Rotator Cuff repair X 2 advice needed

[trophyhunt]

If you do get it done see if your doc will script a Polar cold ice machine it is a god, send in recovery.
If this is a L&I claim they will exhaust all the possibilities to avoid the surgery. Including a cortisone injection.

That ice machine is amazing!!!!!!!

[Ridgeratt]

Beats the heck out of a bag of frozen peas.
If you are somewhat careful it can be reused with several people. My financial advisor has borrowed it twice for his wife.

[Encore 280]

Just googled the ice machine. Look's like a handy little device. If I end up needing one and it's during August then I'll throw in the travel trailer for the fish'n trip to Tokeland. 

[Wood2Sawdust]

Appreciate the replies from everyone. I will talk to my Dr about the pain blocker and cold healing machine. Looks like I probably have to put off right shoulder for a year--maybe cortisone shot this year for it if possible and just deal with left one this year

[Wood2Sawdust]

How about cortisone injections? Anybody had that help?   Also did anyone have the Polar Ice machine covered by Medicare or other insurance?

[Ridgeratt]

Yes/Yes

Cortisone is a temporary fix. I know that the polar cool was covered by the insurance after the doc scripted it.

[Platensek-po]

How about cortisone injections? Anybody had that help?   Also did anyone have the Polar Ice machine covered by Medicare or other insurance?

Cortisone injections will only treat the symptoms but not the root cause. As soon as it wears off you will be right back tomorrow having pain and sometimes worse. Also too much cortisone can actually destroy tissue so it can make it worse and it affects things like your blood sugar. I think it’s great if your problem is just inflammation. Otherwise it’s a waste of time.

[wadu1]

Here is what my Ortho Dr said about my MRI. "MRI is demonstrating evidence of subacromial impingement (bone spur) as well as high-grade partial-thickness tearing of the rotator cuff I would generally recommend surgical intervention to include subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair."
I just don't know about surgery being an old fart!

[baldopepper]

My neighbor lady is in her third week of recovery from rotator cuff surgery (unusual for women but she tore it after falling on some stairs) She is in her mid seventies and has had both knees replaced. She compares the pain to being at least as bad and maybe a little worse than her knee surgeries. Too early to tell if it will ultimately help, but it's taking a heavy toll on her. Wouldn't say she was in great condition before the surgery, but she was fairly active. The lack of sleep and inability to do her normal activities has got her very depressed, especially since her doctor says recovery is still a ways away.   Kind of a bummer to hear, but surgery for we older people really has to be thought thru carefully.  The risk vs reward is a much harder bet than it was when we were young.

[snit]

I had a full shoulder replacement done on my LEFT shoulder in Dec 2023. I'm right-handed and I was back shooting trap by the end of Feb, 2024 (about 3 months, post-op). My left rotator cuff was torn in 5 places, along with 2 bone spurs and I had significant arthritis as well. We wouldn't know if I'd have a reversal until he opened me up. I was in my early my 50's, but I've had significant issues with it for over 25 years with no prior surgery, 1 cort injection (no effect) until this experience. For over a year I had to jump through the insurance "hoops" starting with an x-ray (inconclusive), then PT for multiple weeks (basically useless), to finally receive the first of several MRI's that started the process towards surgery. To the OP, I had the same surgeon as you're seeing.

After day 2 post-op I removed my sling and never wore it again (My surgeon didn't like that, but the fine print said that I could, while within the confines of my home..I work from home, and I work from my pickup..). I received a nerve-block during recovery and that was essential for my comfort, but honestly, that was the only "real pain" I ever encountered. As mentioned prior, I did stay on a regulated pain med schedule for 2-weeks, but after that, it was basically large doses of Ibu/tylenol (if I remember correctly?). For the 1st 6 months, occasionally I'd get a twinge or sharp "nerve pain" in the shoulder area, but nothing too awful (never mentioned it, just figured nerves were re-connecting). It was just random and was very short term. Prior to surgery, at best I could get my arm to 90-degrees, within a month post-op I could get my arm to go vertical.

I was SUPER careful with my arm for the first couple of months, but the surgeon did a fantastic job, and I started PT about 5 weeks later and I could already raise it vertically (10 days later than planned due to a scheduling snafu). I only had 5 PT visits, over 5 weeks and the PT guy said to continue at my own pace as I happened to be so far advanced that he wasn't worried about me. I've continued to just be amazed at my outcome, (as was my Dr). I've just been very fortunate that I had a great Dr. with no side effects or infection. I didn't use a cooling machine or any other devices except for a few ice packs wrapped in a towel the first couple of days. I'm just a middle-aged dad, not a health nut or gym rat, who happened to get lucky. Best of luck with your procedure...you've got the best surgeon in The Valley, IMO!

[Wood2Sawdust]

I appreciate you telling me all that. I plan on the nerve blocker and ice therapy  for my left shoulder. The right shoulder will have to wait. That one I was going to ask the Dr about cortisone. I miss shooting my bow every day and hope to recover enough to bow hunt someday. I've only been shooting 53 lbs the last few years. Thanks to all.

[Wood2Sawdust]

Went back to Dr today for my better shoulder. As of now scheduled for left shoulder (the worst one) rotator cuff and tendon repairs etc. April 2.  Start PT after 4 weeks.  After MRI on right shoulder he recommends surgery sooner than later-- one complete tear with retraction and some other tears. Scheduled for that one July 7 as of now but may decide differently after the first one.  He thought it could be done in as little as 2 months after the first one. Will be getting the blocker and Polar Cold machine. I talked with my buddy who did this last year with the same Dr and he said he could have done a second  that soon but did not need it.  How are Brocka and Trophyhunt doing with recovery? Also Snit--Are you fully recovered now? Thanks to all once again. 

[ghosthunter]

My buddy had it done in November 24. Still cannot lift is arm above his nipple with out using other arm.

Good luck

[trophyhunt]

Hope it goes well for you!  I’m at week 12 this Friday, infact, Friday I go back to work.  With two anchors done and several PT appointments, and doing my own PT at home, my doctor said last Friday that I’m two weeks behind.  My motion is good doing the hitler salute, but I can’t raise my arm up off to the side yet, only about as high as my waist.  Really gonna push it this week and the next couple.  It’s been hard, painful at times.  Finally got good sleep after the 10-11 week, I think that’s the worst part, minus the first 3-4 days of hell.   Broka is doing much better than I did, but he is a bit younger than me!!   

[Ridgeratt]

You didn't mention if you have any weather related symptoms.
I can tell when the weather is going to change.  Like I have said.  I can guess your age, weight and perhaps where you were born.