Rotator Cuff Surgery
 

August the 9th is my surgery date...My MRI shows I have 20% thickness tear...I have a excellent Orthopaedic Specialist, that specializes in Rotaor Cuff repair, so I'm very confident with him..His treatment at my first visit was a cortisone shot or 8 weeks Physical Therapy...I'm terrrified of needles...I can barely handle getting blood draw...thats how bad I fear them...so of course I went with PT...The PT has helped some but not enough.

I have been in so much pain, I'm eating pain killers like they are candy and the night time is the worst, so I'm getting very little sleep...when Dr. Sellards said we needed to do surgery, I agreed...Hell, I was almost to the point of getting the cortisone shot, if it meant no more pain and pain killers, I have been living with/on since April.

I would like to know if their is anyone here on YT, that has had the Rotator Cuff surgery...and if so....

Was it successful?

What was your outcome, did it give you atleast 80 to 100% use of your arm & shoulder back?..pain free?

How long was your recovery?

What was your pain level on a scale of 1-10 after surgery?

Last question..Do you think it was the best decision ever!?!? or do you now regret it?

I did some research on it, know a few people that had the surgery and ALL say it was the best decision they ever made...and have full use of their shoulder & arm.

I would love to hear your story and any advice you can give....Thank you so much.

Jennifer :)

I have not had the surgery but just wanted to wish you well and hope you have a speedy recovery.

Years ago I was almost in your position. I feel and broke the bone to the rotator cup and fortunately it was just shy of needing surgery. I had to use a splint for 6 weeks. The only advice that I can give is to do all the physical therapy they give you. I still do not have totally 100% usage but close...I thought I could get away with skipping a couple of exercises.

Years ago my MIL had it after living on pain killers for a long time. The recovery was painful but she made a full recovery and was glad she did it.

I have been very diligent with my home exercises 2x's a day and my PT appt. 2x a week...it helped some but not enough, my Doctor was hoping to see alot more progress.

Since they are usually done arthroscopically, I think the pain level is a 7 first day but with meds, quite manageable. The surgery is unusually successful in the patient's the doctor I work for operates on. Our patients are largely athletes and of course they all return to full to almost full degree of high level of functionality and do very, very well.
All of them say it is the best thing they have ever done.

I'm figuring it will be a painful recovery, but in the end if I have a pain free full recovery...I will be happy happy!!!

Thanks you!

Yes, the surgery will be done artroscopically...Yayyy!!! another success story...I'm feeling more and more confident in our decision...Thank you!:)


I was awoken from my sleep, when I think it happen...It was sooo painful I woke my DH up with my moaning, scared him to death he thought I was holding my heart...and I was holding my shoulder...he yells I'm calling 911..and I quickly let him know, it was my shoulder...felt like a pulled muscle but the pain was so much more intense, it was very very sore the next morning and just got worse from there.

Yes, RTC tears are sooo painful most people are sooo happy to get the surgery and get all that pain behind them. Plus, you can use your arm normally again!

Thank you so much, for the info and your encouragement.:)