Question about shoulder surgery

[USC Gamecock]

I'm getting ready to have arthroscopic surgery performed on my shoulder this week and I would like some input as to what I can expext (recovery time, pain, etc.). It's scheduled to be a right shoulder arthroscopy and possible bursectomy. I've been diagnosed with a partially torn rotator cuff and a possibe torn labrium. I've been symptomatic for about 14 months and have exhausted all conservative options. I'm not really that thrilled about having the surgery, but I just don't see going through life with daily shoulder pain.

I would appreciate any comments or thoughts about what I might be in for. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

 

[wondo]

I'm not medical expert but from personal and other anecdotal experience, a lot of the recovery seems to do with the number of times you've had to have cortisone shots and similar remedies. Sometimes the cortisone seems to have a chance to crystalize which might add a bit of complication to the surgery. But the doctor can tell you about those risks beforehand. Sometimes getting really strong through steroids or just lifting can help the recovery time, but also could really cause issues if the area is too f-ed up to lift. I have heard nothing good about the 'body board' thing that you have to oscillate up and down during some recovery sessions -- but supposedly that has some good reviews too, so who the hell knows.

But anyway, I'm a jackass because the arthroscopic surgery should be really easy to recover from.... maybe it'll feel like you pitched nine inninings, but I can't imagine it really causing many issues.

I don't know how old you are, but I would consider the opportunity to throw BP to my son in pain versus not being in pain but never being able to throw again.......But if possible, prehabilitation is huge in most any surgery.

Good luck!

 

[SixFive]

U shouldn't have any problems. Make sure u keep up with your physical therapy afterwards and subsequent home exercise program. Now, some surgeons aren't too big into therapy. If your surgeon is one of these, I suggest that u be aggressive and tell him u want therapy. Hopefully, he will order it and that won't be an issue.

 

[Jhpga]

I should be an expert on this topic...Ive had 3 surgeries on my right shoulder.But these were done in the mid 80's......keep that in mind.......first was a simple otrhoscopic.SP...where they put a staple in to hold the joint together...rehab was not bad..maybe 3or 4weeks.....really not too painful if I remember correctly....second was a removal of staple cause it was replaced...same rehab.but the third was a major reconstruction of the whole shoulder joint.....the ball that goes into your socket..ripped out and tore my ligaments and muscle tissue....it was but back together by 2 stainless screws that were drilled into the bone......and it was sooooo sore for weeks.then came rehab.....oh my GOD......6weeks of pain....started with 1lbs weights doing all kind of stretching and lifting and work my way back up to full strength.......today..I can still throw football...baseball..play golf...anything...but it still hurts in the winter cause of the damn screws......now they have amino acid screws that dissolve in your body after several weeks......if your surgery is not complete reconstruction...you will be fine...of course you will be sore for weeks but the rehab wont be too bad...you will be better than ever in 6months..but you got to work at it....and expect some pain...some of the hard things will be combing your hair ..brushing your teeth...or anything you have to lift your arm above your shoulder for the first few weeks.......but definetly get the surgery done.........good luck!!!Ive been there before

 

[theGibber1]

ive had two..

one when i was 13 (making me the youngest rotator cuff surgery patient in the state...)

the second when i was 22...

my god they have come along way.. you should have zero problems.. you will be sore for a week but nothing you cant handle.. be strict with yourself and stick with the therapy bands..

you should be right as rain in a month or two..

GL

 

[Blitz]

I'm not a Doctor, but I do play one on TV...

 

[Morris]

My son had his rotator cuff done several years ago, opened him up like a side of beef. Couldn't believe it when he was home the next day. His Doc was the Ortho guy for the Winter Olympics at the time. Recovery was 4-6 weeks then rehab. The younger you are the faster you recover. Good Luck!!!

Bob

 

[Goose]

I had surgery on my right shoulder as well. My was done about a year and a half ago....

The original diagnosis was a torn labrum and frayed bicep tendon. My problem was that my shoulder was falling out of socket with way too much regularity (I guess ONE time is too much!! ). Anyway, they tried going the arthroscpoic route, but found too much damage to avoid going in with the ol' knife. To make a long story short, it turned into 4 hours of surgery, 6 weeks in a sling, and a whole bucketload of therapy after. Sleeping was difficult for the first week, but progressively easier after that... I agree with the other guys though..do not skimp on therapy. It is extremely important to regain your strength and your range of motion. Don't mean to scare you, but I think my situation was a little more extreme.

On the other hand, I just had a friend have the shoulder scoped for a minor tuneup on the labrum. Diagnosis had about 2-3 weeks in a sling, and therapy after. SOME pain, but nothing intolerable thanks to a little Percocet...

I don't know your age, but at 32 I couldn't think of living the rest of my life that way, especially when I had trouble playing catch or playing with my son. I would go for it....it'll be a pain for a few weeks, but WELL worth it in the long run....

 

[USC Gamecock]

Thanks for the replies guys. I REALLY appreciate the input.

I think the thing that makes me the most nervous is getting put under and intubated. I've never had general anesthesia before, so I'm a little nervous. I hate to sound like such a wuss, but it's just fear of the unknown. The only surgery I've ever had was at age 15 on my wrist, and it was done with a regional block.

The surgery is set for this Friday morning at 8:30, and the doctor that is doing it was actually an orthopedic intern for the LA Lakers a while back. I figure if he's good enough for Shaq & Kobe, he's good enough for me.

Well, I hope to let you guys know how everything goes soon. I don't suppose I'll be able to type for a few days, and unfortunately, the surgery is being done on my dominant arm. I'll check back in when I can.

Once again, I really appreciate the input.

PS- I'm 33.

 

[SixFive]

Gamecock, I can speak a little about the general anesthesia. I don't think you'll have a bit of problem since u are young. The drugs are pretty good now, and people are generally not so sick in recovery. When u wake up the first time, get a pain shot right away, then switch to pain pills the next day. I made the mistake my last surgery that I was going to be "tough" and not take any pain shots Well, that was stupid! So, after u wake up, kiss your wife/mom/girlfriend, then take a pain shot and sleep all night. You'll hurt plenty during therapy, no need to hurt right after your surgery.

Not to sound gross, but here's something else I suggest. Give yourself a glycerine or dulcolax suppository the night before your surgery. There's nothing worse than being constipated, especially when you're incapacitated. Those anesthesia drugs and pain meds are horrible about that. If u get cleaned out good the night before u go in, u won't have to worry about that for a few days. When they want u to pee after surgery, stand up and do it or walk to the bathroom and go. Don't use the urinal in the bed or u might not be able to go. Last thing u want is a catheter! Also, remember this, u ALWAYS have the right to refuse. Question every medicine they give u, and if u don't know what it is, ask what it is for. If the nurse doesn't know, make her go find out.

 

[USC Gamecock]

SixFive,

Thanks for the support and for the advice. I really appreciate it. I never would have thought such a minor surgery could cause me such anxiety. :scared

 

[TheShrimp]

I went under for knee surgery (acl and lat. menis.).

One of the first things I remember waking up was them removing my catheter.

Well, about 8 hours and no pee later, I thought I would burst and I actually asked a nurse to PUT A CATHETER IN. She did so and removed 800ccs of wee from me.

I was trying to go piss next to the bed and in bed. Eventually I had the catheter removed, went to the toilet, and had to sit down, and run water and concentrate.

also, i didn't poo for like 4 days. i was on Oxycodone. it stops you up.

also, don't abuse your oxycodone or percocet or whatever. I took the max dose I could take and after a few days, I started having crazy messed up dreams with bugs coming after me in them and shit. naked lunch stuff. Like dreams where you don't want to go back to sleep ever.

any surgery where they put you down is no bed of roses, no matter how minor.

and i got a urinary tract infection from all the catheterization.

and, i'm a fairly healthy young man.

and, I would go through it all again before I'd go through all the shit with my insurance company. they sent bills for EVERYTHING including stuff I didn't have to pay for. they would delay paying until we got letters from bill collectors. they gave us the run around on aspect of pre-op, op, post-op and PT. THAT was the real nightmare. I bet my wife and I have spent 25 hours on the phone with ins. companies and hospitals over the past year.

 

[USC Gamecock]

Well, the time is just about here. Gotta be at the hospital at 6:30 in the morning. Thanks again for everyone's input.