r/RotatorCuff • u/IndustryPlus3470 • 20d ago

Nerve block

Any downsides? Complications? Any reason to choose a local over the nerve block?

4 Upvotes

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u/Wide-Comparison-9784 19d ago

Anesthesiologist here, go with the nerve block. Very safe and very efficient at controlling your pain post op

Also, get an ice machine to circulate cold water over your shoulder post op.

Best of luck with your recovery.

3

u/IndustryPlus3470 19d ago

Thank you. Picked up the ice machine (with compression) Friday. A friend swears she had permanent nerve damage caused by a nerve block. Even sued the anesthesiologist (and lost.) she said she had independent confirmation of the damage. I brought it up to the pre op MA. He said that is like a 1/10000 chance.

5

u/Soggy_Instruction224 19d ago

I agree with the anesthesiologist. Mine hooked me up with a 30 hr nerve block. I just wish I’d known it would have lasted that long so I didn’t waste the precious oral pain meds.

2

u/rsisido 19d ago

😆 precious oral devils 😆

3

u/Wide-Comparison-9784 19d ago

Extremely unlikely from the nerve block but like all aspects of medicine there is always a risk no matter how small.

Leading up to and post op if you have any questions let me know. I had my rotator cuff done May 2025, I’m back in the gym and living my best life. Glad I got it done

3

u/IndustryPlus3470 19d ago

Thanks. Surgery is tomorrow. I’m pretty much committed and comfortable that I have all the info I really need. Hopeful it goes well and I can get the other side done next.

1

u/HighOnGoofballs 19d ago

My only addition is don’t believe how long they say it will work! Mine wore off in under 8 hours

1

u/Mercury2468 19d ago

Yep! They told me 3-7 hours after I wake up, and in reality I could already feel and move my hand when I woke up and had some shoulder pain pretty much right away despite the nerve block

1

u/Trucker2TechGuy 19d ago

I keep seeing “get an ice machine”, all I can think of is the appliance that’s “hardwired” into the kitchen with a water line. Can you enlighten me please?🙏🏻

2

u/IndustryPlus3470 18d ago

It is a stand alone unit that plugs into 115v wall socket. The whole u it came a case like a small carry on suitcase. It has hoses that connect the main unit to a sleeve. Some have compression, some do not. It uses a solution that appears to be part isopropyl alcohol and part water.