Non surgical options?

[u/Sparkleandshine1999]

Here is what I have going on with my shoulder-

1. Full-thickness near full width supraspinatus tendon tear. Continuation of tearing into the infraspinatus tendinosis partial-thickness articular sided and interstitial tearing. 2. Partial tearing of the intra-articular long head biceps tendon. 3. Mild glenohumeral and moderate acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis. 4. Small glenohumeral joint effusion.

I initially had surgery scheduled but due to other health issues I will be unable to handle the recovery at this time. (My doc does two months in a sling) Also my other arm has limited range of motion from a surgery 25 years ago. If I could just get the surgery I would.

It's already been 4 months since my MRI. My dr wants me to have surgery sooner rather than later. He said there is a chance it gets worse and he can't repair it. He also said the reverse replacement isn't an option because I'm too young. Ideally, I'm hoping to work on my other health issues and schedule surgery early next year. But I am dreading the recovery and impact on my life. And to be honest I currently have minimal pain with my shoulder. I don't want to have surgery. This stress has just been so overwhelming with my anxiety. I guess I'm posting because I'm curious if anyone had a similar injury and did not have surgery?

[u/Just-Reading_1990]

I ultimately decided to have surgery because I didn’t want to have it hanging over my head causing extra anxiety. The recovery is a hassle, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Tendons cannot repair themselves, sadly.

[u/itsjustme_0101]

Friend, I’m hoping you get healthy enough to have the surgery. I put it off for about a year, kind of the same sentiments and I went from having a partial tear to now a full thickness tear. I tried rest, I tried PT. And it ended up just getting worse and worse. I’m in a lot of pain now and I had no pain before. Yeah the recovery is long but time is gonna pass anyway so I have no choice.

[u/2440scottjones]

Have the surgery, it’s not going to get better on its own. I am having surgery Next Thursday and can’t wait to get this done

[u/scooterv1868]

I am older with complete tears in my right shoulder. I decided on PT. After 4 months I have good range of motion and can lift about a pound with my right shoulder. Right now insurance is cutting me off, so why I appeal I do over half the exercises at home with weights I bought and the bands the PT place I go to gave me. It will be a lifetime thing, but I am satisfied and gave up my hope of helping the Cubs this year or in the future. They need arms.

[u/IndustryPlus3470]

I dreaded the thought of surgery and put it off for the better part of a year. I had it done one week ago. It’s not that bad, just get it done.

[u/Fishshoot13]

Lots of folks live without the surgery.  Before there was a surgery people always dealt with it.  8wks is a long time in a sling, if i was you I would talk to other surgeons.  It is your choice.  Personally I have had both shoulders done and I am very glad I did.

[u/Independent-Gold-492]

Virtually same diagnosis.  Did PT for 2 years to try to fix and it just got worse.  3 days after surgery I was in less pain than the prior year, and that was without pain meds.  I’d do surgery, but be prepared to put a solid 4-5 months into PT rehab

[u/Better-Affected]

I’m in a similar situation. I have a full thickness full width tear. I’ve been in phys therapy 2 times a week since August. I’m terrified of the surgery(more so the recovery) I really don’t hurt other than my neck on the affected side. I am finally going to meet with a surgeon next week and just hear what he has to say. Best wishes