Post by: billythekidrock on March 17, 2012, 08:28:34 PM
I just had this surgery a few weeks back and today was talking to a guy today who said he couldn't archery hunt anymore because of surgery in his left shoulder. He said he couldn't hold his arm out in the correct manner to hold the bow properly.
Post by: JLS on March 17, 2012, 08:40:46 PM
I haven't had surgery, and my cuff injury is on my right arm (shoot right handed).
My guess is, if you are dilligent/militant about your rehab, PT, and exercises for the rest of your life, you'll be fine.
I've found that the harder I focus on strengthening my shoulder, the fewer problems I have to the point of not really worrying about it anymore. Seven or eight years ago I wondered how long I'd be able to bowhunt.
Make sure you let your physical therapist know what your trying to accomplish and I think you'll be fine.
Post by: bobcat on March 17, 2012, 08:50:17 PM
I've been doing fine with it set at 53 pounds.
Post by: high country on March 17, 2012, 08:58:48 PM
Post by: dmr400 on March 19, 2012, 04:48:14 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on March 19, 2012, 05:59:27 PM
Maybe you need to drop down to a 60 pound bow like I did, because of my shoulder issues. :dunno:
I've been doing fine with it set at 53 pounds.
Mine is a 60. Was hoping to move up to a 70# but I guess I will have to wait and see.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 19, 2012, 06:37:02 PM
Post by: high country on March 20, 2012, 01:49:23 AM
I hurt my left shoulder about 2 months ago and the recovery has been slow. It still aches a bit and crackles when I work the shoulder. I'm hoping I can strengthen the muscles around the joint, but I'm starting to wonder. Please keep us updated to your progress on this thread.
Mine still does that two years and two surgeries later. Sorry about yer luck.
Post by: RadSav on March 20, 2012, 02:27:39 AM
As mentioned above you might need to drop weight a bit. The squaw shoots 24.5" at 50# and has been kickin' my behind the past few years on both elk and deer. She shoots 'em just as far as I do and just as dead. Only difference is I usually have pass thru on elk and hers usually bounce off the opposite side. I think her arrows might even kill them quicker by staying in the boiler room. I can't remember the last time she did not get complete pass thru on deer.
Post by: JLS on March 20, 2012, 09:04:29 AM
Maybe you need to drop down to a 60 pound bow like I did, because of my shoulder issues. :dunno:
I've been doing fine with it set at 53 pounds.
Mine is a 60. Was hoping to move up to a 70# but I guess I will have to wait and see.
The difference between 60 and 70 pounds is not as great as we make it in our minds. If it's that big of a concern, buy a new bow. Some of the newer bows shoot faster at 60 pounds than mine does at 70.
Post by: high country on March 20, 2012, 09:50:27 AM
Post by: Dr. Death on March 20, 2012, 02:59:44 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on March 20, 2012, 06:26:15 PM
I started having muscle/shoulder spasms that would kink my neck and pop a rib behind my shoulder, which caused many chiropractor visits. Just brushing off a table or even lifting my pack with my left arm would cause me sharp or radiating pain. It got to where I could not put a pack on unless I put in my left arm first. Same with putting on a long sleeve shirt or jacket.
Basically my issue was a calcium deposit and bone spur. They had been really bothering me for a year before I found out what was going on. I got a cortisone shot that lasted a whole two days. Instead of getting another one at six month, I waited over a year to go back and check my options.
The first option was to try and break up the calcium deposit with a blast of water, but if that didn't work we would still have to do surgery.
Then it looked like I was going to get bumped or even lose my job. Insurance would have been covered by my wife if I lost my job, but I would not be bringing in a paycheck. I opted to go in for immediate surgery covering it with my insurance and being able to use my sick leave, I was still getting a check. Had there not been a possibility of losing my job, I may have waited another 6 months to a year.
The surgery was supposed to take 4 hours, but it was not as simple as they thought and it actually took 6 hours. The calcium deposit created a pit in the tendon and bone that needed cleaning up. After grinding the bone spur they shaved the collarbone to remove arthritis and hopefully give me better movement.
So now I am nearly 8 weeks out of surgery, still have my job, and I am regretting it. The surgery that is.
Below is a pic of the stitches and some arrows. The primary incision was where the sharp pain was coming from. Now it is just a dull ache.
The collarbone incision is the location of most of my current pain. I am sure that this because they shaved the collarbone and the muscles are still short.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2Fshoulder1.jpg&hash=8c044e295ef43f03bd0fc0d24a6cfebe0c2c178b)
The pit beneath the calcium deposit was cleaned and bored to fit the anchor.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2Fpit1.jpg&hash=3b8e012eb727a01cc333b3339aed0a51961e5609)
The anchor looks like plastic but it is really porcelain.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2Fanchor.jpg&hash=5e9c525df59d3508c6a8404b596538cf5c853d90)
Anchor inserted with stitches.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2Finserted.jpg&hash=642440b0805d621f26c05ab786637378268a4cdb)
One stitch finished, one to go.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2Ftied.jpg&hash=9e0be6985f615cf3071fe37f23547db099a134b8)
Here is a before x-ray of my collarbone.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2Fcollarbone-before.jpg&hash=15daa323a2143ec064aca9cafaca063aeaadeb9d)
And here is the after.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hunt101.com%2Fdata%2F500%2Fmedium%2Fcollarbone-after.jpg&hash=2524cd716efff927374adef160b299606ed84dfd)
That is not photo shopped. It looks (and feels) as if they just cut the whole end off.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 20, 2012, 06:32:57 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on March 20, 2012, 06:39:42 PM
It was not a tear, until they operated. I elected to have the surgery to remove an issue that caused me intermittent issues.
At my 6 week check up they told me that 50-60% of rotator cuff surgeries fail and require additional surgery. I was told that my young age (40+) was a positive and that they surgically "tore" the rotator cuff was better than a real tear.
I am not able to shoot a rifle or bow for another 5 weeks and they said it could be up to 8 months to completely heal.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 20, 2012, 06:48:16 PM
Post by: high country on March 20, 2012, 07:02:11 PM
Post by: BAR C3 on March 20, 2012, 07:47:14 PM
I regret it because of the constant pain I am in now and the loss of range and motion I currently have and have been told I will lose.Think positive my friend! :tup:
It was not a tear, until they operated. I elected to have the surgery to remove an issue that caused me intermittent issues.
At my 6 week check up they told me that 50-60% of rotator cuff surgeries fail and require additional surgery. I was told that my young age (40+) was a positive and that they surgically "tore" the rotator cuff was better than a real tear.
I am not able to shoot a rifle or bow for another 5 weeks and they said it could be up to 8 months to completely heal.
I just had my second surgery on my left in December. Tore my right first in 1999. I'm 42, so about same age as you. As much as I lecture people about keeping there rotators strong, I was stupid last summer and was throwing hay bales above my head. Between lifting weights since I was 12, playing football, working in the woods, being on SWAT, and rodeoing, I have done a number on my body. All started at 30. Rehab it and you can pull what you want. Keep your rotators strong by using the bands and continuing the exercises as long as your pulling a bow. I actually qualify to shoot a crossbow and refuse. Until I can't pull a bow back, I won't take advantage of it. My rotator was torn in hunting season and I shot at 68lbs. Matter of fact I told the doctor I wasn't getting the surgery until hunting season was over. Shot a nice 4x4. Fatigue did set in quicker and could not hold as long.
I just started strengthening exercises last week. I will shoot as soon as possible and I will be back to 68 lbs. I'm not rifle hunting again. Had neck surgery last year and had to rifle hunt last year. Hated it! If you want it bad enough, you will get there. :brew:
Post by: billythekidrock on March 20, 2012, 07:56:11 PM
I have been dealing with bulged & torn discs in my back for about 17 years now. It is non-stop pain up the back, down the back, down the legs....blah blah..
Pain does change a person.
But it hasn't completely slowed me down and I have had great family and friends that have helped me over the years. Since my back injury in the mid 90's I have still been able to be successfull while hunting including a deer every year (but one) more than a dozen bear and a few bull elk.
I am not as fast or strong or even as willing as I once was, but I still try to get it done. Usually smarter and not harder anymore.
Post by: BAR C3 on March 20, 2012, 08:05:12 PM
Thanks for the positive thoughts.....now you want to hear the real bummer? My shoulder is not my worst problem.You know I was really torn on whether to have neck surgery or not. They say once you fuse, the other discs go above and below. I'm happy with my decision. It has to be eventually fixed. Rather enjoy my younger years then wait till I can't do anything. For those who have never endured back pain, cherish those years. I don't wish it on anyone. I ruptured a cervical and thoracic in one accident. Can't fix thoracic. I do feel the middle part now that I don't have neck pain, but it's nothing like what I was dealing with. Good Luck and take care of that shoulder and back!
I have been dealing with bulged & torn discs in my back for about 17 years now. It is non-stop pain up the back, down the back, down the legs....blah blah..
Pain does change a person.
But it hasn't completely slowed me down and I have had great family and friends that have helped me over the years. Since my back injury in the mid 90's I have still been able to be successfull while hunting including a deer every year (but one) more than a dozen bear and a few bull elk.
I am not as fast or strong or even as willing as I once was, but I still try to get it done. Usually smarter and not harder anymore.
Post by: cohoho on March 20, 2012, 08:18:01 PM
Any right handed shooters have rotator cuff surgery on their left shoulder? If so, are you still able to draw and hold like before?
I just had this surgery a few weeks back and today was talking to a guy today who said he couldn't archery hunt anymore because of surgery in his left shoulder. He said he couldn't hold his arm out in the correct manner to hold the bow properly.
#1 reason I sold my bow, didn't have the surgery after I busted up my left shoulder in AK a few years ago, just hurts to be in that position.....AGE sucks!
Post by: billythekidrock on March 20, 2012, 08:31:39 PM
My coworker is finally back to work after having neck surgery and fusion. He is still not sure if it was worth it. He is constantly wondering if his leg pain is from his legs, his back or his neck.Thanks for the positive thoughts.....now you want to hear the real bummer? My shoulder is not my worst problem.You know I was really torn on whether to have neck surgery or not. They say once you fuse, the other discs go above and below. I'm happy with my decision. It has to be eventually fixed. Rather enjoy my younger years then wait till I can't do anything. For those who have never endured back pain, cherish those years. I don't wish it on anyone. I ruptured a cervical and thoracic in one accident. Can't fix thoracic. I do feel the middle part now that I don't have neck pain, but it's nothing like what I was dealing with. Good Luck and take care of that shoulder and back!
I have been dealing with bulged & torn discs in my back for about 17 years now. It is non-stop pain up the back, down the back, down the legs....blah blah..
Pain does change a person.
But it hasn't completely slowed me down and I have had great family and friends that have helped me over the years. Since my back injury in the mid 90's I have still been able to be successfull while hunting including a deer every year (but one) more than a dozen bear and a few bull elk.
I am not as fast or strong or even as willing as I once was, but I still try to get it done. Usually smarter and not harder anymore.
Yes Mike, getting old is a b!tch.
Post by: Dr. Death on March 22, 2012, 12:03:37 PM
Post by: MichaelJ on March 22, 2012, 12:19:19 PM
I broke my shoulder in 2009 riding a bull, and it healed back to about 95% of what it was. I could still work out, but throwing a baseball/football would absolutely kill me. Got an MRI a few months ago and I have a PARTIAL rotator cuff tear. Since I will be leaving my job soon and getting off of insurance, I figured I'd get it fixed while I'm young and not worry about it later in life. I still shoot my bow, and rifles, and it doesn't hurt me much. Though I have to go pretty easy throwing the ball for the pooch or if I ever coach baseball I'd be pretty screwed for BP...
I just turned 23 and have the surgery scheduled April 23rd with one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the state (Dr. Broberg out of Wenatchee) and he says its really a minor surgery because the tear is only partial and I should be back up and running 100% in 3 months. Hopefully I have better results than you guys! I need to be back shooting my bow by August...
Mike
Post by: Todd_ID on March 22, 2012, 04:11:31 PM
Post by: Huntbear on March 22, 2012, 04:34:25 PM
IF you are able to draw a bow and hold it by season start, I will truly be impressed. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. :dunno:
Post by: billythekidrock on March 22, 2012, 05:08:27 PM
I just turned 23 and have the surgery scheduled April 23rd with one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the state (Dr. Broberg out of Wenatchee) and he says its really a minor surgery because the tear is only partial and I should be back up and running 100% in 3 months.
From what I have learned so far....the positive is that you are young and will heal better than an older guy. The negative is that I doubt you will be 100% in 3 months.
Mine was a "surgical tear" and not a real tear so it should heal quicke and stronger, but at 8 weeks I can tell you that I am no where near 50% in motion or strength. I am not even supposed to shoot a rifle or bow until after my 3 month check up.
I wish you luck and if you have any questions you can pm me and I will try to answer the best I can.
Post by: deleted BGS on March 22, 2012, 05:41:36 PM
Post by: BAR C3 on March 22, 2012, 05:59:51 PM
I definately can't throw a ball anymore!
Huntbear, I will be shooting by June! 7 months later :tup: 8)
Post by: Huntbear on March 22, 2012, 06:06:51 PM
You are doing well then. Of course the doc also took out a huge bone spur, and stitched a slap tear back to the bone on me... I am still not 100% from surgery last June. But getting better.
Post by: BAR C3 on March 22, 2012, 07:17:43 PM
BAR C3Yep, your worse than me. They just had to shave some off my clavicle. And you are correct, I just had to throw you a challenge. You will never be 100% again. Because it's not my pulling arm, it will be fine for me to shoot by June. My PT guy gave me some bow exercises today to help strengthen it. I just wish my surgeon would have told me that alot of surgeries fail down the road. I don't know how to not go 100%. The first one lasted 10 years though.
You are doing well then. Of course the doc also took out a huge bone spur, and stitched a slap tear back to the bone on me... I am still not 100% from surgery last June. But getting better.
Post by: billythekidrock on March 22, 2012, 08:17:57 PM
I don't want to have another one.
Post by: MichaelJ on March 22, 2012, 09:57:01 PM
Mike
Post by: bobcat on March 22, 2012, 10:02:07 PM
Post by: Huntbear on March 22, 2012, 10:12:59 PM
BAR C3Yep, your worse than me. They just had to shave some off my clavicle. And you are correct, I just had to throw you a challenge. You will never be 100% again. Because it's not my pulling arm, it will be fine for me to shoot by June. My PT guy gave me some bow exercises today to help strengthen it. I just wish my surgeon would have told me that alot of surgeries fail down the road. I don't know how to not go 100%. The first one lasted 10 years though.
You are doing well then. Of course the doc also took out a huge bone spur, and stitched a slap tear back to the bone on me... I am still not 100% from surgery last June. But getting better.
My only saving grace is I am not a Bow hunter... I am one of those evil Modern firearm guys. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: But it sure gets to screaming at me still when I sling on the backpack for a few hours... :bash: :bash:
Post by: MichaelJ on March 23, 2012, 11:57:05 AM
I have 4.5 months from the surgery date to archery season. They said that because of how much it doesn't hurt me right now, and me only being 23, and it only being a PARTIAL tear, that there's a good chance I would be able to shoot my bow this fall, and will definitely be able to shoot it by the 2013 season... Just depends on how hard I want to rehab it.
Good enough for me I'm going under the knife on april 24th!
Anybody want to tell me I won't be able to archery hunt this year? :dunno: Soon as that sling comes off at 6 weeks it'll be getting worked out as hard as possible...
Obviously if I'm able to shoot by then, my range will be significantly lower, and the summer is going to suck as I am a 5 day a week shooter typically... Looks like it'll be a PT filled few months!
Mike
Post by: billythekidrock on March 23, 2012, 05:15:06 PM
Just got off the phone with the docs office...
I have 4.5 months from the surgery date to archery season. They said that because of how much it doesn't hurt me right now, and me only being 23, and it only being a PARTIAL tear, that there's a good chance I would be able to shoot my bow this fall, and will definitely be able to shoot it by the 2013 season... Just depends on how hard I want to rehab it.
Good enough for me I'm going under the knife on april 24th!
Anybody want to tell me I won't be able to archery hunt this year? :dunno: Soon as that sling comes off at 6 weeks it'll be getting worked out as hard as possible...
Obviously if I'm able to shoot by then, my range will be significantly lower, and the summer is going to suck as I am a 5 day a week shooter typically... Looks like it'll be a PT filled few months!
Mike
Mine was better than a partial tear since it was surgical. The bone spur and calcium deposit are not the issue. It is the repair of the rotator cuff.
I doubt they will let you hit it hard at 6 weeks. Most of my work at 8 weeks is passive resistance with assistance. Meaning I can't do a lot with my left arm and most movement is assisted with my right. I have no doubt you can hit it hard at 12 weeks, but I am pretty sure they will want you to take it real slow at 6.
Post by: BAR C3 on March 23, 2012, 09:32:33 PM
:yeah:Just got off the phone with the docs office...
I have 4.5 months from the surgery date to archery season. They said that because of how much it doesn't hurt me right now, and me only being 23, and it only being a PARTIAL tear, that there's a good chance I would be able to shoot my bow this fall, and will definitely be able to shoot it by the 2013 season... Just depends on how hard I want to rehab it.
Good enough for me I'm going under the knife on april 24th!
Anybody want to tell me I won't be able to archery hunt this year? :dunno: Soon as that sling comes off at 6 weeks it'll be getting worked out as hard as possible...
Obviously if I'm able to shoot by then, my range will be significantly lower, and the summer is going to suck as I am a 5 day a week shooter typically... Looks like it'll be a PT filled few months!
Mike
Mine was better than a partial tear since it was surgical. The bone spur and calcium deposit are not the issue. It is the repair of the rotator cuff.
I doubt they will let you hit it hard at 6 weeks. Most of my work at 8 weeks is passive resistance with assistance. Meaning I can't do a lot with my left arm and most movement is assisted with my right. I have no doubt you can hit it hard at 12 weeks, but I am pretty sure they will want you to take it real slow at 6.
I just got released to strengthen last week. I have seen a big difference in that week. If you get cut, you have to lift your bad arm with the other for a 4-6 weeks after sling comes off. I only wore mine four weeks. Mostly while driving with the wife. She scares the hell out of me! :yike: I kept it on while it was icy as well. The doc was scared if I slipped I would try and catch my fall with it.
Billy, I tore it again because I had my head up my butt! You don't throw 50-70 lb hay bales over your head. We put up at least 1,000 bales. Granted I didn't throw all of them. Anything over your head is a risk. When I lifted weights hard, those tricep head bangers are terrible. Upright rows, terrible, Behind the neck press, terrible. :bdid:
The other thing is you can do things like pull your bow back and other movements without problem if your not activating the rotator muscles. The biggy is if you can't sleep at night. That's the sign you need to see the surgeon.
Bottomline is take care of them when they get repaired!
Post by: Huntbear on March 23, 2012, 09:42:37 PM
Post by: high country on March 24, 2012, 09:33:47 AM
Post by: buck man on March 25, 2012, 02:15:34 AM
Oh buy the way he is 70 now and has 90% of his shoulder function back. Just imagine a surgical rotary tear...all your bones deadeheaded and a new joint screwed and glued in place. Then reatach all the muscle. :o
Post by: MichaelJ on March 25, 2012, 09:35:13 PM
Mike
Post by: billythekidrock on March 25, 2012, 10:29:05 PM
Post by: xsf1 on March 28, 2012, 11:12:01 AM
I was working in southeast Alaska last October. I was working with a guy who just happened to only have use of one hand. this guy was an avid bowhunter, so I asked him how he held a bow up with one hand. he told me that he had invented a system that had he could use and operate with one hand using his chin to pull the trigger mechanism. Now I don't really know how it worked but I would go ahead and say that seeing this kind of motivation really influenced me into knowing that however hard something is, that guy had it harder... and he kills 6 deer a year (legally).
I think you will be okay
Post by: MichaelJ on March 28, 2012, 11:41:26 AM
Mike
Post by: Dr. Death on March 28, 2012, 12:08:07 PM
Post by: MichaelJ on March 28, 2012, 02:51:00 PM
Mike, I wish you a speedy recovery! I go in on April 30th for mine....cutting it close for recovery time till archery season, but they can do mine othoscopically, so hopefully quick recovery....
Same story with mine... thanks I hope ur surgery goes as well as mine!
Mike
Post by: Dr. Death on April 06, 2012, 12:29:09 PM
BKR, how are you doing?
Sean
Post by: Johnb317 on April 06, 2012, 01:36:02 PM
One guy said staples, other said no... need to drill and thread (lasts longer)
Then went hunting... when getting off the horse I grabbed the saddle to slow myself down.
ripped something, hurt like crazy for about 3 minutes... then things were much better.
Couple months later got 3rd opinion at University Hospital... gave me some awesome stretches
which I've been faithful with....
No surgery so far, and I can still pull my bow.
Post by: Missing on April 09, 2012, 09:05:29 PM
I don't know your age but I shoot right handed and when I was 42 I had rotator cuff surgery on my left side, I had the surgery on May 15th and was able to hunt the late season that year. Don't get me wrong for the first 3 months I thought it was the biggest mistake I had ever made, it hurt everyday and I could not sleep very well but around the end of the 3rd month everything got a lot better and 6 months latter I was near 100%. The next year I had a herniated disc between L-4 L-5 and was back at work in 1 week. that was the end of January and I was back to snowmobiling in March. I look back on both now and I wouldn't do anything different!!!!!
If you go to the Gym after PT ask a trainer for some exercises for shooting a bow thats what I did to get back to shoot a bow.
Just remember to do the exercises and don't be to macho and re-injure yourself.
Best of luck Randy
Post by: MichaelJ on April 10, 2012, 03:54:47 PM
They gave me a sling to wear with a pad between my arm and torso. Wore it a week with the pad before I swapped it for a small pillow and most of the time I just wear the sling. More comfortable that way for sure.
I can bend over and do small circles with my arm hanging down and can "finger walk" my arm up a wall a little ways but not much! Doc says I'll be back bow hunting this year for sure.
I asked the doc if injuring my rotator cuff from a blunt impact instead of using it in a lifting or twisting motion could be a reason for my enhanced recovery and he said that it makes sense!
Mike
Post by: billythekidrock on April 10, 2012, 04:34:33 PM
I'm doing very well actually. Been 2 weeks since the surgery and I'm only taking a pain pill at bed and first thing in morning. Doc says I'm healing ahead of schedule. Going back to work tomorrow...
They gave me a sling to wear with a pad between my arm and torso. Wore it a week with the pad before I swapped it for a small pillow and most of the time I just wear the sling. More comfortable that way for sure.
I can bend over and do small circles with my arm hanging down and can "finger walk" my arm up a wall a little ways but not much! Doc says I'll be back bow hunting this year for sure.
I asked the doc if injuring my rotator cuff from a blunt impact instead of using it in a lifting or twisting motion could be a reason for my enhanced recovery and he said that it makes sense!
Mike
Glad to hear you are up and about.
They had me wait until 4 weeks for pt and "circles".
They made me wear the sling with pad for 6 weeks and I think that is a huge part of my current problem. I still can't raise my arm very high without pain and it is still very weak.
Post by: MichaelJ on April 10, 2012, 05:13:59 PM
Mike
Post by: Alaskan on April 12, 2012, 09:36:39 PM
I have been reading alot of your posts and I would like to offer some advice if possible. I am new to the forum. I am a bow hunter, but also in the Medical field. I am an athletic trainer that now works as a medical device sales rep, selling rotator cuff implants to Orthopedic surgeons. I have been in the O.R. for almost 10 years with Orthopedics surgeons, and have seen it all. Would be happy to offer advice to guys like you who go under the knife.
I have seen great surgeons perform this operation and some not so good.
Please let me know if I can help with any Physical Therapy questions and or help explain what some of your doctor's are telling you regarding the surgery itself. I would love to help out where I can.
Post by: Dr. Death on April 15, 2012, 09:21:03 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 16, 2012, 09:00:02 AM
Post by: MichaelJ on April 16, 2012, 10:35:04 AM
Its also kind of trippy. When you have a broken bone, you still have the muscle power to move, but the pain tells you not to! When you have this surgery, I couldn't lift my arm even if I tried! I'm slowing getting the muscle control and power back but its only been the last few days to do anything against gravity and I'm not pushing it!
Good Luck Dr. Death!
Mike
Post by: Dr. Death on April 17, 2012, 06:51:57 AM
Post by: MichaelJ on April 17, 2012, 08:13:07 AM
Mike
Post by: billythekidrock on April 17, 2012, 06:42:47 PM
BKR, how are you doing?
Thanks for asking...but I am still not happy that I chose to do this operation.
Today was my 3 month check up and after weeks of physical therapy I was told that I have a "froze shoulder". Basically meaning that I am not getting the expected mobility. Now I have to go to pt 3 times a week for a month and I am limited to 10 lbs with my left arm.
The toughest part is the muscle spasms and constant pain. I still can not roll over or lay on my shoulder and I wake up numerous times a night due to the pain. Definitely way worse than the pain I was in prior to surgery.
I was also told that they don't want me shooting a rifle or bow until I have more mobility and less pain.
Post by: MichaelJ on April 17, 2012, 08:45:53 PM
Post by: EDT on April 17, 2012, 09:12:26 PM
Post by: MichaelJ on April 23, 2012, 03:12:24 PM
Felt like I turned a corner 4 or 5 days ago and am actually getting some strength and movement back. Still not pushing it but I'm also not keeping it in the sling 24/7. I'm making progress... hope to be shooting again by mid July!
Mike
Post by: Dr. Death on April 23, 2012, 03:57:49 PM
Post by: MichaelJ on April 23, 2012, 07:01:38 PM
BTKR, I'm almost scared to ask how ur doing! But, are u seeing any progress?
Post by: Kowsrule30 on April 24, 2012, 09:12:15 PM
Post by: Annette on April 24, 2012, 09:35:23 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on April 25, 2012, 04:49:54 AM
BTKR, I'm almost scared to ask how ur doing! But, are u seeing any progress?
I am seeing a bit of progress this week, despite PT cancelling on me. I still wake up in the middle of the night from pain, but I have been able to do some digging and run a chainsaw.
The bummer is that I am still about 15% short on my range of motion. In PT they have been working some muscles around the scapula (they still hurt) and that seems to help the ROM, but when they cancell and can't get me in it is a bit disapointing.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on April 25, 2012, 05:04:18 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 25, 2012, 06:52:49 AM
Post by: Alaskan on April 28, 2012, 08:18:20 AM
Post by: Dr. Death on April 29, 2012, 11:32:22 AM
Post by: MichaelJ on April 30, 2012, 12:16:04 PM
I haven't worn my sling for the last 2 days. Today marks the 5 week past surgery date. I'm going through my daily work routine (just at a desk and driving) and am using my right arm but am not lifting or pushing or using it other than to maybe brush my teeth and use my computer mouse. I don't have any pain and don't feel like I'm "rushing it" by doing this. But what are your thoughts?
I know they told me 6 weeks in a sling and I figured if I'm out at 5 weeks its not the end of the world...???
Mike
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 30, 2012, 12:25:04 PM
For you guys on here in the medical/physical therapy field...
I haven't worn my sling for the last 2 days. Today marks the 5 week past surgery date. I'm going through my daily work routine (just at a desk and driving) and am using my right arm but am not lifting or pushing or using it other than to maybe brush my teeth and use my computer mouse. I don't have any pain and don't feel like I'm "rushing it" by doing this. But what are your thoughts?
I know they told me 6 weeks in a sling and I figured if I'm out at 5 weeks its not the end of the world...???
Mike
Sure, go ahead. Start throwing a football.
This is funnier than chit. Are you kidding with this here? You're asking for medical advice about a shoulder from someone other than the guy who operated on it or his assigned PT professional? I love HuntWA and all, but when it comes to how to behave after surgery, I don't think I'll be asking a bunch of hunters.
Now, ask how to tune a bow or cape an elk, this is the right place.
Post by: MichaelJ on April 30, 2012, 12:36:22 PM
For you guys on here in the medical/physical therapy field...
I haven't worn my sling for the last 2 days. Today marks the 5 week past surgery date. I'm going through my daily work routine (just at a desk and driving) and am using my right arm but am not lifting or pushing or using it other than to maybe brush my teeth and use my computer mouse. I don't have any pain and don't feel like I'm "rushing it" by doing this. But what are your thoughts?
I know they told me 6 weeks in a sling and I figured if I'm out at 5 weeks its not the end of the world...???
Mike
Sure, go ahead. Start throwing a football.
This is funnier than chit. Are you kidding with this here? You're asking for medical advice about a shoulder from someone other than the guy who operated on it or his assigned PT professional? I love HuntWA and all, but when it comes to how to behave after surgery, I don't think I'll be asking a bunch of hunters.
Now, ask how to tune a bow or cape an elk, this is the right place.
I haven't even had a PT person assigned to me, and if you noticed, there were two people in this thread that are actually in this field.
Good Luck guys! I am a physical therapist and have certainly seen a good share of Rotator cuff surgery patients. Take your time to get back - do not rush shoulder surgery recovery.
Hey guys,
I have been reading alot of your posts and I would like to offer some advice if possible. I am new to the forum. I am a bow hunter, but also in the Medical field. I am an athletic trainer that now works as a medical device sales rep, selling rotator cuff implants to Orthopedic surgeons. I have been in the O.R. for almost 10 years with Orthopedics surgeons, and have seen it all. Would be happy to offer advice to guys like you who go under the knife.
I have seen great surgeons perform this operation and some not so good.
Please let me know if I can help with any Physical Therapy questions and or help explain what some of your doctor's are telling you regarding the surgery itself. I would love to help out where I can.
With this in mind, I am still posting about my question. Obviously I don't take things on the net for gospel, but this thread IS about rotator cuff surgeries and recovery times...etc with both EDT and Alaskan on here with their medical experience, I thought I would ask them. Do you have a problem with this?
Mike
Post by: Alaskan on April 30, 2012, 06:58:12 PM
Post by: MichaelJ on April 30, 2012, 07:06:26 PM
Mike
Post by: Alaskan on May 01, 2012, 08:24:10 AM
If you ever have a question in your head on whether you should perform a certain activity or not, always error on the side of caution. You don't want to compromise the repair.
Before you perform any ACTIVE Motion (you make muscles move/Contract) you will go through a regimen with your PT on ACTIVE Assistive (They help you). Doing the pendulums or swinging your arm with gravity, keeps the range of motion in your shoulder without compromising the repair. There is no stress on the repair, because there is no active pulling on the repair. If you haven't seen them, I could post a picture of what your anchors probably look like.
Post by: MichaelJ on May 01, 2012, 01:22:35 PM
As far as what activities I've allowed myself, I've been pretty careful with what I allow myself to do and still wear the sling if I'm going out to be around people or work environments where I know I'll be tempted to work harder.
The working with ACTIVE motion makes a lot of sense and I've been good on that aspect. Anything where I have to extend my arm away from my body has been assisted with my other arm to keep the stress off of it. Just trying to improve the ROM without stressing the wound like you're talking about. Thanks for the info Alaskan, I appreciate it.
Post by: EDT on May 11, 2012, 09:47:09 PM
Post by: Dr. Death on May 15, 2012, 11:38:40 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 15, 2012, 11:43:40 AM
Hey Michael, I think Pianoman missed the title of your post when he made his comment.
I didn't miss anything. Whether or not there are doctors commenting on this thread, they don't know Michael's specific shoulder. The only person who can tell Michael when it's a good idea to throw a football would be his own surgeon. That was my only point.
Post by: MichaelJ on May 16, 2012, 03:12:36 PM
I didn't miss anything. Whether or not there are doctors commenting on this thread, they don't know Michael's specific shoulder. The only person who can tell Michael when it's a good idea to throw a football would be his own surgeon. That was my only point.
Never said I wanted to throw a football this early... so you might of missed that. Was only referring to wearing my sling at different times and I got a helpful response. No call for you to be an ass about it either. There are much more constructive ways of getting your point across then trying to belittle someone else's question.
As far as my shoulder and its progression its doing great. Had a doc apt last thursday and he gave me some PT stuff to do. Only ROM i'm missing right now is I can only lift my arm up in front of me to about the 1 O'clock position but its getting better every day. Biggest problem for me right now is all my support muscles in my back and neck getting worked a lot more than they're used to and are pretty sore. Doc gave me a prescription for a message though so I was stoked about that! :-)
Post by: JLS on May 16, 2012, 03:56:05 PM
Hopefully you have a good PT, make sure they know that you are a bow hunter and what your goals are.
Once your rehab is complete, you have a life sentence for doing your shoulder exercises. I've incorporated a lot more pushups and pullups the last several years, and my shoulder problems have been zero.
Good luck!
Post by: pianoman9701 on May 16, 2012, 05:09:48 PM
I didn't miss anything. Whether or not there are doctors commenting on this thread, they don't know Michael's specific shoulder. The only person who can tell Michael when it's a good idea to throw a football would be his own surgeon. That was my only point.
Never said I wanted to throw a football this early... so you might of missed that. Was only referring to wearing my sling at different times and I got a helpful response. No call for you to be an ass about it either. There are much more constructive ways of getting your point across then trying to belittle someone else's question.
As far as my shoulder and its progression its doing great. Had a doc apt last thursday and he gave me some PT stuff to do. Only ROM i'm missing right now is I can only lift my arm up in front of me to about the 1 O'clock position but its getting better every day. Biggest problem for me right now is all my support muscles in my back and neck getting worked a lot more than they're used to and are pretty sore. Doc gave me a prescription for a message though so I was stoked about that! :-)
Sorry, I wasn't trying to be an ass. It's hard to tell someone's intent on a typed message and that wasn't mine. Good luck with your shoulder.
Post by: MichaelJ on May 16, 2012, 06:33:53 PM
Michael,
Hopefully you have a good PT, make sure they know that you are a bow hunter and what your goals are.
Once your rehab is complete, you have a life sentence for doing your shoulder exercises. I've incorporated a lot more pushups and pullups the last several years, and my shoulder problems have been zero.
Good luck!
Thanks JLS! I hope it goes well... Up until my surgery I was doing 40-50 pull ups 3 times a week in conjunction with 100 + pushups of various styles. I haven't been using very many free weights since I graduated but have been focusing more on getting my muscles conditioned to lots of use instead of just getting bigger. Thanks for the advice!
MIke
Post by: Dr. Death on June 01, 2012, 04:07:01 PM
I hope the rest of you are doing good also.....!
Sean
Post by: Dr. Death on June 08, 2012, 11:37:49 AM
Post by: MichaelJ on June 13, 2012, 09:19:52 AM
I'm doing great myself but haven't attempted much more than doubling up on surgical tubing and doing PT once or twice a day with them. I can pull two surgical tubes to their max stretching point in the form of drawing my bow and have no pain.
Only pain I still have is when I raise my arm as high as it'll go, it still has a little ROM up there that is sore and not healed all the way but its getting closer! I will crank my bow down and start shooting next month (wanted to give it the 3 month wait like doc suggested). Not even sure I'll be archery hunting this year depending on what ID tags I draw and my new business not leaving me much time. Either way I'll be shooting my bow here soon!
Mike
Post by: Dr. Death on June 14, 2012, 11:59:36 AM
The big thing that is helping me is that I had to do 3 month of PT PRIOR to surgery, so my shoulder was strong and can support things better. Still gets sore, but I've been doing PT 2xs a week and working out daily, with my bands (red ones) and weights...funny while shooting my shoulder feels pretty good, its my bicept (inside) that has been kinda bothering me, got a wierd feeling in it... my ROM isnt what it should be yet either, but the Dr said I'm about a month ahead of schedule....
Post by: MichaelJ on June 14, 2012, 12:11:19 PM
Funny you mention working out before surgery. I was working out doing intense interval workouts 4 days a week working mainly with various pushups, pullups, situps, squats, lunges...etc 12 minute workous would KILL me (I'm in good shape already). My body was in pretty good shape and it has really come back over the last 2 weeks. I think it definitely helped out on my recovery.
I made my own workout resistance bands the other day. Used 1" conduit for handles with holes drilled in them and surgical tubing. Got a few singles and a double banded one that I've been working with this week and can already tell I'm getting stronger. I honestly think I could go shoot my bow at 70 lbs right now but am waiting till July 1 and the 3 month mark! Just strenghtening and working on form right now!
Mike
Post by: Dr. Death on June 19, 2012, 06:37:54 AM
Post by: MichaelJ on June 19, 2012, 01:42:54 PM
Also waiting for the Idaho draw results to come out to see if I'll be archery hunting or not!
Mike
Post by: Dr. Death on June 19, 2012, 02:34:57 PM
Good luck with your Idaho draw!
Post by: MichaelJ on July 11, 2012, 11:07:51 PM
Got an antelope archery Idaho hunt August 15th and that actually turns out to be probably my only archery hunt this year. We'll see how it goes! ;)
Mike
Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2
Post by: Dr. Death on July 12, 2012, 06:24:41 AM
Post by: oldcamper on July 12, 2012, 05:45:25 PM
He learned to shoot left handed and returned to the world class level shooting bow's left handed. I am now trying to shoot left handed as it takes different muscles to pull a bow then it does to push a bow. I can only say it is freaking weird but I am determand to reach success. I can now hit the bale every time (that's a +) but getting used to using the opposite eye is probably the hardest part. Cost me a few arrows and a new bow ofcourse :chuckle: but I will retrain myself. So no; bow hunting is not over. :tup:
Post by: Elkpiss on July 13, 2012, 01:59:28 PM
Post by: washelkhunter on July 13, 2012, 02:44:45 PM
I had my 2nd shoulder surgery on my draw shoulder, I tore my lebrum in College baseball 9 years ago, and tore it again playing softball last summer.. Had sugery May 1st off work for a month and then light duty and back to full duty July 2nd.. I had a huge bone spur they cleaned up too and they detached my bycep to reattach my lebrum and then reattached my bycep, the DR said there is no way that i will be able to pull a bow back by Sept, Bull chit i was thinking this isnt the first time i have had this surgery so i knew what I was getting into.. I almost have my entire motion back and i am going to wait till the last minute, probably Sept 1st to shoot my first Arrow to be safe but i know i could pull it back right now... Im 29 so i may heal faster i dont know but i was a little worried when he told me i would be very lucky to bow hunt this year but how it feels now there isnt a dout in my mind i wont be hunting.. :archery_smiley:.. :tup:
Go ahead dont listen to your surgeon. What the hell does he know right? I hope he tells you no way am i re-re-repairing your torn out biceps after you were duly advised not to engage in a particular activity. ______ like you just need to be kicked to the curb and live with your injuries. Nothing worse than having to wade thru all that scar tissue to perform a repair that now you will perhaps never regain full use of that arm. I just hope this is a case of self-insurance because i hate to see your employer or the public having to pickup the tab for your selfish choices in life.
Post by: Elkpiss on July 13, 2012, 03:30:31 PM
I had my 2nd shoulder surgery on my draw shoulder, I tore my lebrum in College baseball 9 years ago, and tore it again playing softball last summer.. Had sugery May 1st off work for a month and then light duty and back to full duty July 2nd.. I had a huge bone spur they cleaned up too and they detached my bycep to reattach my lebrum and then reattached my bycep, the DR said there is no way that i will be able to pull a bow back by Sept, Bull chit i was thinking this isnt the first time i have had this surgery so i knew what I was getting into.. I almost have my entire motion back and i am going to wait till the last minute, probably Sept 1st to shoot my first Arrow to be safe but i know i could pull it back right now... Im 29 so i may heal faster i dont know but i was a little worried when he told me i would be very lucky to bow hunt this year but how it feels now there isnt a dout in my mind i wont be hunting.. :archery_smiley:.. :tup:
Go ahead dont listen to your surgeon. What the hell does he know right? I hope he tells you no way am i re-re-repairing your torn out biceps after you were duly advised not to engage in a particular activity. ______ like you just need to be kicked to the curb and live with your injuries. Nothing worse than having to wade thru all that scar tissue to perform a repair that now you will perhaps never regain full use of that arm. I just hope this is a case of self-insurance because i hate to see your employer or the public having to pickup the tab for your selfish choices in life.
wow buddy that was deep... Im healing good and will be fine, and the surgeon said it will be healed in 3 months and wont tear again, he was thinking along the lines i wont have the strength in my shoulder to pull a bow back!.. Everyone heals different.. Thanks for the ash chewin tho.. :o
Post by: washelkhunter on July 13, 2012, 03:35:54 PM
Post by: oldcamper on July 15, 2012, 03:25:25 PM
Post by: Dr. Death on July 20, 2012, 02:24:33 PM
Post by: billythekidrock on August 08, 2012, 07:38:12 PM
I have been purposefully avoiding this thread because I had nothing positive to contribute and it would have come off negative. But I am feeling a little better about things so I will post some of my experiences.
After doing pt 3 times a week for a month I was finally gaining some ROM and a little strength but no pain relief.
So more shoulder and neck xrays that showed nothing.
More pt.
Then I got a joint injection/joint asperation. Basically a shot guided by xray. The good thing was no infection. The bad was that the injection did not ease the pain. In fact it made it worse for about 4 days and I had to take a couple days off from work.
After more pt and no real progress the therapist was was sounding like she could not help me anymore. She told me that the ROM was about as good as it was going to get and wanted to work more on strength. She told me there was probably nothing she could do about the pain.
Dr. wanted another MRI. So I did that. They couldn't get me in for another month to go over the results.
More pt and again I was told that there was not much to do for the pain.
Then, luckily, my therapist was out and I saw a different one. This therapist asked what we had been working on and I gave a brief explanation but told her that I wanted to hear what she thought might be the problem and her options.
After some poking and proding she asked how long I had been in the sling after surgery. I told her six weeks and she nodded. She had me raise my arm and she rammed a finger under my pectoral muscle. It hurt like the dickens.
She suggested that I was in the sling too long (protocol is 4-6 weeks depending on the dr) and that my pec minor had shrunk. She also identified some scar tissue near my shoulder and noticed the shoulder blade would not raise, lower or move in general.
After 3 visits I hurt like hell, but something had clicked and I knew she was treating the issues. On the fourth visit she said I would have to go back to my original therapist and I told her that would not work for me. She suggested I talk to my surgeon.
Upon inspection of the MRI they noticed tendinosis and subacromial fluid collection that was new since the earlier MRI.
So I got another steroid shot and a script for more pt with the current therapist. The shot worked for a few days with my best day in over 6 months on day 3. Day 4 was a little pain and on day 5 it was back to the same old same old. Then the next day eased up.
Continued work on the pectoral minor and shoulder blade has made a world of difference and with the shot easing pain I have actually been able to gain some of the ROM that I couldn't after months of pt.
The steroid shot was last Monday and now, six and a half months later, I actually feel like there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
I did shoot my bow a few weeks ago and was able to shoot about 20 shots at 56 lbs. But it was a struggle and I had to use a lot of body english to get drawn. I may try again this weekend.
I have been shooting my ml with the intentions of killing an elk in October.
Post by: MichaelJ on August 31, 2012, 02:09:16 PM
Mike
Post by: Johnb317 on August 31, 2012, 02:18:43 PM
I talked to 3 surgeons, and saw several pt. I lucked out and so far have avoided surgery. The last guy I talked to at UW said to wait, gave me different stretches and it worked.
He was not a big fan of cortisone shots, felt they can cause tendons to become more brittle.
I shoot 68lbs, but 60 will more than do the job.
Post by: billythekidrock on August 31, 2012, 08:34:32 PM
The shot is wearing off and the muscle spasms are getting unbareable again.
I have a follow up with the surgeon on the 6th.
Right now I am shooting at 56lb but can hardly shoot more than a half dozen shots without pain.
Hopefully tomorrow I will find a young dumb deer and get it over with.
Post by: ICEMAN on August 31, 2012, 08:57:56 PM