Rotator Cuff Surgery

cddh · ‎03-17-2010

I know there are "old" messages on this topic but wondering if there are any current comments. Surgery is needed for me as was told by my specialist. The tear cannot be mended. My life is complicated, as many others, being a sole care giver, being right handed, running a household, etc. I have an appointment next week to go over my condition. The steroid shot helped the pain until it wore off. I will ask if I can prolong with another shot but don't know how long that is possible. I have never had surgery so this is scary! I will ask doctor, of course, but wondering what "patients" had to say about the surgery. How long hospital stay, how long recouperation, how did you manage with primary hand being disabled, physical therapy, pain level, etc? Thanks!

I am still oxox · ‎03-09-2010

It is an outpatient procedure with no hospital stay needed.

There are many different degrees of tears, you might or might not need to wear a sling for a while.

It all depends on what your surgeon says

My other half has had the surgery twice and re torn his right shoulder and will have the surgery in May, he will have to wear a sling for many weeks to let the surgery heal

Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive what could go right.

KingstonsMom · ‎03-09-2010

While I personally haven't had this surgery, I nursed my dear brother through both of his, flying to his home in Los Angeles, to take care of him.

He was only in the hospital for 2 days for each actual surgery (done one at a time), however he was pretty helpless for at least 3 weeks each time.

He needed help with bathing, meal prep, bandage changes and to drive him for followup Dr. appts and physical therapy.

Pain is a relative thing, but his was considerable. With the first one, he relied on pain medications by mouth and still needed them when I left after 3 weeks.

For the second surgery, they put in a 'pain medication pump' which would administer a certain amount of pain medication on a set schedule, since the oral medication didn't work so well for his first surgery.

From this experience, I say that you will definitely need some assistance for several weeks at least.

I wish you the best in having this surgery done and recommend you arrange some type of help, for sure.

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

IMW · ‎06-15-2014

@cddh sorry you're going through this. Had both sides done. I also had severe bicep tears and other issues.

After the 6-12 week recovery I felt 👍🏿. Total mobility and no pain. This didn't last pain is back and getting worse.
My relief lasted 9 months or so.

Everyone is different, this is just my experience. To say I am disappointed and fed up is an understatement

I hope things go better for you. I am 68 and have very

bad arthritis and other serious conditions.

luvmybeetle · ‎08-10-2013

@cddh I had rotator cuff surgery on my dominant shoulder (left). It definately was hard to write, so I used my right hand to sign in at therapy. They started therapy right away. I had to wear a sling for 6 weeks. The most pain was the therapy. BUT, if you don't work on the therapy you won't heal correctly. I had to work at home also with the therapy. Different kind of things with small weights. I did all my home therapy as told. All I can say is please do your therapy as you are told because that is what heals you. It's been 9 years and I don't have any problems. I had a great therapist. Good luck and God bless.

SugarPuff · ‎09-20-2017

cddh · ‎03-17-2010

Thanks everyone! Your answers are similar to what doctor said. Sling for 6 weeks. Just knowing that gave me pause! Itis not the end of the world but it will require a loat of planning ahead and a lot of asking for hellp. I was wondering about bathing and washing hair. Maybe I will have a health aid for the six weeks. I will have to become desensitized as to what my house will look lilke. My disabled husband is high maintenance and not very neat! I've had all the prior tests needed. Doctor said tear is not mendable; surgery required. I wonder how long I can put off surgery with steroid shots.

luvmybeetle · ‎08-10-2013

@cddh You will be fine if you just forget about everything else and take care of you. If they didn't tell you, you will need to support your shoulder when sleeping. I slept with a pillow supporting my back so I slept leaning on the opposite shoulder. For a short time I slept in my recliner. Also I went to my hairdresser a couple times for a wash and set.

3blackdogs · ‎03-12-2010

My husband and son both had this surgery. Came home same day with a nerve block that would wear off. The best thing that helped them was the ice therapy machines. My husband had a bicep tear repaired at the same time and that was more painful. They slept in the recliners the first couple nights. My husband was back to work in 6 weeks. PT is important!!