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sarahsweets
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Default Feb 16, 2019 at 05:32 AM
  #1
8 months ago I was reaching way above my head on a step stool to get my huge cast iron pot. It started to slip and to prevent it falling on my head my arms reached way back above and over my head and I felt pain. The pain was very bad. My primary thought I had developed deltoid tendinitis and sent me to a pain management doctor. I did PT and in December he gave me a steroid injection that lasted a week. I have weakness and pain all the time and it gets bad sometimes. I can't lay on it, I have problems combing my hair and getting dressed and almost all lifting. The pain management doc is really nice and he did prescribe me 5mg of oxycodone not to be taken more than once a day. It works pretty well. When I have taken it it manages the pain but I do not take it regularly or often because I have to be very careful with addictive substances.

On New Year's day I lifted a heavy bag into the trunk of my car and aggravated it in an acute manner so the pain has been pretty intense. In December I got a steroid injection which only lasted a week. I was in with my primary about two weeks ago and she did another exam and wondered if it was my rotator cuff. So I have an appointment with my hand surgeon (who does shoulders too). Since then I have been reading about RC injuries. I am afraid I will be starting from the beginning and that he is going to want to try PT and injections again, although I cant have another injection for 2 more months. Personally I think it may need surgical intervention. I have Sjogren's so that is another issue that affects my bones and joints. Has anyone had this type of surgery? Did it help? Was it easy to recover from or super painful? I had joint replacement and carpal tunnel surgery already so I am not too worried about pain- if it means eliminating the problem. Sometimes the pain radiates down to my elbow and sometimes it feels like it throbs. I am an active person, never really sitting still. I havent been able to do my yoga or really any upper body exercises. What do you all think? Does my prognosis look good-whatever the solution is? I am ok with needing surgery. In fact, because I have already had non-surgical interventions I would rather solve the problem once and for all. I was taking an intro to teaching class when my son had a stroke so I would like to get to the bottom of this before re-enrolling. I am only 43-soon to be 44 and I do not feel old. I don't know how someone in their 40's is supposed to feel but generally I feel good and I am blessed with the life I have. Any input or info or comments are welcome.

-sweets

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Default Feb 16, 2019 at 06:39 AM
  #2
I have never experienced this, sarahsweets, so unfortunately I don't have a lot of advice to give to you. I'm so sorry I don't have an answer to your question. Just wanted to let you know that I've read your post and I'm so sorry you're going through all of this. You don't deserve it at all. If you do need surgery, I hope everything will go well for you. I know you're strong and you can make it. Remeber that we're here for you to support you. I'm so sorry, please don't give up. I hope things will get better soon for you. Is there anything we can do to help you? Please let us know. Remember that we're for you if you need it. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this
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Default Feb 17, 2019 at 03:03 AM
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When I went to PT recovering from my knee ACL reconstruction there was a lady in there that had RC surgery. The PT after any joint surgery is difficult to get the joint moving again but the results are very successful. PT is critical to keep scar tissue from forming. One can end up with a "frozen shoulder" if not conscientious with the PT.

One of my friends here had the surgery a few years ago & it was successful.

I have had shoulder pain for awhile also. Aggrevated last summer when putting my saddle on my 17.2 hand horse (way above my head) It feels better when I don't haul around 50 lb bags if grain. Not sure what damage is going on inside the shoulder. I also pinched a nerve that made me whole shoulder, arm & fingers numb last summer also. That has completely gone away on it's own. It was horrible because everything felt so much heavier & more difficult to pick up. I couldn't pin point anything specific for the cause of either problem as you have. Injuries are such a "pain".

Usually a surgeon will ask what treatments have already been tried. Usually one doesn't end up at a surgeon until last resort & they usually know that but check previous treatments. They can tell just by moving the joint pretty much what is wrong with it.

My ortho that did my knee was amazing. He hekd above & below my knee & moved the joint & knew instantly it was an ACL problem.

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Default Feb 17, 2019 at 06:37 AM
  #4
My dad his RC surgery not too long ago, within this past year I believe. It went well as far as I know. Getting health updates from him is hit and miss, for the record.
Good luck with everything : grouphug:
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Smile Feb 20, 2019 at 04:15 PM
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Hello Sweets I am a registered nurse who has worked twenty plus years in the operating room. I also suffered a shoulder injury. Eventually you will need a MRI for confirmation of what exactly is wrong. I would also recommend someone who specializes in shoulder surgery. There is a MAJOR difference between hands and shoulders. Post surgery there will be pain and you must have physical therapy. The pain can be managed, I know there is a lot of fear out theere regarding becoming addicted. If you have pain and take the medication appropriately you do not have to worry about addition. If there is a tear the only way to fix a tear is surgery. You are young and healthy. You should have the surgery if there is a tear. Now, if there is not a tear then try the NSAID's and PT. Perhaps you can avoid surgery. Also going back to the shoulder specialist, see him get his advice. If he recommends PT go to the therapy place that he recommends. It is a benefit to go to the therapists who know the doc and work with that particular physician. I suggest the shoulder specialist as there may be other ways to correct the tear again if that is what is present. Don't put it off with the limited mobility that is going to make things worse. Also if there is a tear you may need to get it fixed quickly. Healing starts quickly and if there is healing that has happened then that could possible make surgery more involved. Also keep in mind that depending upon your insurance a physician may have to repeat the PT and NSAIDS. There are many instances where physicians are under the control of insurance companies. I hope my advice is helpful.
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Default Feb 20, 2019 at 05:43 PM
  #6
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Originally Posted by Rushlady View Post
Hello Sweets I am a registered nurse who has worked twenty plus years in the operating room. I also suffered a shoulder injury. Eventually you will need a MRI for confirmation of what exactly is wrong. I would also recommend someone who specializes in shoulder surgery. There is a MAJOR difference between hands and shoulders.
Hi and thanks for responding! My doctor is hands/wrists and shoulders so thats why I chose him. I saw him yesterday and he is sending me for an MRI which is scheduled for tuesday. He checked me for "frozen" shoulder which I had never heard of but he was able to move my arm so thats not it. He feels it could be a tear due to the acute onset of symptoms after an injury and having it get worse over 8 months.
Quote:
Post surgery there will be pain and you must have physical therapy. The pain can be managed, I know there is a lot of fear out theere regarding becoming addicted. If you have pain and take the medication appropriately you do not have to worry about addition.
I had three hand surgeries last year and I was ok with the pain medication.

Quote:
If there is a tear the only way to fix a tear is surgery. You are young and healthy. You should have the surgery if there is a tear. Now, if there is not a tear then try the NSAID's and PT. Perhaps you can avoid surgery. Also going back to the shoulder specialist, see him get his advice. If he recommends PT go to the therapy place that he recommends. It is a benefit to go to the therapists who know the doc and work with that particular physician.
Yes he said surgery for a tear and the sooner the better. I am ok with that. I was taking a class i had to drop in November because my 22 year old son had a stroke and if I want to take it again this has to get fixed first. The issue I will have if its bursitis tendonitis is I cant take any NSAIDS, I had gastric bypass, I have an ulcer and I have barretts esophogus so they are absolutely on the no-no list. I did PT already and I know how integral it is post surgery.
Thank you so much for your advice. You basically just confirmed everything he said yesterday which is really comforting.

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Default Feb 22, 2019 at 12:35 PM
  #7
Hello Sarahsweets, it sounds like you have a good doctor. Oh my no NSAIDS, I am sorry to learn of that since that can definitely be helpful. I wonder if the lidocaine pain patches might be helpful for you. Also if it is not a tear perhaps of the creams might be helpful as well. Becareful with heat or cold therapy I have seen too many patients that suffer from burns from abusing heating pads. Lastly, I am so sorry to learn of your son. I hope his recovery goes well.
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Default Feb 23, 2019 at 07:39 PM
  #8
Hello sarahsweets. Ow, how bothersome!
Yes, I've had the RC surgery a number of years ago now and it was one of the best things I ever did! I had just come off a complicated surgical/PT/craziness post-surgical reconstroction, with much hardware, for a shattered L femur, and was weary at the very idea of having more orthopedic intervention. But (IMPORTANT!) I trusted and liked my ortho surgeon, and he said the RC was going to get worse. So I did it, did the PT faithfully, and haven't had much issue with it for the decade since!

Tears don't normally resolve by themselves, and repair is a godsend imo. Much luck to you

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Default Feb 24, 2019 at 07:31 PM
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Quote:
Tears don't normally resolve by themselves,
This is very true. Usually a tear will end up getting worse. I tore my ACL 5 years before my surgery. Another guy in therapy with me had torn his ACL 5 years earlier. When our ortho had done both of our surgeries the ACL had deteriorated in our knees & there was no ACL left by the time surgery was done. Interesting that it was a 5 year period for both of us. Better to get repairs done before the body & use of the joint makes the condition worse.

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Default Mar 06, 2019 at 10:56 PM
  #10
Well guys I do have a torn rotator cuff and have to have part of my bicep reattached. And also a shoulder arthoscopy. I am scheduled for march 15. I would like recommendations on a good speech-to-text program or app that is free so I do not go crazy. My laptop is only 4 months old and I have windows 10. Its amazing that I was going to a specialist who was injecting me as if it was tendonitis and my primary suspected it and sent me to my ortho. Sometimes specialists are not that special. If anyone happens to wonder about me, please share.

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Default Mar 07, 2019 at 07:12 PM
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I use a speech to text app for some of my work inventories. I also have a touch screen phone and can use a stylus which comes in handy for minor edits. Two cans, forever comes out as Toucans. So, a good freebie recommend, not so much but letting you know they exist in either Play or iStore as well as tools necessary for me to make this freebie work. I'm sure there's others, but since I'm home...home is home and work is work Rotator cuff tear or surgery anyone?
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Default Mar 08, 2019 at 01:54 AM
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I use a speech to text app for some of my work inventories. I also have a touch screen phone and can use a stylus which comes in handy for minor edits. Two cans, forever comes out as Toucans. So, a good freebie recommend, not so much but letting you know they exist in either Play or iStore as well as tools necessary for me to make this freebie work. I'm sure there's others, but since I'm home...home is home and work is work Rotator cuff tear or surgery anyone?
Can you tell me the name of the app?

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Default Mar 08, 2019 at 05:03 AM
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Can you tell me the name of the app?
It's called Speech to Text Notepad.Capture+_2019-03-08-05-02-37.jpeg
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Default Mar 10, 2019 at 06:45 AM
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OMG. My husband found video of my actual surgery on youtube made by an orthopedic group. It looks so gross and painful. I have had other surgeries before but this one is the most involved and with the most (anticipated) pain. I know it is a good thing but I am so nervous. My mom is a nurse in the recovery unit and she cant take care of me but she can watch over me. I know they do the nerve block before the procedure. I have dythskenisia, adhd, fidgeting and I wont be allowed to smoke. I told my mother how anxious I was and she said she would mention it to the doctor so they could give me a little something while waiting. I hope they are able to. If anyone can handle gross stuff look up 'rotator cuff repair' and watch one of the videos. Also, has anyone been given something to slightly chill through the iv while waiting for a procedure like mine? It will have to be through the iv because my mom told me absolutely nothing should be in there. Thoughts and comments welcome.

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Default Mar 10, 2019 at 02:47 PM
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Aww, as T Petty said (peace be upon him) "The waiting is the HARDEST Part!"

Make sure that your doc hears from YOU as well that you are extremely apprehensive.

My Primary doc & Ortho surgeon communicated well before the surgery and I was given Valium to take the PM before the surgery and then more in the IV whilst I was waiting on tenterhooks for the surgeon to finish w/previous case. Much sympathy to you, but really:PLEASE, no more RC VIDS! It'll just wind you up and won't help w/ the healing one iota.

Your doc doesn't want you to be in pain afterwards, either; make sure you are clear w/what measures will be taken. Standard used to be that post-RC Repair patients were sent home with what we called a "Polar Care" Unit -- it's a cooler that pumps chilled water into a pad that fits over the shoulder and helps a great deal with post-op pain.

One does have to sleep propped up on big cushions, or in a recliner bc of not wanting to put any pressure on the post-op shoulder.

It's not fun at first, but the rewards are omg-level worth it! Especially compared to the alternative of more debilitating pain and more complicated repair when it eventually would have to be done or lose use of the arm .

You're doing the right thing, Sweets.

Wishing you calm & resolve

xo

Chyia, feeling for you but having confidence in you as well
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Default Mar 12, 2019 at 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by sarahsweets View Post
OMG. My husband found video of my actual surgery on youtube made by an orthopedic group. It looks so gross and painful. I have had other surgeries before but this one is the most involved and with the most (anticipated) pain. I know it is a good thing but I am so nervous. My mom is a nurse in the recovery unit and she cant take care of me but she can watch over me. I know they do the nerve block before the procedure. I have dythskenisia, adhd, fidgeting and I wont be allowed to smoke. I told my mother how anxious I was and she said she would mention it to the doctor so they could give me a little something while waiting. I hope they are able to. If anyone can handle gross stuff look up 'rotator cuff repair' and watch one of the videos. Also, has anyone been given something to slightly chill through the iv while waiting for a procedure like mine? It will have to be through the iv because my mom told me absolutely nothing should be in there. Thoughts and comments welcome.


My husband had surgery on both shoulders one for a labrel tear and other a rotator cuff and bone spur.

First Labrel year he was in a sling for 8 weeks and PT 3 times a week to be honest he’s a tough guy and it was awful.

The rotator cuff and bone spur was somewhat easier but quality PT is a must.

End result he lost ROM in both shoulders , right worse than left.

He used hunt and peck left arm with right shoulder for 8 weeks

The rotator left was back for short periods using both hands in about 3 weeks for short amounts of time.

Side note ask surgeon about post op pain relief so many doctors are giving less and less medications due to this opioid crisis going on which can effect your recovery.

I wish you the best and talk to text sounds so helpful.

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Default Mar 16, 2019 at 05:04 AM
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Originally Posted by sarahsweets View Post
Well guys I do have a torn rotator cuff and have to have part of my bicep reattached. And also a shoulder arthoscopy. I am scheduled for march 15. I would like recommendations on a good speech-to-text program or app that is free so I do not go crazy. My laptop is only 4 months old and I have windows 10. Its amazing that I was going to a specialist who was injecting me as if it was tendonitis and my primary suspected it and sent me to my ortho. Sometimes specialists are not that special. If anyone happens to wonder about me, please share.
I have the surgery and came home at dinner time yesterday. I didn't have much pain because they gave me a nerve block. Around 10 PM last night I took a pain pill and went to sleep I woke up at 3:30 this morning in agony. The good news is the pain medicine does help the bad news is when it comes back the pain is ridiculous. I really hope the severe pain doesn't last that long I'm hoping it gets to a point where it's manageable without pain medicine. I don't even know how long severe pain would normally last for this kind of surgery or how long it would last while needing pain medicine does anyone have any ideas?

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