Rotator Cuff repair X 2 advice needed

[Wood2Sawdust]

I don't know enough about them to know what features would be wanted, that's why I'm asking experienced users

[Ridgeratt]

it's an enclosed cold-water loop. As the ice melts it warms up and you will be wanting to put more ice in it.

[brocka]

Yeah they are really simple devices. I used mine 2 times and went back to normal ice pack from the freezer.

[snit]

Sorry, I missed the updates on this thread since my mid-Feb response...regarding my situation, 16 months now post-surgery; overall I still "guard" my left shoulder, but that's just a habit from dealing with a bum wing for over 30 years. I'm now 54yo, and felt that I was "healed" after 9 months (August '24), even though I was finished with PT by April '24, and I never wore a sling after Day 2. My left shoulder scar is 7" long, but still subsiding over time. No noticeable shoulder pain, full range of motion and I'm still extremely pleased with the outcome! I was VERY concerned (pre-op) about the pain/PT/overall recovery/etc, but from all the experiences I'd heard my experience was a giant nothing-burger! Minimal pain (wisdom teeth extraction was far worse), 5 total PT appointments, and I was back to competitive trapshooting within 3 months. Good luck to all who have/are going under the knife! 

[O. Nerka]

Which brand of cold therapy machine did you use and how did you like it? How often did you use it  or can you just keep it on? Leaning towards Polar Cold because I think it has a remote on-off timer

My wife had good luck with using one of these for a knee surgery a few years ago.  She was able to borrow it from a friend but felt it was helpful for a few weeks.  I don't think having a remote was helpful to her but she did appreciate being able to disconnect the pad from the machine and to crutch around without having to detach the pad from her knee.  I was the one that typically was carting around the cooler and keeping it loaded for her.  I'm sure most versions do the same.

https://www.thewarmingstore.com/polar-products-active-ice-3-0-shoulder-pad-cold-therapy-system-with-programmable-digital-timer-9qt.html?srsltid=AfmBOopgTMIvjmOv1c0SXrb13FWVppzOJuCujIO1S3RdeDYVMMGxz-yQ1M8

[Kokaneekid]

Sounds painful

[Wood2Sawdust]

Today is surgery day on left shoulder, Had my MRI last August and it is way worse than back then. You would think they would want more recent pics. I guess I will see in a few days-weeks

[trophyhunt]

Good luck, take those pain pills every 4-6 hours!!!

[GWP]

I had one of the bucket/pump ones but do not remember the brand name. It REALLY helped for one of my 4 rotator cuff surgeries. Finally gave it away as it was sitting around too long. The shoulder/knee circulating attachment worked good.
Frozen pea bags work as good as they conform to your shoulder. Refreeze (never really unfroze) then eat later. I used them for my first surgery.
Of my 4 only one was arthroscopic. It had WAY less pain than the others, but they can only do so much damage repair through the little holes they punch.
The stats say when you have your first one you will have another in 7 years. Mine all 'basically' followed that while alternating sides.
Good luck to all that have them done!

[Wood2Sawdust]

69 years old in fairly good shape.  1 day into recovery rotator cuff tears, labrum looked shredded to me, bone spurs, tendons reattached, torn bicep fixed, arthritis removed , synovitus whatever that is, Dr said all went well.  I had the blocker which helped first night.  pain is manageable I have the ice machine.  walked outside a bit, would like to walk a mile tomorrow if I get a little sleep.     awake last night, not from pain, I think from all the hospital meds.   I did not take pain meds till blocker was wearing off----excuse  my typing with one hand   I will try to keep this updated for others thinking about surgery                             

[Wood2Sawdust]

3 days in shower and shave were great,  4 incisions, pain not bad mostly when doin stretches   melatonin has really helped me sleep good in chair but tired and sleepy a lot, stretch then ice lucky to have a great wife

[Wood2Sawdust]

1 week in, actually had 5 incisions,  quit pain meds after 3rd day, walking a mile once a day. very little pain although  more yesterday and today when doing stretches-- exercises

[trophyhunt]

Wow, you are killing it!! Doing way better than I did. 

[snit]

Glad to hear you're doing well Wood-Dust!

Arthroscopic surgery I presume, thus the 5 small incisions vs 1 8-10" long incision?

[Wood2Sawdust]

yes arthroscopic, but surprised they did not do a complete replacement as much damage as there was. MRI was back in august last year and got a lot worse. I imagine they probably need different approval from insurance for that. would like to find out before I have the other done, hopefully july 7 if all goes well with this one