Dr. Jeffrey Hamm and I the day after surgery, April, 2017
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The Rotator Cuff
Repair Experience |
What's up with my left shoulder?
In the fall of 2016, I began a 12 week online challenge called IdealShape challenge. It was a combination of diet and daily exercise videos, including weight lifting. In November, my left shoulder started hurting. I didn't really pay much attention to it. Finally in January 2017, I went to see a doctor about it. I ended up having an MRI and it showed my rotator cuff was torn in 2 places and also that I had a bicep tendon tear. The doctor said that because of having RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), I had some damage, and the tear was hastened by doing weightlifting. In April of 2017, I had surgery to repair it. The surgeon also did a partial bursectomy. It was the beginning of a lengthy recovery!
OK, you've had the surgery...what happens next?
When you wake up in the recovery area, the first thing you notice is that you are wearing a sling that was put on you while you were still in the operating room. It is pretty awkward, but necessary to keep your shoulder immobile while it heals over the next several weeks. You will most likely be wearing the sling for about 6 weeks, so just get ready to deal with it. Most surgeons will require you to wear it at all times except for when you bathe.
Planning, patience, persistence
In the weeks following your rotator cuff surgery, you will experience a lot of pain in the beginning. Definitely take your pain medicine so you can function and also sleep at night. Ice your shoulder frequently with cold packs. Pretty soon you will be able to get off the pain medicine. Plan on sleeping in a recliner or propped up on your sofa, because you cannot lie down on your bed. Getting dressed is an interesting experience each day. I would recommend button down shirts that you can easily maneuver your arm into each day. Do not use shirts that go over your head in the beginning. You will not be able to raise your arm at all.
At some point, you will start physical therapy, and this will continue most likely for about 3 months. Choose a therapy location with a therapist that you like and can get along with, because you will spend a lot of time with him or her. You will develop a close relationship. Be prepared to do some really hard, but worthwhile work. Take your pain medication prior to attending your therapy sessions to make your exercises more tolerable.
At times you will want to give up. At times, you will be fed up and think your shoulder will never be back to normal. But I promise you, it does get better. You will be glad you had the surgery. In my case, I couldn't have lived with the pain I was experiencing prior to the surgery. Now I have no pain. I do have a little bit of limitation in my range of motion, but it is almost 100% and I am able to function normally.
If you are on the fence about having the surgery, I recommend doing it. These tears normally don't heal on their own.
At some point, you will start physical therapy, and this will continue most likely for about 3 months. Choose a therapy location with a therapist that you like and can get along with, because you will spend a lot of time with him or her. You will develop a close relationship. Be prepared to do some really hard, but worthwhile work. Take your pain medication prior to attending your therapy sessions to make your exercises more tolerable.
At times you will want to give up. At times, you will be fed up and think your shoulder will never be back to normal. But I promise you, it does get better. You will be glad you had the surgery. In my case, I couldn't have lived with the pain I was experiencing prior to the surgery. Now I have no pain. I do have a little bit of limitation in my range of motion, but it is almost 100% and I am able to function normally.
If you are on the fence about having the surgery, I recommend doing it. These tears normally don't heal on their own.
It's a slow healing journey, but it is worth it.
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