Rotator Cuff Trashed!

[Ed in Tx]

Been there done that.. the rotator problem not the crash part!! I have had more surgeries than I care to count, back several times, knees, etc. but the one that took me the longest to recover from was the rotator surgery. My rotator was torn and my biceps tendon was shredded, luckily I had a really good surgeon and he was able to repair the rotator but the biceps tendon was beyond repair. I woke up from surgery in a sling attached to my body and had to wear the damn thing for what seems like months. The bad part was when I started with physical therapy, they had to get things moving again and I thought I was going to pass out a few times. After about 2 1/2 - 3 months I had most of my range of motion back and was able to start doing things again. I am right handed and unfortunately it was my right shoulder that was messed up, wearing that damn sling for weeks on end was a hassle. Not to be crude but just think of some of the things you might need to use your right arm for on a daily basis. Start practicing with your left ASAP. Important thing is having a top notch surgeon that specializes in rotator surgeries, DO NOT use a jack of all trades who does knees, elbows etc. etc.

Best of luck to you and hope you have a speedy recovery.

[BDAZ]

Thanks! I have a meet with the ortho tomorrow..

The pic attached is my good shoulder that hit the bridge. I ten bounced off the bridge and slammed the pavement with my right shoulder...which is where the main problem seems to be.. By changing the way I hold my tools I have been able to work cutting, tooling and sewing, but it's tough reaching for items on the shelves and I am doing things with my left hand it's never done before heh heh..

Cya!

Bob

[doubleh]

After a fall from a ladder several years I had a right shoulder that looked exactly like the picture of yours. Thankfully it didn't damage my rotator cuff although I couldn't even lift a cup of coffee for several weeks. I had no idea at the time how lucky I was. Fast forward to 2010. I had been having a lot of pain in my left shoulder for several months and then I tore the rotator cuff in my right shoulder. I felt it let go but didn't really know what it was. MRIs showed both to be torn and in 2011 I had both repaired.

Just let me say that rotator cuff surgery and rehab is VERY painful and takes a long time to recover from. I hope you have an understanding wife as you are going to need lots of help if it is your rotator cuff. Hope it isn't the cuff and you have a speedy recovery.

[BDAZ]

I totally lucked out! I saw the ortho today and my rotator cuff is perfect. I suffered a separated shoulder and I just need to avoid anything that causes pain for 4-6 weeks. I was told that traumatic rotator cuff damage rarely ends well.

Thanks for all the information and encouragement!

Bob

[RavenAus]

Great news Bob, now take it easy for a few weeks!

[doubleh]

I haven't been on here in a few days but I'm glad it wasn't your rotator cuff. My oldest grandson suffered a seperated shoulder several years ago. It's isn't nearly the ordeal as recovering from a seperated rotator cuff is but it's no walk in the park either.

With a skilled surgeon, knowledgeable re-hab staff, and a willingness to do exactly what they tell you to do has a lot to do with rotator cuff surgery recovery. It took a year and a half for each shoulder to be pain free but I have 100% of movement in my right shoulder and 95% in the left.The head of the therapy department did say it is unusual to have that level of recovery.

[BDAZ]

I was able to play Sunday and I am heading out tonight. Carrying the instruments is tougher than playing!

Great excuse for not carting PA equipment! I wonder how long I can milk it?!

Thanks!

Bob

Edited May 28, 2014 by BDAZ