Upcoming shoulder surgery

[spanky]

I go in for arthroscopic shoulder surgery a week from today. Getting a rotator cuff and labrum repair. I'm really looking forward to the rehab :cussing:

Anyone else been through this before? Any advice?

[Mtn Man]

Use the Iceman!!!! :D

B)

[GFP]

I had arthroscopic shoulder surgery about a year ago to repair torn ligaments from an anterior dislocation. If I were to undergo the same surgery today, this is what I would do different:

1) Keep up on the drugs in the immediate aftermath of the surgery. This time period was painful. I was prescribed oxycotin (very strong drug) and percocet. I thought I would step down my dosage ahead of the prescribed timetable, but in retrospect I realize that I shouldn't have been in as much pain as I was. I should have allowed myself to continue on the drugs a bit longer to avoid the considerable pain.

2) Be more committed to PT. During PT, and especially after it was over, I should have stretched and continued my elastic band exercises at home with greater regularity. I make sure to exercise my shoulder at regular intervals at the gym, but I think I would be in better shape today, flexibility-wise, if I had stretched on a continuous basis outside of formal PT sessions.

[biggins]

bump

I go in for the same procedure May 18th.

Any more tales of recovery from such surgery?

Steven S. Dallas? Care to recollect in prose?

[Will]

In September 2003 I was bouldering in Central Park and while mantling I dislocated my shoulder. A visit to the doc told me I had torn my labrum and had some other less serious and "entirely normal for this sort of injury" issues. I forget the specifics, but what it came down to was that I had torn my labrum and was in for some knife time (arthroscopic). The doc also told me that my joints "are loose" and that I probably have a partial laberal tear in my left shoulder as well (climbing injury from mantling in 2002).
Actually, this was a second opinion. The first doc told me the same thing, but I didn't like his attitude so I went to another guy. If he wants the $15,000 from my insurance company he has to smile more.

(btw - I was 23 at the time. That probably affected the doctors' decisions as to whether to cut me or just see if PT alone could stabilize the shoulder.)

I got cut sometime in late September/early October. I went to work the day after surgery which impressed the hell out of my co-workers and only took maybe 2 or 3 percoset a day to deal with the pain. I dropped to one a day very quickly and stopped taking drugs 5 days after my surgery. I do not know if my experience is normal.

I spent a month in a sling sitting on my ass. Sleeping sitting up with lots of pillows was very necessary. In November the sling came off and my shoulder was a withered, shriveled thing. I'm already a skinny guy, but this was insane. I started PT at about 3 visits a week. I kept the sling on for a week or two after starting PT, but lost it pretty quickly.

PT sucks. My shoulder came out of the sling with a very small (compared to normal) range of motion. It felt weak, fragile and delicate. I was scared to do things with it. The stretches they made me do (like: lift your arm up until it's parallel with the ground) made me worry that I was going to do something horrible to my shoulder. Slowly, that improved. Slowly....

Did I mention PT hurts? Oh yeah... it did. Because of my "loose joints" the doc had "tightened up" my shoulder. Stretching those ligaments and tendons out to reach a normal ROM is a slow process... they don't like to stretch and they let you know that.

The first active thing I did following surgery was a hike in the Adirondacks on 12/31/03. Everyone else went skiing, but I was under specific instruction not to engage in any sports where I could fall down. The doc was worried that an attempt to break my fall with my bad shoulder would rip out all that expensive work. So hiking it was. I used trekking poles and found that I had no problems.

In March 04 I went skiing for the one time that winter. The PT and the doc had both given their "ok", but they told me to avoid serious crashes if possible. "Don't break your fall with your arm!" they said. I wore a simple neoprene shoulder brace/support for the hell of it. Not too sure what it did other than make it harder for me to breathe and leave my shoulder all sweaty. I also skied more conservatively than usual, much more.

Over time I went from 3 PT visits a week to 2 and then to 1. By late April 2004 I was finally done with PT and I had a batch of exercises to do at home. This was when I started rock climbing again.

Pre-injury I was climbing about 5.11 sport and 5.9+ trad. The last weekend of April 2004 I went climbing and spent my time on 5.5s and 5.4s at the Gunks. Luckily the Gunks has lots of those. By about August I had worked my way back up to 5.8 trad and my shoulder was feeling almost normal again. At around this time I started lifting weights again and going to the climbing gym.

By January 05 I was ice climbing again and my shoulder felt normal. When skiing my brother remarked more than once how much faster I skied in 05 versus 04. A few weekends ago I hit the rock for the first time this season and lead 5.8 and 5.9 trad routes without any real issues. So I guess I'm back to normal.

My repaired shoulder feels tighter than the 'normal' one. This is probably because of the 'tightening' that the doc said he did, and because of the possible un-diagnosed laberal tear in my other shoulder. During the recovery period the repaired shoulder felt weaker than the normal one, but after a couple months of a regular gym routine that is no longer the case. I can sleep on either side comfortably now, which I couldn't do for about 1 year following the surgery. I have a pair of 5lb. weights in my office that my co-workers make fun of ("Hey Franz, GET PUMPED!!!!" they say), but having them there gives me a productive procrastination routine. It's better than writing long injury reports online I guess.

Hope this helps, best of luck

[biggins]

Will- thanks much for the write up. Not looking forward to the experience but its nice to have a solid first-hand account to base my expectations on.

May 18th- here we go!!!!

[Steven S. Dallas]

Damn, I didn't know you were getting that done. From that fall at Jay? Man. Shoulders are delicate things.

I can't speak to the point directly, because I didn't get 'scoped- totally open and invasive, 15 or so big staples to close me up and that was it. They did it that way, basically, because the thing was so shredded they couldn't get a good idea of what was wrong with it with the MRIs. I think that Will and GFP were both pretty dead-on except for stuff that varies from person to person, like needing more or less pain medication. No way could I have gone back to work the day after getting cut, I was a zombie for about 3 days because I was so whacked on painkillers. Some general advice, though.

-Don't cheat yourself on the PT. There's a tendency to half-ass it with shoulder injuries because there's a feeling of "good enough." But just fuckin' do it. Bitch.

-You won't be able to open jars, and possibly pill bottles, for a day or so. Put all your drugs in a bowl on the coffee table, and then invite me over. Are you doing in in Boston or Washington? Because I'll bring your folks something nice if necessary.

- Three words: slip-on shoes.

-Will is right- the road to wellness is long and something of a pain in the ass. 2 years or so isn't crazy at all before you feel totally right. But if you do the PT, it'll be that much better in the long run. I'm glad I did mine, you'll be glad too.

[biggins]

From that fall at Jay?

Nope- skating, year ago last fall.


But just fuckin' do it. Bitch.

Yes drill seargent.


Put all your drugs in a bowl on the coffee table, and then invite me over. Are you doing in in Boston or Washington?

Boston. Come on by and enjoy a Chuck Wollery.

Hollahh!

[Mtn Man]

What's the expected time off from work for a shoulder surgery like this?

Spanky, what did your doc tell you? Mine told me 2-3 weeks for my knee. He told me I may feel like I'm ready to go back after a week, but in the long run I should rest it for another 1-2 more. I've never had that much time off from work/school in my life, this should be interesting. Get the ski porn ready!!! You have Verbatim? Typing is gonna be a bitch! ;) Thank god for wireless though.

B)

[Steven S. Dallas]

Come on by and enjoy a Chuck Wollery.

Got any Sherman Helmsley?

[spanky]

Thanks all for the info. I was told a couple of days off from work. I had the choice of having the procedure done on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. I was told, if Monday, that I'd possibly be able to go back to work on Friday. If Wednesday, that it would be Monday. If Friday it would be Tuesday or Wednesday. So, it looks like a good 4 days before returning to work. Of course, I have a desk job. Somebody that needs to do phyiscal movement would obviously be out longer.

I also have the added complexity of starting a new job and having to decide when to give my two weeks notice at my current employer. The offer is in hand (not yet accepted) and I just have to figure out how to work the transition and the surgery. I don't know if I should give notice before or after the surgery.

[The Reverend Floater]

copied from ski/sb:

hi folks! mine was a labrum/biceps tendon/super spineal(?) reattachfest and ac joint cleaning combo platter with a side of bone frag removal. im on day 3 now and it aint that bad. it was real bad on day 2 when the block wore off but its getting better. my minimal pt has been super painful but im pluggin away. i just showered by myself which was a serious coup so im really stoked. im higher than keith richards which definitely helps. ill keep you guys posted with progress reports. take care.

[Mtn Man]

Good luck with the surgery Spanky! Give us an update post op.

B)

[spanky]

It's now just under 2 hours before I have to be at the hospital. This is goin to be fun :cussing:

Thanks all for the kind words and advice.

[spanky]

surgery went well. rough nite last nite. only puked once. percocet is good. let the recovery begin.

[spanky]

1 week post-op update...

1st, lemme preface this with... 1-handed typing sucks

surgery was deemed a success. but had some difficullties afterward...

percocet makes me puke - so i only ate crackers for the first few days.
the "cold-therapy" unit leaked in my bandage - it got wet and i had to remove the dressing early.
had some concerns around the swelling in my arm this past saturday. went to hosp and got some anti-biotics just in case. also had them put a new dressing on.
then came the swelling in my feet and ankles - this was attributed to the drugs i was on, the high salt intake (crackers above) and the fact that i stayed in a seated position 24-7 since the surgery (i couldn't lay down - too painful).

some advice for any others going in for shoulder work... a recliner is good. i rented one from rent-a-center for $20/week. it's much more comfortable than the couch or trying to lay in bed. stay on the drugs - don't quit early -they help you sleep. watch the salt intake. ask for a nerve block and light anesthesia - i was pseudo-awake during the op and the nerve block was good for many hours after the surgery.

went to the doc today. stitches came out and got a new hi-tech sling. doc showed me pics from the surgery - said he doesn't normally see this much damage (rotator cuff completely torn and a large labrum tear) - said it was impressive :eek:

i start pt tomorrow. that should be fun! :D

[biggins]

then came the swelling in my feet and ankles - this was attributed to the drugs i was on, the high salt intake (crackers above) and the fact that i stayed in a seated position 24-7 since the surgery (i couldn't lay down - too painful).



not to be a Jewish mother but, swellings gone right? Want to be concious of blod clots after such surgery. Whew. Complications suck. Way to truck on.

Thanks for the gimp tr and the recliner advice. Key!

Heal fast.

[spanky]

not to be a Jewish mother but, swellings gone right? Want to be concious of blod clots after such surgery. Whew. Complications suck. Way to truck on.

Thanks for the gimp tr and the recliner advice. Key!

Heal fast.
swelling went away after i cut out the salt and elevated my feet. still a little residual swelling in the shoulder and arm, but very minor.

[up an down]

glad to hear your on the mend spanky. ya got to get that shoulder in shape for more video work for the next summit :p

[spanky]

3.5 weeks post-op update...

Physical therapy: I'm doing only passive movements (2x a day at home). Like, putting my arm on the table and bending over to stretch. Wrist curls and putty to increase grip strength. When I go to the therapist (3x a week), they also put me through all different kinds of passive motion where I lay on the table and they move my arm. They always start me out with moist heat on the shoulder, then do the passive motions and wrist work, then electrical stim and ice to finish it up.

I'm still in the sling and was told I'll probably be in it for 5-6 weeks since it was a complete rotator cuff tear and partial labrum tear.

Sleeping is still a challenge. I'm really wanting to get back into bed, but can only last about 2 hours lying flat before the throbbing starts again. Although the recliner is more comfortable than sitting on the couch, it's not as comfortable as my bed.

I also started a new job this week. So the added stresses of a longer commute (mass transit) and trying to make a good first impression (i.e. pushing myself) has left me quite sore at the end of the day.

[spanky]

It's been a while since I posted an update. I've made some pretty good progress this past week (6 weeks post-op). On Monday, I got permission from my therapist to take off the sling indoors only. This wasn't much of a big deal because I had already had it off at home over the weekend. Then, at my Thursday appointment, they started me doing more active movements - Things like the arm-bike, lateral arm raises (no weight) and rotator cuff exercises with Therabands and 1 lb weights. At the end of my Thursday therapy session, I got the OK to go without the sling all the time. Boy, was that good news. At 6 weeks + 1 day post op, I was at the very end of what I was told to expect for time in the sling (Doc had said 4-6 weeks).

Now that I'm out of the sling, I'm making progress every day. I'm making gains in range of motion and reduction in pain with movement. The hardest thing now is still trying to get a good night sleep - but I'm making small progress with that too. I can't wait to get into more of the muscle building exercises to come.

[biggins]

Good to hear Spanky. I'm 3+ weeks post-op. Still just pendulums and elbow bends, but I'm hopeful that come Friday (4 weeks post-op) I can lose the sling. I'm doing fine with the sleeping (I slept sitting up for 8 months after the car accident), and most other things, its just the sweaty/itchiness of a sling in the summer heat/humidity that's killing me.

Anyways- good to hear things are going well- I'll update in a few weeks when I get transfered from my surgeons office to the PT guy across the hall.

[spanky]

10 weeks post-op update...

I saw the doc yesterday and he said something along the lines of, "I remember this one, you did a number on yourself." He proceeded to test my strength and range of motion and said I'm ahead of schedule. That was very encouraging because I feel like I'm progressing very slowly.

As for PT, I started therapy 8 days after surgery. For the first 6 weeks, I was going 3 days a week but it was mostly passive motion. I'm now down to 2 days per week of therapy and have started more active motion and strengthening exercises. My typical therapy session involves:

Hand bike for 8 minutes - 4 minutes forward, 4 minutes backward
Passive table stretches - arm straight in front of me, arm bent at 90 deg. angle)
Arm pulley - pulley system overhead, rope with two handles. I sit underneath it, hold handles in both arms and alternate pulling my arm straight overhead. This was torture at first
Cane Stretch - Lay on my back, hold a "cane" in both hands and raise my arms overhead to stretch.
Theraband exercises - Internal & external shoulder rotations. Rows.
Lying External Rotation - Lay on my left side, do right shoulder external rotation exercise with 2 lb weights.
Lateral Raises - Lift arms till they're parallel to the ground. I'm up to 2 lb weights!
Lateral Raises with no weights lifting my arms all the way overhead
Touchdowns - Just as it sounds, move my arms up in a touchdown motion
Prone T's - Lay face down on a table, let arm hang down, raise arm up and out to the side.
Passive stretching and ROM measurements with therapist
Electrical Stimulation and Ice

I've also been given "Homework" as well. I need to do my stretching and non-weight exercises 2 times per day.

Sleep is getting better as well. Still not making through the entire night, but now it's just down to minor aches that wake me up.

[Shepherd Wong]

I have surgery to repair my a-c separation Monday. Can I join the club?
:cussing:

[spanky]

I have surgery to repair my a-c separation Monday. Can I join the club?
:cussing:
Good luck tomorrow Mr. Wong. Let us know how it goes.

[biggins]

Good luck Wong.

Heal fast.

[Shepherd Wong]

Thanks guys! I am in the club. Sitting in the recovery room I was working on my comedy routine to the amusement of everyone around. This was my first surgery it was pretty weird.

[Shepherd Wong]

Why didn't someone tell me it hurt so bad trying to sleep!
:cussing:

[spanky]

Why didn't someone tell me it hurt so bad trying to sleep!
:cussing:
Gee, I think I counted 7 occurrences of the word sleep (or one of it's many forms) on the first page of this thread.

Try to sleep sitting up and support yourself with a bunch of pillows - both behind your shoulder and under your arm/armpit (between your arm and chest).

Also, don't be afraid to use the pain pills.

[Shepherd Wong]

Wow the first night was terrible! But it really gets better fast after that!
:o

[spanky]

12 weeks post-op yesterday. I got the OK from my therapist on Monday to start riding a bike again - but only on flat paved surfaces. It's estimated I should be able to start MTB'ing in about another month or so. Today, the therapist put me through some strength tests (resisting his pressure in several directions) and he said I'm doing real well.

All in all, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm pretty close to full range of motion overhead (think "touchdown" motion). The external rotation range is still a little tight, but progressing each week. As for sleep, I'm now at the point where the shoulder doesn't wake me up anymore - I've probably been that way for a couple of weeks now.

Still doing the same exercises that I listed in my 10 week post-op update just with increased weight and/or reps. Still going to PT 2 times per week. My expectation is I should be good to ski this year - I just doubt I'll get much skiing in with my son being born in early December.

[Will]

Here's a little upbeat message for those of about to be cut, or going through rehab.

1 year,9 months after my surgery and the shoulder is working fine.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b333/pagekyle/Peru022.jpg

[spanky]

GRADUATION DAY!

I graduated from PT today! 14 weeks post-op with 13 weeks of either 3x or 2x per week of PT. Went into therapy this morning expecting a typical session and shortly after my warm-up, the therapist puts me through some strength/ROM tests and nonchalantly says to me, "You're doing well, we'll see you again in a month." I was just a little surprised since I had 2x/week sessions scheduled for the next 2 weeks. He said I should continue my excercise and stretching routine on my own and just take it easy till next month. So, technically, I still have to go back to therapy, but just not 2x/week. I consider this a graduation! :biggrin:

[spanky]

Here's a little upbeat message for those of about to be cut, or going through rehab.

1 year,9 months after my surgery and the shoulder is working fine.
Thanks Will. That's a sweet pic. Where was it taken?

[biggins]

11 weeks post-op.

I'm extremely bored of walking and have lent the gemini I bought 3 weeks post-op to basom to use until I'm able (sympathy bike TR/video?). I'm pretty sick of not having an upper body to use.

That said, I'm doing well. ROM is still on schedual for another month as my main focus, then light strengthening through December and then kick-me-in-the-head strengthening for a few months thereafter.

Back on my bike at the end of Semptember (mellow buff only- so easy to find on the EC :rolleyes: ), start the winter off on groomers until around January, then off to the races.

Not that I'm obsessed with dates or anything...

[Will]

Thanks Will. That's a sweet pic. Where was it taken?

Summit of Chopicalqi (roughly 21,000 ft.) in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru.

[Itisme]

Close to 8 weeks out of surgery myself. I found the only way I could sleep in bed was on my side with the shoulder up most of the way with a body pillow supporting. Gradually I lowered this but still had my shoulder and arm up at my side instead of letting it drop down.

I could not take the pain killers at all. They made me puke and effected my heart rate. I ended up using both tylenol and motrin and it did the trick.

My shoulder was not in quite as bad of shape as some of you. I had only a small full depth tear and the rest was frayed. I also had a huge bone spur that had to be removed. I have not officially been to therapy, the doctor was pleased with my progress on the 3 times I have seen him. I have a sister that was a PT some time ago and has been doing things with me. The pool is great. I started off in shallow end about a week after the stitches came out, small circles with my arm.

I am now able to swim laps using the breast stroke, I have trouble with freestyle and can do one or two laps only.

I go to the doctor at 9 am tomorrow. I think that he will want me to start with formal PT to strengthen it.

Good Luck to everyone else!

[Itisme]

My appointment was yesterday, not today. What an idiot I am. Now I have to wait another week for an appointment.

[ulty_guy]

i've got a 3rd degree shoulder seperation that i'm recovering from now (no surgery)....

are any of you guys thinking of wearing body armor with shoulder protector now?

[biggins]

i've got a 3rd degree shoulder seperation that i'm recovering from now (no surgery)....

are any of you guys thinking of wearing body armor with shoulder protector now?

I just wear a neoprene brace. It does little to protect the shoulder, but serves as a good physical reminder not to raise my arm above my shoulder.

[Steezus Christ]

Well I finally graduated about 2 weeks ago which was about 4 months post-op(capsular shift & anchoring labrum back into place). They said don't use heavy weights till my 6 month mark, but I have been slowly using them the last 2 weeks anyways :tongue: But my shoulder feels awesome when I work out and lately I never notice any pain unless I am doing something crazy with my arm above my head, (like rubbing one off.)

I was actually really lazy with my stretch routine at home so PT was a bitch, but I think trying to be as active as possible using the pool has been really good for my shoulder.

Here's to my Doctor who seems to have done an excellent job :yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

[watersnowdirt]

didn't see this till just now. glad to hear lots of success stories.

I had a "mini open" last February (2004) to fix a totally torn rotator cuff. Couple of things I'll add, being now 1.5 years out.

KEEP UP THE PT! I'm a bonehead, and didn't keep up with it nearly as much as I should have. I regret it. I definitely do not trust my right arm (operated one) as much as my left.

Yes - sleeping on bad shoulders sucks.

Try not to "guard" the post op shoulder. I find (even now) that I don't relax my right shoulder, and I"ve had a whole mess of neck and upper back problems.

And for those about to have the surgery, take the drugs, for godsakes. It's much easier to manage pain before it starts than to get it under control once it's in full force.

And DO take some time off from work, or at least go easy. I have a pretty busy job that goes in waves, and I had my surgery at a really busy time of year. That was a mistake. I was miserable.

Good luck to those who have surgery coming up, and congrats to those who got it done!

[wicked_sick]

It's really interesting to read everyone's accounts of shoulder surgery. I feel like I was lucky. THe only pain i really experienced was having to be a lefty for a couple months

I myself had arthroscopic surgery done on my right shoulder in may 04. The connective tissue of my shoulder was a sloppy mess, and i had pits in the ball, and bone fragments floating around in the joint. (2 violent dislocations dirtbiking, and 4 or so after that doing every day things. I could never reduce it myself and it was always a long time till i could get medical attention. the last time was 12+ hrs. i would have given my left nut for some painkillers, and my right for some sleep. Turns out I'm immune to demerol)

After the surgery I had to keep my arm in a sling for 6 weeks, and go back after 2 to get the stiches removed. The doc perscibed T3s for pain, but surprisingly I experienced next to no discomfort unless I rolled over on my arm during the night. After my arm came out of the sling it was like a limp noodle with very little flexibility. After 6 or so weeks of PT my arm functioned quite well, but I was still careful of it. I probably should have done more PT.

last winter I crashed bad and tweaked my shoulder again. I tore a little muscled but after 2 more weeks of PT I was good as gold.

I guess it's been nearly 1.5 years since the operation. My arm is great unless I'm trying to throw a 100mph fastball. And that's just because i've been lazy and not kept up with the excersizes.

I can't really add anything that hasn't already been said... Lots of PT, LISTEN TO YOUR DOCTOR AND DON"T TAKE YOUR ARM OUT OF THE SLING EARLY. I DID AND IT WAS A MISTAKE.

thing twice before shaking someone's hand... it can hurt if your arm is not fully recovered.

[biggins]

Update (9/7)

Things are lookin' good. Have transitioned from range of motion and foundational resistance work to rom AND real strengthening. I've now added curls (16lbs- I'm an animal!), triceps, and flat-lying reverse lifts to rows and internal/external shoulder rotations- with weight (word!). I can now reach aaaaalmost all the way above my head (field goal!) and can fully extend my arm to reach without compromising any stability.

In 1 1/2 weeks it'll have been 16 weeks and that means (according to my surgeon) I'm clear to ride my bike. F'N A!

Pretty happy so far. Hope others are doing well also (Spanky, Steezus, Shepard, etc.).

Heal up, heal up, on the beat come, rewind...

[spanky]

Update (9/7)

Things are lookin' good. Have transitioned from range of motion and foundational resistance work to rom AND real strengthening. I've now added curls (16lbs- I'm an animal!), triceps, and flat-lying reverse lifts to rows and internal/external shoulder rotations- with weight (word!). I can now reach aaaaalmost all the way above my head (field goal!) and can fully extend my arm to reach without compromising any stability.

In 1 1/2 weeks it'll have been 16 weeks and that means (according to my surgeon) I'm clear to ride my bike. F'N A!

Pretty happy so far. Hope others are doing well also (Spanky, Steezus, Shepard, etc.).

Heal up, heal up, on the beat come, rewind...
Good news biggins!

I just went in for a check-up with my PT this morning (18 weeks post op) and one month since my last PT visit. He said everything looked good and I just had to do a little more specific strength training exercises. Also, I got clearance to resume full normal activity (but just to take it easy starting back out again). This means I can now mountain bike, do full weight lifting exercises in the gym (bench press, shoulder press, etc) and anything else I want to do. Again, with the reiteration that I should start off lightly and ease my way back into it.

I go for a check-up with my surgeon next month. I'm optimistic that he'll tell me I'm back to 100%.

[Steezus Christ]

My shoulder feels so good right now. But since I work out in an Air Force gym it is always crowded as hell, and I feel like a wuss working with light weights whenever I am doing upper body. So last night I put more weight on then I should while doing upright rows(for the ladies working out nearby.) During my third set I felt a bolt of lightning travel from my wounded shoulder down to my palm. I have always wanted to be able to shoot either fireballs or lightning out of my hands, but I changed my mind after I felt that.

Anyways, it sounds like we are all doing pretty damn good and we should all be good to go for skiing this season! LIGHTNING BOLT! LIGHTNING BOLT! (http://www.thatvideosite.com/view/43.html)

[stayhigh]

I had this a torn lebram repaired and ac joint cleaned out of arthritis exactly one year ago yesterday. I was not very good about PT and begin using it too early. As a result, its still in pain a lot of the time. I got an MRI recently and the doc said things had recovered nicely, but this does not discount the constant pain and limited range of motion. I still can't throw a baseball, and am always guarding it, cutting off circulation to the rest of my arm and rendering my hand numb much of the time. I was wondering if any one had any advice on a one year post-op strengthening, stretching routine. I dont have health insurance anymore so I cant go to PT, but I would really appreciate anything I could do at home with free weights, big ball, etc. Thanks, and awesome to hear that the vast majority of you healed nicely.

[spanky]

It's like riding a bike...

I went out for my first mountain bike ride today. Man, it felt good to spin in the woods again. It had been about 10 months since my last bike ride (remember, I injured my shoulder on New Year's eve). The tech skills were obviously rusty today and the stamina and strength aren't what they used to be, but the shoulder felt pretty good. I kept the ride short at 45 minutes and the terrain wasn't anywhere close to challenging. That was on purpose because I didn't know how the shoulder would handle it. Overall, I was very timid and worried about falling on the shoulder. I guess that was a good thing as it kept my speed down a bit.

With some more gym time to increase my strength and stamina, I'll be ready to go 100% on the more technical/challenging terrain real soon. I'm so stoked!

[Shepherd Wong]

Thanks Biggins! I think I have it easy. I have been just doing rom as p.t. and pushing against walls and pillows at home. Everything feels fine and I have very close to 100% of my motion back. Just waiting to see my doctor at the end of the month to get the ok to start weight training now. It hard because it feels ready to go, but I'm being good and writing off biking season so I'll be ready for ski season.
:cool:

[sea2ski]

i've got a 3rd degree shoulder seperation that i'm recovering from now (no surgery)....

are any of you guys thinking of wearing body armor with shoulder protector now?

Yes, I now only ski and rollerblade with my shoulder in a plastic shoulder protector. It's what football players wear to keep their shoulders from re-dislocating till they can have surgery at the end of the season ie it's designed for contact. Took a nasty spill the other week rollerblading and I'm still in one piece. Hanger is the name of the company that I got it from and it was actually covered by my medical insurance. Had 5 dislocations in 4 years and I haven't one since I started wearing it. If you get them fitted properly you don't really notice that you are wearing something no matter what kind of terrain you might what to ski.

[biggins]

[QUOTE=spanky] It's like riding a bike... [QUOTE]

Double word!

I found a deal on a Gemini about two weeks post-op that I couldn't pass up. Ride ready 7" bike for $900. It sat in my living room, no pedals on it so as not to create temptation, all fucking summer taunting me. Finally lent it to Basom just to get it out of my sight for a while.

This past Friday was 16 weeks post-op. Surgeon, nurse-practitioner, and PT folk all cleared me to go riding. Said I had no concerns about wear and stress on the shoulder just from uneven terrain. Only concern is no trauma to my arm in the upright and back position- so I can't take a ganrly spill. So I go slow- new 8" rotors make it easy. Anyway, I've ridden 4 of the last 7 days, my shoulder is rediculously sore- but stable! Its so nice I can't even explain.

Word to rehab.

Stay High- If no insurance, go to a gym and either ask nicely and get lucky or straight up pay a personal trainer for one session of advice. A solid program will be planned out for you. A few insuranceless friends have done just this and done great on their own. Good luck.

[CantDog]

Can I borrow your bike now?

[sea2ski]

Word to rehab.

Stay High- If no insurance, go to a gym and either ask nicely and get lucky or straight up pay a personal trainer for one session of advice. A solid program will be planned out for you. A few insuranceless friends have done just this and done great on their own. Good luck.

This sounds like a good idea. Also if you can find a trainer that is also a Physical Therapist even better. Probably would be able to extend your range of motion a little by "popping" a few of the lesions which may have developed and still keep the shoulder tight in the labrium if you find a good PT/Trainer. I did a go back after a few months of stopping PT after my second surgery and was glad I did.

[biggins]

Minor Update-

Have hit a bit of a PT plateau- getting really frustrated only lifting 5/10 lbs in my excercices, but am not strong enough to up the weight. On top of this- soreness is becoming more of a daily thing than it was. I want to believe this is merely a sign of developing muscle, but man I'm wicked sore all the time.

Otherwise no major snags- still on the bike (no falls- slow and smooth) and getting pretty stoked for a snow season with two functional wings.

Word to balance.

And I think I'll probably stay on a PT routine for... ever?

[spanky]

Minor Update-

Have hit a bit of a PT plateau- getting really frustrated only lifting 5/10 lbs in my excercices, but am not strong enough to up the weight. On top of this- soreness is becoming more of a daily thing than it was. I want to believe this is merely a sign of developing muscle, but man I'm wicked sore all the time.

Otherwise no major snags- still on the bike (no falls- slow and smooth) and getting pretty stoked for a snow season with two functional wings.

Word to balance.

And I think I'll probably stay on a PT routine for... ever?
Sorry to hear about the soreness biggins. How often are you exercising the shoulder. I'm working mine with weights 3 days/week max (and different excercises on 1 out of the 3 days). Maybe you want to rest the shoulder for a week or so.

[spanky]

5 Months Post-Op Update (22 weeks to the day).

I'm continuing with the rehab in the gym and the strength is building. I'm definitely not 100% yet though and keeping the weights relatively light. Specific shoulder exercises are as follows:

Machine Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Side Raises
Dumbbell Front Raises
Machine Reverse Fly
Dumbbell Internal/External Rotation

Range of motion is good, but still not as good as the non-operative shoulder and I'll get a little discomfort if I try to push the shoulder beyond it's range.

The best thing recently is I'm starting to think less and less about the shoulder when going about my everyday movements.

I go for a check-up with my surgeon next week. Hopefully I'll get the all clear to ski in about a month (fingers crossed on an early East Coast opening).

[spanky]

And another thing... Although I'm not a Jets fan, seeing Chad Pennington re-injure his rotator cuff and end his season is very disheartening. It just goes to show that even after 6+ months of rehab, you're still prone to re-injury.

[sea2ski]

5 Months Post-Op Update (22 weeks to the day).

I'm continuing with the rehab in the gym and the strength is building. I'm definitely not 100% yet though and keeping the weights relatively light. Specific shoulder exercises are as follows:

Machine Shoulder Press
Dumbbell Side Raises
Dumbbell Front Raises
Machine Reverse Fly
Dumbbell Internal/External Rotation

Range of motion is good, but still not as good as the non-operative shoulder and I'll get a little discomfort if I try to push the shoulder beyond it's range.

The best thing recently is I'm starting to think less and less about the shoulder when going about my everyday movements.

I go for a check-up with my surgeon next week. Hopefully I'll get the all clear to ski in about a month (fingers crossed on an early East Coast opening).

Be carefull of one muscle group gaining strength faster than the opposing muscle group. This is what makes rehab for shoulders so tricky as opposed to other joints. When the muscles don't develop evenly things can get thrown out of balance and lead to pain. I'm not saying this is what is causing your pain but just a word of advice as you increase the weight with which you are working out.

You also might want to add something like push ups on one of those big yoga balls. I found that was a great rehab excercise since it creates the unbalanced/unstable situations that your shoulder will face when skiing.

[descender]

Sigh... detached anterior labrum here. Oh the joy. Shoulder is dynamically pretty stable thought and no rotator probs.

I am going to PT the hell out of it, ski this winter, hope for the best and maybe get sliced in the spring if I feel I need it.

[spanky]

Be carefull of one muscle group gaining strength faster than the opposing muscle group. This is what makes rehab for shoulders so tricky as opposed to other joints. When the muscles don't develop evenly things can get thrown out of balance and lead to pain. I'm not saying this is what is causing your pain but just a word of advice as you increase the weight with which you are working out.

You also might want to add something like push ups on one of those big yoga balls. I found that was a great rehab excercise since it creates the unbalanced/unstable situations that your shoulder will face when skiing.
Oh I'm doing other muscle groups as well. I was just calling out the specific shoulder exercises I've been doing. I'm on a 6 day/week exercise cycle now; working out Chest/Shoulders/Triceps, Back/Biceps/Shoulders (rotations only), and occasional leg work. As well as mixing in alternating days of cardio exercise.

As for the pain, it's just with me pushing the arm to the limits of the ROM which I'm not worried about. I doubt it's caused by a strength imbalance.

[spanky]

Sigh... detached anterior labrum here. Oh the joy. Shoulder is dynamically pretty stable thought and no rotator probs.

I am going to PT the hell out of it, ski this winter, hope for the best and maybe get sliced in the spring if I feel I need it.
Sorry to hear about that. How'd it happen? You should be fine skiing this winter. I skied with my injury most of last season (albeit with a little discomfort).

[descender]

Sorry to hear about that. How'd it happen? You should be fine skiing this winter. I skied with my injury most of last season (albeit with a little discomfort).

I crashed MTBing.

The only thing I am worried about skiing wise is bailing and potentially dislocating it. You didn’t have any problems? Did it hold you back?

[sea2ski]

Oh I'm doing other muscle groups as well. I was just calling out the specific shoulder exercises I've been doing. I'm on a 6 day/week exercise cycle now; working out Chest/Shoulders/Triceps, Back/Biceps/Shoulders (rotations only), and occasional leg work. As well as mixing in alternating days of cardio exercise.

As for the pain, it's just with me pushing the arm to the limits of the ROM which I'm not worried about. I doubt it's caused by a strength imbalance.

I think you are misunderstanding what I'm saying. When I'm talking about opposing muscle groups I was refering only to shoulder exercises. The 6 excercises that you listed all work different muscle groups in the shoulder. For instance, the dumbbell internal rotation works one group of muscles and the dumbbell external rotation works the opposing muscle group. You do not want the weight that you are using for one excercise to be much greater proportionally than the weight for the other exercise since this will cause the opposing muscles to be out of balance. With some muscle groups you regain your strength much faster, so you need to pay attention. For instance, using the example of internal and external dumbbell rotation. Let's say you started out your rehab using 5 lbs for your internal and 10 lbs for your external. After four weeks you were up to using 10 lbs for internal and 20 lbs for external. This will not cause problems. However, if after four weeks your are up to 8 lbs for your internal and 60 lbs for your external, you are developing the muscles in a way that will cause problems because you have not developed opposing muscle groups equally.

I only say this because after having 5 dislocations and 2 surgeries in a four year span, I learned more about rehabing a shoulder than I really ever wanted to know. The thing I probably learned the most is there are a lot of PT's that really don't know what they are doing and don't pay attention to issues like this. When I finally found a really good PT and explained that I wanted to go skiing, he designed a very different program for me. He was also very clear in telling me to make sure not to keep raising the weight on one exercise without also raising the weight on the exercise for the opposing muscle group. If you're like I was, you'll have a tendency to think the stronger I make my muscles the better off I am. This is fine as long as you remember to develop the opposing muscle group equally.

[biggins]

Sorry to hear about the soreness biggins. How often are you exercising the shoulder. I'm working mine with weights 3 days/week max (and different excercises on 1 out of the 3 days). Maybe you want to rest the shoulder for a week or so.

Took a week off and the shoulder feels great again. Biking is getting less painful and I'm starting to get some more confidence doing roll-downs and such (still pretty much a wuss though).

I'm pretty much back to every other day with my shoulder excercises and then the one big blowout day/week at PT. Will definitely be skiing when the snow starts falling, just sticking to groomers for a month or so.

Sea2Ski- thanks for the insights. I'm gonna review my rehab plan with my PT for advice on long-term care. Heal well all. Winters comin'.

[spanky]

I think you are misunderstanding what I'm saying. When I'm talking about opposing muscle groups I was refering only to shoulder exercises. The 6 excercises that you listed all work different muscle groups in the shoulder. For instance, the dumbbell internal rotation works one group of muscles and the dumbbell external rotation works the opposing muscle group. You do not want the weight that you are using for one excercise to be much greater proportionally than the weight for the other exercise since this will cause the opposing muscles to be out of balance. With some muscle groups you regain your strength much faster, so you need to pay attention. For instance, using the example of internal and external dumbbell rotation. Let's say you started out your rehab using 5 lbs for your internal and 10 lbs for your external. After four weeks you were up to using 10 lbs for internal and 20 lbs for external. This will not cause problems. However, if after four weeks your are up to 8 lbs for your internal and 60 lbs for your external, you are developing the muscles in a way that will cause problems because you have not developed opposing muscle groups equally.

I only say this because after having 5 dislocations and 2 surgeries in a four year span, I learned more about rehabing a shoulder than I really ever wanted to know. The thing I probably learned the most is there are a lot of PT's that really don't know what they are doing and don't pay attention to issues like this. When I finally found a really good PT and explained that I wanted to go skiing, he designed a very different program for me. He was also very clear in telling me to make sure not to keep raising the weight on one exercise without also raising the weight on the exercise for the opposing muscle group. If you're like I was, you'll have a tendency to think the stronger I make my muscles the better off I am. This is fine as long as you remember to develop the opposing muscle group equally.
Got it. Thanks.

[BigJayVT]

Hi!

I got arthroscopic surgery coming up in a few weeks. I've injured myself a couple years back on the slopes of Jay Peak... Since then, i dislocated my shoulder 5 times. Everytime, i need medical assistance to get it back to normal.

The one thing that bothers me is that it doesn't hurt right now... It doesn't prevent me from mountain biking... I'm able to sleep on both sides with no problem...

However, the shoulder does feel loose... and i've been staying away from rails and parks and jumps also. Regardless of that, last winter, i dislocated my shoulder again just by touching a tree with my loose hand in the woods... Shoulder popped right out! For the 5th year in a row, i found myself missing the best of the winter...

This season will be completely different... I will get surgery to repair all the loose ligaments (apparently, i don't have much to repair in there), then i'll get the maximum PT i can get in order to get back in shape... This winter, i'll be snowshoeing... I'll climb mountains in order to get a physical exercice... By february, i should be able to ride gently (according to doctor) but i won't push it... My main goal is to be alright for the biking season (may).

In the meantime, does anyone know if i'll be able to pedal on my home trainer after surgery? I'll need to burn calories because being seated will not only drive me nuts but might also make me fat!

I'm taking the next six months to get back in shape... I won't be over-exercising... I will have lots of time off... I'll just go to work... and enjoy a relaxed week-end!

Thanks for your feedback!

@spanky: thanks for the reassuring words!

[biggins]

Hey there BigJay,

You won't be able to use the handle bars on the bike trainer for about 4-6 weeks post-op. After that you should be fine.

In the meantime, you'll be in a brace for around 4 weeks, and in that time you DONT want to move your arm much.

Consider maybe putting the surgery off 'till the spring (pending your doctors approval) if you really want to ride this winter. I did just that, wore a neoprene brace all winter, and was pretty much OK riding (Jay Peak as a matter of fact). Then I had surgery in May and will be back at about 90% this December.

In the end it all depends on what kind of damage you have. Talk to a doc, get an MRI and then make a plan.


Best of Luck. Heal fast.

[BigJayVT]

The operation should be in a couple of weeks, i went to the hospital today for the pre-op check up. Apparently, i should be able to ride within 8-12 weeks because there isn't much to do to fix my shoulder... The doctor told me i should be able to go to spinning classes after 6 weeks MAX... 1 days after the operation i have to start moving (that's really scary!) my wrist and elbow... then, 1 week after, i have to start moving my arm really gently from side to side and then from front to back with no external rotations...

The doctor told me that i'm in really good shape so i should heal and recover very quickly... however, i will follow the doctor's order and not jump it, believe me!

Thanks for the info!


PS: I don't mind wasting a winter doing hiking and snowshoeing... I want to be ready for the next biking season... The ski season is shorter then the biking season... and the warm summer isn't a good time for an operation... being sticky and not being able to play outside... that would just kill me i think! In the winter, when it's -30C outside after a mid-january rain, i won't mind being stuck inside! LOL! By the way, the snow forecaster are calling the upcoming winter "really average" on the east coast... I'll be back on the board for the mid-feb/march storms!

[descender]

Hey there BigJay,

You won't be able to use the handle bars on the bike trainer for about 4-6 weeks post-op. After that you should be fine.

In the meantime, you'll be in a brace for around 4 weeks, and in that time you DONT want to move your arm much.

Consider maybe putting the surgery off 'till the spring (pending your doctors approval) if you really want to ride this winter. I did just that, wore a neoprene brace all winter, and was pretty much OK riding (Jay Peak as a matter of fact). Then I had surgery in May and will be back at about 90% this December.

In the end it all depends on what kind of damage you have. Talk to a doc, get an MRI and then make a plan.


Best of Luck. Heal fast.

biggins,

Wondering your experiences riding with an injured shoulder... did it effect your skiing/riding? Any dislocations?

I have a torn anterior labrum with little pain and no rotator cuff damage so I am not getting sliced until the spring, if at all, depending on how it heals up. I have a brace and I am currently in PT. I don't think normal skiing mechanics will bother it -- bailing is my only concern at this point. But I don't want to hold back all the time either, at some point, I will bail.

[biggins]

biggins,

Wondering your experiences riding with an injured shoulder... did it effect your skiing/riding? Any dislocations?

I have a torn anterior labrum with little pain and no rotator cuff damage so I am not getting sliced until the spring, if at all, depending on how it heals up. I have a brace and I am currently in PT. I don't think normal skiing mechanics will bother it -- bailing is my only concern at this point. But I don't want to hold back all the time either, at some point, I will bail.

My experience was good/bad. Good in the sense that the brace served as a solid reminder not to extend my arm upward/backwards. Bad in the sense that I still managed to pop my arm out a number of times over the course of the winter (though far less than the previous one thanks to the brace). I'm a snowboarder also, so pole planting wasn't a concern.

Your biggest concern will probably be falling and unwillingly extending your arm up and back. i recommend three things:

1. The brace. This WILL NOT prevent anything- but will help you get in the habit of tucking your arm when you fall so as to avoid trauma. It really helped me reduce the number of dislocations last winter over the previous winter (I waited two and a half years to get my shoulder surgically repaired). I might also not wear your pole straps (?), this way when you bail there won't be anything contorting your arm.

2. Talk to your doc about the extent of further damage you could do. Are you a candidate for PT alone? If so, then you might want to strengthen the shit out of your shoulder before you risk trauma from a fall. I was beyond simple PT healing- my tear was such that i could strenghten for months and then one little swing up of the arm and it poppoed out sending me back to square one. My doc suggested that I couldn't likely do any more damage, and thus could ski, dislocate a few times, and be no worse for wear the following spring when I had scheduled my surgery.

3. Learn how to pop the arm back in. It hurts like a MFer, but after a quick tutorial on how to do it on the fly- I was able to do it in a matter of seconds, and never be out-of-commision when the shoulder popped on the mtn.

Note- I'm no doctor or PT, just a fellow who's tired of only having one useful arm.

Good luck. Hope the season goes well.

[biggins]

biggins,

Wondering your experiences riding with an injured shoulder... did it effect your skiing/riding? Any dislocations?

I have a torn anterior labrum with little pain and no rotator cuff damage so I am not getting sliced until the spring, if at all, depending on how it heals up. I have a brace and I am currently in PT. I don't think normal skiing mechanics will bother it -- bailing is my only concern at this point. But I don't want to hold back all the time either, at some point, I will bail.

Sounds good Descender. Best of luck, heal fast, and enjoy the shoein'.

[spanky]

PS: I don't mind wasting a winter doing hiking and snowshoeing... I want to be ready for the next biking season... The ski season is shorter then the biking season... and the warm summer isn't a good time for an operation... being sticky and not being able to play outside... that would just kill me i think! In the winter, when it's -30C outside after a mid-january rain, i won't mind being stuck inside! LOL! By the way, the snow forecaster are calling the upcoming winter "really average" on the east coast... I'll be back on the board for the mid-feb/march storms!
Just the opposite thinking of me. I waited till the ski season was over and sacrificed most of the riding season to be back in form for this winter. We all have different priorities. Best of luck.

[spanky]

Saw the doc today for my 5 month (24 weeks to be exact) post-op check-up. He said I'm doing real well (better than expected) and gave me clearance to start "contact sports" at the 6 month point. I asked if "contact sports" included skiing and he said, "of course".

He also told me to make sure I ease back into any new activity and let my body tell me what I can and can't do. Only instructions were to continue the weight training and not come back to his office! :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[biggins]

Alrigtht shoulder cats (like Thunder Cats but not as cute, no Snarf)-

What is your injury/How long post-op are you/How much weight are y'all lifting these days in PT?

Me: Torn Labrum, Capsular shift, three tacs/I'm 21 weeks, PT for about 13/...

60lbs pull downs
60lbs rows
15lbs each arm bicep curls
5 lbs each arm everything else (triceps, shoulders)
No benching (scared)

Had no muscle mass pre-surgery as the arm was out for a good two years. I feel like I'm progressing- but its slow.

How about the rest of you? Spanky, WSD, Wong, Steezus, etc?
Curious and out-of-my skull working at 12:30 in the am. :nonono2:

[spanky]

Alrigtht shoulder cats (like Thunder Cats but not as cute, no Snarf)-

What is your injury/How long post-op are you/How much weight are y'all lifting these days in PT?

Me: Torn Labrum, Capsular shift, three tacs/I'm 21 weeks, PT for about 13/...

60lbs pull downs
60lbs rows
15lbs each arm bicep curls
5 lbs each arm everything else (triceps, shoulders)
No benching (scared)

Had no muscle mass pre-surgery as the arm was out for a good two years. I feel like I'm progressing- but its slow.

How about the rest of you? Spanky, WSD, Wong, Steezus, etc?
Curious and out-of-my skull working at 12:30 in the am. :nonono2:
I'm still leary of pushing heavy weights, so most sets are around 12-15 reps. Here's some of the weights I've been working with (checks log)...

Bench: 15 to 30 lb dumbbells
Flyes: 10 lb dumbbells
Shoulder Press (machine): 30 to 50 lbs
Internal/External Rotations: 5 lb dumbbells
Reverse Flyes (machine): 50 to 60 lbs
Side Raises: 5 to 8 lb dumbbells
Front Raises: 5 lb dumbbells
Cable Pushdowns: 35 to 55 lbs
Cable Pull Downs: 50 to 70 lbs
Machine Rows: 40 to 60 lbs
Curls: 15 to 25 dumbbells

I hear you about the benching fear. I spent quite a bit of time with just 15 lb dumbbells, then slowly started increasing the weight. Like my doc says, "Let your pain be your guide." What I mean is, the discomfort after the workout. I make sure I avoid pain while doing any lifting.

On the topic of post-workout pain, I find that a 5 minute warm-up on the arm bike really helps with the the post-workout pain. On days where I've skipped the warm-up, I was much more sore.

[Steezus Christ]

AYAYAYAYAyyahssakfjkldsljfajldlsjflkjdlj;k! Yesterday I finally did a bench set of 10 reps of 150lbs with very very little shoulder pain!!!! I love my doctor cause he did a great job on a very invasive surgery!! AYayayayslakjflskdjf lkjdlfjlk; !

[biggins]

AYAYAYAYAyyahssakfjkldsljfajldlsjflkjdlj;k! Yesterday I finally did a bench set of 10 reps of 150lbs with very very little shoulder pain!!!! I love my doctor cause he did a great job on a very invasive surgery!! AYayayayslakjflskdjf lkjdlfjlk; !

Nice dude. I rode for three hours on Sunday between lifting on Saturday and Monday. Felt great. Benching just the bar right now, but it feels good to be able to move my shoulder like that at all.

[Steezus Christ]

Schweeeet! I just hope we all learn our lesson and keep up with the balance muscle building routines. I know I havn't been lately :( But I have been at it hard in the gym, probably too hard. But I seem to see huge improvements as far as range of motion associated pain. Although I am probably doing something bad for it since the doctors never said I should be going all out in the gym.

[Flake]

ouch! i'm too lazy to read the whole thread but i just separated my shoulder today in a truck rolling incident. go to the ortho monday am to see if he wants to pin/screw it together.
any advice?
had to go drive in the fresh snow an now i'm screwed :fuckyou: :cussing:

[biggins]

ouch! i'm too lazy to read the whole thread but i just separated my shoulder today in a truck rolling incident. go to the ortho monday am to see if he wants to pin/screw it together.
any advice?
had to go drive in the fresh snow an now i'm screwed :fuckyou: :cussing:


Sucks guy. Let us obsessive rehab foos know how things go. Lots of advice to be had here.

Good luck, heal fast.

[Flake]

thanks man. i go to the orthopedic surgeon first thing tomorrow morning. he'll decide then if it needs a screw or if they just want me to try to heal it au natural. i'm hoping for the scew, otherwise i see this becomming a recurring thing.

[spanky]

thanks man. i go to the orthopedic surgeon first thing tomorrow morning. he'll decide then if it needs a screw or if they just want me to try to heal it au natural. i'm hoping for the scew, otherwise i see this becomming a recurring thing.
Hey Flake. Sorry to hear about the injury. Did you separate or dislocate the shoulder? Typically, there's not much that they do surgically for separated shoulders.

[Flake]

well spanky you hit the nail on the head. it's an ac sepatation so the ortho said it's a wait and see how it heals situation. much less doom and gloom than the er doc gave me the other day. a little rest, then some rehab and i'll be good to go. fingers crossed

[biggins]

well spanky you hit the nail on the head. it's an ac sepatation so the ortho said it's a wait and see how it heals situation. much less doom and gloom than the er doc gave me the other day. a little rest, then some rehab and i'll be good to go. fingers crossed


Good news. Rest up/heal up.

[Flake]

thanks for the kind thoughts everyone. i've taken the time to read the whole thread now and will be checking out my rehab program compared to what everyone else had. i'd hate to do it wrong and screw myself. i guess i'll have to walk for a bit, maybe ride my trainer until a can run. that should keep the legs ready for when the shoulder is good to ski.

[higheddies]

i have a torn lebrum in both shoulders and they pop out quite often, they dont really hinder my climbin, surfin, skiin, ect. but they do pop out and ache on occasion. they feel really loose and come close to poppin out quite a bit. when i do arm circles they crack and pop. i really dont want to get surgery, does anyone know of an alternative, yoga? also when they pop out the pop right back in. fookin shoulders

[biggins]

i have a torn lebrum in both shoulders and they pop out quite often, they dont really hinder my climbin, surfin, skiin, ect. but they do pop out and ache on occasion. they feel really loose and come close to poppin out quite a bit. when i do arm circles they crack and pop. i really dont want to get surgery, does anyone know of an alternative, yoga? also when they pop out the pop right back in. fookin shoulders

I dunno, mine popped out constantly for two years, it sucked. Now that I am post-op and rehabing- I see just how weak I had become by effectively not having a stable, usable arm. I certainly don't want to tell you surgery is the only way, but I think a good orthopod's advice would be to fix 'em.

How'd you hurt both shoulders?

[descender]

i have a torn lebrum in both shoulders and they pop out quite often, they dont really hinder my climbin, surfin, skiin, ect. but they do pop out and ache on occasion. they feel really loose and come close to poppin out quite a bit. when i do arm circles they crack and pop. i really dont want to get surgery, does anyone know of an alternative, yoga? also when they pop out the pop right back in. fookin shoulders

How do you know you have two torn labrums? Do you know how much is torn, and where (anterior, superior, inferior, posterior)?

Surgery is intended to fix a functional disability and/or pain in the joint. If it functions mechanically the way it is supposed to without pain, then the underlying pathology (labrum tear or whatever) doesn’t matter. At least that is what I keep telling myself :biggrin:

The other thing to consider is having both shoulders done could take a year since you would probably do one at a time, unless you can live without your arms for 6 weeks.

You can do a lot to strengthen your shoulders and prevent dislocations without surgery. A doc can prescribe PT, which you may want to consider because normal gym exercises will not do the trick.

[Flake]

I can't believe it. You'll never believe what happened to me today. I went to my GP to get a referrral for some physio/rehab since the orthopedic guy is impossible to get in to see. The Doc tells me I don't need any rehab, just sit around and wait, time will heal. WTF? An I on crack? I thought that once you rip things out of place they aren't going back to the original state. Won't the resultant slop in the shoulder mean I need some work to keep things stable? I'd rather not be screwing up my shoulder on a regular basis if there is anything I can do to make it better. Advice? Suggestions?

[biggins]

Flake- find another ortho to see (or see if the one who's hard to get an appointment with has a good nurse practitioner- he/she should be able to advise you in much the same way the doc would). In the meantime- request your GP get an MRI done on you to really assess the damage.

See an orthopod though- even if it means waiting a bit.

[biggins]

How's everybody doin?

I'm done with formal PT. Lifting normally, though still a bit limited in range of motion (no flat bar benching yet- not even enough in my ROM).

Had a bad (read: lazy) couple of vacation weeks- feeling the tightness build up- need to get my routine back down stat.

Still, the feeling of popping off a hit using both my arms for balance is a great one, as is rag-dolling and not having my arm pop out. Best thing so far though is sex with strong, stable shoulders- Fuckin'A Yeah!

[hose-man]

Gonna resurect this thread because you guys have been through all this & I just had a look down the barrel of the shoulder surgury gun. It's not a pleasant view.

6-12-06
Head first slide into home plate playing softball. Collision with catcher on my left shoulder thinking:"ooooh this might hurt". Hop up, pleased to find that my left side is a-o-kay, shocked to find that my right arm doesn't work. No pain if it's hanging there, but moving it is like a hot poker in the shoulder. Foolish me plays the rest of the game, making a couple really terrible and horrificly painfull throws in from center field.

6-13-06
Nest morning, pain with movement. Constant dull ache of a pain, only about 60% of what past broken bones have been so I presume that I do not have a fracture. No range of motion whatsoever. Maybe 5-10 degrees from straight down in any direction.

I just know my shoulder is screwed.

Started shopping for an orthopod. Co-workers at the Fire Dept and a top quality PT guy all recomend the same ortho guy, so I started lobbying hard for a visit ASAP! I don't drive a desk where I can get away with having a sling. I've got to get better. Fast.

Got in to see the orthopedist the next day! (knowing people is nice)

6-14-06
Dr. says that he's having a tough time believing what he's seeing, because I not old (31) and I'm not a baseball pitcher, I shouldn't have a torn rotator cuff. X-ray taken in hopes of finding a fracture that can explain the pain. All return negative. Next step- MRI to confirm the suspected tear.

6-16-06
MRI tech won't tell you anything because of the whole liability thing. I gave him some crap about that going in. As I was leaving the MRI tech asks when my followup appointment is.... June 22 I tell him. He says that "if" the reading comes back posative, that he'll call the Dr. & see if I can't get in a little sooner. I'm hearing "your shoulder is so screwed that even I can see it. Plan for the worst"

6-17-06 1:00am
Just finished reading a couple of threads detailing shoulder surgury & the associated PT and long recovery time. Slightly bummed at this moment. It's gonna be a while before I'm driving my fire engine again. I'm just gratefull that it isn't September right now. I should be back for the winter of 06-07, no prob. right?


Oh yeah, I got called out on the play at home.

[Steven S. Dallas]

I should be back for the winter of 06-07, no prob. right?

Should be okay, but when are you going to actually have it done? And what type of surgery?

I had open surgery on October 8th and the doc said I should be good to go by New Year's. But then it turned out things were a little more fucked up in there than he had initially thought and I needed a new labrum, so he told me that I should basically write the season off. Obviously I went skiing anyway...

[hose-man]

Don't have a firm diagnosis or treatment schedule yet. The MRI was just yesterday, the Radiologist will read it & report by monday afternoon. Tueday I'm guessing we'll get in for a meeting to make the big plan.

[freaks~in~creeks]

its gonna be slow recovering if its a major tear etc
just take it slow and prepare for the 6 month plus recovery time from an invasive procedure
follow pt maniacally
get a new bong

[impster2865]

I am an emt with the New York City Fire Dept. I just had arthroscopic surgery this past december. This coming friday, I shall find out if I no longer need to wear my sling anymore. I have motion, to my right shoulder(that's the shoulder i recieved surgery on) yet it is very limited. I am wondering, being that my job consists of lifting eople/patients out of their residence, or out of my ambulance on a stretcher, will I ever be able to do this sort of work anymore? I just started ohysical therapy, and I am not taking any pain medication(i get a bad reaction to certain meds), and I am still on medical leave. I would just like to know, should I be confident and if so, how soon before I can do my job again, and if it is at all going to be possible.

[mejst15]

Use the Iceman!!!! :D

B)
I'm a little partial here, but ice is going to be your friend. Here's where I would go to get ice packs and ice wraps for shoulder surgery recovery. http://www.icewraps.net/shoulder-ice-wraps.html

I called their 800 # (800-650-wraps) and also got a discount. Good luck!

Matt