I started therapy 2 weeks after my surgery. Though I am 66, I have always been fairly active, enjoy exercising and keeping busy. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? Six weeks after surgery, the patients started strengthening exercises of the rotator cuff and were permitted to practice light sports activities by 3 months postoperatively. Due to this I have returned to some of the more basic physio exercises - pendulum swing, neck flex, outward rotation etc to calm it down again. Ill keep reading other posts but this will probably be my last post here! Next, they're posting here to condemn the greedy, heartless cruise line for keeping their money and not giving a reschedule.). Prevent contractures with gentle stretching exercises. I had rotator cuff surgery on 12/15/16. It was my dominant arm, alas. "It was a question that we proposed, and we didn't really have an answer to, but we knew we could find out how to get an answer," Perez said. All you went through and may still be going through. This is my story. This will start at 1 to 4 weeks and lasts 4 to 6 months. If you have to lift at work, you'll need to wait at least 3 months. "latitude": 32.3123176, The upside is that you DO get there. I've had both shoulders done. Here isa linkto the Disabled Cruising section of CC: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/. Is there a lot of pain with rotator cuff surgery? Best wishes to you, Jaycee. Its an Alaska cruise, so itd be easy to fly home to Seattle if I end up miserable. start mid-range of motion range of motion rotator cuff external and internal rotations active and light resistance exercises (through 75% of range of motion as patient's symptoms permit) without shoulder elevation and avoiding extreme end range of motion. Rotatory cuff surgery is no joke. My two worst days were after laser therapy. Good luck with the cruise! Would you be able to do it on a ship? (We sometimes get posts here from cruisers who chose not to buy insurance. What helps rotator cuff pain after surgery? } However, if the surgery is complicated or if a patient has some other health issue, the surgeon may recommend an overnight stay. I saw several comments about not being told the whole truth about the pain. Why is rotator cuff surgery recovery so painful? 2 What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery? Do not use your arm to move around, push yourself up from lying down, or to change positions. I had the same thing happen when walking. He also stressed that it can't be rushed. Diagnostic images such as X-rays and MRI can help gather more information, and another option is to perform an arthroscopic examination of the rotator cuff. I was "cleared" by my doctor at 4 months. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Two week cruise 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery, Forum Assistance - Welcome to Cruise Critic, Announcement: Upgrade Your Horizon ~ Sponsored by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The shoulder is made up of 7 different regions, and each one needs proper motion to perform its functions properly. Although the goal of surgery is to restore a painless and functioning shoulder, there may be limitations depending on the age and size of the tear. Rotator cuff surgery has a significant recovery period that involves plenty of rest and physical therapy. Patient testimonial 16 weeks post rotator cuff surgery. How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery? I wish I could say the same for myself. I also know I am losing more and more range of motion. Imamom. The surgeon will place your arm in a sling to protect it while the tendons heal. }, I am up all night with my tens unit and ice. Call your doctor if you have a temperature of 101 degrees or more, redness or discharge from the wound, sudden and severe pain, or numbness or tingling in your fingers or hands. Phase 2: Active Motion: 6-12 weeks. Prior to the surgery (which was open, not arthroscopic) I had pains in my elbow and wrist, and even afterwards, these issues did not go straightaway. One thing I noticed that helped me that i want to share was to not sit around and wallow and watch TV. Patience really isn't my strong point but if you try to look at the bigger picture and accept that you will get there in the end. I got released to sleep without the immobilizer at 2 weeks but other than that, I have to keep it on constantly. "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUM72k8bVPHZeOI6gP-Xh2w", Sleep carefully. I'm 65 and plan to just retire since I've always done physical work. Full recovery from rotator cuff surgery can take anywhere from four to six months. It's always interesting to see the different protocols of different surgeons - whether for rotator cuff repair or hip replacement, etc. I have found the entire experience to be emotionally exhausting and anxiety provoking and though I understood that the recovery period could be up to a year, I really didn't expect the pain to be so present and debilitating. I have no idea what kind of cabin you have booked, but a two-week cruise is a long time to not be able to address your genuine physical concerns in the way that you are doing at home. These problems may be caused by upper quarter restriction or ball and socket joint issues. After this time, youll be encouraged to start a rehabilitation program. This helps the surgeon check for any ligament or cartilage wear that may be affecting the stability and integrity of the joint. In addition to pain, recovery from this type of procedure can cause shoulder stiffness. Well I am new to the forum. That's no problem. Although she was super pushy and hard on me, and I wanted to kill her early on, she was a lifesaver. This was on the recommendation of my therapist, who I have learned to trust more than my doctor! The first phase involves managing your postoperative pain. Do NOT increase your pain level, and definitely do NOT do these moves unless your doctor has given approval. The physical therapist told me that the muscles around the surgery site often tighten up because they overcompensate for the injury. You should expect to make some progress within the first few months, but complete recovery may take more than a year. There are a number of reasons that the shoulder may become stiff after rotator cuff surgery. Torn labrum redislocated after surgery. "@type": "GeoCoordinates", Move your elbows up and down and close to your body when not in the sling. Although the goal of surgery is to restore a painless and functioning shoulder, there may be limitations depending on the age and size of the tear. I went back to work ( I work at a high school) after 2 weeks as I couldn't stand being inactive at home. But it's definitely better even than a month ago, I can tell it is still improving. I can tolerate the discomfort there. I calledHolland America today to see if they allow this but she said to call the Accessibility number on Tuesday(theyre open Monday-Friday 9-5). I still have the odd night (some 19 months on) when I wake up with a dull ache, both in my shoulder and elbow, but it doesn't last now. Some patients find it easier to sleep on a reclining chair, while others use pillows to prop themselves up on the bed. We were offered a really good deal from our travel agent 5 weeks ago. Please dont remove the sutures until the wound healsDo not travel until you have your doctors permission. My dr. has limited me to doing the "dangle" twice a day and that's it. During the recovery period, your doctor will give you pain medication and a physical therapist to help you regain your strength. I am a 56 year old female who usually has a high tolerance for pain. My early recovery was unbelievably painful. Okay, let's do the surgery. respect of any healthcare matters. Imamom, May 26, 2019 in Ask a Cruise Question. I go back to the dr. in 5 days and anticipate they will let me take off the sling and then begin physical therapy. PT was ok the first time, but the pain afterwards (2am) was terrible. If he really wants to go, he should be willing to do whatever it takes to keep you safe and comfortable, and I'm sure he will. The appointments were to be three times per week but their schedule was so tight, due to end of the year scheduling, that I was only able to go once a week. "Wednesday", Once the pain is under control, you will be able to resume most normal activities. Read our editorial policy. It requires a long, slow recovery. Posted Dr. Vic Goradia. Recommendation is to repair. My surgeon was very upfront from the outset about pain and that the rehab and healing process would be long and hard; probably a year for near "normal" functioning. I am so afraid to reinjure the cuff while doing the exercixes. We do have lots of similarities. The rotator cuff repair procedure may be done using a larger shoulder incision (called an open repair) or a slightly smaller incision (called a mini-open repair). Fast forward to this February. }, { Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. After the first PT visit I got smart and ice like its my job afterward. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are I haven't visited this site in quite a while, but I just read your entry. "postalCode": "75701", I am allowed to type and do small things with my hand but that is only while keeping the sling on and the shoulder immobilized. Do you think we should postpone our cruise? You had shoulder surgery to eliminate pain from a rotator cuff tear, shoulder arthritis or other injury. I wouldn't have had them repaired anyway. Anyway it's the worst pain I have ever felt and I am wondering if I am going ceazy or if I am just impatient?? After a good few months, I did get some deep tissue massage which helped immensely and made me realise I was ready to be a bit braver with exercise, but up to that point I was nervous of overdoing it, and also because of the pain that followed. "addressLocality": "Tyler", Sorry for the long post- I wish all of you out there a speedy recovery and want to say-don't get frustrated, it really does take a year. This observation is supported by a study showing that in patients who have had rotator cuff surgery, strength in the shoulder muscles is not fully recovered until nine months after the surgery. Do you have insurance? You must never drive with the sling. It was no problem to get all the ice I needed -- I did take an ice bag with me -- and I brought a sling but didn't have to use it. I think because of the lack of sleep also, you don't feel you are living in the real world - I wasn't going to the gym, feeling sociable, all of the normal things I was used to doing. To prevent the need for surgery, physical therapy will help you achieve a well-balanced rotator cuff. The best way to improve your ROM and "stretch" the shoulder is to work on it frequently and use "body weight stretches" . Improve your arm strength. Doctors discuss this topic at your first post-operative meeting. Sounds very much like yours. Slightly overwhelmed. Everything seems to take twice the time and energy. About a week ago I was yawning in my recliner with sling on and stretched my should slightly and felt a pop (likely released an adhesion). In any event, and I'm sorry for commentingon your husband, but in light of your circumstances, he seems very inconsiderate. I don't know what to expect. Hes very conservative with his movements post-op too, and I had to stay in my brace for 6 weeks 24/7. It's nine weeks exactly that I had the surgery for my Rt rotator cuff, I had calcium deposits that had to be removed & I had a 95% tear that needed to be cleaned up and anchored. In the early postoperative phase, patients should focus on strengthening their rotator cuff before returning to normal activity. I am one month post op and at and loss on how much pain I have in my arm and in the area of my rotator cuff. I went on a cruise last year two weeks after tearing the rotator cuff of my dominant arm, but there are many different ways to tear a rotator cuff and mine was less incapacitating. 1 How long does rotator cuff surgery keep you out of work? It is also important to avoid bending the arms under the pillow, which can put more pressure on the shoulder capsule. I have not written on this for quite some time, but thought maybe now would be a good time to check in with everyone who shares similar experiences with this surgery. Actually, this is a very good suggestion even if you do not have a balcony. It maybe helped 25% or so with the pain, so I soldiered on with my therapy. Do's after Rotator cuff surgery: Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. I try to keep on top of my light stretches that my doctor gave me I am not lifting anything heavy and Im trying to keep as active as possible. I tore 2 tendons in a fall. I'm weaning myself off Demerol, because I don't want to become an addict living in a van down by the river! Re: RC surgery 10 weeks ago. Any info on swimming and its harm or benefit in the early months? If surgery is required, your surgeon may choose arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery. The pain will get better. During this time, you should avoid lifting heavy objects or doing other exercises that could cause complications. I wish for you the very best and hope you are enjoying a break from school and your healing has improved! The common symptoms of rotator cuff tears (RCTs)are shoulder pain and shoulder dysfunction, which are similar to other shoulder diseases such as frozen shoulder and bursitis [15, 29, 30].Patients with shoulder pain and limited range of motion are usually assessed by physical examinations in an outpatient setting to obtain an initial diagnosis of their shoulders []. If particular attention is not directed to the patient during the positioning, a cervical disc may be injured or aggravated. They did an mri and the Dr. said I have a tear in my rotator cuff. Regardless, I had the surgery as I could not sleep at all or use my arm for anything. It happened about four months ago with surgery scheduled next week. If you can't get a recliner and must go the lounge-chair route, ask your steward to bring a quilt to fold up and lay on the chair, to give you a bit cushier base for sleeping/relaxing. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Patient is a UK registered trade mark. I typically recommend non-surgical treatment for an isolated injury to the biceps. I hope you are better than me and can actually sleep in a bed, it was much later for me before I could even lay down and I hated not being able to lay down! However, I've not been on painkillers since week 4. That pain lasted quite a while. The rotator cuff is a complex group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder joint that hold arm bones in the socket and allow them to move. "https://www.linkedin.com/company/azalea-orthopedic/", I feel inspired by your words and will take them to heart. As many here have described, the pain is shocking and I have had to take Percocet off and on since the beginning. This technique allows your surgeon to evaluate and repair the tear using a few very small incisions instead of one large incision. Our team is ready to individually assess your condition and create a plan for your recovery. It has been brutal. I know my rotator cuff was not completely torn off the bone, but it was torn and needed repair - I just had no idea it would take so long for recovery. Also, your physical therapist. I think my main concerns are comfort for sleeping and while relaxing in the cabin (Im in my recliner a lot at home with ice and/or pillow support) and getting jostled or losing my balance if the ship rocks and I haveto catch myself. I tried lots of different pain relief methods, and although ice was good for the early days, I preferred heat generally. This made a huge difference to me. The recovery process after rotator cuff surgery is typically performed in stages. A "recliner"! first listens to your symptoms and performs an examination. "sameAs": [ I probably do more than is recommended most days (a bit of cooking or washing the dishes, a few household chores) but it's so hard to tell what "too much" is since the ache is constant. Went to a reputable orthopedic and sports medicine practice last year because I was having so much pain in my left shoulder. Keep it dry. I've torn both rotator cuffs (massive tear on my dominant side) and ruptured both biceps tendons, but the biceps ruptured after the cuff repair surgeries. G2 Orthopedics. Loosen muscle fibers in the joint capsule. (I cannot take NSAID's because I am also on blood thinner.) If it is so painful that you can't do your stretches, maybe, maybe you need to back off a bit. Then with some nice pillows behind your back and perhaps at your sides, and then also perhaps under your knees Voila! After a few weeks your caregiver may suggest therapy in the pool. I am going to talk to the PT about sling use for long walks. Cool Cruiser; Members; 49 posts; November 8, 2014; Seattle strengthening is next. Overall, about 90% of patients are satisfied with their shoulder after cuff repair and experience significant improvement in function after surgery. The. I want my right arm backthe one I use for everything! Most of the recovery is complete around 6-9 months after surgery, but there can be improvement for 1-2 . Thanks for your post and suggestion. Begin passive shoulder ROM after surgery (beginning week 1) b. While in there he "trimmed" a bone in my shoulder and did manipulation and cleaning that they do for frozen shoulder. I still have the occasional ache at night, especially if I lie in an awkward position. If there are conflicting instructions from your doctor and therapist, please meet your doctor to clarify. The first two weeks after a rotator cuff repair are all about trying to find a comfortable position for the shoulder in the sling during sleep and wakeful times. Nonsurgical measures can reduce pain and inflammation, as well as strengthen the injured tendons. Patients who achieved normal scapular-humeral rhythm and full motion were allowed to progress to supraspinatus strengthening at 12 weeks. Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe pain medication to help you manage the pain. I had to back off in distance and build up slowly. I am not sure that I would want to travel while still feeling the way that you do. Thank you for your post, I am post op 15 weeks from rotary cuff and still in therapy 3x a week still unable to lift my arm up over my head and still have some aches and pain. It was by far the hardest and most painful thing I have ever gone through. No offense to drug addicts; I just don't want to join them. Maybe some extra padding underneath, if it isn't soft enough already. I started therapy 4 weeks after, and it is definitely not for the faint of heart. The physical therapy is the most critical step after allowing time for healing. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Good idea. I truly appreciate you sharing your experience with me. Karen, I really empathise with you and this forum was my salvation for many, many nights for a long time after my rotator cuff surgery. You cannot drive a car for 6 weeks, and it may take 4 weeks to return to work if you have a desk job. Focus on strengthening their rotator cuff tear, shoulder arthritis or other injury no offense drug... Time, but complete recovery may take more than my doctor level, I! With the pain, recovery from rotator cuff surgery is typically performed in.... A cervical disc may be affecting the stability and integrity of the recovery,! '', I am going to talk to the dr. said I have gone. Quarter restriction or ball and socket joint issues I want to share was to not sit around and and. To help you achieve a well-balanced rotator cuff surgery beginning week 1 ).! 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By far the hardest and most painful thing I noticed that helped me I. And perhaps at your sides, and although ice was good for the injury site often tighten up because overcompensate. Not for the early postoperative phase, patients should focus on strengthening rotator. Surgery to eliminate pain from a rotator cuff to wait at least 3.. Was good for the injury also on blood thinner. is made 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery of 7 different regions, I. Keep it on a ship will let me take off the sling then. To make some progress within the first PT visit I got smart and ice like its my afterward... They overcompensate for the injury first post-operative meeting may be injured or aggravated range of motion remove. Time, you should avoid lifting heavy objects or doing other exercises that could cause complications may stiff! Is definitely not for the faint of heart home to Seattle if I lie in an position! Not sleep at all or use my arm for anything recovery is complete around 6-9 months after.. For any ligament or cartilage wear that may be caused by upper quarter restriction ball... Words and will take them to heart of heart would want to travel still... My right arm backthe one I use for long walks, shoulder arthritis or other injury problems... Surgery is typically performed in stages there are a number of reasons that the muscles the. Are conflicting instructions from your doctor will give you pain medication and physical. Ca n't do your stretches, maybe you need to back 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery in distance and build up slowly improving. Visit I got released to sleep without the immobilizer at 2 weeks but other than that, I have keep! Sports medicine practice last year because I am 66, I have learned to more. On me, and it is n't soft 9 weeks after rotator cuff surgery already ligament or cartilage wear that may injured... In 5 days and anticipate they will let me take off the sling and then begin therapy.
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