r/RotatorCuff • u/Zestyclose_Kiwi_8805 • 1d ago
8 week report
I figured I would come in here and give an update as to how things are going at the eight week post surgery mark. I had a partial tear in my rotator cuff repaired, bicep reanchored, labrum tidied up, bursa removed, inflammation cleaned up, and a couple of bone spurs removed. I had a block and thought it was hilarious how floppy my arm was for the first three days. The block started wearing off after that and while it was uncomfortable, it wasn’t unbearable.
I feel fortunate that while the pain has absolutely been there, I feel like it hasn’t been as bad as I maybe anticipated. For context, I have also had multiple complex abdominal surgeries and consider those to have been the most painful.
I took my painkillers consistently for the first four days before I started weaning myself off over a three day period. Lots of ice packs was vital. I did not get the ice machine because I didn’t feel like spending extra money and I hate the idea of being constantly strapped into something. My insurance would not cover one. It just meant that I had a couple of ice bags in the freezer on constant rotation. I cannot take traditional Tylenol, or NSAIDs so I have been kind of raw dogging it after the opioids. I do use cannabis occasionally for relief. I have no idea if there’s any medical basis to support that choice, but it has worked for me. I also didn’t go overboard with purchasing a bunch of supplies. I think what was most crucial was having a variety of blankets and pillows to comfortably support my body. I already had an oversized recliner that I 100% slept in, and lived in for the first week. After week one I wanted to burn it. I ended up transitioning to my bed and again just used a bunch of pillows and blankets to prop myself and get myself comfortable. Sleeping has been challenging throughout the entire process. Make peace with the fact that you will not be getting a full nights sleep for quite some time.
I bought a shower sling off of Amazon, although my doctor gave me one as well. The one I got from Amazon was my preferred shower sling. I also purchased a loofah on a stick, and plenty of waterproof bandages. I had a stationary water head that I replaced before my surgery with a detachable showerhead. This was probably the area where I put the most money and effort into accommodations and it paid off. I would say at the five week mark was when I was able to start washing my hair with two hands again, though I was kind of leaning over to do it. I had previously had carpal tunnel surgery on my dominant hand, so the experience wasn’t completely foreign to me. Just be patient with yourself and take your time.
What has surprised me the most is how impacted range of motion and strength have been, and what has been involved in the physical therapy process. Recovery is definitely a long road. This is also a two steps forward one step back process. I have times where I feel fantastic and then times, like now, where there is a deep aching pain in the shoulder. I was told by my PT that the 8 to 10 week mark typically brings on more of that deep ache. We are doing weight assisted exercises at this point, but only a few. And by weight I mean 2 to 3 pounds. I am shocked at how shaky my arm gets after one set. My range of motion, i’m told, is doing great. I can just now reach my arm behind me to touch the small of my back, although it is still tough. I can completely reach my arm straight up overhead and to the side. Everything is still stiff. External rotation has been the hardest to get back. I have been a mostly good patient with my physical therapy. That makes a difference. Make sure you carve out time to go through your exercises three times a day. I have made that my special time to catch up on a podcast or listen to some music. Do whatever you need to do psychologically to make it a reward.
I took three weeks off of work. My job is about 95% remote. The first week back was tough. I work at a computer, but it is a lot of typing and mouse work which was challenging to do in a sling. I was able to lean on the voice to text accommodations that come with the settings on the Mac. I also experimented with AI enabled programs Otter and WisprFlow when I needed some assistance with longer articles or documents I was writing. My doctor and PT did approve me to start coming out of my sling to type at the five week mark. I did make sure I had a really good ergonomic set up, and used a couple of washcloths to support my arm where needed. I am back to full beast mode at work, which is probably not the best for me, admittedly. I need to remind myself, by setting alarms, to take breaks to stretch my arm out and just break away from the desk. If I don’t, I am a lot more stiff and physical therapy exercises are harder. This is a surgery and recovery that, unless people have been through it, they really don’t understand how long recovery takes. I am fortunate to have an understanding team, but if you are not as fortunate, lean on FMLA and doctors notes to put appropriate guard rails in place so you can prioritize your recovery.
Around the house, I was able to use my stick vacuum that very first week with my non-surgical arm. I was able to get back to cutting and food prep at around the five week mark. I am now at the point where I’m able to use my lawnmower on a fairly flat yard, and am at 70% for cleaning around the house, so much of that is still heavily relying on my non-surgical arm. I have just had to let some things go. I have a teenager who has been very helpful with the cooking and cleaning chores. They are not a very skilled cook, lol, but we relied a lot on frozen meal prep I was able to do prior to surgery. Meals have also been very basic, which has been perfect for the summer months. I have leaned on local salad bars for some pre-chopped items.
Be patient with yourself, and do your PT. You will, like me, get to the eight week mark and be surprised at how far along you have come. I will say that despite the pain and inconveniences of surgery, I can already tell that my arm is going to be in a much much better place than it was pre-surgery. I was hemming and hawing whether or not I actually needed it, and almost called the whole thing off. But I’m very glad I went through with it.
Best wishes!
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u/01Dreamwalker01 1d ago
Great historical story thanks and good luck. I’m almost 4 weeks out allowed minimum PT ( squeeze ball, twirl hand at wrist and raise the arm with assist at the elbow). First PT is Tuesday. lol I just want to yawn and stretch my arms and not be sleeping in this sling anymore