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 Elite Veteran
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Location: Kansas | I found out I have a full tear (supraspinatus tendon) and require surgery. Threw a saddle on my mare to ride and it was the final straw...tendon snapped. Not happy but just a stumbling block, in the big scheme of life. I have great friends who are helping to take care of horses and the place....so I just have to get thru surgery and heal. Any suggestions, thoughts or first hand knowledge of what works, helps.....appreciated. Frustrating that I just bought (and was connecting with) a phenomal mare I bought this past summer. I do have a great friend who will get her going again in the spring so she is ready come fall. Both my GP and surgeon think I am realistic to look at being ready to compete fall (October) of 2019. I will be doing my best at not overdoing anything rehab to derail my progress / healing. Surgeon does most of the local sports teams (college) and professional local teams. I have shown him pictures and video of past runs so he understands the level of competition I was at and wish to return. Usually when you tell a doctor "I ride horses" they assume you have a horse to pet and go ride your horse for an afternoon walk. I don't do that and hope I impressed upon him that I "compete"!! I want to go back to competeting at a professional level.....the mare I bought was to be my ticket back to the pro level. Thanks for reading and any information / suggestions are appreciated. |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 433
Location: The Lone Star State | So not exactly the same but I broke my collarbone and tore muscles in my shoulder on 9/21 I ran at the Revolution Finals race on 11/21 and 22. 8 weeks to the day. I was already working out 4x per week prior and in good shape and I think that had a LOT to do with my quick recovery. I did exactly as my DR told me and although not the perfect patient I did try to let my body heal. I started light recumbent bicycling at 6 weeks mainly because I couldnt stand it any longer. I got myself off pain meds other than Tylenol/advil as fast as I could. It still gets sore if I over do it but I am back almost 100%. My Dr told me he wouldnt recommend my race but I was determined and just told him he could "fix" me if i reinjured lol. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | Ticktock - 2018-11-26 2:27 PM So not exactly the same but I broke my collarbone and tore muscles in my shoulder on 9/21 I ran at the Revolution Finals race on 11/21 and 22. 8 weeks to the day. I was already working out 4x per week prior and in good shape and I think that had a LOT to do with my quick recovery. I did exactly as my DR told me and although not the perfect patient I did try to let my body heal. I started light recumbent bicycling at 6 weeks mainly because I couldnt stand it any longer. I got myself off pain meds other than Tylenol/advil as fast as I could. It still gets sore if I over do it but I am back almost 100%. My Dr told me he wouldnt recommend my race but I was determined and just told him he could "fix" me if i reinjured lol.
I also (in the past) broke a collar bone (two places). That was a six month ordeal as they did surgery. Now the proud owner of a flexible plate and nine screws. Hoping this tendon will be as successful a fix as my collar bone surgery. At least the collar bone was on the left and non-dominant side. I've been practicing already doing things left handed...signature isn't looking to promising, but everything else is better than expected.
Glad you are better and know to listen to your body on the pain. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | I had surgery on my shoulder in 2015. I had bone spurs and a partial tear of the rotator cuff. Surgery in July, rehab in August, September. I was starting to do many of my normal things after that. I would bet you will have a good 3 months of rehab to look forward to. Find a good physical therapist, the therapy is the key to getting your strength and range of motion back. |
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Location: Not Where I Want to Be | I'm certain that since you stressed the need for a pro level repair you will get a pro level repair.
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | 1DSoon - 2018-11-26 2:55 PM I'm certain that since you stressed the need for a pro level repair you will get a pro level repair.
I felt silly for showing a surgeon a barrel racing video. I just wanted to make sure he understood "my sport". |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | luvropin - 2018-11-26 2:52 PM I had surgery on my shoulder in 2015. I had bone spurs and a partial tear of the rotator cuff. Surgery in July, rehab in August, September. I was starting to do many of my normal things after that. I would bet you will have a good 3 months of rehab to look forward to. Find a good physical therapist, the therapy is the key to getting your strength and range of motion back.
Did they do your surgery arthroscopic? That is the plan for mine. I do already have a good PT doctor scheduled and lined up appointments (first three). Surgery 12/7 and PT scheduled for 12/10,12 & 14. First recheck with surgeon is scheduled for 12/19.
I have actually watched a video of the surgery they will be doing using anchor bolts to reattach the tendon to the humerus. Kind of cool. |
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 Hog Tie My Mojo
Posts: 4847
Location: Opelousas, LA | runnin hard - 2018-11-26 4:33 PM 1DSoon - 2018-11-26 2:55 PM I'm certain that since you stressed the need for a pro level repair you will get a pro level repair.
I felt silly for showing a surgeon a barrel racing video. I just wanted to make sure he understood "my sport".
Not silly at all. I have two rotator cuff tears and have been doing PT to try and put off surgery as long as I can. Doctors just don't understand equine activities, at all. I train racehorses and pony my own horses, until my doc saw a video of one of my tuff ones, he didn't really understand what I put my shoulder thru everyday. |
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Go Get Em!
Posts: 13503
Location: OH. IO | I have been putting this surgery off for quite a while now://I don't know why I'm so scared to have it done.I broke my back AND neck,and made it through three surgeries fine.
My doctor says I am gonna hate him for the first two months after surgery,and not like him much for at least six months.I have full tears,and a large cyst,and a bone spur among other things.He said my first priority should be a recliner to sleep in.Good luck on your surgery,let us know how it goes for you. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2258
| Well hope you heal. I had friends who had their shoulders done and they rope . They both were done in spring and by winter they started back to roping. I have injured both my shoulders but I can't go get checked out I am worried what they will say. Last year I couldn't pick up one arm at all . A recliner is my best friend been sleeping in one for 2 yrs now. Let them get you all healed up |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | jake16 - 2018-11-26 9:20 PM I have been putting this surgery off for quite a while now://I don't know why I'm so scared to have it done.I broke my back AND neck,and made it through three surgeries fine. My doctor says I am gonna hate him for the first two months after surgery,and not like him much for at least six months.I have full tears,and a large cyst,and a bone spur among other things.He said my first priority should be a recliner to sleep in.Good luck on your surgery,let us know how it goes for you.
My GP and PT docs both suggested a recliner for sleeping more comfortable. I'm dreading those first days / week. According to my paperwork they should be sending me home with a polar pack unit. I'm sure that will be a big help with swelling. |
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 I Prefer a Beard
Posts: 1944
| I had shoulder surgery in March of this year. One recommendation I have is if they offer you a nerve block take it. Shoulder surgery is very painful and with my nerve block I only took my pain pills at night to help me sleep for the first couple days cause the nerve block controlled the pain so well. |
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Veteran
Posts: 186
Location: Good ole SE Mo | caspersabelpip - 2018-11-27 7:49 AM
I had shoulder surgery in March of this year. One recommendation I have is if they offer you a nerve block take it. Shoulder surgery is very painful and with my nerve block I only took my pain pills at night to help me sleep for the first couple days cause the nerve block controlled the pain so well.
But be prepared for the nerve block not to work! My husband had knee surgery a few years ago and I talked him into the block. Well he woke up in the night screaming that his knee hurt and to just kick it to knock it loose. It took me a day or two to finally get back ahead of the pain. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | runnin hard - 2018-11-26 3:40 PM
luvropin - 2018-11-26 2:52 PM I had surgery on my shoulder in 2015. I had bone spurs and a partial tear of the rotator cuff. Surgery in July, rehab in August, September. I was starting to do many of my normal things after that. I would bet you will have a good 3 months of rehab to look forward to. Find a good physical therapist, the therapy is the key to getting your strength and range of motion back.
Did they do your surgery arthroscopic? That is the plan for mine. I do already have a good PT doctor scheduled and lined up appointments (first three). Surgery 12/7 and PT scheduled for 12/10,12 & 14. First recheck with surgeon is scheduled for 12/19.
I have actually watched a video of the surgery they will be doing using anchor bolts to reattach the tendon to the humerus. Kind of cool.
Yep, I have 3 little scars on my shoulder. The doctor told me he wouldn't know if he had to open me up until he got in there. I was REALLY glad when I found out they didn't have to do that. It would have lengthened the recovery time for sure. You will be glad you did this. The first nights sleep makes it totally worth it!
Edited to add, yes to the nerve block! I didn't need a pain pill for 2 days when I got home. Made it nice.
Edited by luvropin 2018-11-27 3:38 PM
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | luvropin - 2018-11-27 3:36 PM runnin hard - 2018-11-26 3:40 PM luvropin - 2018-11-26 2:52 PM I had surgery on my shoulder in 2015. I had bone spurs and a partial tear of the rotator cuff. Surgery in July, rehab in August, September. I was starting to do many of my normal things after that. I would bet you will have a good 3 months of rehab to look forward to. Find a good physical therapist, the therapy is the key to getting your strength and range of motion back. Did they do your surgery arthroscopic? That is the plan for mine. I do already have a good PT doctor scheduled and lined up appointments (first three). Surgery 12/7 and PT scheduled for 12/10,12 & 14. First recheck with surgeon is scheduled for 12/19.
I have actually watched a video of the surgery they will be doing using anchor bolts to reattach the tendon to the humerus. Kind of cool. Yep, I have 3 little scars on my shoulder. The doctor told me he wouldn't know if he had to open me up until he got in there. I was REALLY glad when I found out they didn't have to do that. It would have lengthened the recovery time for sure. You will be glad you did this. The first nights sleep makes it totally worth it! Edited to add, yes to the nerve block! I didn't need a pain pill for 2 days when I got home. Made it nice.
I'm going to hope and pray that mine will be as successful and orthoscopic too. I've been being really good this past couple weeks while waiting, for surgery. The mind is a wonderful thing, but can work against me too...waiting and worrying about the what if's. I know this will all be okay, in the long run. Just have to believe that. Just a stumbling block :-) |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | It really is worth it. I can't believe how much strength I lost. I waited too long to get it done...had pain but waited for it to completely go before I had the surgery. Good luck! |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | What were your first symptoms of rotator cuff injury? I have shoulder pain, but am keeping from going to the doctor as long as I can. |
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Queen Bean of Ponyland
Posts: 24953
Location: WYOMING | runnin hard - 2018-11-26 5:33 PM
1DSoon - 2018-11-26 2:55 PM I'm certain that since you stressed the need for a pro level repair you will get a pro level repair.
I felt silly for showing a surgeon a barrel racing video. I just wanted to make sure he understood "my sport".
LOL my arms been and still is broke since July. I EXPLAINED to my surgeon the need for a speedy recovery. His response to me was...
"Why is it the FIRST question that comes out of you horse peoples mouths.. when can I ride again... I fix A LOT of horse people and it never fails to get asked. Open your eyes after surgery and it spills out your mouths"... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | Hold your arm straight out in front of you and have someone push down on it while you resist. If you can't resist to a moderate amount of pressure you have issues. Also, a rotator cuff hurts mainly at night. Not sure why but that is the worst symptom in my opinion. You loose more strength than you realize. I kept wanting to go down a size in ropes...now after surgery I am back to my original size and reaching as far as ever. |
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 Reaching for the stars....
Posts: 12704
| geronabean - 2018-11-28 1:00 PM runnin hard - 2018-11-26 5:33 PM 1DSoon - 2018-11-26 2:55 PM I'm certain that since you stressed the need for a pro level repair you will get a pro level repair.
I felt silly for showing a surgeon a barrel racing video. I just wanted to make sure he understood "my sport". LOL my arms been and still is broke since July. I EXPLAINED to my surgeon the need for a speedy recovery. His response to me was... "Why is it the FIRST question that comes out of you horse peoples mouths.. when can I ride again... I fix A LOT of horse people and it never fails to get asked. Open your eyes after surgery and it spills out your mouths"...
I think it's for any kind of surgery for horse peeps - I had a lumbar hernia fixed and a gall bladder removed on the same day and my whole concern was when I could get back to working out and riding. Waited for surgery the week after my last show in late November 2 years ago and I was ready for the first show the following spring!
I won't let anyone check my shoulders yet. Or knees. I'll wait until the pain is as bad as the hernia before I decide to accept that my joints are now past middle age . . and might need some intervention to keep riding. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | mtcanchazer - 2018-11-28 11:37 AM What were your first symptoms of rotator cuff injury? I have shoulder pain, but am keeping from going to the doctor as long as I can.
I originally went to a physical therapist for what we thought was arthritis, in the shoulder. Went to a couple appointments, did stretches to loosen tight muscles around the shoulder area. Felt better for several weeks. Probably had a tear at that time. Over the next several weeks I loaded square bales, rode my horse and helped a friend vending at a show (loading and unloading racks of inventory clothing). When I threw a saddle on my mare I felt an incredible pain in my shoulder. Went back to PT and they looked at the shoulder via ultra sound. That showed lots of fluid around the humerus / shoulder joint and what looked to be a tear. We discussed and I went to my GP as I needed a reccomendation for an MRI. MRI showed the complete tear. I just thought I had arthritis and sore muscles.
LIke Luvropin said if you can't raise your arm (front or side) without pain / strength loss it would be worth checking out. If you have a partial tear there are other options before surgery. |
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Good Ole Boys just Fine with Me
Posts: 2869
Location: SE Missouri | My post surgery diagnosis was:
Torn subscapularis, torn supraspinatus, impingement syndrome, breakdown anterior roatator cuff interval and glenohuneral joint.
So two anchor screws, lots of debriment, decompression of something, and I was sent home with a nerve block and pain meds (and Valium). I didn’t have a recliner so i used lots of pillows and a down comforter which I set up prior to surgery lol. I had a polar pak also. I don’t remember much my first 14 days bc I was probably over medicated honestly and definitely made from some entertaining videos thanks to my hubby pushing my buttons to get good material, lol.
My procedure required three weeks of immobility in a sling before I could start PT. It was arthroscopic also by a top sports surgeon in STL. That was July 5th and did PT 3x’s a week for 6weeks (once released). I didn’t get on my mare til September and didn’t throw a saddle on until mid October and made my first run back in November. My PT (and a long time family friend) was AMAZING she used a machine that was like a supped up TINS unit that kept my discomfort to a minimum following sessions. I do not regret my decision at all. I was having trouble sleeping at night and could lift the back of my hand away from my lower back. It was not fun. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | abrooks - 2018-11-28 6:20 PM My post surgery diagnosis was: Torn subscapularis, torn supraspinatus, impingement syndrome, breakdown anterior roatator cuff interval and glenohuneral joint. So two anchor screws, lots of debriment, decompression of something, and I was sent home with a nerve block and pain meds (and Valium). I didn’t have a recliner so i used lots of pillows and a down comforter which I set up prior to surgery lol. I had a polar pak also. I don’t remember much my first 14 days bc I was probably over medicated honestly and definitely made from some entertaining videos thanks to my hubby pushing my buttons to get good material, lol. My procedure required three weeks of immobility in a sling before I could start PT. It was arthroscopic also by a top sports surgeon in STL. That was July 5th and did PT 3x’s a week for 6weeks (once released). I didn’t get on my mare til September and didn’t throw a saddle on until mid October and made my first run back in November. My PT (and a long time family friend) was AMAZING she used a machine that was like a supped up TINS unit that kept my discomfort to a minimum following sessions. I do not regret my decision at all. I was having trouble sleeping at night and could lift the back of my hand away from my lower back. It was not fun.
Wow...you really touched every area of the shoulder. Your recovery time gives me hope that my simple tear might not take as long as I believe.
I have been prepping as much is feasible....recliner, extra pillows / couch, sweat pants, slip on shoes and anything I can think of to make it easier. I'm sure I will find plenty to be frustrated. |
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Good Ole Boys just Fine with Me
Posts: 2869
Location: SE Missouri | In the moment it seems like time is dragging on and i definitey hit a depression spot but I think that was as much from the medicine as anything. I actually stopped most of the pain meds and Valium at 3weeks bc I was a zombie and couldn’t take it anymore. I would take a 1/2 or 1/4 pill if I we had a tough PT or I was going be out a lot. I wore my sling most of the way thru august (bc I had so many work meeting So a I wouldn’t chance someone bumping me).
Good luck! Hopefully yours is minimal! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | runnin hard - 2018-11-28 7:12 PM
abrooks - 2018-11-28 6:20 PM My post surgery diagnosis was: Torn subscapularis, torn supraspinatus, impingement syndrome, breakdown anterior roatator cuff interval and glenohuneral joint. So two anchor screws, lots of debriment, decompression of something, and I was sent home with a nerve block and pain meds (and Valium). I didn’t have a recliner so i used lots of pillows and a down comforter which I set up prior to surgery lol. I had a polar pak also. I don’t remember much my first 14 days bc I was probably over medicated honestly and definitely made from some entertaining videos thanks to my hubby pushing my buttons to get good material, lol. My procedure required three weeks of immobility in a sling before I could start PT. It was arthroscopic also by a top sports surgeon in STL. That was July 5th and did PT 3x’s a week for 6weeks (once released). I didn’t get on my mare til September and didn’t throw a saddle on until mid October and made my first run back in November. My PT (and a long time family friend) was AMAZING she used a machine that was like a supped up TINS unit that kept my discomfort to a minimum following sessions. I do not regret my decision at all. I was having trouble sleeping at night and could lift the back of my hand away from my lower back. It was not fun.
Wow...you really touched every area of the shoulder. Your recovery time gives me hope that my simple tear might not take as long as I believe.
I have been prepping as much is feasible....recliner, extra pillows / couch, sweat pants, slip on shoes and anything I can think of to make it easier. I'm sure I will find plenty to be frustrated.
Don't forget a robe (preferably a zip up) to wear home. That was a life saver for me since I did out patient surgery. Once I was awake and coherent they wanted me out of there. Zipping on a robe over all the bandaging was the easiest way to get home. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | Surgery update.... all went well. Able to have arthroscopic procedure. I am home, feeling great and pain meds are on board. No issues so far with pain or mobility (ha ha). |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | runnin hard - 2018-12-07 8:51 PM
Surgery update.... all went well. Able to have arthroscopic procedure. I am home, feeling great and pain meds are on board. No issues so far with pain or mobility (ha ha).
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| I had my left rotator cuff repaired in '09. I didn't compete for 6 months, but began riding sooner. I don't throw saddles on horses anymore. I get on a mounting block and set the saddle down on the horse's back. If I had it to do over again, I'd get a shoulder replacement. Don't allow yourself to lift to heights over your shoulders or you'll rip it out again. |
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 Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | Think this is what I am headed for.....just had my MRI today.........not looking forward to this but tired of the pain.... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | CJE - 2018-12-10 9:07 AM
Think this is what I am headed for.....just had my MRI today.........not looking forward to this but tired of the pain....
I promise you will be glad you did it and wonder why it took you so long. I sure did. Wish I would have taken care of it sooner ... I can't get those wasted years back. |
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Famous for Not Complaining
Posts: 8848
Location: Broxton, Ga | luvropin - 2018-12-09 11:54 AM
CJE - 2018-12-10 9:07 AM
Think this is what I am headed for.....just had my MRI today.........not looking forward to this but tired of the pain....
I promise you will be glad you did it and wonder why it took you so long. I sure did. Wish I would have taken care of it sooner ... I can't get those wasted years back.
Looking back I think my pain began late summer and I had it injected right before NBHA World show (October) ...I felt GREAT!!! Didn't last.......but only a couple of weeks.....the pain wakes me up and I hardly have any range of movement....I am just ready to get over it....! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | CJE - 2018-12-10 10:04 AM
luvropin - 2018-12-09 11:54 AM
CJE - 2018-12-10 9:07 AM
Think this is what I am headed for.....just had my MRI today.........not looking forward to this but tired of the pain....
I promise you will be glad you did it and wonder why it took you so long. I sure did. Wish I would have taken care of it sooner ... I can't get those wasted years back.
Looking back I think my pain began late summer and I had it injected right before NBHA World show (October ) ...I felt GREAT!!! Didn't last.......but only a couple of weeks.....the pain wakes me up and I hardly have any range of movement....I am just ready to get over it....!
I waited 2 years...stupid. Glad you are more proactive than I was! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | I can now say... don’t wait. I was able to have arthroscopic and surgery went great! I argued / stood my ground day of surgery as I was supposed to have a polar pac according to surgeons information sheet. Found out the facility didn’t offer those only gel packs. As I said I stood my ground and surgeon ordered one. Best thing I did for healing. Today was first PT appointment and ouch only three days following surgery. I know it will get better as I’m willing to do the work. Without surgery my riding days would be done. I’m looking at 7 months realistically to be horseback. It’s tough but will be worth it in the long run. |
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My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Y'all are making me rethink the "put it off" attitude I have about my shoulder pain. After 32 years of crutches, I hurt all the time. . . . |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 889
Location: Kansas | For those on the fence that are putting off this surgery.....don't put it off!!
I am five days post surgery and two PT appointments. Yesterday I had one dose of pain meds and today none (2 tylenol only). PT isn't a bunch of roses but im not finding it over the top painful either. I plan on going to watch a local series finals and cheer on everyone this weekend.
If you need it do it and get back on the wagon of "full enjoyment living"!! The longer the wait the harder the repair.
Edited by runnin hard 2018-12-12 5:09 PM
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Torn rotator how much time off