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My Rotator Cuff

“Sharing my recovery”

Category Archives: Health

January 22, 2013 My Life on Hold

By tomorrow at this time my arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery will be done. And, I will finally know exactly what has been hounding me for the last four years. I do not think that there is a drop of cortisone left in the problem shoulder, because, my range of motion – without pain – is about 30%. My surgery is scheduled for 7AM EST. I was thinking about webcamming my recovery. But, my Macbook is in for some repair (not a better time for this than now). I doubt if I will be able to type for ?

It feels strange to be putting my life, and all of my responsibilities on hold, at least till I am up and about. Hopefully in a about a week – if things go as planned – when I start PT. But, I have prepared by taking care of all my stuff, as well as preparing for life without the use of a right arm for awhile. I installed an extendable  shower head that I suppose I can take into retirement with me 🙂 I have a bed wedge to keep my shoulder higher than the rest of me. And, I bought a cool, cool therapy system that refreshes the coldness on my shoulder every half hour. Of course, I will depend upon my care taker, my wife, too.

So until I write again my friends, to share my experience……peace out!  Tom

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January 21, 2013 My Upcoming Rotator Cuff Surgery

My Rotator CuffIn two days I will be having arthroscopic shoulder surgery performed on my right shoulder. For the past four years I have relied on cortisone shots, about three to four a year to keep my pain level under control. My biggest excuse for ignoring the surgery has been my work commitments. But, this is the year that I said that I will get it done. My pain can be both achy and sharp. The sharp pain occurs if I raise my arm to quickly or reach behind my back. The ache is pretty constant, but increases if I do move my right arm out of its safe range. Physical therapy did not help. I probably could have been more enthusiastic about it, but I did not see any improvement.

The extent of the surgery will range from a subacromial decompression to the possible repair of a tear at the rotator cuff. If it’s a tear, it could be minimally frayed at the tendon, or at most a splitting tendon at the site of my pain. Depending upon the severity of the tear, if one is visible, it could require that the surgeon will use an  anchor to repair the damage. Once I am given anesthesia the surgeon will go in to look at the rotator cuff to see exactly what is happening, then he will determine what is needed. I will get a nerve block the day of the surgery in my right superscapular to keep the pain away

I am prepared. I have ordered a cryo cuff, a type of cold therapy. Additionally, I plan on sleeping in a recliner to keep my shoulder elevated for the first week. I have been told to stay on top of the pain medicine – not thrilled about – ahead of time until the trauma of the surgery dies down in 3-5 days, hopefully not longer. Moreover, My arm will need to be immobilized until the Doctor says that I am ready for physical therapy. I have read that the pain does calm down until physical therapy can be started and it can be quite painful as well, and may require the need for pain medication. I have a great support group and great friends to support me.

To conclude, the road ahead will be bumpy, but I will especially try to maintain a good spirit throughout. I have a great support group of friends and family. I will try to post webcam updates of my progress. I want to thank Anna Hennings for making such helpful videos and sharing her rotator cuff surgery experience! While the extent of my surgery may be different then her’s, these videos were awesome and full of great suggestions. Perhaps we can compare the experience.

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