Who's had shoulder surgery?

[6burgh]

I'd been through about 3 months of pretty bad shoulder pain when I finally saw the doc. 6 weeks later after trying the non-invasive "rehab", I got scheduled for a MRI where they had to inject me dye so they could see the joint. Less of a needle and more of a harpoon, but I digress... MRI showed a SLAP tear. Basically, my biceps tendon had torn away from the labrum. Got scoped a week ago Thursday... and it is painful!

Anyone had surgery like this before? I can't move my elbow away from my side and I'm in a sling 24x7. I'm itching to play again soon but I don't want to rush and damage anything. How long before you were playing freely again?

[bickster]

Sorry to hear that 6'er. While my gig is cardiac I do know that any bicep head or rotator cuff surgery is a long and painful road. Haven't heard of many post-op failures or complications. Good luck!

Bob

[OnTheFritz]

I've had shoulder surgery, but it was rotator cuff, massive tear and they had to cut me along with scoping.
Same thing with the MRI, dye injection. The harpoon sucked. But I too digress..
Shoulder surgery recovery is a bitch and takes a lot of work, time, and patience.
Between pre-op, and post op, I was in PT 3x a week for a year.

Yours is different, but the shoulder is such a complex joint, and when tendons are involved, it's going to take time.
Get it done, and best of luck.
And get the best Surgeon you can!

[6burgh]

Ouch, messin' with the rotator cuff is no joke. I'm lucky that it was only a scope though, I see that now clear as day. My biggest concern (and yes, the main problem with the internet) is that I've read way too many issues and problems that people have after this specific type of repair. I know the success stories aren't being written because those people are too busy doing things with their fully functional shoulder. I guess I'm in the tough part early though right? I mean doesn't it get easier when you can start seeing and measuring actual progress? I sure hope so.

Thanks for the positive words though guys, I'm way too stubborn and motivated to let this get me... I just hope I've got the patience to take it slow.

Paul

[OnTheFritz]

Just re-read your original post, didn't realize you'd had the repair.
I remember in PT they told me that the range of motion and some strength is the first thing that returns, the last thing to disappear is the pain. They were absolutely correct. My shoulder is much much better than I ever could have fathomed immediately post-op. (or pre-op) Probably 90-95% normal. Still reticent to attempt to walk on my hands as I did as a kid and young adult though!
Hang in there, and do your work!

[StuntDouble]

I spent my time taking NSAIDs, stretching with the oversize rubber bands and throwing a tennis ball off of the wall after a separated my AC. I've been fortunate enough not to have had a labral tear or rotator cuff problems. Fight the urge to get back in the gym and trying to rush back into what you used to do; it's going to take time. Any progress?

[6burgh]

It's been very sore since the surgery (now 4 weeks and a days out), but I've been out of the sling for a bit and I've started the most basic "hanging arm circles" for stretching. Soooo slow going... I did get some great news though, guitar is back on the menu!

Kind of funny, but my hands feel fresh after not playing for a while. Not that I would suggest this as a recuperation technique for improved playing...

Thanks for the support guys.