If it don't kill ya....it makes you stronger.
Improvise, adapt and overcome.
Go forth and do well.
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Improvise, adapt and overcome.
Go forth and do well.
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Rehab Torture
- Thread starter jbtrucker
- Start date
I've had two rotator cuff operations. The first one was workman's comp, and they didn't waste time with therapy "to see if that would work." I was x-rayed, CT, and MRI'd right away and it was bad enough that I was operated on ASAP. Then about 8 to 9 months of PT. Then back to work. The 2nd one was after I retired and insurance rules say to torture the patient with PT 1st to "see if that would work." Of course it did not, so then tested and operated on. This shoulder had more issues than the first, but I knew what to expect from PT and I put more effort into it. The lady who ran the PT was "very pleasant" to work with; very intelligent lady. I completed the PT visits within 6 months, as this was interfering with my retirement. I'll be getting a new knee after I get the nerve to go get measured up and give the doctor the green light. "I'll be so glad after I get this done" according to the people I know who've had it done. I just need to try to plan it so I don't ruin my summer in rehab. (But the pain may decide for me.)
'79 Magnum GT
Member
I had both of mine done in the spring so I could stay home and enjoy my walks when it was nice outside. I was out of work May and June. That's what my doctor told me to do so I didn't argue. When summer rolled around I was good to go do what ever I wanted.
Rick
In 2009 I had a spinal fusion. Surgeon gave me 10 minutes walking a day on week 3, extending 5 minutes a week till I hit an hour. Week 3 I thought I can do better, broke out to a light trot until I felt pain in my back. Before long I was doing my usual 5-6 km a day. Months post surgery I had an x-ray. Surgeon was certain I had reached the 12 month recovery point until he checked surgery date. Movement was the best thing I did.
First time logging on this week and saw this thread. My wife had hip replacement on Tuesday. She was released from the hospital on Wednesday. I've spent the last two days helping her with home rehab (and replacing our tub/shower with a walk-in shower for her). I'm sure it will be a long process but the last two years watching her go through the pain and not being able to help her have been horrible! The home therapist came by yesterday and will by coming by once a week to assist as well. We've been told you get out of it what you put in to it.
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Have you had an MRI on your shoulder? Might be a torn rotator cuff. I know because I fell on ice on my right shoulder in January and I have a tear. PT helped a lot but it was still stiff and not full extension. GOt a shot which helped a LOT until it didn't. Trying to hold off on the surgery if at all possible-will know Tuesday.I fell on the ice last January at a dock slamming my left shoulder and hip ,nothing broke just very very sore. Was placed on restricted duty four weeks sitting the office . Went back to work then in April strained the same shoulder at work , placed back on restricted duty then rehab. First couple weeks was two hours stretching with treadmill and bike. Now it's four hours of treadmill ,bike ,row , weights, stretch and machines again ., four more sessions to go they are trying to kill me . I just turned 65 what they want me to do may not happen my right ankle is now swollen and sore.
Good luck to you
'79 Magnum GT
Member
Get the surgery, quit putting it off. I did the same with my first knee replacement. They both hurt like hell and weren't going to get any better. Nothing eased the pain and they throbbed at night. I finally got the first one done and the pain was out of this world. But... it got better! I just kept walking. That was my PT. The next year I got the other done. After 3 weeks while I was over at my friend's place for a picnic it got a bit dark and looked like it was going to rain. I went to my car and got my regular glasses instead of my sunglasses just as the rain hit big time. I was about 50 ft. from the garage and it was coming down in buckets so I ran back to the garage. I RAN...... I thought nothing of it. Just like any other time when I was getting wet. When I made it to the garage I couldn't believe what I had done! It was very clunky, kind of slow and I felt like I was going to fall on my face. But I made it. It got better also and soon I was getting out for my daily 2.5 mile walk. It's just like shooting if you want to be any good you need to put in the work. "Just bite the bullet" and get it done. I used to get shots for both knees and they worked until they didn't. I knew the time had come. I also had a torn rotator cuff fixed too, no where near the pain of the knees. I could have lived without getting it repaired if I really had too. Now all this was taken care of by my medical insurance and not out of my pocket. I just lost a bunch of time from work for all three surgeries over the years. I was fortunate, I know not everyone is in the same boat. If you can get it done. Your circumstances my differ from mine.
Rick
OP
Yes had a MRI for workmans comp and found not related to injury beginning of wear in rotator cuff. arthritis and fatty mass benign tumor top of my shoulder . Was sent to a specialist Vanderbilt Nashville ( nightmare ! ) who said it wasn't cause of my pain and surgery not needed for now and checkup MRI or CT Scan in six months. I can see a slight rise and feel the spot top of my shoulder , I'm a lefty with rifles so no shotguns or high cal rifles . Intermodal is a little tougher than regular freight trailers because containers get bent ,rusted causing the sealed doors difficult to open and close , Also some of the older chassis the dolly cranks and legs get rusted and bent that's what strained my shoulder .
OP
My last day Rehab , I feel stronger and sore will continue exercise though not as intense. Have follow up at Occupational Heath Clinic the 18th hope to be cleared to drive.
I've had shoulder surgery, both sides, a knee replaced, left foot rebuilt along with heart surgery and have been lucky to not experience pain or discomfort of any great magnitude.
I've exercised since my 20's when I went into LE and fast approaching 73. Still hit the gym six days a week. My surgeons told me that those who keep flexible by exercising and keeping their weight down generally experience quicker recovery.
Most professional gyms now a days have trainers on staff, many who are trained in PT therapy and the cost would be much cheaper than PT.
While many Chiropractors are just masking the symptoms of a problem, some can offer relief but if the results is not to your liking, seek out a reliable DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Health) Where most Chiropractors focus solely on the spine, a good DO can manipulate you from your toes to the top of your head, and for about the same price in my area.
A lot of the source of pain and stiffness we experience is from the Western diet of sugar, processed foods and empty carbs. A quick study of the Mediterranean diet is worth a gander. A poor diet causes chronic inflammation in our bodies and is an easy fix if we have the will power to stick with it.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Start fresh and good luck.
I've exercised since my 20's when I went into LE and fast approaching 73. Still hit the gym six days a week. My surgeons told me that those who keep flexible by exercising and keeping their weight down generally experience quicker recovery.
Most professional gyms now a days have trainers on staff, many who are trained in PT therapy and the cost would be much cheaper than PT.
While many Chiropractors are just masking the symptoms of a problem, some can offer relief but if the results is not to your liking, seek out a reliable DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Health) Where most Chiropractors focus solely on the spine, a good DO can manipulate you from your toes to the top of your head, and for about the same price in my area.
A lot of the source of pain and stiffness we experience is from the Western diet of sugar, processed foods and empty carbs. A quick study of the Mediterranean diet is worth a gander. A poor diet causes chronic inflammation in our bodies and is an easy fix if we have the will power to stick with it.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Start fresh and good luck.
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Physical Therapy will teach you not to get hurt
OP
Well the Doc at the clinic cleared me to work but unbeknown by me a company policy for not driving 5 months required to take another D.O.T physical. Not so simple that I need a D.O.T required CPAP compliance letter from sleep clinic . I'm a diabetic so also need a letter stating I'm not Insulin dependent . My new Medicare supplement policy doesn't cover Jardiance and Januvia so been off them couple weeks and my A1c elevated. No appointments available, have a Doc appointment Aug 4th. My boss had a talk with the clinic so they accepted a printout of 30 day CPAP use and passed me with 30 day DOT Med card to lower my A1C. Should be back to work next week. I'm on a strict diet now doing daily exercise and weights 3 days a week. I've had enough 38 years truck driving filled out applications and resumes for Parts and Service Dept. positions at Peterbilt , Kenworth , International and Mack/Volvo wish me luck.
AJ
US Veteran
Luck to you!
OP
hemiram
Member
I have had PT for 3 different injuries/surgeries. Can't say I'm a fan, 2 times out of three, I came out worse than I started. My first injury was my left shoulder, and I had 20 sessions. It was getting better and better, and then I let them sell me during session 16 on putting cold packs on it, along with the ultrasound and heat. BAD move, very bad. By the time the 20 sessions was done, the pain was horrible, the slightest draft was like putting a toothache into my shoulder. It took years before the sensitivity to cold/drafts was gone. Today, it's my "good" shoulder, I hurt the right one about 10 years after the first, and to be honest, both need surgery on them, but I can't really walk very well without my arms, so that's not going to happen. I'm dreading PT after I have my hip and knee replaced.
OP
Hope you have some comfort you know what is best for you. , I will eventually need surgery, now can see the bump of the tumor top of my left shoulder . Specialist at Vanderbilt says not the cause of my pain but it is. Thanks all for sharing your experiences and advice
I had regular PT after I had my knee surgery in 2017. The therapists were very good. They always pushed me to do more without overdoing it. I began discovering that not only was my knee recovering from the surgery, but I was feeling generally better all over. I was a little disappointed when the PT ended.
AJ
US Veteran
This is as it should be........
