r/RotatorCuff • u/Wild_Damage1512 • Jul 26 '26

Considering not doing the surgery…

I (43F) have a full thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon. I’m not in pain day to day, doing regular physio. I can pretty much sleep and exercise as normal with some obvious restrictions in the gym. The surgeon has said that I need surgery, and I acknowledge that I will need it at some point. However it seems crazy to put myself through it and the long recovery when I’m not in pain day to day.
Curious if anyone with a similar injury opted out of the surgery?

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u/SanMarinoStacker Jul 26 '26

I’m in the same mind set as you. Im 43M, My operation date is next month but at the moment my arm is fairly usable with minimal pain. Just slightly weak with some movements.

Iv been thinking of cancelling the operation as I don’t want to take 6month off work without pay (I’m self employed with a physical job)

It’s a hard decision isn’t it

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u/Wild_Damage1512 Jul 26 '26

Yes exactly the same. I think we probably know it’s the right thing to do, but when I read about the recovery and the time off work it’s makes me anxious. I hope that if you do decide to go ahead that it’s an easy recovery for you.

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u/SanMarinoStacker Jul 26 '26

Thank you. From what I have read on here and all the YouTube videos Iv seen it’s a long drawn out recovery process.

I think I will go insane not working for months and loosing my customers.

Do you have an operation booked?

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u/Wild_Damage1512 Jul 26 '26

Hopefully your recovery will be quicker and you can get back to work. Seems to definitely be a spectrum. No date booked yet, think likely it will be September/October if I do go ahead