Saw ortho today…completely torn labrum, nasty bursitis and biceps tendonitis. Surgery in September, out of commission 12 weeks. Not the fall vacation I wanted.
Sorry to hear about that! You should seek a qualified DPT that works with your surgeon and understands his protocols and begin appropriate strengthening exercises pre-operatively to enhance the post surgical outcome. (I’m a doctor of physical therapy and do ortho/sports for my day job). Please pm me if I can help you in anyway. Good Luck! You will have a great outcome!
I had rotator cuff surgery in Dec. of 2011, about 3 weeks after the surgery I was able to drive my stick shift again. I wear suits at work, and the 1st day I drove myself to work (post surgery) I reached into my inside coat pocket to get my cell phone and my biceps tore completely free…from the point where the screws were inserted to reattach my rotator. Fast forward to May 2012, and I’m overcoming my complete lack of biceps, gained about 90% of my strength back into my shoulder and I’m working out regularly. I pinch a nerve in my neck on the same side. Apparently you compensate the mucsles around the weakened ones, and they caused the pinched nerve…I’m back up to about 60% now…my right arm completely attrophied due to the nerve damage.
Just telling you this to warn you to get as much insight and knowledge as possible before engaging in shoulder surgery. It is an intense procedure, takes time to rebound from, and there are lots of possible complications…get a great surgeon, and get the facts before you “pull the trigger”.
Good luck! I dislocated my shoulder in 2006 and the ortho doc found a detached labarum, arthritis, and bone spur in my clavicle. I’ve been extremely skeptical about getting cut open. My physical ability is what pays my mortgage and complications arent in the cards. While I have good days and bad days, I’m still functional, my range is just slightly limited.
PM inbound. I do have a couple questions.
They do ‘team’ rounding, so a PT always was in the room with her and her PA. I start biweekly PT the week after surgery I believe.
Sorry to hear about your experience. I agree regarding getting info and being slow to pull the trigger, and that is the route I have been running. My surgeon, also boarded in sports med, is one of the best shoulder docs in the country. A benefit of working where I do. BTW, the recovery plan I have to sign off on before she does the surgery is no driving for one month, no movement aside from PT for a month, then goal-directed movement/PT for the second month, light duty for the third month.
I hear you. When another doc saw my MRI he said “get it now, get it later, you are gonna get it (surgery).” I have some other shmutz in my shoulder that is complicating the issue.
Definitely pay attention to the post op instructions from your doc and your PT folks! PT can make or break your final results. I had major reconstruction (open not arthro incision) on mine in 2009, and spend 8wks in the full isolation sling & belly pillow, before another 4wks in just the sling. It was a PITA, but it worked. The sling time allowed the repairs to heal and solidify (3 bone anchors), and my PT folks were outstanding. I did my part, and surprised my doc by regaining 100% ROM and strength in the arm/shoulder.
Following the Dr’s instructions to the letter, and the physical therapy that follows is key. Somedays you are going to want to push it (don’t you are testing your luck), and some days you aren’t gonna want to do it all all (and then you have to push thru it). +1000 on trying to find a sports ortho (mine did all the Tennessee Titans) as they are trying to get you back to 100% vs. just settling for “it works”…
I followed pretty much all the Dr.'s directions and went to PT regularly…the only thing I did off the plan was due to having to appear on GhostHunters. The hotel I was running at the time was being featured, and since I was the reason GhostHunters were coming I had to be there. There are a few scenes where I actually chickenwing a handshake and where I wince picking up a hatch cover.
I will say the surgery sucked, the torn biceps was the single most painful moment in my life (and I have done my body some serious damage due to sports and living rough), and the pinched nerve was the 2nd most painful thing…and that pain lasted quite a while (as in months).
I had a torn labrum and almost completely torn bicep tendon that i had repaired last august. Post-surgery I couldn’t wipe my ass with my left hand for a couple of months. After PT, and getting back in the gym since November I’m up to an 8 rep set of 275 on the bench! When I first started back 135 was a struggle because of the weak shoulder/arm. All this to say…there’s is light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck!
Sorry to hear Chuck. Look at the bright side. It is still a vacation and afterwards you should feel better.
BTW - Taking NR tomorrow and Skills Testing Saturday.
Shoulder surgery in 2005. Physical therapy is key.
The “vacation” is me sitting around, not doing anything. Not too happy about it. I am hoping that toward the end of the second month we can really pack up and GO on vacation.
Let me know the testing goes.
Computer shut off at 74 questions. Took about 60 minutes. Found out this morning I passed. 
Dude, that’s awesome! Welcome to the club…
Thanks. Almost there. Skills Testing is Saturday.
I did it!
Passed all my skills. Now the wait for NR and TX to process my paperwork. Get well soon Chuck!
Surgery yesterday, things worse since my MRI in May, doc had to spend extra hour fixing more parts. Tens unit, arctic cooler, sling, narcs and phenergan. Nerve block wore off last night, pain not too bad unless I move about too much. PT starts Monday…thanks to those who PM’d helpful hints.
Will keep you in my prayers for an excellent recovery and outcome.
You will do great! Keep a positive attitude even though it feels like a mule has kicked you.
Go easy in this early phase. Seriously, go easy. Re tearing the repair is the most common problem 0-12 weeks post op. At 8 to 10 weeks, the next problem becomes the “stiff” shoulder. A paradox for sure…hey don’t move too much and risk damaging the repair But…move it enough to avoid a stiff shoulder aka capsular restriction.
Focus on passive ROM, especially in external rotation.
Keep your sling on as advised by your MD/PT.
Get a copy of the rehab protocol.
Do your home exercises faithfully.
Watch the wound for signs of infection, albeit unusual complication.
Follow your MD and PT team’s direction.
Don’t make any “big” decisions while on pain meds.
Best wishes my friend.