.  I cannot wait.  My surgeon said it's been one week.  It must be next week or the week after....unbelievable.  SO DISAPPOINTED. 

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. =(((( Angry.