Tore My Rotator Cuff

[Narragansett]

Sorry to hear that Kevin. What is the length of downtime?

Hopefully you mend quickly.

I have a shoulder that every once in a while feels like a sprocket missing a tooth, but it does not hurt, so it stays as is.

 

[LVSteve]

I am sorry to hear you are down with this again!

I had my right rotator operated on October 14, 2022 (a Friday). I am a boss at work and I have grown tired of excuses to stay off of work for minor injuries. I was determined to get back to work on Monday the 17th. I did it, I was even on time, but a couple of my subordinates said i did not look right until Wednesday.

Don't know who told you that a torn rotator cuff is a minor injury, but they are flat out wrong.

 

[StrawHat]

Sorry to hear that Kevin. What is the length of downtime?

Hopefully you mend quickly.

I have a shoulder that every once in a while feels like a sprocket missing a tooth, but it does not hurt, so it stays as is.

When I had the shoulder replaced 15 years ago, I was off work about 6-8 months. I was a Field PM and able to type left handed, like I am doing now.

Now, Herself and I run a sharpening business, mostly knives and scissors sharpened on flat stones. But for the last 3 months, on a slow speed belt sander. I use my left as my main and my right to guide. A little slower but not much. So, 6 months off is a lot different than the first time. If this were 10 years from now, I would be ready to retire and maybe sell the business.

Right now, not the best time for a vacation, nor can I find anyone interested in learning the trade. It is what it is. Somehow or another we will manage to get through it. I am hoping to postpone it a while more.

Kevin

 

[AJ]

That makes twice, in one year. Herself says it is because I can’t remember I am not 65 anymore. My surgeon says try therapy again. So, shooting will be curtailed except for my left hand. Casting and reloading are done for the foreseeable future.

Not really enjoying any of the possibilities.

Kevin

Kevin,

Sorry to hear that. Therapy is better than surgery. Wife has a torn rotator cuff I believe, have he scheduled to see Orthopedics next week. Shall see. Best of luck to you.

AJ

 

[ancient-one]

I am right handed and tore my right rotator cuff trying to loosen the nut on a mower blade. Our Orthopedic Doc said I can do surgery or you can do PT and get the same result. I wish you thr same good result that I had.

 

[pawncop]

Prayer from Texas for your rapid recovery and healing.

 

[crstrode]

Went through it in 2018, then tore it again in 2020. Took over a year (scamdemic times) to get in for MRI, by which time the pain was significantly reduced and I had recovered moderate use of that shoulder and arm.

In 2021 the docs were ready to slice me up again, but I decided to forego the months of recovery and rehab. I'm retired, no need for heavy physical activities, and no desire to live with the "physical terrorists" again.

My choice. You will have to make your own.

That is the method I am using this time. First injury was about 15 years ago. Avoided surgery with big bucks physical therapy. This time I have done nothing save for doing myself what the PT folks inflicted on me. Recovery has been about as fast (or just as slow) as before.

Nothing ever comes back 100%, but so what. Life is good.

 

[lrb1200]

Tore it big time, downing overhead tree limbs,
blew off any Dr. advice.
Lived with the torchable pain for months,
but guess what, my body healed it,
no going under a knife, and all the bull afterwards
that goes with it.

 

[Doug627]

Prayers for a recovery without surgery.

 

[wilkoi]

Heal well and quickly.

 

[twodog max]

All I can say is there must be two kinds of shoulder injuries. Both of mine the pain was so intense at times as to be almost unbelievable. Could not sleep, shooting was impossible as recoil caused the pain, raising my arms over chest high was impossible, I could hardly flip a light switch, meds help almost not at all and until repairs were made PT helped not at all.
Self treatment was impossible unless I just wanted to sit imoblized forever.

 

[Bugkiller99]

Ouch.

My brain keeps writing checks that my body can’t cash anymore.

So I know what you are feeling.

 

[CScott]

I'm wearing a sling right now. PT before my surgery was making it worse and worse. Just started PT again. No fun but I couldn't stand it anymore so I got the surgery.
C. Scott

 

[StrawHat]

My therapy is an ongoing thing. 3-4 times a week, I do what was suggested, rubber bands, lightweights, range of motion, etc.

What I did not realize, one handed shooting, classic bullseye style, OUCH! What an ache that produced in my shoulder. Two handed, combat, no problem but the classic arm straight, left hand in the middle of my back, not a good target.

Surgery will continue to be put off as the recovery will most likely cause me to retire and I am not ready for that change of lifestyle.

Kevin

 

[WR Moore]

Been there, done that. A good Physical Terrorist is worth their weight in gold.

Back after prostate surgery I had a PT lady who actually wasn't a (in or out of the) closet sadist. If I ever need PT again, I'm gonna insist on her. Unfortunately, many of her fellow practitioners don't share her persona.

 

[Imissedagain]

PRP Therapy is something the VA is now using for rotator injuries.
Worth looking into.
Grade 3 AC separations are lotsa fun as well.

 

[Kenna]

if you do end up with surgery see if insurance will pop for an ice machine, I swear it helped after my rotator cuff. Circulates cool water around shoulder.

 

[SMSgt]

Don't know who told you that a torn rotator cuff is a minor injury, but they are flat out wrong.

I had MRIs on both shoulders, both revealing cuff tears. I asked the ortho is they would heal on their own. He said yes, but they'd hear in torn conditions. Never will heal like new. Never had the surgeries though.

 

[Golddollar]

if you do end up with surgery see if insurance will pop for an ice machine, I swear it helped after my rotator cuff. Circulates cool water around shoulder.

Get the machine even if the insurance doesn't cover it. It did wonders for my brother when he had his rotator cuff surgery.

 

[AJ]

Was an Orthopedic Nurse for 20 years. 99.9 % of our patients thought the ice machine (EBI) was the greatest invention there was!!! Get one, then as your doctor why he did not order it for you!