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Worried I am lifting my Shoulder 9 days post op?

Posted , 7 users are following.

Susan1942
Susan1942

I had my rotator cuff repair on 12th June. Very pleased as I was expecting a patch

Saw Physio yesterday just for wound check. I am just doing a few basic hand and lower arm exercises neck etc

I am finding getting in and out of the sling very difficult Going to buy anew one getting dressed is a nightmare for me

My problem is that I had failed surgery 15 months ago Rather the surgeon was unable to repair it at that time

My main worry just now when trying to use only my left arm I find I am tensing the repaired Shoulder and maybe raising it .Any idea how I can avoid this or is it harmful

Can I use the fingers on that hand when the sling is in place

I feel this is my last chance I live alone Any advice would be appreciated Sue

1 like, 64 replies

64 Replies

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  • Susan1942
    Susan1942

    Posted

    I think I am ok Last nite when I got into bed In reality it my posture as my left my good Shoulder had an ache

    I have sat in front of a mirror and tried adjusting the shoulder strap. I am guided by the level and position of what level my hand and arm Looking video the arm is at .I am icing and I think it is enough for me The bruising is much improved

    Got a big disappointment woke and thought it was 9, 30;to it was my eyesight har

  • Susan1942
    Susan1942

    Posted

    Oops No specs on Still I had slept almost 4 hrs

    I am ok not in much pain so try getting back to sleep for a while

    Sue

  • henpen1980
    henpen1980 Susan1942

    Posted

    Slow and steady wins this race!  On another note, my other crazy medical issues i.e. heart seem to be recovering/improving back to normal.  I will need to have the "mass" aka tumor on my brain MRIed again in November.  The doctors state that I will have an MRI of my brain every 6 months to track changes/growth.  In one year, I will have my 52% carotid artery blockage rechecked via ultrasound.  I guess this is to see if the Rx is working at smoothing the plague.  In August, I have another round of blood panels to check the pre-diabetes stuff.  AND...it's official I tore the lateral meniscus in my right knee teaching school this year.  UGH...I told the knee orthopaedic surgeon last week that I could not go through any more surgeries at the moment. The tear is called an oblique tear.  It cannot be repaired.  I don't want the meniscus removed - then it will be bone on bone.  blah.  I am using a hinged rebounder brace on/off each day depending on what I am doing.  The brace seems to help despite its bulk.

    I am supposed to be losing weight but cannot really do much with walking/riding my bike etc.  I was a competitive swimmer until 2003.  When my best friend/training partner of 23 years passed away I stopped competing and then I stopped training.  I gained 120 lbs.  ugh.  I took off 80 lbs between 2009-2013 but since moving back to the upper midwest I have gained 50-55 lbs ugh!  Too much sitting and studying.  I added another degree; changed from teaching PE/Health to teaching special education which for four years was an abundance of sitting!  I switched back to PE last fall.  

    I teach in an urban setting.  High poverty, high needs, an abundance of physical aggression (fights, kicking each other, pulling hair out, etc) and lack of age-appropriate social skill development.  I ended up with bruised ribs one day; bruised tibia another day; and then a fractured hand.  The students did not mean to injure me.  They simply don't have boundaries.  It was a stressful school year (which contributed to the 5/12/18 five day hospital stay).  I am glad that we are on summer vacation and I do not return to work until Aug 27th.  Students return Sept 4th.

    GLAD my shoulder held up during the school year and I hope to paddle my kayak tomorrow.  This will be the first time in over one year!  Temps in the middle 90s here hot and steamy.  I like it much better.  I lived in North Carolina for years and years and years before returning back to Wisconsin.

    Keep your chin up.  Slow and steady.  If you are struggling with pain, ICE MORE!!  I'd take one pack off and put on another immediately.  The ice cooled off everything and reduced the swelling.  I iced so much more the second time around.  After my first surgery, I was not a good icer.  ICE HELPS!!

    Glad you spent time with your granddaughter!  Sounds exciting that she's heading to America again.  

    Chin up!  

     

  • Susan1942
    Susan1942

    Posted

    Panic again I have been sleeping sitting upright I woke this am and I thinking I was turning from the operation side Pillow all sides

    Bit ache in Shoulder well on the side of the as arm Have been icing ice I would have only briefly

    Question Am I likely to have creates a major problems

  • christine_61665
    christine_61665 Susan1942

    Posted

    I know I'm late replying but I was advised to buy men's Hawaiian shirts (or similiar) large size and button them on top of the sling. Strapless bras. Elastic waist pants. Worked great. Boring but useful. I used the hand on the operated arm. LUCK!!

  • Susan1942
    Susan1942

    Posted

    My problem is that I am paronide about that I might injure it in some way Mainly because I think this is my last chance I have now got a barrier of pillows and cushions down my bed so no way I could turn on my right side

    Andi know that I have stated in same position all night I went to the mirror to see if my hair was messed I have got a hairdresser coming again tomorrow You do feel better if your hair is

    Looking a bit better She comes twice a week and that does just fibe everything seems to take forever In

    Get in bed I forget something out again air was ice then my meds then forgot to brush my teeth and so on

    Clothing I bought 2 lots of suitable wear but I decided not enough so got another 3 lots We are having the hottest weather since 1947 it is too hot for what I bought did buy bigger size of tops Thank you for your suggestions I have managed to find a few things that I can get in and out of a few things I sit in front of a mirror to get the sling in the correct order I am tired 00.52 so time I was asleep

    Thanks for all the input

    sue

    • arj50436
      arj50436 Susan1942

      Posted

      Susan, I think that we all worry about re-injuring our shoulder and experience odd pains. Every time I ramp up my p/t exercises I have a few days of excruciating pain and worry that I've ruined my surgery, then the pain goes away in a couple of days and I have more ROM. There is no way to know if you have re-injured at this point. I know that it's really difficult but try not to worry about it.  Right now worry about managing your pain because honestly, that's all you can do for the first 4-6 weeks. 

      If you rolled over onto your shoulder at this phase in your surgery you would know it. Your arm is guarding itself and will loudly tell you when you are doing something wrong. 

      You got a lot of good advice before & after your surgery from those of us who have been there. 

      There are things that you can do to help you sleep.  Sleep on a recliner chair, or the couch where you can side sleep on your good shoulder. Take your meds when you need to. A cyrocuff machine will keep going for 4 - 6 hours and will help you to sleep for a chunk of time. You can sell it after you use it.  You can also purchase an affordable TENS unit, possibly you can get it from your surgeon or your physical therapist  and maybe NHS will pay for it (probably not).   I ordered mine online for $20.00. Have  your p/t show you how to use it.  Diclofenac gel is a topical NSAID great for people who can tolerate it but can't be mixed with aleve or other NSAIDS. CBD oil is also anti-inflammatory and technically legal in the U.K. and can help some people when applied externally. Mix it with some coconut oil or other oils.  

    • Susan1942
      Susan1942 arj50436

      Posted

      Sorry for the delay in getting back to you . I wrote a lengthy post about regarding my medical history I had a very severe traumatic injury when my son was born 47years ago suffer amongst other things neuropathic pain This was 1971 I did have tens but 1991 I had a spinal.implant stimulator I have been managing my pain with various and only attend the clinic once or twice a year to checkout the generator

      For me with the surgery pain has not been major issue. From what I have read and my Sister's experience I expected much worse

      I am icing frequently doing everything I am told

      My biggest problem is that I had a lot of pain preoperatively which is. Now 3 yre 3 months It is making my life a misery and every little thing I do I am anxious and concerned

      A major.problem is lack of sleep.just around 3-4 hours. It is 06 20;here and I have been awake since 4am I slept firstly for an hour filled by about 3 and a half hrs I have an appt with my Surgeon at 11.20

      It is very hot here at the moment and the immobiliser is so.warm.

      I may sleep for a short time again Lack of sleep.always makes things I do.hsvd Voltarol gel for wrist and other aches and painful I appreciate greatly the advice given so willingly

      Incidentally was.a Midwife. Out of loyalty to.the medical profession I did not Sue for negligence. Would I had I.known them how the rest.of my.life been effected by this Kielands Forceps delivery I. almost lost my.life and was urged by my GP to do.so

      My son is a healthy man although he had a tough Would money.hsve improved my situation.not innrelation.to the situation

      I can't change the past but I am.desperate to.be rid.thid pain.and the limitations of my life

      I will post and let.you know things do.Tanks again z Sue

  • henpen1980
    henpen1980 Susan1942

    Posted

    How's it going?

    • Susan1942
      Susan1942 henpen1980

      Posted

      Thanks I have been going to write for few days but was struggling with lack of sleep I am still very tired as I was averaging 2-3:maybe 4 at best Been a bit low I get anxious burn myself out and am in a heap.for a couple of days and then once I get a bit more sleep Im

      Ok Now for the importan part

      I saw my Consultant on Wed 22 days post surgery

      He discussed my surgery said had an dry large tear with a lot of delamination He said it was not simple but he feels he has got a good repair

      The problem is the condition of the RC and bone quality I have Ostopenia He took my arm out of the sling and did a few movement and was happy as was I little bit of pain but nothing to that concerns me I have to continue to.sleep upright and wear the sling . I am doing the very gentle exercises which they went over preop

      Joe was at the clinic and my surgeon thought I had started my physio with him I did see a Physio 8 days post surgery I will be starting my physio this coming week usually a Thursday

      My Surgeon told me to take the arm out of the sling and let hang down and gently movement walk about a room for a very short time I have done this the past day three times when I am doing my physio at a table

      I think I have cracked the worry about turning during my sleep I have got pillows set in armchair position Up the tmright side I have 2 pillows propped up and a soft feathet cushion in the join effectively creating a nest.

      I slept for 7 hrs with the aid of half a sleepling tablet only for emergency My GP will give 10 if I am going away Last prescription was 5 months ago

      When I woke at 8 I had slid down a bit but no problem Mt shoulder in the sling was against the little nest

      Why am I so paranoid is that having the problem for almost 3 years ago and the surgery April 2017

      At 76 I know that the quality is not what it should ideally be.

      Maybe he says this to anyone in a similar position

      Pain wise I am much better than I expected it to be Less painful than I expected

      Oh I do have pain I am ice packs frequently I am using a gel pack size for knee It sits nicely over the shoulder

      I am icing other painful areas as well

      Think this is too much information and it may change again later

      Thanks to everyone on this forum for as ll the advice and support Sue

    • henpen1980
      henpen1980 Susan1942

      Posted

      Sounds encouraging! Keep up the good work!

      "Nest" is a good word. If you've discovered the nest you will be fine. Trust yourself and get moving with the gentle exercises.

    • Susan1942
      Susan1942 henpen1980

      Posted

      Thank you so much I was terrified hence the NEST ! I had a lot of anxiety about damaging the .repair.

      I have high bed so climbing aboard is not that difficult but with one arm in a sling not easy to keep your balance.

      Just about an hour ago didn't put my hand down or touch the shoulder but I heard a brief but quite click with noThis would be in my biceps sea Got the ice on it Physio starts Thursday

      Will let you know

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