February 14, 2013 Three Weeks Post Surgery: Ice is My Friend!
Today was three weeks since my surgery. One thing remains a fact, when I do too much, my shoulder will let me know it. I didn’t really have any significant pain between week two and three, until last night, and, it was kind of a surprise, and a little disappointing…but it is still normal. Especially, when I think that I am able to do more than I should. It bites me back every time. So, today, and tomorrow, I am staying completely down for some good healing.
I get paranoid that I’ve ripped a suture in the tendon or pulled the anchor out sometimes, even though I try to keep the arm in the sling and stay as idle as possible. But, I’ve been told, I would know for sure if that happened, so I stopped worrying about it.
Ice, ice, ice…is still my sidekick. Even after three weeks, it gives me some very good relief if my shoulder starts to act up. I tried some heat, but really, there is nothing like ice! Twenty minutes on, and twenty minutes off,for several hours, at least twice a day.
Staying idle, physically, can start to make me feel depressed, so I focus on the easy tasks that I do each day, and the positive side of being out of the office and living a relatively stress free existence, for now anyway. So, I try not to let my lack of physical activity bring down my good spirit. I can drive with one hand, but usually only short distances for a paper and coffee.
Next week I see the surgeon, and, I start Physical Therapy. I bet that first PT session will not be fun, so, I am not thinking about it.
More than anything, I have kept my schedule full by having breakfast or lunch with friends who either pick me up, or I have them over. Next week I plan on visiting some relatives I haven’t seen for a long time, and having lunch with my sister. As you can see, this does have it’s advantages!
It’ll be four months before I can lift any weights, and, the entire healing process will take six months. So, three weeks is good progress, but I keep my patience about me while I am healing. I wonder if that is why we are called patients?
Tags: Health, Recovery, Rotator cuff, Shoulder, Surgery
- 3 comments
- Posted under Health, Medicine
My Rotator Cuff 
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Bill
said
Your comments were very encouraging. Getting prepared mentally for my surgery which is in 10 days. It too is in my right arm
The tear is a small partial which is supposed to be hanging on by threads. Which, if those ripped it would become a large tear. I deliver mail for a living so I must be able to use the arm completely to work. When I couldn’t hide that’ll fact that I wasn’t a 100% the supervisor told me to bring a fit for duty letter from the doctor. My pain is tolerable. …normal issues arise when lifting or reaching out…or over doing exercises.
At this point the pain and immobility after surgery scare me. However, I’m hoping if I follow instructions carefully the real pain will begin to subside in two weeks. Thanks again for telling your experience.
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Pam Lewis
said
Not only did I read your entire blog prior to my surgery, but I continue to reread it as I recover. It is the best information out there for anyone going through rotator cuff surgery.
It was discouraging when it seemed my pain increased so much in the third week. While I understand each person’s injury, surgery and recovery is different, I just appreciate hearing that we may all expect some similar issues to arise. As you said, ice is really the most effective relief right now.
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JBIRD
said
I am due to have surgery in January – terrified but after reading this feel a lot more positive about it. I have decided to learn Spanish in my recovery time!