Problems After Subacromial Decompression Surgery

by Martin
(Aarhus, Denmark.)

I've read your excellent article - however it failed to mention side effects after this procedure.

I have had this surgical procedure done - removing the subacromial bursa. However, I have found that this has given me some other problems after surgery. I am not a doctor but I have educated myself on the anatomy of the shoulder joint and it would seem that the biceps nerve which goes through the shoulder joint is somehow scraping against the acromion - now that there is no bursa to smooth things out.

Could you maybe point me some directions on any articles or material that describes any possible side effects of this surgery?

I am trying to educate myself, since I have found that most doctors unfortunately treat people like myself with legitimate questions as either hypochondriacs or they are too arrogant to really listen to a non-doctor trying to figure out what the hell went wrong.


Regards,
Martin

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Problems After Subacromial Decompression Surgery

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Aug 08, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Biceps tendon?
by: Bart - SII

Hi Martin - I think you must have meant the biceps tendon (biceps longhead) which does run through the shoulder joint between the humerus and the acromion - the nerves of the brachial plexus and upper extremity all run anterior or inferior of the humerus and course through the axilla on their way to the arm.

You are right, there isn't as much padding to prevent impingement of the soft tissues of the shoulder on the acromion - however, there is more space in the subacromial space, so you should have less impingement.

The key to this surgery working is re-establishing good muscle control to keep the humeral head centered on the glenoid and avoid excessive riding up onto the acromion.

After surgery you should be focusing on improving your shoulder strength, but also the strength of the muscles in your upper back.

The most commonly seen problems after a subacromial decompression surgery are

Loss of range of motion or inability to fully regain all shoulder motion, decreased strength, continued pain, pain at night, increased pain with weather changes.

Most of these problems are alleviated with proper rehabilitation following surgery.

hope this helps - comment back with other questions
Feb 16, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bicep Pain after subacromial decompression
by: Cathey

Martin -

How long since your surgery? Mine has been about 5 weeks and my bicep pain has not improved. My surgeon insists it has nothing to do with my surgery; however, it was not there before surgery and is intolerable now. I am having increased trouble sleeping due to the pain and discomfort.

Any recommendations?
Apr 05, 2009
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star 		to martin
by: dani

I hear you on how doctors treat us...dang. I'm one year since my injury &10 months since surgery. I have constant pain. Guess I'll never be able to hook a real bra again. Can not get my arm behind my back past my waist. My shoulder blade area hurts constantly, & believe it or not, the worst time is when I eat> What"s up with that? Therapist sez maybe injury in back or neck? xrays show nothing. Cold weather is hell. Why's that? It is the pits & I just came on your site, trying to find some answers. Well, not your site, but boy did I understand what you were saying. Best of luck in recovery, Dani
Apr 29, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Glenoid fracture
by: Jeff Hubbs

I had a glenoid fracture, recieved therapy and am still having pain after two years. I have two pins in my shoulder I cannot sleep seeing as it is 0300 hr's here in Illinois. I was knocked off a ladder it has effected my sleep my sex life and everything I am tired of Narcotics for pain I have gained 70 lbs from not being able to work out and still have pain. what can I do
May 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Had both shoulders operated on
by: Donna

I'm glad I am not the only one. I had subacromial decompressions and debriement on both of my shoulders following a cervical fusion of the C5/C6 five months prior to them. Shortly after my cervical fusion I developed pain in both of my upper arms...it was bad, could barely lift my arms from the pain. I had the shoulder surgeries done 6 weeks a part. The first surgery was 3/08 and the 2nd at the end of 4/08. I am still in PT, still taking anti-inflammatories which are eating up my stomach, and still in pain. Although the original pain has improved, the new pain seems to be worse. I have been getting trigger point injections with minimal success. I too would love to have my life back.
Jun 15, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		glad i had the op
by: Anonymous

i had my first surgery just over a week ago, it was hell and first and i thought no way was i having the other done, but now a week on from my op the only thing bugging me is my stitches as i had open surgery on it, i can now reach up my back still struggling at lifting my arm up but the pain is so much better then before my op.
Jul 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		not encouraging
by: jaxx

I this surgery July 2 and i can't tell if my pain is coming from insertion points of the tools (they did grind through my arm to get inside), or from the bursa sack removal and bone smoothing. it seems the top of my bicep right below incision sites hurts just from the pressure of placing my hand over my muscles. i do my exercises every day and after 2 wks (maybe still too early( it feels tight and i can't lift it up much without pain.

i was told most people with this surgery do at home rehab w/ pulleys but i think i'm going to head over to rehab with people who might actually know what they're doing. i don't want to not work it enough and never get my range of movement back.

is anyone sleeping on their shoulder after a year?
Jul 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sleeping on Shoulders
by: Donna

It has been almost 1 1/2 years since I had both shoulders done and I am just starting to sleep on my shoulders, but not without pain and discomfort. I can fall asleep sometimes on my side but it almost always wakes me up with pain and I have to roll over. Even sleeping on my back causes discomfort because your shoulders drop back. If you use a thin pillow and just lay it under your upper arm it will really help.

I wouldn't try sleeping on your side just yet because you will only aggreviate it and make for a miserable day the next day.

There are still many things I cannot do because I don't have the strengh back - due to set backs in PT. Everytime I got passed the stretching exercises and tried to move on to strengthen they would flare up and usually caused me having to go back on steriods.

Finally after 1 1/2 years I am doing strengthening exercises to strengthen my upper back. It is slow going but after switching PT places I am making improvement and feel soon I will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Whatever you do - do not do anything while holding your arms over your head for quite sometime. I am told this will surely aggreviate and damper you progress.

Donna
Jul 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		When will the bursa come back
by: jaxx

I was told the bursa sack would rejuvenate itself and come back. How long does this take? Without it, aren't we more prone to tear our rotator cuff muscles?
Jul 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bursa Sac Growth
by: Donna

I don't recall the surgeon stating that it would grow back. I thought when they shaved the acronim that was to free up some space so everything would glide better. I certainly hope mine doesn't grow back...I don't ever want to go through this again.

Donna
Jul 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		RE: Bursa
by: jaxx

I do believe some of it will grow back. I'll try and find a good source. Bursa itself is not the issue.. you want this to protect your tendons and rotator cuff muscles from rubbing against bone and tearing/fraying. Inflamed bursa is the problem and what causes pain (less room for muscles to move around). I have a follow up appt. coming up, I'll confirm some things and post them.
Sep 03, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Subacromial Decompression Surgery
by: jake regan, england

i had Subacromial Decompression Surgery to my left shoulder 18 months ago. it hurt for about 3 months after and i was worried that the operation hadnt worked.After physio and rehab it seemed to be much better.about 3 weeks ago it started to ache alot and i wondered what i had done wrong.I dont remember having an accident or bumping it.I have been taking a ibuprofen gel anti inflamitory 3 times a aday but it hasnt helped.what should i do?
Sep 03, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		To the poster above
by: Jaxx

My surgery was two months ago, at what point did your shoulder feel better (before it started to hurt again)? I put pressure on it last Friday and it went "POP". I've been in a lot of pain since, and my movement is back to where it was a few days after surgery. Pain too.

Before last Friday it was feeling much better, and my movement was great (for two months out).

Are you icing it?
Sep 16, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		No Problem Here
by: Baseball9

I had my right shoulder done on halloween in 2007 and it feels great now. It took me about 2 months before I could sleep in my own bed comfortably. Also, After my surgery I was told I wouldn't be able to throw a baseball until late January of 08 but I worked hard at my rehab and was tossing a ball 4 days before Christmas. My shoulder healed up nicely and I haven't had a problem with it. I am now going to have my left shoulder done in 2 weeks and I hope I have as much good luck with it as I did my right one.
Sep 22, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		still frozen
by: zabrina

i had the decompression surgery w/ removal of bone spur and manipulation on july 20 2009 i have been in physical therapy every sinse and i have had another steroid shot as well sinse surgery and my shoulder still is frozen and week i have a little less mobility than what i had before surgery i dont have a lot of pain or inflamation prior to surgery i had 20 weeks of p therapy and a steroid shot nothing frees it up what can else can be done anything or am i just stuck with this condition permnantley
Sep 22, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		still frozen
by: zabrina

i have had 26 weeks of physical therapy 2 steroid shots and subcromial decompression surgery that i had on july 20 2009 and my shoulder is still frozen i have no better mobility than what i had before surgery i have missed almost three months of work can they do anything else for me or is this it?
Oct 26, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Subacromial smoothing
by: Sharon Hunt

I had Subacromial smoothing surgery on 9-14. I started physical therapy the week after. The PT was uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Last week my shoulder started to hurt so bad that it brings me to tears several times a day. I can't imagine living like this. I am wondering if the pt and home exercise program is too much. I am desperate for relief and answers. Is there anyone out there that had this surgery performed, had a LOT of pain, but got better eventually? I would LOVE some words of encouragement.

Thank you.
Oct 28, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Response to Sharon
by: Donna

Hi Sharon,

I had both shoulders done (you can read my previous posts with issues). It has been about 1 1/2 years since my surgeries and just in the last month or more have I finally gotten some relief. I had a lot of flare ups with PT trying to find the right balance of stretching and strenghten. My doctor told me not to do too much because it can set you back in pain. You have to keep it moving though or you will have pain, but it takes a lot of patiences. I know it is very frustrating. I still have difficulties sleeping on my sides, but the pain has lessen. The turning point for me was seeking a second opinion on the pain and starting with a new PT person. They concentrated on releasing the knots that had accumlated. Good luck...hang in there.
Donna
Oct 31, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Problems after subacromial decompressions surgery
by: Sharon Hunt

Hi Donna,

Thank you so much for writing. I am returning to work on Monday and am in a near panic in trying to figure out how I am going to work and deal with my pain too. A year and a half is a LONG time Donna.... I feel so bad for you as I know exactly what you have been going through. BUT, by you saying that you are finally feeling better, has given me a little bit of light down that very long tunnel to look forward to. Your comment about finding a PT to work out the knots hit home with me. I had been thinking that one of the main things that has been causing me so much pain was my spasming muscles, and I was thinking that I would start paying someone to massage my shoulder a couple of times a week. The doctor keeps saying, "stretch, stretch, stretch," and my PT does work on this during my sessions, along with a little bit of massage, followed by several exercises in the gym. They do tell me to stop if any particular exercise causing me a lot of pain. When I try and stretch my arm at home, it causes me SO MUCH pain that I have to stop. I don't want my shoulder to "freeze up," but it feels the best when I don't push things. Please keep me posted as to your progress and any "tips" you might have. I will do the same. You can email me directly at "theorchardhouse@verizon.net" Take Care!Sharon
Nov 07, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		sub decompresion
by: ivor

i had my shoulder op on 16.10.09 after a fall last year made it intolerable.since the op i have difficulty in moving the muscles in my arm and sleeping on my side.given the choice i would not go through it again.i was not told about any side effects by any medical personelle.shame on them.
Nov 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		This is tougher than I imagined
by: Byron

I had surgery late October. Initially, pain was controlled via med's and coming off of being numb. But once overdrive kicked in I was like oh, oh, oh 12 out of 10 pain range. The med's did nothing except help me sleep.

I had no clue it would come on so strong. I've gotten past the worse "I believe" but still am at a constent 4-5 out of 10 range of pain.

The problem I have is Physical therapy. I go in a 5 and leave there an 7-9 pain range. I'd like to recover quickly but Physical Therapy almost seems to set me back vice pick me up.

I'm talking this regiment is violently painful. Please tell me it'll get better and soon. My doctor says to have the therapists scale back but the therapists have one gear "full throttle".

Nov 10, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Response to Bryon
by: Donna

Bryon - RUN from that physical therapy place and run fast! Recovery from this surgery is slow and you have to listen to your body. You shouldn't not be in that range of pain when you leave the PT's office. Some discomfort is the norm, but it should just be discomfort not pain. If you push your shoulder to its limit it is going to fight back with pain and only set you back.

There are those PT people who are aggressive and some that don't do enough. You have to find someone in the middle and mort importantly someone who will listen to you and your body. Unless you live in a remote area I am sure there are other PT places around. Find someone who is use to working with the arm/shoulder - there are PT people who specialize and that may be better for you.

The pain will get better, but you have to listen to your body so you don't have a setback and end up taking more predisone then is necessary. I have found Aleve to be very helpful. Ask you doctor how much you can safely take because you can take more than what is recommend. Also, using a bag of frozen peas an ice pack really works well because it conforms to your shoulder. It was my best friend for months!!

Hope tomorrow brings a better day for you.
Donna
Nov 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Going for this operation tomorrow
by: Anonymous

Hi Everyone,
Just found your site trying to get some information as to whats going to happen tomorrow.
I am having subacromial decompression surgery, and biceps tenodosis tomorrow afternoon, not really looking forward to it, but hoping I will have less problems than i am doing at the moment.
I slipped on my stairs 2 years ago come February and it has took me all this time to get to where i am now, i have had the Physio, the cortisone injections and no relief, so I am pinning all my hopes on this working for me tomorrow.
Nice to read all of your postings.
Kathy
Nov 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Response to Bryon
by: Donna

Sorry if this is a duplicate - I sent a reply yesterday and now I don't see. ;-( Anyway...If you are going in to PT at a 5 range they should be doing light stretches, massage to loosen the tight muscles and ultra sound to reduce the inflatmation and that is it. You shouldn't leave there in that much pain. They are doing you a disservice.

You need to find a new PT person and/or a new PT place to go too. There are some PT people who are very aggressive with deep tissue release techniques...they are not for everyone. There are then those who have a very light touch and while they are good while you are hurting you really need to find someone in between. You need someone who is going to listen to you and your body and they should be able to tell you "No, you are babying your shoulder and you can do more or You are doing too much we need to back off for a week and then slowly reintroduce that exercise."

Of course everyone will heal at a different rate, but what you are describing in concerning. I was told when I did PT and ended up with that much pain that we were moving forward to fast and that I needed to listen to my body - this was by the surgeon. Even the PT person was concerned and went back to the doctor for additional input on changing the regimate that was originally established.

It has been 1 1/2 years now since I had both shoulders done. I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Most days I don't even notice the pain anymore and am down to one Aleve a day. I had been taking 4 a day and prior to that 2400 mg of Motrin a day. So, it will get better but you have to know when to do more and when to back off. You will have to do this on and off for months.

Take care and I hope you pain resolves quicker then mine did.

Donna
Nov 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		I'm back
by: Byron

I meant to mention this was my left shoulder. My last visit with the Physical Therapist brought up the subject of possible (FSS) Frozen Shoulder Syndrome or tear somewhere else. I'm still going in "same PT" and they're trying stretch it out.

Not sure if I'm going to receive another MRI or X-ray to narrow down the complications I'm suffering from after S A D surgery. I know one thing for sure I'm hurting and feel as though I'm adding to my injury during PT sessions.

Pain is still at a 24 hour (5-6). They've changed my meds but they simply get me more sleep.

I'll continue to check your notes to assist myself in making better choices.

Dec 08, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		33 years of shoulder pain
by: Bruce

WOW everybody!! Now I don't feel so bad for having shoulder pain(4 surgery's on the same shoulder; ugh!) for the last 33 years!!! I thought surgeons would have better practices and knowledge after all these years...
Today I have almost zero lateral rotation and can only lift my arm high enough to be parallel with the ground. I know how painful shoulder injuries are and I sympathize with you all!!!!! My pain is daily and I've learned to live with it after kicking the addiction to percocet. I cried the day my Dr. cut me off. I love watching the TV show HOUSE because he reminds me of what I was going through with pills and helps me live with pain. Back in the day, the physical therapist pushed me to unbearable pain, only to find out in a later surgery that I bent the #10 cortical bone that was subsequently removed. I've done everything possible and have accepted I'm handicapped in the left shoulder with daily pain. Sucking-up and bearing it. Good Luck All!
B
Dec 09, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hanging in There (literally!)
by: Sharon Hunt

Hello,

I am almost three months past surgery on my right shoulder, and have finally started noticing an increase in my range of motion. I have been in PT since the second week. Since this is a Workman's Comp issue, I am always worrying about being "cut off." My doctor keeps saying I need more PT, but the WC people make my therapist "jump through" hoops in her reports to keep the therapy going. I am waiting to hear from the WC people if I can continue going to PT after this week. I do have an attorney, but they don't seem too concerned about this. Although I am finally seeing improvment in range of motion, I am still not back to where I was before my surgery. My pain, although better than a month ago, is still high (3 - 7 on most days); and the pain medication does little but to help me sleep... which is a GOOD thing so I won't knock it! Would I do this again... probably NOT... but I am hoping to look back on this a year from now and say yes! I pray that I will be able to continue PT, because there is little hope for improvement if I am cut off.

Sharon
Dec 21, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		New years eve surgery
by: Lori

I am due to have subacromial decompression surgery on new years eve. I have had shoulder pain, maybe a 3 from April to August that increased to a 5 off and on and now a 7 off and on. Did the cortisone shot and 6 weeks of PT which made it significantly worse. I have near full ROM and little weakness. Somewhat hesitant considering I may lose this after surgery but the pain is becoming more of a constant thing with little everyday tasks becoming more and more painful and difficult. MRI shows a calcium deposit that possibly enters the rotator cuff.
Dec 22, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Subacromial smoothing
by: Sharon Hunt

Hi Lori,

I am highly biased because my surgery has not been that successful. One of the reasons I did decide to have the surgery was a hope that my pain level would decrease... it didn't. But I have found in my "research," that for every case that was less than a success, there is one that WAS successful. In retrospect, I wish that I had given physical therapy more of a chance to work. Although my Workman Comp group "cut me off;" I wish I had demanded through my attorney more PT before I agreed to the surgery. Maybe you should try another PT group? What ever you decide to do, make sure that your surgeon has excellent credentials. Do NOT compromise on this! I wish you the best of luck Lori.

Sincerely,

Sharon
Dec 28, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		new years eve surgery
by: Lori

I did the PT and it only made it worse. My surgeon specializes in shoulders and has added credentials in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. He performed a manipulation under anesthesia last year for my other shoulder when I broke my collarbone and later developed a frozen shoulder. One month later, with intense PT, I was moving it normally. I have total confidence in him.
Jan 14, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Young Painter with severe shoulder, neck and back pain
by: Noel

Hey Everyone
I had a SAC on my right shoulder back in August of 2009, and after going to PT for at least 3 months (2x week), I'm in much worse pain than I was immediately following surgery. My PT instructor immediately told me that not only is my shoulder blade out of place (2 inches off), but my first seven vertibrae are impinged on the right and causing severe radiating never pain down my arm and back. Considering I never had a trama incident to cause the shoulder injury, and therefore it is probably just anatomical deformity, I am afraid that the nerve pain won't go away. I'm only 22, but painting is my professional career, so if anyone has recommendations to deal with the compounded injury, I would appreciate it. I feel like my PT instructor doesn't understand how to deal with the neck and nerve pain, and pushes me too hard. I'm going back for a follow up with my surgeon soon, so please give me recommendations!
Noel
Jan 15, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Noel:
by: Sharon Hunt

Hi Noel,

I think the first thing you need to do is see your surgeon and share with him or her what your PT told you. I would not panic until you do so, because it is entirely possible that your PT does not know what she or he is talking about! I can't imagine your doctor not being able to diagnose a congenital deformity of the magnitude indicated by your PT. My gut instinct is that you should find another PT group to go to as well. That said, I do know that personally, I was in TREMENDOUS pain for about 4 months post surgery which seemed to be exacerbated by my PT sessions. I am STILL in pain, but thank God it IS finally getting better.

The second thing is Noel, maybe now is the time to think about a NEW job. You are very young and have a lot of time to retrain for something else. You are probably on disability, and I think that WC might pay for you to be retrained if your injury will prevent you from continuing on with your current line of work. Find something where you can "push a pencil" instead of a paint brush... it is a lot easier on the body! The health care industry is booming now and looks to keep doing so for many years to come.

Good luck kiddo!

Sharon
Jan 21, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		SAD surgery bad results
by: Sue

I just had my 2nd SAD surgery yesterday--to manipulate & and remove scar tissue to relieve a "frozen shoulder" as result of the 1st SAD surgery done in Sep 2009.

I went to 35 PT sessions since the 1st surgery and still ended up 'frozen' and going back for second surgery. I feel handicapped now and back to square one and 100% worse off than before the initial SAD surgery. I wouldn't do it over again if I could go back. I'm still too young to not be able to lift my main arm past waist level. So sorry & SAD I did this surgery.
Jan 22, 2010
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starstarstarstar 		Successful decompression etc
by: Anonymous

Had decompression and reconstruction where my biceps tendon should be. My surgeon cut the tendon and then reattached it to the proper place at the humeral head within the bicep groove. One week out and I feel tight..no real pain. I was told no PT for 4 weeks until the joint heals from the trauma of surgery. He had given me my limits on ROM and no lifting using my bicep muscle.
Jan 30, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		I am not alone
by: Anonymous

I had subcromial decompression 8 weeks ago. I was informed 2 weeks after my surgery by the doctor that he had found a bicep tear during the procedure (which explained the huge bruise just above my elbow). He really did not explain anything to me, PT has been hell, getting meds is a pain and people keep telling me to suck it up. I too will never be able to put a bra on in a normal fashion (guys never understand this) , getting dressed in the morning is a huge pain and I wonder when my pain will end. I feel like the surgeon wants things to be one way and physical therapy wants it to me the other and I am simply a "monkey in the middle" they they get to manipulate to their liking.
I wish that I had never had this surgery but am glad that I am not alone with the things that I have experienced.
Jan 30, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		I am not alone
by: Donna

You need to modify the way you do things. For starters - switch to a racer back bra that closes in the front. The racer back will keep the strap from digging into the shoulder - HUGE help...believe me I know. I had both shoulders done 1 1/2 years ago. Still have pain, but it is manageable on most days. The front clasp allows you to put your own bra on.

As far as PT and the surgeon. Go for a second opinion. I felt like a yoyo between the two as well. I finally got fed up after about 6 months and sought help elsewhere. I switched to a new practice that sent me to a new PT person and within the first week I could feel some improvement...it was slight, but felt monumental at the time.

Hope you are feeling better soon!
Donna
Jan 30, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		cortisone shot
by: Noel

I was having pretty severe pain after my shoulder surgery (subacromial decompression), even with three months of pt, I felt I plateaued at a constant state of pain ranging between 4-7 depending on the activity. I went back to see my surgeon to get some suggestions on what I could do, and he gave me a cortisone shot into my shoulder. It has helped tremendously. While not a permanent fix, it lowered my pain to a 1-2, and relieved a ton of stress on my shoulder blade and shoulder. I feel I can do my exercises better and when there is less pain and stress on the body, there is more room for healing. For some people, my surgeon said the shot lasts a couple months, for others, a couple weeks. However, I would strongly recommend asking about it.
Jan 30, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Donna
by: Anonymous

I am a Donna to so I posted as not alone. I am going to see my surgeon for the second time since my 12/11/09 surgery on 2/2/10. I should be interesting what he has to say, as PT says I have actually lost more range of motion than I started with right after the surgery. I am taking my husband with me, who happens to be an attorney , and will let him ask the questions that were not previously discussed. It is a rather dubious position as my husband is something of a bulldog and I may be looking for that second opinion on 2/3 if he has his way.
Thanks for the advice, I have been hooking the bra in front and swinging it toward the back but I have been doing that since May.
Let me ask you this, what do you think of asking for another block for pain, or something that would prevent the pain like cortisone did previously?
Another Donna (formally anonymous)
Jan 30, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Donna
by: Donna

You may just need to give it time. You are only what 6 weeks out of surgery. You are going to have to keep it moving. My original surgeon told me it would take quite some time and that if you try to rush it by doing too much you will only set yourself back. I did several bouts of steriods, which helped tremendously. But once I had to stop it was horrible.

You can always go for that second opinion and just see what someone else has to say and more importantly if they are saying the same things as your surgeon. Also, not sure if you have ever used a PT person prior to this, but they are all different. Make sure you are using someone who listens to you and your body...so, so important. You don't want some one who just goes by the book because it says patient should this or that at this interval. Everyone is different and they should be tailoring to your personal needs. Although I liked my first personal trainer, the second one did wonders for me.

I doubt they will do another pain block. Besides they are only short lived. Are you still using the ice machine? Keeping the inflamation down and under control is so important. I switched to bags of frozen peas. They conform to your shoulder nicely and you can just keep refreezing them. My surgeon also had me on 2400 mg of Mortin a day - it really helped.

Donna
Jan 30, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		rotator cuff involved...
by: Lori

Well surgery on new years eve turned out different than i planned. I found out on my post-op visit 6 days later that my calcium deposit was well attached to the rotator cuff and once removed, left a hole in it that needed to be repaired. So, 4 weeks off work, with annoying sling and no driving. I've been doing pt for three weeks to keep it from getting too stiff.Now the pt is becoming more difficult and painful. Very painful at night when I sleep. Dr. says it is irritated from pt and home exercises and take 9 Advil a day for 10-14 days and ice before bedtime.

I'm hopeful this night pain subsides. I've had to take 2 Vicodin to knock it out and it doesn't last very long. Back to work Monday with regular sling. No lifting with arm for 1 month and sling up to 2 more weeks
Feb 04, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		2 operations and still painful !
by: Sarah

Great forum.. lucky I found it!.. I had an RSI in 2008 in the wrist from PC at work.. this went to pains in arm/elbow and resulted finally in frozen shoulder. Then had an MUA which gave me more movement but still painful - PT was sometimes helpful but very painful too. I returned to work after 6 months off (cos it was RSI) and carried on with exercises now an then but thought it would never get to 100% painfree and full movement. In June 2009 at hospital check up a junior doctor discharged me but had such a bad attitude I complained about him. The specialist saw me to apologise etc and then after examination told me I needed a Sub ac Decompression and acrominal joint excision !!.. Dont know how this happened and why I needed another op but I had it done finally last Nov. They also removed the bursa as well. I'm still in pain but exercising like mad which is killing !.. I'm now not sure if the exercises are too much as I have to do them 4 times a day.. really fed up with it all seems as if I've had shoulder pain for years !! Does anyone think exercises can cause more damage and should they really hurt that much ? I dont know whether to ease up on them or what to do ??
Feb 06, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Me too!
by: Anonymous

Glad I'm not the only one having problems. Had subacromial decomp sept 2007 biceps tendonesis. Went fairly well for a while and then froze. Had manipulation (oh god how painful) then two months later hydrodilatation (better). My surgeon had me convinced that the problem was all in my head!!! Which I almost believed until I was told recently that the bio-tenodesis screw can cause inflammation and swelling while it is dissolving! ( my head ? oh yeah!) May have to have surgery now to remove remnants of screw. I get angry, fed up and very frustrated but you have to keep going. Wish you all a good nights sleep!!!!!!!
Feb 06, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Second visit with my surgeon
by: Donna 2

So I have posted before and said I was seeing my surgeon on 2/2/10, I took my attorney husband with me this time. The doctor came in and looked at me and talked some. I mentioned that my bicep hurt and I supposed that was from the bicep tear he had found during my surgery which he told me about in my first post op visit. The surgeon said "I never told you that you had a bicep tear." *Huh*? I went through the comversation that we had had at that appointment and he said " You have a rotator cuff tear." Now I know a little about anatomy having been an aerobics instructor and science teacher for 10+ years and I do know the difference between my bicep and rotator cuff. Needless to say my husband jumped in with a bunch of questions finally deciding that the doctor probably had the wrong chart during my first post op visit. The doctor showed us all kinds of pictures of my shoulder during the second visit and spent a great deal of time with us. He ended up saying I am about 2 weeks behind schedule and that there is a possibility of a frozen shoulder but that it is easily treated with a second surgery.....In the end the "men" decided I should go to the doctor's office for my physical therapy as my previous therapists were probably babying me and that my husband should be at all of my doctor's visits!. The doctor did say he would give me a cortisone shot next month but not yet.
What sound does a duck make!?
Donna
Feb 08, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Comment for Sarah
by: Sharon Hunt

PT WILL definitely be painful for the first several months, if not more. I do remember that for the first two months I was in tears almost every time, but it did get better. The worst part was having my PT manipulate my shoulder to stretch it and keep it from getting frozen... but it still became partially frozen even with all her hard work. It takes a LOT of work both at home with the home therapy exercises and at the PT sessions. After 4 months workman's comp cut me off. I am now no longer progressing like I was because I don't have my therapist manipulating and stretching my arm. Good luck, and stay in PT as long as you can. If you really think your therapist is not a good one, ask to change to a different group.
Mar 15, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Post SAD pain 10 months on
by: Sammy

I had SAD keyhole surgery (right shoulder) and part of the clavicle removed in May 2009 because of Osteoarthritis (I was only 39) and I have only recently stopped the Morphine and Dihydrocodeine but I am still in pain, have limited mobility and weakness. There is also a 15mm partial tear in the tendon that was not there prior to the surgery! I had an MRI scan at the weekend and muscle and nerve tests, to find out what has gone wrong. I won't know the results of the MRI until April 1 but the muscle and nerve tests were ok. I wish I had not had the surgery as I am much more worse off than before. The plan was to do the left shoulder too once the right one had healed but that will not be happening.
Mar 15, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Post SAD pain 10 months on
by: Sammy

I had SAD keyhole surgery (right shoulder) and part of the clavicle removed in May 2009 because of Osteoarthritis (I was only 39) and I have only recently stopped the Morphine and Dihydrocodeine but I am still in pain, have limited mobility and weakness. There is also a 15mm partial tear in the tendon that was not there prior to the surgery! I had an MRI scan at the weekend and muscle and nerve tests, to find out what has gone wrong. I won't know the results of the MRI until April 1 but the muscle and nerve tests were ok. I wish I had not had the surgery as I am much more worse off than before. The plan was to do the left shoulder too once the right one had healed but that will not be happening.

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