Have you had surgery for a torn rotator cuff?

[TeaTotaler]

I first noticed pain in my right arm/shoulder in Aug and thought that it might be due to arthritis – I have osteoarthritis in my hands. However, the pain persisted for a couple of months and by November my range of motion became very limited. I saw a chiropractor who worked on my arm for a week and strongly recommended getting an x-ray followed by an MRI because she thought I possibly had a tear. Well, an xray followed by an MRI revealed that I did indeed have a tear in my right rotator cuff.

I saw an orthopedic doc in Dec who suggested another MRI with dye injected arthroscopically before we made further decisions. The results of the second MRI led to his recommendation of surgery.

I am scheduled to have the surgery on Feb 4th. It will be done arthroscopically which will mean no driving for 2 weeks, according to the nurse. However if they find the tear is larger, then they will need to make a 4 inch incision resulting in no driving for 6-8 weeks.

I have had major surgery before but this seems overwhelming when I consider my right arm being in a sling for weeks. Right now I have limited mobility but I've still been able to drive with some pain. I’m not sure how I’m going to get to physical therapy appts following surgery etc. Also, not knowing what recovery will look like until the day of surgery is a little nerve-wracking.

Has anybody had rotator cuff surgery? Would you share your experience? How long was your recovery? Any other thoughts? Would appreciate prayers too.

Thanks in advance.

VH (who has not posted here in months due to chronic health issues and other major stuff going on in my life)

[Classical Country Mama]

Yes, I had this surgery a few years ago. Mine was done arthroscopically, so today I have two tiny scars, one on either side of my shoulder. The surgery itself was fine. I've had other surgeries too, and this one was definitely not as bad in terms of pain or recovery.

 

The sling was annoying, but I didn't have to wear mine that long. Yes, I did have to get someone to drive me for a bit. It was uncomfortable sleeping at night, so I spent a couple weeks on the couch propped up to keep pressure off the shoulder. But it wasn't too long before I could resume normal activities, of course within reason.

 

The toughest part for me was the physical therapy afterward. The surgeon intentionally over-tightened the rotator cuff, so the therapy was to loosen it again so I could regain full motion. The therapy was difficult, and I was thrilled when it was over. Worth it, of course! But not fun.

 

Mostly, it was wonderful to get my arm back.

 

HTH! :grouphug:

[TeaTotaler]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Do you remember how long before you could drive? Also, how often did you go for physical therapy and how many weeks before therapy was over?

 

I'm trying to figure out how long I will be dependent on another driver. Dh is in a horrendous job situation and will not be available very much.

 

Thanks.

 

 

Yes, I had this surgery a few years ago. Mine was done arthroscopically, so today I have two tiny scars, one on either side of my shoulder. The surgery itself was fine. I've had other surgeries too, and this one was definitely not as bad in terms of pain or recovery.

 

The sling was annoying, but I didn't have to wear mine that long. Yes, I did have to get someone to drive me for a bit. It was uncomfortable sleeping at night, so I spent a couple weeks on the couch propped up to keep pressure off the shoulder. But it wasn't too long before I could resume normal activities, of course within reason.

 

The toughest part for me was the physical therapy afterward. The surgeon intentionally over-tightened the rotator cuff, so the therapy was to loosen it again so I could regain full motion. The therapy was difficult, and I was thrilled when it was over. Worth it, of course! But not fun.

 

Mostly, it was wonderful to get my arm back.

 

HTH! :grouphug:

[Denise in IN]

No knowledge here about rotator cuffs, but I just want to say Hi! :001_smile: It's good to see you here, but I'm sorry to hear things have been difficult with job & health situations.

 

I'll pray for your surgery and recovery. Please keep us posted! I wish we lived a bit closer - I'd drive you around!!

[Lisa in Jax]

I first noticed pain in my right arm/shoulder in Aug and thought that it might be due to arthritis – I have osteoarthritis in my hands. However, the pain persisted for a couple of months and by November my range of motion became very limited. I saw a chiropractor who worked on my arm for a week and strongly recommended getting an x-ray followed by an MRI because she thought I possibly had a tear. Well, an xray followed by an MRI revealed that I did indeed have a tear in my right rotator cuff.

I saw an orthopedic doc in Dec who suggested another MRI with dye injected arthroscopically before we made further decisions. The results of the second MRI led to his recommendation of surgery.

I am scheduled to have the surgery on Feb 4th. It will be done arthroscopically which will mean no driving for 2 weeks, according to the nurse. However if they find the tear is larger, then they will need to make a 4 inch incision resulting in no driving for 6-8 weeks.

I have had major surgery before but this seems overwhelming when I consider my right arm being in a sling for weeks. Right now I have limited mobility but I've still been able to drive with some pain. I’m not sure how I’m going to get to physical therapy appts following surgery etc. Also, not knowing what recovery will look like until the day of surgery is a little nerve-wracking.

Has anybody had rotator cuff surgery? Would you share your experience? How long was your recovery? Any other thoughts? Would appreciate prayers too.

Thanks in advance.

VH (who has not posted here in months due to chronic health issues and other major stuff going on in my life)

 

I haven't had rotator cuff surgery, but when I saw your post I wanted to say, "Hello!"

 

I've missed you!

 

Lisa

[zaichiki]

My father had this surgery. It didn't hold (workman's comp -- took several months before the surgery was scheduled and apparently it was simply too long). He had the option to do it again and decided he'd rather live with the discomfort and limited range of motion. I remember him being off of work for months, but he did drive.

[Evergreen State Sue]

My dh had this surgery a year and a half ago. From what I remember, the dr. would not let him use that arm for 6 weeks. Then it was lifting no more than 10 lbs. I think the PT started at 3 months but by that time he could drive. It was twice a week, then once a week, with daily exercises at home for maybe 4-6 weeks. By 6 months he was a new man!

 

The important thing is to do what the doctor says! You want the area to heal before stressing it. My husband was thrilled with the results. From what I hear, a tear will not heal on its own, so surgery is the best option.

[ChristusG]

My dad had this surgery at the end of September. He's been out of work since then and will be returning shortly. He's been in physical therapy the whole time (well, except for the first few weeks....they want it to heal some before beginning therapy).

 

He had the surgery where they did several small incisions. His pain level afterwards was pretty good. They gave him some Vicodin, which he took for several days and it managed any pain well. The worst thing for him was sleeping with his arm in a sling. He's used to sleeping with both hands above his head and he couldn't do that. So sleeping was a bit difficult at first.

 

A few weeks post-op he began physical therapy three times per week. Just recently did it get bumped down to two times per week. During the first month of therapy, his shoulder would be pretty sore afterwards. He'd take some medication before the therapy to help him after it. They had him heat and ice his shoulder after every session.

 

He has daily physical therapy exercises to do each day in addition to the two or three days a week that he goes to the physical therapist. He also has regular check ups with the surgeon that did his surgery....that doctor is the one who gives the physical therapist their instructions.

 

Honestly, his arm will probably never be like it used to be. He'll probably never have that full range of fluid motion that he once had. But the goal is to get as much motion as possible. He's making good strides. He can now life his arm above his head....it does take quite a bit of effort but he can do it.

[TeaTotaler]

Thank you ladies. Reading your stories helps me mentally prepare for what recovery might look like. The part about not stressing the arm after surgery is what I am most concerned about. I really want the surgery to be successful. Also, my body doesn't do well with strong meds so I may have to forgo some of the pain meds.

[TeaTotaler]

Hi Denise,

 

How have you been? I will keep you posted - of course I may not be able to type much right after surgery unless I get adept at one handed typing :-) Are you going to the Cincy convention? I am registered and hoping to attend but will have to wait and see how things go with my surgery.

 

Take care,

VH

 

 

No knowledge here about rotator cuffs, but I just want to say Hi! :001_smile: It's good to see you here, but I'm sorry to hear things have been difficult with job & health situations.

 

I'll pray for your surgery and recovery. Please keep us posted! I wish we lived a bit closer - I'd drive you around!!

[TeaTotaler]

Hey Lisa,

 

It's been ages since we talked. How is everything with you and your family? PM when you get a chance.

 

Thanks for saying "Hello"

 

Take care,

VH

 

I haven't had rotator cuff surgery, but when I saw your post I wanted to say, "Hello!"

 

I've missed you!

 

Lisa

[DawnM]

DH had it in his mid 20s before I met him. He was a pro-golfer and it pretty much ruined his then career.

 

I can't remember how long recovery was, but I can ask him.

 

Thankfully he had a few other skills to fall back on! :D

[Beth in OH]

Hi VH!

 

No surgery here, either, but I just wanted to say it's good to "see" you, and I will send some healing prayers your way. It sounds like life has been full of "stuff" for you.

 

Beth

[Truscifi]

My godmother had this surgery for a small tear. It was outpatient surgery and she only had to use the sling for about 1 1/2 weeks. She did physical therapy for a few weeks after that, and was good to go.

 

My uncle had the same surgery for a much larger tear. It was also outpatient, but not arthroscopic. He was in a sling for 8 weeks and had 3 months of therapy (and exercises to do at home, which he didn't do). He still has some problems with range of motion, but it is much better than before the surgery.

 

I think it depends on the size of the tear and on compliance with recovery and rehab instructions. Good luck. :grouphug:

[Classical Country Mama]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Do you remember how long before you could drive? Also, how often did you go for physical therapy and how many weeks before therapy was over?

 

I'm trying to figure out how long I will be dependent on another driver. Dh is in a horrendous job situation and will not be available very much.

 

Thanks.

 

I'm so sorry--neither dh nor I can remember how long I couldn't drive, but I don't think it was that long. A couple of weeks? I was taking the Metro to work at the time, so it wasn't as much an issue for me. (AND I sometimes drive with my knees anyway, though the surgeon didn't seem as impressed with that helpful fact.)

 

As for therapy, I want to say about 3 months? There were exercises to do, then the PT stretched the shoulder (worst part), then heat, electrical stimulation, and ice. The ice at the end felt soooo good. Overall I gained back about 95% range of motion.

 

HOWEVER, once the therapy was over, I quit doing my exercises at home. And even though the r.c. was repaired, because I'm lazy I still favored the other arm, such that now, several years later, a recent MRI shows that the muscle at the back of my shoulder has significantly atrophied, and I have lost much of what I regained with surgery and therapy. If I had it to do over, I'd keep up the exercises.

 

:grouphug:

[TeaTotaler]

Hi Beth,

 

Good to "see" you too. Anything new with your girls? PM me if you have any links to recent performances.

 

Thanks for the prayers.

 

Take care,

VH

 

Hi VH!

 

No surgery here, either, but I just wanted to say it's good to "see" you, and I will send some healing prayers your way. It sounds like life has been full of "stuff" for you.

 

Beth

[JudoMom]

I was just wondering about you recently. I'm sorry to hear about this.

 

My MIL had this surgery a couple of years ago (around age 80) and her recovery wasn't too awful. She's an active, git-r-done Wisconsinite, and I don't remember her being down for a very long.

 

It's good to hear from you again!

 

(I was threelops on the old board :))

[TeaTotaler]

Hi JudoMom,

Of course I remember you. I think of you and your family often too. How are things health-wise for you all? Glad to hear that your MIL recovered well from her surgery.

Take care,

VH

 

I was just wondering about you recently. I'm sorry to hear about this.

 

My MIL had this surgery a couple of years ago (around age 80) and her recovery wasn't too awful. She's an active, git-r-done Wisconsinite, and I don't remember her being down for a very long.

 

It's good to hear from you again!

 

(I was threelops on the old board :))