Sleeping after rotator cuff surgery

by Sharon
(California)

Hi - I've read some of the posts and also have heard from other sources the value of a recliner for sleeping after rotator cuff surgery. May I ask why the need to sleep sitting up or reclining? I am scheduled for surgery late January and am now concerned since I don't have a recliner. I do have lots of pillows and am most curious. No one has ever fully explained the reasoning for the reclining position. Thanks so much.

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Sleeping after rotator cuff surgery

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Dec 04, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		sleeping in recliner
by: Bart - SII

The reasoning behind the need for a recliner is the resting position of the humerus and shoulder when lying flat. In a recliner or propped up with pillows, you are able to 1) allow for gravity to distract the humerus from the glenoid (the normal hanging position) and 2) it prevents extension of the joint which occurs when you lay down on your back.

It comes down to finding a comfortable resting position for the arm that doesn't stress the repaired tissues.

My girlfriend underwent shoulder stabilization surgery in may and she spent the first few days in a recliner, but then moved to bed placing pillows under her back and arm to find that comfortable position. She was sleeping in a sling for the first few weeks to.

A recliner isn't necessary, but nice if you have one. If not, lots of pillows and help getting everything propped up and in place will work. The hardest part is that the normal rolling over and re-adjusting that we all do when we sleep isn't nearly as easy and so sleeping restfully can be challenging in the first few weeks.

Bart
Dec 31, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Recliner
by: Anonymous

I just had rotator cuff surgery and have spent 8 nights in a recliner. I wish I could lie down in a bed, but it is too painful. Maybe if tou have someone with you at all times, to help you get up and also fix your pillows the right way, it might be possible. However, I would strongly suggest buying or renting the recliner....mine just pushes back, but be careful you don't get one with a handle on your bad side.
Mar 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sleeping issues
by: Steve D,

It is now not quite 3 weeks following my arthroscopic surgery for repair of a torn tendon and removal of bone spurs. Pain now is minimal. Annoyance is high. The sling is a constant companion. Going without it is just too risky. The hard part now is getting a good night's sleep, I use the recliner, and plug into the iPod and basically stay on my back trying to sleep. I am awake at least once per hour (darned clock!) and this routine is daily. Daytime naps on the couch help. but the routine as we knew it before surgery just cannot/will not resume for several more weeks. I have tried Tylenol PM. It did help, but I hate the morning-after feeling. In short, it all comes down to what works for each person. Avoid the bed as it just worsens the sleep pattern.
Mar 28, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Recovery time and sleeping after surgery
by: Charlie H

I'm in week 3 after the surgery and the first week was hell trying to sleep. I have sleep apena as well and this only worsend me trying to sleep.
I chose the bed with lots of pillows , and had my wife proped me up so I could wear my mask. The arm still hurts when moved the wrong way, The Dr. told me 6 weeks til pain goes away and up to a year untill I get back to 100%. But to be able to use the arm with out any pain after the heal time I think it was worth it. You just got to get use to doing nothing!! Do the time, do what the Dr. says, do not over do it.
Apr 21, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bless Your Hearts....
by: Anonymous

I had surgery on my shoulder 9 months ago. I was t-boned in my car, driver side door. I felt a snap thinking I broke my arm and I had extrememe pain coming from my neck. I feared the worst that my neck was broke. Thank God I was ok. I went through 7 months of therapy before they finally done surgery because my two MRI came back negative. I cried in my doctor's office and begged for help. When they done surgery, they told my gf that my shoulder was torn all to pieces. I had spurs, ruptured my bicep tendon, torn rotator cuff, torn the muscle from the top of the shoulder blade, and had a partial dislocation. I went for 3 months without pain med because doctor's didnt' believe me. Surgery helped a great deal, but I'm still in pain. I'm hoping this will go away. I've heard that it takes a long time to heal. As for sleeping, I didn't sleep hardly at all the first two weeks after surgery. I'm like everyone else, I had to sleep upright. One piece of advice, I got a urinal beside my bed because I was hooked up to a cooler. And, it was difficult going to the bathroom. Plus, I was so out of it from the drugs, that I had a hard time walking straight. So, it was also a safety issue. I also suggest that for the ladies out there, invest in a few nite gowns that zip up the front and have huge sleeves for easy access to get in and out of. I dont' know about everyone else but I didn't even want anyone to touch me, and I wouldn't move unless I absolutely had to. I was in so much pain, that the least amount of movement was excrutiating. I hope I'm not scaring anyone, I'm just trying to be honest. And, I'm not the type to complain about pain. It was the worst thing besides giving birth that I've ever been through. And, I hope I never have to experience it agian. I will say this. I dont' regret having the surgeyr. It did help with my pain significantly. So, I don't want to sound like the barrier of bad news. I just want to be honest for those out there thinking about having surgery. Make sure you try and get someone to be with you at home for "at least" the first week...if not two weeks. Just because it's shoulder surgery...don't take it lightly...this is a major surgery.....I couldn't even wipe my own bottom.....it had to be done for me....that's sad...
Jun 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sleeping after rotator cuff surgery
by: Gina

It's true about the recliner. If you are having surgery, try to get one. The reason is, sometimes (depending on how they do your surgery and where the repair is),your back might feel like it is on fire (as mine did) after the surgery. If you sit up there is less pressure on it. Also when you have to go to the bathroom you can't just sit up normally without straining your shoulder muscles, you have to kind of roll on your side and put your feet on the floor to get up, otherwise it hurts more. You will probably only get 3-4 hours of sleep till you wake up from moving onto an area that causes you enough pain to wake up. If you have to sleep in a bed, put pillows next to the side your surgery was on and also the other side, so that you do not roll and turn on your sides. This helps you get more sleep. The worst pain is the first 72 hours, after that it is a lot less. I also think the Dr.'s ought to give people morphine for the pain, because when it takes 3500 mgs. of Vicodin to dull the pain enough for you to only get 3 hrs. of sleep, that pain needs something stronger than that.
Jun 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		rotator cuff surgery
by: michael

Coming up on a month since I had open rotator cuff surgery.. i had a full tear. Sleeping the first 2 weeks was just to painful..i tried to relax in a recliner but even though i was on pain meds the pain kept me up. Im up to about 3 hrs of sleep a night in my bed but god for bid if I lay the wrong way woww painful!. The worst thing about this surgery was I was pretty built and after surgery my arm immediately went to mush. Very hard to look at myself like this but I got the surgery to better my future. I sacrificed my summer and body to better myself when Im all healed up...hopefully! RIght now I still cant even move my arm for my life its so freaky. Well anyway Best wishes to all of you and a quick recovery! Ill be back in the gym as soon as Im able to ;)
Jun 22, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sleeping after Rotator Cuff Surgery
by: Michael (from NE)

Hi fellow sufferers,
I had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder Dec 1994. I had to sleep sitting up for 3 weeks. I’m a wrestler and it took me until September 1995 before I could return to full unrestricted wrestling. My shoulder never did return to the full abilities I had prior to the surgery ( being able to bench 225 lbs, being able to do 20+ pull ups etc.), however I was able to “wrestle” again and I felt very little pain after about 1 year. Over the last 14+ years I apparently forgot how painful the surgery recovery had been because on April 2009 I had my left shoulder operated on. It’s been almost 2 months and my shoulder still hurts and my range of motion sucks. I still sleep in a recliner most nights. I have taken over 100 pain pills (px) durning the past 2 months for the pain which seems to be worst at night. But I see weekly improvements in the strength of my arm and its range of motion, so I have some hope. I need to find some exercises I can do to keep this from happening again. Does anyone have suggestions for me on exercises I can do, AFTER I’m recovered, to strengthen my shoulders and prevent this from happening again?

Send an email to mjbahr007@aol.com if you have any suggestions.
Put ROTATOR CUFF SURGERY RECOVERY in the title of your emails and don’t include any attachments. If you don’t know what you are talking about please spare me and don’t send me an email. If you are a doctor, PT therapist, athletic trainer, or an experienced coach, I would really like to hear from you!
Jun 27, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		sleep
by: Pat

I am 1 week post-op(June 19, 2009)for rotator cuff repair, a/c joint removal, and biceps tendonesis. I too have been sleeping in a recliner but I find my butt getting sore from sleeping in one spot. I wake up frequently, tho I'm down to 1/2 percocet at bedtime and before exercises. My range of motion is pretty good tho pretty painful. I am going to try sleeping in my bed with pillows tonight. I've been looking on line at wedge pillows. They are primarily for acid reflux, but I wonder if they might work for this as well.
Jul 31, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		SLAP Repair and Sub A/C procedure
by: Anonymous

Surgery 6/24/09 so I am about 5 weeks postop. I was amazed at how badly it hurt to lay flat on the floor for the first time. Am out of the mobilizer and moving the arm. My range of motion sucks. This is the most painful surgery I've ever experienced. I am fearful that I will not regain my ROM or strength. I am not sleeping through the night yet...too much pain. Therapy starts next week. Doctor told me I could return to work in 7 days....right. I wonder why it still hurts so bad, did the doctor make it worse? Not sure. If I had to go through this again, I wouldn't do it.
Aug 03, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		rotator cuff repair
by: kathy

I just had the rotator cuff repaired and bone spurs removed to in my left arm thank god i am right handed it helped alot . I did have help the first few weeks if i needed it for certain things i am a very independent person and i was going to not let this get me down you have to say to yourself it hurts but really try i slept on the couch for three weeks and now i am into my sixth week and in my bed the pain does get better and physical therapy helps me alot takes alot of the stiffness out but i know i will never be 100 percent again my lawyer told me after a year i could see the doctor and get a award from my employer because i got hurt at work and i will go for it my lawyer only gets payed if i get the award and you know it does depend on age, and how determined you are i am lifting my arm almost over my head and it is only sixth weeks thanks to physical therapy but im very careful i dont want to go for surgery again so i only use my left shoulder doing what the doctor says is okay to do, the exercises i do are pulleys ,bike , and shoulder crunchs thats were you lean up against the wall and press you arms down and your shoulders back and squeeze together and that helps with the pain because i dont really beleive in taking pills but i did take oxycodone for two weeks the doctor perscribed it every four hours and i took it only when i needed it mostly at night so if you are determined you can get stronger you really have to work at it and try to keep the pain off your mind and i know thats easier said then done but it does help my cats helped me company for me and i went for walks i now also am driven again i exercise daily but dont over do it about one hour a day twice a day i have a set of pulleys and they have helped so does massages i hope this encourages some of you that are ready to give up . my email is snowey2468@hotmail.com if you want to ask anything.
Aug 14, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Rotator Cuff Surgery
by: Linda

I had rotator cuff surgery 6/25/09. The worst part was wearing the brace for 6 weeks. The metal portion of the brace that attached to my waist crushed my inner elbow and caused me more pain and discomfort than the surgery. When I finally got the brace off my elbow was swollen and very painful. I started physical therapy 2 weeks after surgery and am just now beginning to feel like I'm improving. My range of motion stinks, but is definitely improving. The important thing is to do everything your doctor and physical therapist tells you to do. I'm still having a lot of trouble sleeping. As soon as I lay down to sleep my shoulder hurts so bad that it keeps me awake. I'm so exhausted from not getting a good nights sleep. Does anyone have any sugestions for getting a good night sleep? I'm hoping that I get back my full range of motion that I had before the surgery.
Aug 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Help
by: Genie

I had rotator cuff surgery on July 24. Here it is August 18 and my doctor still has not removed the staples. I only had the sling on for a week. What's up with that? I am still in a lot of pain. God, I pray this will go away soon. I have and app't with my doctor today to remove the staples. I am going to tell him I am in so much pain and ask why.
Aug 18, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		3 months in
by: Anonymous

I had rotator cuff repairs and acromioplasty surgery on May 19th 2009.I have returned to work on light duty for 2 hrs/ day for 2 weeks now. I have found that 2 hrs is plenty for now because the arm ( my dominant side ) is extremely sore upon waking and takes a great deal of teeth grinding effort to get it moving enough to get heat and ice applie to it. This surgery is painful from day one but over time and with perseverence and caution it is the right choice to avoid even worse situations down the line.

Aug 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sleep Meds?
by: Ohio Mom

I'm 3 wks and 2 days post-op (RC repair, bicep tenodesis, bone spur removal, AC work, arthritis clean-up). My ROM is actually better than was expected. My pain is still constant but has changed from searing to aching. My biggest problem by far is lack of sleep. I have a couple of recliners to choose from, an army of pillows, and an electric pump ice machine but I cannot get more than 1.5 to 2 hrs of sleep at a time and can't seem to accumulate more than about 4 hrs each night I've tried melatonin and benadryl. They make me drowsy but cannot sustain my sleep. When I wake up after taking these meds -- every 1 - 2 hours -- I just feel goofy and dizzy. Has anyone asked their docs for something like ambien and did it work? The sleep deprivation is really getting to me physically and emotionally. I think that my life would change if I could string a couple of decent nights' sleep together.
Aug 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Sleep meds?
by: Pat

I take two Tylenol PM's before bed and I can sleep through the night.
Aug 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Comments for Ohio Mom + Update my Progress
by: Michael

I take ambien (not the CR) and it does help with the sleep a little. The problem is that it just helps you to go to sleep it does not keep you asleep. When your meds wear off or you move the wrong way you will still wake up. I had very little sleep beyond 2 hours at a stretch for the first 6-8 weeks. .I had surgery 4-30-09. Since it involved a Bicep Tendon repair I was told not to exercise my arm for 5 weeks to give time for the tendon to repair. Unfortunately my shoulder "froze" which means scar tissue formed and the shoulder was very tight and very hard to move. Did I mention PAIN? I have been going to physical therapy for almost 2 months and the pain is less and my motion is improving. I anticipate about 1 more month of stretching then most likely 2 months of supervised exercise before I’m back to my previous level. I hope to toughen up my shoulders so this never happens again. Once in both shoulders is more than enough! To those just starting this journey hang in there I feel your PAIN!
Aug 20, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ohio Mom & Michael
by: Pat

I also had the tendonesis with my rotator cuff repair as well as a/c joint removal and I had my first PT the day after my surgery and for every day for the first week. After that, it was three times a week. I am down to twice a week now and have almost full range of motion tho I don't have the strength yet. We are just now starting to work on that. The PT pain is still really rough, but I'm hoping with the strengthening, it will lessen as well. I am sleeping through the night in my bed and have been for the past four weeks, tho I use a wedge pillow so I'm not sleeping flat. My surgery was 6/19/09. It's really strange, the different protocols for the same basic surgery.
Aug 22, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		i just want to go to bed!
by: liz

i had surgery on august 12. i had bone spurs as well as calcium deposits removed. my rotator cuff was torn and the doctor said that during the surgery he straightened out my arm and because of limited rom it tore the cuff some more. he took care of those repairs. for the first 6 days i was so sick from the anesthesia - headaches, dizzy, blurry vision. just felt really blah. took percoset and a nausea pill for 4 days and then felt i didn't need that. the pain was manageable did some pendulum exercises, and iced a lot. got the stitches out on day 5 and started pt on day 6 (8/18). went to pt on the 19th as well as yesterday (21st). felt i was doing well. then last night while "sleeping" in the recliner i kind of cat stretched my body out inadvertantly, including my arm (i cannot wear that sling while in the recliner. so uncomfortable. actually i find that sling always uncomfortable, so i keep my arm down at my side when i'm home.), and now my shoulder feels really tight and uncomfortable. i'm so worried i screwed things up. i don't go back to my therapist till monday. i'm so worried about this. the extra exercises i've been doing at home with the pulleys, etc. for the past few days are now painful and not as smooth. something feels like it's catching.
i find sleeping in the recliner incredibly difficult. my tush is just so tired of being sat on! i've tried propping pillows on the bed, etc. but after 10 minutes it feels like my arm is broken. i can't lie there.i keep thinking about the first night i'll be able to sleep like a normal person, but i guess that won't happen for a long time. i'm going to try tylenol pm tonight.
i have to say that i wish i hadn't gone through with this surgery. my shoulder hurt before it, but in hindsight, i could have lived with it. i don't see how i'll ever be "normal" again.......
Aug 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Tougher than I thought
by: Anonymous

Had rotator cuff and labrum surgery on Friday. Dr. said my shoulder was a mess. Needed five anchors rather than three. Took two percocets every four or so hours. First 24 hours was horrible. Better today (just took a gingerly shower with the help of my wife. Sleeping has been tough. The recliner is ok. The icing machine is a godsend. I actuall look forward to my three hours of therapy in "the chair". I really don't know how long I've slept over the last two days. Hopefully I get six or seven in tonight.
Aug 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		follow up - tylenol pm
by: liz

i tried the tylenol pm last night and it worked. i awoke, minimally, at some point during the night and felt like i was in a coma! i realized that even my toes were asleep!! but sure enough, 8 hours later i completely woke up. i would recommend it if you're having trouble sleeping in your chairs!
i think tonight i might try one pill instead of the 2 because i'm only 5'5 and weigh 127 lbs. the full dosage might be too much of a good thing for someone my size.
i was very conscious of not stretching out my arm again this morning. my exercises here at home are coming along again, so maybe i didn't screw things up the other night. i'll know for sure when i go back to the therapist tomorrow. but i have to say that today i feel like i have "restless arm syndrome" or something. i can't find a comfortable position for my arm to rest in. anyone else finding that? this IS difficult, isn't it?
well, good luck to all of you. websites like this are helpful - it's good (and at the same time horrible) to know you're in a boat with many others...........

Aug 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Been getting some sleep taking Unisom
by: Ohio Mom

I have slept better (not great) by taking Unisom. I am still waking up 3-4 times per night but I am able to back to sleep fairly quickly. Before I had to pace around, do pendulums, and ice to get the pain back under control when I would wake. I took one full pill the first night and it was WAAYYY too much for my system. I was out of it until 10:30 the next morning. 1/2 pill seems to be OK and I only feel a little hung-over the next morning. At least I'm not so blue and weepy because I'm sleeping. Next question for y'all. . . I have very little stamina and get very very tired doing very very little. I went to church today, did the simplest of chores, and put together the simplest of lunches and was extremely fatigued. I'm 3 1/2 weeks post-op. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, how long was it before your strength and endurance returned?
Aug 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		thoughts for ohio mom
by: liz

i feel your pain (no pun intended). i don't think it's unusual to be feeling tired. if you think about it - you're not sleeping well and you're in pain, which can be very debilitating. also, were you used to working out? up until 8/11, the day before my surgery, i had been going to the gym just about every day for the past 27 years (i discovered exercise after my son was born and i had 25 lbs. to lose). i always felt so healthy and strong and full of energy because of my workouts. this sitting around is exhausting! plus, again, if you think about it, you did go through major surgery. i think we all probably don't think of it that way, as we would if we had had open heart surgery or something. but i would guess most all of us were under for 2-3 hours. that takes a huge toll on the body..........
Aug 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Surgery coming up..
by: Jody

Wow - the comments are incredibly frightening to someone who is scheduled for surgery in a couple of weeks! I heard from a friend who's had it done already that a recliner is important. So, I just did one little search and GEEZ! look at all these posts! My doctor has been very honest with me - I have a tear and bursitis but he won't really know the extent of damage until he gets in there
. I am a very active woman of 57 and really just need to go through with it. He told me that the only thing that will keep me from work for awhile will be the pain which, he admitted, is pretty darn awful. So, Tylenol PM (check), a good recliner (don't have one yet), gobs of pillows (check), iPod (check), audio books (check), large arm holed night gowns (um, not so much - what, K-Mart not Macys?), someone nice to live with who will fawn over me (check!). Trip to Jamaica planned in January, almost 4 months post-surgery - I am planning on being in pretty good shape as far as sleeping goes - I sure hope so!

I am going to die without my bike riding. However, next spring I will be ready to jump back on - God willing. Wish me LUCK and lots of good drugs!
Aug 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Ouch
by: Anonymous

After 48 hours I started the pendulum exercises. VERY difficult. The range of motion chair is a breeze in comparison.
Aug 24, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Slept ok last night
by: Anonymous

My Dr. said I could take 25mg of Benadryl to help with itchiness from Percoset and with sleep. Seemed to do the trick. My Iphone is great for one handed typing while sitting in the therapy chair.
Aug 24, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		update two and a half months later
by: kathy

my employer just told me my time to come back to work full duty or i loose my job. can you believe it i got hurt at work and they have the nerve to tell me that. i know they have the right to let me go my job was only protected for twelve weeks under the family medical leave act i am inproving everyday i am determined to not let this get me down but at times i wish i did not have to have the rotator cuff surgery along with the bone spurs because at times i have no strength in my left arm and hand i will never be the same and it really makes me want to cry the pain is bad only when the wheather is bad other then that its tolerable i keep going to physical therapy three times a week now my job says i have to make my appointments at night if i can so i dont take off so much and i have to countinue therapy two more months or so i am now able to raise my arm higher then a month ago but i have to rest my arm on the microwave to beable to fix my hair back brushing is okay and somedays i have a hard time getting undressed at night but i keep smiling and moving on i hope when i return to work sept 1st i can handle it the doctor thinks i will be okay but i know they will watch me specially since it was a workers comp case sleeping is alot better in bed but i cant sleep on my left side to watch tv in my room only on my back or right side so i have to sit up or lay on my back which i hate and i sleep right sided driving at times is crazy i try not to go in heavy crowds i drive early morning or after 6.00 at night when the traffic is not so heavy guess you adapt to what ever you can handle so my advise is to not give up.
Aug 24, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		update two and a half months later
by: kathy

my employer just told me my time to come back to work full duty or i loose my job. can you believe it i got hurt at work and they have the nerve to tell me that. i know they have the right to let me go my job was only protected for twelve weeks under the family medical leave act i am inproving everyday i am determined to not let this get me down but at times i wish i did not have to have the rotator cuff surgery along with the bone spurs because at times i have no strength in my left arm and hand i will never be the same and it really makes me want to cry the pain is bad only when the wheather is bad other then that its tolerable i keep going to physical therapy three times a week now my job says i have to make my appointments at night if i can so i dont take off so much and i have to countinue therapy two more months or so i am now able to raise my arm higher then a month ago but i have to rest my arm on the microwave to beable to fix my hair back brushing is okay and somedays i have a hard time getting undressed at night but i keep smiling and moving on i hope when i return to work sept 1st i can handle it the doctor thinks i will be okay but i know they will watch me specially since it was a workers comp case sleeping is alot better in bed but i cant sleep on my left side to watch tv in my room only on my back or right side so i have to sit up or lay on my back which i hate and i sleep right sided driving at times is crazy i try not to go in heavy crowds i drive early morning or after 6.00 at night when the traffic is not so heavy guess you adapt to what ever you can handle so my advise is to not give up.
Sep 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		How is everyone doing?
by: Liz

I was just wondering if anyone wanted write a follow up on how you're doing.
I'm 3 weeks out and going to PT 3X a week. Progress is very slow - still all passive movement stuff. My arm seems to ache all the time. Nothing crazy painful, just uncomfortable. I find that something is always "catching" in my arm if I move it wrong. If it gets to be too much I'll take one 500 mg. Tylenol. Doesn't really work all that well, but 2 of those pills makes me feel sick. I'm hoping that when I go back to see the doctor the end of next week he'll let me start taking Advil. That always worked for me in the past for other things. Still "sleeping" in my recliner. Hate it. I've tried going to bed - using pillows/ NOT using pillows - I last for one hour and go back to the chair. Too painful. Sleep is still difficult for sure......
Anyway, how are you all doing???
Sep 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Just starting with a physical therapist
by: Genie

Had my rotator cuff surgery on July 24th. Here it is Sept. 1st and finally on Sept. 3rd I start my therapy. I had some home exercises but I guess I have not done them enough because now my doctor says physical therapy with a therapist. It still hurts a lot at times. Some days it just aches and aches. I went back to work FT two weeks after my surgery. Some days still, I wish I could go home and lay down with an ice bag and some pain pills. I keep plugging along, but I sure do wish by Thanksgiving I will be OK. I still can't reach behind my back to close my bra. Have to put it around my waist in the front, turn it around and pull it up. Same with belt loops on my jeans and dress pants, I can't reach behind my back. Have to use my right arm to try to catch the belt as my left arm can't reach back that far. The left arm is the surgery arm. Is this common with anyone?
Sep 01, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		dont give up it takes time
by: kathy

genie,

I had the same problem with my bra and i could not wear tee shirts or any other shirts that hung over my area were the surgery was if you want to hear more about my recovery you can email me at snowey2468@hotmail.com i had surgery back on june 15th and its been rough for me love to hear from you take care and hope you recover well
Sep 02, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Update
by: Pat

I saw my surgeon last Thursday. My surgery was 19th of June and I have almost full range of motion. I am just now starting to work on strength with the therapist twice a week for the next 8 weeks. I am able to put my bra on behind my back. I don't have any problems sleeping, but I do still use a wedge pillow. I had a tendonesis along with the rotator cuff repair so I have a screw in my arm. My Dr says I have inflamation there and has put me on a short dose of steriods and I was told to ice my shoulder periodically during the day. I am back at work two days a week. I work at a veterinary hospital and one of the vets I work with fixes me up with an ace bandage and ice pack a couple of times during the day. It does seem to help. This whole process just seems to take forever, but I guess I am fortunate that I can pretty much function, even if it isn't completely without pain for now. I wish you all good luck with your recovery.
Sep 02, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		My insurance company cut off my physical therapy.
by: Linda

I had my rotator cuff surgery which included removing a calcium deposit and then repairing my tendon, on June 25th 2009. My insurance company which is Empire government has only allowed me 15 physical therapy visits and has now cut me off. If I want to continue my therapy, I have to pay totally out of my pocket. Has anyone else encountered this problem and if so, do you have any suggestions on how to fight this? My surgeon has said that I need 6 months of physical therapy, and I'm only 2 month into it. Way too soon to be cut off. If I stop now I'm afraid I will be crippled for life. My range of motion has improved considerably since removing that awful brace, but I still have a long way to go. I can hardly reach behind my back. I think it's very cruel of the insurance companies to cut me off way before I'm ready. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do?
Sep 12, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Can't sleep
by: Anonymous

I had rotator cuff surgery May 17,09. Here it is Sept. 12, 09. I still can't sleep. I don't like sleeping on my back and I can't get comfortable. The Dr. prescribed ambia and it does make me sleepier but as you can see it is 3:30 a.m. and i'm still awake. I'm really not in alot of pain, bu discomfort. Any comments on this?
Sep 12, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		4 days post-op
by: Jody

I had surgery Tues. Sept. 8th - got a nerve block so the first 18 hours were bliss. Pain was pretty bad the 2nd day and night, but I quit the Percocet Thursday night. It's Saturday and I have been taking only a Tylenol here and there. I ended up having the tear repaired, a bone spur ground down and my tendon smoothed out, plus I had a lot of bursitis to remove. I see the surgeon Monday. Today I took a shower by myself and washed my hair - felt great and didn't get any bandages wet. I do feel some discomfort - it's expected with surgery - but really, I feel great. I am sleeping in a recliner and icing a few times a day. I am taking naps here and there. Haven't been out of the house since Tues. and I think we will go to a movie today. Oh, my jeans are on! I bought a great bra that hooks in the front so that is working well. Got in on by myself today. My husband was great help and continues to be but I really can do most this stuff by myself. I am not doing any PT yet but I think that will begin next week. NOT looking forward to that - I know it's going to hurt. I will really have to self motivate to do the exercises at home if they hurt a lot. My husband will have to crack the whip! I am looking forward to Jamaica with the family in January and being back on my bike early spring - those are my motivators.
Sep 14, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		reply to i was cut off for physical therapy
by: kathy

linda,

the insurance companys call the shots about what they are going to cover i have mvp threw my job and they dont allow for physical therapy at all it depends on what plan your company picks they usually ofer them three diffrent plans and they pick which one they can aford i learned this from a lady that worked at mvp she said most insurance companys do this im lucky that my physical therapy is being paid by my workers comp but i was recently told they pay for so many vists a year im not sure. i got hurt at work and its been almost a year andseven months since i got hurt then i had my surgery which was rotator cuff repair along with bone spurs i have been also doing therapy at home and its been three months since my surgery and i do alot of stretching and i have a set of pulleys if you would like to email me i can tell you what else that might help your recovery im not a doctor but ive been threw alot and maybe i can help my email adress is snowey2468@hotmail.com hope this helps you
Sep 17, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		actually sorta sleeping
by: Anonymous

Today is 6 weeks after the surgery and I really haven't had a lot of problems to speak of. They did a block of the nerve in the right arm that was operated on and that block lasted two days during which I took the pain meds as prescribed. I can't say I have had a lot of pain. Discomfort but no severe pain. I have been sleeping in a recliner for 6 weeks and it hasn't been the best but I have had some nights with good sleep and most nights I do sleep. I do have two cats that think me in the recliner is just for them to be lap kitties and I sleep through that. I had the surgery on the 5th of Aug and started rehab on the 10th which I think has helped a lot. I have been religious with the rehab doing the exercises three times a day as a rule. The sling came off today and that is nice to be able to use the right arm again although the use is limited. Tonight I am going to try the bed again. I have done that before and sleeping on my back after a couple of hours I have a stinging feeling in my left thigh for some reason.
Sep 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still in a recliner
by:

I had the surgery on 8/12 and I'm still in my recliner. Once in a while I try to go to bed, but after a few minutes on my back my shoulder starts to throb. I try to turn on my good side with a pillow under my bad shoulder forearm, but that gets painful after a while. So after a couple of hours of trying different positions I go back to my chair. I've talked to so many people who say they've been able to go to bed after 2 or 3 weeks with no problems!! I feel so ridiculous that I still can't lie down. Please tell me someone else out there is in the same boat........
Sep 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still can't get a good night sleep.
by: Linda

I had my rotator cuff surgery on June 25th and I still can't get a good night sleep. I am able to sleep in my bed, but I'm still having pain in my shoulder as soon as I lie down. I've been taking two tylenol pm's every night before I go to bed and this has been allowing me to get about 3 to 4 hours of sleep before I'm awoken with pain. I can't wait until I can sleep through the night without any pain and without taking tylenol pm.
Sep 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		actually sorta sleeping update.
by: Anonymous

I got the sling off last Wednesday and yesterday it went back on. I overdid it and the doc said if the shoulder got to hurting to use the sling. I tried sleeping in the bed and that didn't work to well. I did three nights and was comfortable on my back but that is not a comfortable position for me. I tried sleeping on my left side and that worked for about 30 minutes and then the shoulder would start hurting. I think that trying to sleep without the sling has created some pain as when I got up this morning it hurt like the dickens so I will keep it on for a while and see if that helps. I have been by myself for a while to and it is impossible to not use the right hand and arm a lot so I think that has not helped.
Sep 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		5 1/2 weeks out.......
by: Liz

It's a funny thing about these blogs. As bad as it is to hear that others are in pain and going through the same awful things, it's reassuring at the same time that we're all not crazy. I had surgery on 8/12 and also can't sleep in a bed. I last a few minutes and then I call it quits because of pain and go back to the recliner. It seems like it will be a long time away before I can crawl into bed and be comfortable. I'm going away for a few days starting 10/21 and I'm already nervous about it because I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep in a hotel bed by then!!!
I'm still going to therapy 3 times a week. Everything is still passive movement but hopefully next week I'll start to work my muscles. My ROM still needs a lot of work but I'm very diligent about doing my home exercises - usually I do them 5 times a day if I can. I don't wear a sling because I find it more uncomfortable than not wearing one. But just letting my arm hang is not pleasant either. When I go for a walk I cradle my bad arm with my good one. People must think I'm nuts, but that's OK.
I also find that Tylenol is like a sugar pill for me. It doesn't work AT ALL! I can't wait till I get permission to take Advil - that will help at night, I'm sure. (did anyone else's doctor not allow them to take an anti inflammatory for 8 weeks??) I'm also still not allowed to drive which makes me crazy. My doctor said until I can grip the wheel and turn it quickly he won't clear me for driving.
So anyway, it certainly hasn't been easy these last 5 1/2 weeks. I'm hoping that in the next week or two things change dramatically.......
Hang in there, everyone.......
Sep 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		3 months and still not driving
by: Linda

I drive a stick shift, so I asked my doctor when I would know that I was ready to drive. He told me that I had to be able to take the palm of my hand and place it on the crown of my head. It's been almost three months and I'm almost able to do it, but not comfortably. I think I'll be able to drive soon, but don't want to chance it till I'm ready. Thank goodness for a wonderful support group and good friends that have been shlepping me back and forth to work and physical therapy and everywhere else I need to go. This surgery is something you should definetly think twice about if you are alone. You need someone with you to help you. On the positive side, I'm beginning to be able to sleep better at night with not too much pain!!!! Good luck to all. I know it's tough, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I'm still in pain
by: Genie R

It will be 2 months on Sept. 24 since I had my rotater cuff surgery and I am still in pain most of the time. I have not had a good nights sleep in months between pain before my surgery and still now. My therapist said not to push myself. As soon as I feel pain to stop doing that exercise. I just do a few and then it hurts like the dickens. I thought we are supposed to push it to make our muscles work again. I am so miserable I should have never had the surgery. At times it hurts more than before the surgery. I am giong to give it a couple of more weeks and if there is no improvement then I am going back to my surgeon and ask him why do I still feel so much pain. He told me I could get rid of the sling after my first week. I have been talking to others who have had rotater cuff surgery and they said they had the sling on for at least 2 weeks. The only time they took it off was to shower. Can it be possible to be in so much pain still? I am afraid I have to get another surgery. Is it too soon to worry, or should I be much further along by now? Thank you anyone for any comments.
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		RE: Genie
by: Linda

Genie- I had my surgery 3 months ago, so how I felt after 2 months is still pretty fresh in my mind. I had many moment where I felt like you, and wished I had never had the surgery. I think each person is different and also your surgery might be different. I had a calcium deposit removed and also my tendon repaired. At month two I had gained some of my range of motion back and really only experienced pain when sleeping or being stretched by my physical therapist. If you are in bad pain when you are not doing anything, maybe it's a good idea to speak to your surgeon. I can tell you that for me it definetly gets better as time goes by. I'm just now starting to get a decent nights sleep and not feeling too much pain at night. During the day I don't have any pain. I think my arm that I had surgery on feels better than my other arm. Hang in there. It does get better.
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		after surgery
by: previously anonymous, now Jim

I was told to keep the sling on for 6 weeks. Only off to shower and change clothes and so on. I had a major tear on the top tendon as it was 3 cm back and had to be pulled back in place and sewn and the tendon in front was torn 1/2 way through. The bicep tendon is gone. Lots of scar tissue in the joint I guess. The had a lot of stuff to remove. I am now sorta out of the sling as I overdid things when the sling came off. I put the sling back as I was told if there was pain from over exertion it would help. I am also taking pain meds and needed. Lortab 7.5 mg.
Sep 21, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Genie
by: Liz

I'm only be at 6 weeks on Wednesday so I can't speak to how it should feel at 8 weeks. I can tell you though that my arm aches almost all the time. It's not out and out pain, but just kind of like a toothache kind of thing. When I do my exercises at home there definitely is some pain involved. I really do think that it has a lot to do with what had to be done at the time of surgery. Some people just have a tear repaired. Others have more. I had a torn cuff but also bone spurs, calcium deposits, manipulation under anesthesia, lots of debridement. Perhaps you had even more than that. I would definitely think about setting up an appointment with your surgeon so that you can discuss your issues with him. Let him (her?) know exactly what worries you and maybe he could put your mind at ease and explain what's going on. What is your therapist's opinion? I pump my PT all the time about where I should be right now, and although I think I'm not making much progress he's always reassuring that I'm where I should be for WHAT I HAD DONE. We even had that talk today. Every case is so different and people heal at incredibly different speeds.
Hang in there, Genie. We all feel your pain. Keep us up to date.....
Sep 22, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		update after 4 months of surgery
by: kathy

I have been almost 4 months now and i have to tell you that it does get better and everyone is right people do have diffrent levels of pain and recovery. me i was in my bed after 2 months sleeping good and driving about 5 weeks only to the store and therapy now im back to work full duty and driving all over i still have days when the shoulder hurts bad almost like its bruised and massages help that alot but it depends on how much i use it or the wheather to. be patient for the ones that are only 2 to 3 months it does get better a few weeks ago i could not even put my hair back with out putting my arm up on a cabinet to hold it but now i reach the back of my hair to clip it but the days it hurts i still have to occasinley use the cabinet to hold my arm up to my hair so be patient easier said then done i know but when you start noticing things you can do you will be amazed and proud you could do them for yourself and dont feel shame to ask for help still at any month after surgery because everyone heals diffrent rember? and there will still be times you will need help i still do i cant hold on things when i try lifting small light pagages yet and at therapy i have to tell the therapist not today i cant do it but i will try to do a few exercises but cant promise anything and i had rotator cuff repair/bone spurs
Sep 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I getting really afraid
by: Genie R

Thank you Liz, Linda, Jim and Kathy for your comments. I am so discouraged. Tomorrow, the 24th, it will be 2 months since my rotator cuff surgery. I just don't believe it, I am just as bad as I was before the surgery. I keep thinking perhaps he should never have told me I didn't need the sling after using it for only six days. I have to go back to him and ask him what the heck went wrong? I guess I will wait till October, say another week or ten days, then if there is absolutely no improvement I'm going to get an app't to see him. Every morning I have to get up for work, so tired, swollen eyes, I just look horrid. I think you can see the pain in my face. Again last night, I woke up at 5:00 a.m. and put an ice bag on my shoulder. I hardly have any pain pills left so I use them sparingly when I just can't stand it. Otherwise, I use ibuprophen (probably spelled it wrong). I have had other surgery in my life - back, knee, and my other shoulder but that was not for a rotator cuff, it was for a bone spur. I never have experienced such pain for so long after surgery. If I have to get another surgery I will be so upset. More time off from work and more money as I had to pay 10% of this surgery. Thank God at least I do have health insurance. My physical therapist said not to push it on my exercises. Soon as I feel pain, stop that exercise. I always thought you had to push yourself so your body would get better and used to doing things. I'm so confused. Thank you for all your kind thoughts.
Sep 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Your therapy, Genie
by: Liz

Genie, in looking back at posts I noticed that you said that your surgery was 7/24 but you didn't start real PT till 9/3. Maybe that could be a reason you're still in a lot of pain. Now, I'm not a PT or a doctor so don't quote me on this, but I think the usual protocol is to start physical therapy a lot sooner than 6 weeks after surgery. I know you mentioned that you did therapy at home, which is great, but you didn't have a therapist stretching you out and giving you new exercises to do as you progressed. Maybe you formed scar tissue which is impeding your progress. Again, I'm not a doctor, but from everything I've read therapy usually starts 4 to 6 days after surgery. You might want to ask someone about this.
Hang in there.........
Sep 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My doctor didn't send me till later
by: Genie R

Hi Liz,

My doctor gave me home exercises about two weeks after surgery. I had the staples in for almost a month. When I went back the third time he finally took the staples out. I complained I was in a lot of pain. Then he said I should see a therapist. By the time I got in to see the therapist was almost another two weeks, so as you stated, it was approximately 6 weeks till I saw the therapist. I must have a rotten therapist. She showed me exercises and had me run through them, but she never stretched me. Also, she said not to push it, if it hurts stop. What do you think will happen now? Too late to break down any scar tissue? Thanks for your concern.
Sep 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		To Genie
by: Liz

Boy. It sounds like a tough situation for you. I don't know. If it were me I'd make an appointment asap with the surgeon. Ask him why you didn't go for therapy right away. Ask him if he thinks scar tissue is hampering your healing process. See if you can change therapists. It all doesn't sound right to me that they're not being more aggressive with this. Not having someone stretch you out is not good. I went today to PT and I go through my exercises and then I lie on a table and he takes my arm and stretches it all the way back towards my head - he does it about 10 times, stretching it further each time. It's agony but he gets it further each session. Then he stretches my arm out to the side, kind of in a "L" shape, and does that a number of times. Once a week he measures to see what degree I'm at to make sure I'm making progress (I've been making steady progress till today - I actually lost 2 degrees. It was so darn upsetting.) Today he did a few new stretching things. I'm always on the table each session for about 20 - 25 minutes. These seem to be the things that need to be done and they're not doing this for you. Why else go to PT? The exercises anyone can do at home - it's the stretching out that's their job.
Please talk to your doctor and demand some answers....
Sep 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Felling a Little Better
by: Genie

Hi Liz,

I am feeling a little better these past couple of days. Worked like a dog over the weekend doing fall cleaning. Surprisingly I don't feel bad. I have another issue I have to take care of before I go back to my doctor. I have a bluging disk and I will be going for an epidural steroid shot on Oct. 5. My doctor knows about this problem too. Since I have to see him after my shot, I will discuss my shoulder problem at that time also. Hopefully it will continue to get a little better. I still have trouble sleeping and I still can't reach the back to hook my bra. I still have to put it around my waist in front to hook it and turn it around and pull it up.
Sep 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		7 months out
by: Judy

Well I had rotator cuff tear surgery in February 2009, along with bone spurs taken off on the shoulder and clavicle. It has been over 7 months now since that surgery and I am still having sleepless nights. I unfortunately had the surgery on my right side (I am right handed) and that makes it worse. I can't sleep only on my back. Hate it! My pain in the shoulder and now down my arm to my wrist is not getting better but actually worse. I have had (1) injection 5 months post-op for the inflammation I am told I still have. Two weeks ago I was given the Steriod Medrol Dose Pak to take which did nothing. Is this pain and nagging ache ever going to go away? My strength is fine, it's the pain that is getting very old. How many injections can you have and in what time frame? Any suggestions?
Sep 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Good luck,Genie
by: Liz

I'm glad you're feeling more encouraged. Yes, please be very honest with the doctor. I have my 8 week visit next Tuesday. I'm hoping he'll give me permission to take Advil - that should help the discomfort. I had a deep massage today because everything keeps tightening up - very uncomfortable. But I am making a bit of progress. Just never thought it would take so long to get better. I can absolutely see how it will be months before I feel "normal". I'm still in my recliner at night. Tried going to bed a few times last week, but it was no good. But, I'll plod on.....
Good luck with the bulging disk. And I hope everyone out there is feeling a little better every day........
Oct 16, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Finally in the bed.
by: Jim

It is 10 weeks after the surgery and I have been able to sleep in the bed for a few nights now. My rehab guy says not to sleep on my right side ( the surgery side ) and I am now into strength training plus keeping on with the ROM training.
Nov 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		sleep positions
by: Ellen

I have not had surgery yet, but am about to see the doc. in a couple of weeks. I've had my injury for about 6 months, and pain just gets worse, even with physical therapy.
Anyway, sleeping is getting a tiny bit easier, and what I have is a miniature freezer next to my bed where I keep my gel packs. When I wake up in pain, I put one on my shoulder and it removes the pain very quickly. The biggest problem is that you should not sleep with anything frozen on your body, as it can cause frostbite--so if you think you might accidently fall asleep while icing, you might consider putting a mini-refrigerator or a cooler beside your bed instead of a freezer and the gel packs won't get frozen--just nice and cool. Then if you fall asleep with the gel pack on, you won't get frostbite.
The very best kind of gel pack in my opinion, are the large ones available at medical supply stores. You can make your own, however, which saves you a bunch of money. Just take a zip-baggie and pour liquid dish detergent into it (I've heard Palmolive is best for whatever reason, but I used Dawn and it worked fine). You need to get all the extra air out of the bag, then zip it up. Then put that into another bag (double-bag it) to help catch any leaks because, as you know, zip-baggies do spring leaks sometimes. Anyway, put that into the freezer or fridge and in a couple of hours you have a nice, cold, flexible pack that conforms to the body. I've heard that you can also do the following: Mix 2 parts water with 1 part rubbing alcohol and pour that into a baggie. Apparently it won't freeze solid due to the alcohol, and it stays mushy, soft and cold after being in the freezer. I have not tried that "recipe" yet.
Sitting upright (as much as possible) does help reduce pain alot at night, but like others said, it gets tiresome to sit in the same position all night. I found that putting a slice of foam rubber under my butt kept my butt from sliding forward on the bed sheets. Otherwise, I would end up in a flat position if I didn't put the foam rubber pad down.
Also, if you buy a super soft king size pillow, it will help cradle you on each side because it's a wide pillow. In fact, I would suggest a number of king size pillows, all piled up--really soft ones. The cradling effect will help support your shoulders as you lie on your back nestled in them.
OK, I have to sign off. Being on the keyboard is making my shoulder hurt.
Hope all of you feel better very soon!
Ellen
Nov 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still in pain
by: Genie

Hi Everyone,

I sure hope all of you are doing much better than me. Tomorrow the 24th of Nov., it will be 4 months since my rotator cuff surgery and I am still in pain. Every day I'm in pain to some degree. Some days it's much worse than others. I went back to my surgeon about 2 weeks ago and complained. Now he tells me it's my neck and wants to send me for an MRI. I called his office two days later and said I cannot keep going back and forth for therapy and MRI's and his co-pays. Besides, I also told his office, how come only my surgery side hurts. Wouldn't my neck affect both sides if it was problems with my neck. No explanation with that from his office. Bottom line, I said I have to wait till after the holidays, it's just too expensive right now. So right now I am in limbo. I guess I have to tough it out till after the holidays. I have to go back in January for another eperidural steroid shot for my bluging disc. This year has been a nighmare. Can this be true, still in pain after rotator cuff surgery four months later. Did anybody have to get 2 surgeries. I hope it doesn't come to that.
Nov 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still in pain
by: Genie

Hi Everyone,

I sure hope all of you are doing much better than me. Tomorrow the 24th of Nov., it will be 4 months since my rotator cuff surgery and I am still in pain. Every day I'm in pain to some degree. Some days it's much worse than others. I went back to my surgeon about 2 weeks ago and complained. Now he tells me it's my neck and wants to send me for an MRI. I called his office two days later and said I cannot keep going back and forth for therapy and MRI's and his co-pays. Besides, I also told his office, how come only my surgery side hurts. Wouldn't my neck affect both sides if it was problems with my neck. No explanation with that from his office. Bottom line, I said I have to wait till after the holidays, it's just too expensive right now. So right now I am in limbo. I guess I have to tough it out till after the holidays. I have to go back in January for another eperidural steroid shot for my bluging disc. This year has been a nighmare. Can this be true, still in pain after rotator cuff surgery four months later. Did anybody have to get 2 surgeries. I hope it doesn't come to that.
Nov 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still in pain
by: Genie

Hi Everyone,

I sure hope all of you are doing much better than me. Tomorrow the 24th of Nov., it will be 4 months since my rotator cuff surgery and I am still in pain. Every day I'm in pain to some degree. Some days it's much worse than others. I went back to my surgeon about 2 weeks ago and complained. Now he tells me it's my neck and wants to send me for an MRI. I called his office two days later and said I cannot keep going back and forth for therapy and MRI's and his co-pays. Besides, I also told his office, how come only my surgery side hurts. Wouldn't my neck affect both sides if it was problems with my neck. No explanation with that from his office. Bottom line, I said I have to wait till after the holidays, it's just too expensive right now. So right now I am in limbo. I guess I have to tough it out till after the holidays. I have to go back in January for another eperidural steroid shot for my bluging disc. This year has been a nighmare. Can this be true, still in pain after rotator cuff surgery four months later. Did anybody have to get 2 surgeries. I hope it doesn't come to that.
Nov 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still in pain
by: Genie

Hi Everyone,

I sure hope all of you are doing much better than me. Tomorrow the 24th of Nov., it will be 4 months since my rotator cuff surgery and I am still in pain. Every day I'm in pain to some degree. Some days it's much worse than others. I went back to my surgeon about 2 weeks ago and complained. Now he tells me it's my neck and wants to send me for an MRI. I called his office two days later and said I cannot keep going back and forth for therapy and MRI's and his co-pays. Besides, I also told his office, how come only my surgery side hurts. Wouldn't my neck affect both sides if it was problems with my neck. No explanation with that from his office. Bottom line, I said I have to wait till after the holidays, it's just too expensive right now. So right now I am in limbo. I guess I have to tough it out till after the holidays. I have to go back in January for another eperidural steroid shot for my bluging disc. This year has been a nighmare. Can this be true, still in pain after rotator cuff surgery four months later. Did anybody have to get 2 surgeries. I hope it doesn't come to that.
Nov 23, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Still in pain
by: Genie

Hi Everyone,

I sure hope all of you are doing much better than me. Tomorrow the 24th of Nov., it will be 4 months since my rotator cuff surgery and I am still in pain. Every day I'm in pain to some degree. Some days it's much worse than others. I went back to my surgeon about 2 weeks ago and complained. Now he tells me it's my neck and wants to send me for an MRI. I called his office two days later and said I cannot keep going back and forth for therapy and MRI's and his co-pays. Besides, I also told his office, how come only my surgery side hurts. Wouldn't my neck affect both sides if it was problems with my neck. No explanation with that from his office. Bottom line, I said I have to wait till after the holidays, it's just too expensive right now. So right now I am in limbo. I guess I have to tough it out till after the holidays. I have to go back in January for another eperidural steroid shot for my bluging disc. This year has been a nighmare. Can this be true, still in pain after rotator cuff surgery four months later. Did anybody have to get 2 surgeries. I hope it doesn't come to that.
Dec 01, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		pain free
by: kirk

I think I had a problem with my surgery, I had athroscopic stabilization. I had to had suture anchors placed inside my shoulder to aid with the rotator cuff repair. Back to the problem, the nerve block they put in my neck still has not worn off 100% I did however have to start physical therapy before I left the hospital after surgery. Less than a week after I could move my arm out in front and too the side. Sleep is pain free and I am sleeping so much I think it is helping with the healing process. I just have the regular 2 pillows and sleep on my side. I have no pain at all! I expect a full range of movement within 6 weeks. And to be back in the gym at full strength at 6months. Sorry to hear so many of you are in pain. Oh and the full open surgery is much harder to recover from than the athroscopic (keyhole) surgery. Good luck everyone.
Dec 05, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sleeping after rtc repair.
by: RTC=Ouch

I am post op day 9 after my RTC repair. I long for a nights sleep. I can find no comfortable position, period. I just go for days with minimal sleep and then finally one night I will get a little sleep due to exhaustion. This is with out a doubt the most painful experience of my life. Living one armed, no driving, unable to sleep, etc. The day time pain in now controlled by motrin only but nights are dreaded. In a weird way, its nice to know others are dealing with this as well. Peace to all in this situation.
GC.
Dec 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		18 weeks
by: Jim

I am at 18 weeks since the surgery and am doing great. I was sleeping in a recliner for about 10 weeks and now am in bed. I still have some minor pain but nothing of major concern. I am getting the strength back and each day it all gets better. The rehab is most important part after the surgery. I ave had some great therapists.
Dec 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		going for MRI
by: Genie

Here it is Dec. 10th and I am still in pain. Every day - pain to some degree. I had the rotator cuff surgery on July 24th. I called my doctor again and explained my situation. I told him I would go for the neck MRI now and not wait till Jan. and could I get an MRI of my shoulder too. He tells me having an MRI after rotator cuff surgery can show a false positive. Never heard of that, has anyone? Bottom line he will order the MRI of my neck and also my left side under my arm and by my left breast. That hurts a lot too. I was wondering if anyone had those left side pains or right side pains depending on which shoulder got the rotator cuff surgery.
Dec 10, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pain after surgery
by: Anonymous

Hi Genie,
I don't know the answers to your questions but I am looking into "Trigger Point Therapy" as a way of resolving my pain, which I have had since June of this year. Every day/night is the same--pain goes on and on with some days better than others. I am beginning to test out Trigger Point Therapy as a way of reducing pain. I am not a doctor, but possibly some of your ongoing pain could be caused by trigger points that have developed as a result of the trauma, and they can refer pain to all kinds of areas. I have yet to see if this kind of self-help therapy will work, as I'm just starting to try it. It involves pressing on the skin and finding the sore spots and then holding pressure on the sore spots until the knotted portion of the muscle releases (a very basic description). Maybe you have already tried this, I don't know. I'm reading an interesting book called "The Frozen Shoulder Workbook". I sure hope this works, as I'm so tired of being in pain all the time, and I'm sure you are too. If this works, I'll come back and post my results.
Ellen
Dec 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		6 months recovery rotator cuff
by: kathy

well its been six months and i am alot better then a few months ago.back to driving at any hour and work full duty there are days when i work my shoulder to much it lets me know back off im still in therapy but down to two days now a week and my strength is improving more i see the doctor dec 18th and i know he will take me out of pt because of my progress they even talked about cortisone shot if it did not improve strength wise but im sure that they wont do that know im hoping i dont want the shot. i got my hair cut short because going behind to put my hair up was pain ful still its much easier short and looks better on me so im told . dont give up im not i keep trying to improve every day im about 65 percent there strength wise and i know it will never be 100 percent i still have problems raising my arm high and i probley will never get that back. dont ever give up please keep trying it will work its self out sooner or later.
Dec 13, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		6 months recovery rotator cuff
by: kathy

well its been six months and i am alot better then a few months ago.back to driving at any hour and work full duty there are days when i work my shoulder to much it lets me know back off im still in therapy but down to two days now a week and my strength is improving more i see the doctor dec 18th and i know he will take me out of pt because of my progress they even talked about cortisone shot if it did not improve strength wise but im sure that they wont do that know im hoping i dont want the shot. i got my hair cut short because going behind to put my hair up was pain ful still its much easier short and looks better on me so im told . dont give up im not i keep trying to improve every day im about 65 percent there strength wise and i know it will never be 100 percent i still have problems raising my arm high and i probley will never get that back. dont ever give up please keep trying it will work its self out sooner or later.
Dec 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		One day at a time...
by: Michelle

Like many of you, I tripped into this site looking for a quick answer to my surgery question. For me the journey started as a simple removal of calcium deposits, but turned into the removal of bone spurs, cleaning up some frayed labrum tissue, and repairing a torn RC, some of which was torn pre-surgery, some because he had to cut it to get to the other stuff. I am now on day 4 of recovery, and every day is a little better, though it appears I have a long road ahead.

Hoping to go back to work on Monday, at least for awhile. I work in an office. hope this is not pushing it. Just dont want to sit around forever. Question- how long before most of you could drive again? (auto transmission.)

Love all the comments...thanks for posting!

Dec 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Driving
by: Liz

Michelle, it took about 6 weeks before I could drive. My doctor was very specific about not giving me permission until I could grip the steering wheel and be able to turn it quickly. And I even hedged that a little. I'm now a little over 4 months since surgery and I'm feeling better finally. It has taken me an awful long time - I'm still in physical therapy 3X a week and faithfully doing all my exercises at home 2-3X a day. I do think I'm the exception to the rule however. I'm not really sure why it has taken me so long to get a little better. I can now go for a while without thinking about my shoulder, but then I'll turn or reach a little bit differently and I'll definitely be reminded of it! I still don't have full range of motion but it's getting there. I'm having a slight set back right now because they think I have bicep tendonitis so that's a whole other (painful) problem. I did find that getting deep tissue massages REALLY helps. They hurt but they help. I have been going 2X a week for about 2 months now. It all gets SO expensive, between physical therapy and massages but I can't imagine getting better any other way.
Hope everyone out there is doing as well as can be expected. This is not an easy recuperation, so hang in there.......
Dec 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Something that works for my injury
by: Anonymous

Hi all,
A short while ago I posted a note about a book I bought called "The Frozen Shoulder Workbook". I was skeptical at first, because I have tried so many things and nothing has worked. I figured I would try the techniques in the book and see if I got any benefit because I was constantly in pain, and the pain at night was causing night sweats and I could not sleep more than an hour at a time. I couldn't work during the day either, without pain (I am an artist). Anyway, I began to try the techniques, which are called "Trigger Point Therapy" and began to see some results within about 3 days. That encouraged me to keep at it. I wasn't really diligent at first--would just work on it whenever I could, here and there. But when I noticed my shoulder really starting to improve, I became more diligent. I can now finally start to sleep on the injured shoulder (lying on my side), and can sleep 4 hours at a time, which is a big improvement over waking up every hour. I used to wake up every hour or so and ice my shoulder throughout the night, and was exhausted during the day. Now I don't have to ice at all. Anyway, if you get this book, you need to read it from cover to cover to get a good general idea of the techniques. Then go back and look at the diagrams and apply the techniques that work for your specific areas of pain. I am actually surprised that this is working so well (so far), and plan to continue to do this. It has certainly been a far better investment than the physical therapy (which, by the way, made the condition worse), the doctor visits, and pain meds. I even tried Lunesta sleeping pills, which did absolutely nothing to help me sleep.
I hope all of you are feeling better, but if not, this might be something you'll want to look into.
Dec 19, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fatigue?
by: Bob

Had 2 complete tears, 1 partial labrum tear, and a torn bicep surgery on November 24th. It's been 3 and a half weeks now and am still experiencing a lot of fatigue. I have barely left the house - although I've been taking 25-30 minute walks once a day - but find if I try to go out to the store, for example, with my wife, I am very tired and want to sleep in the car. I heard it's common to be tired 3-4 weeks after surgery - has this been the norm for some folks? Also - on a different note - has anyone suffered from post-op depression at all?

thanks for the wonderful posts.
Dec 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Fatigue
by: Anonymous

Yes! I was feeling exhausted for about 2 months when I was having lots of pain. I wondered if there was something else wrong with me because I had never felt so tired before, and wanted to take naps all day long. I really impacted my work schedule. However, I found that as the pain diminished, so did the feeling of exhaustion. I think the pain takes alot out of a person, making it a struggle to get through the day.
Dec 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		PS. to my last note
by: Anonymous

PS. I forgot to mention that I did feel extremely unmotivated while I was feeling exhausted, and I could not tell if it was mild depression or if it was due to the exhaustion. I'm not prone to depression, so it was unusual for me to not want to do anything other than lie around all day. I think feeling depressed often accompanies any kind of illness or injury and there's this feeling of; "Will this ever get better?". But yes, you will get better!
Dec 27, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		neck pain
by: Anonymous

I had rotator cuff surgery a week ago tomorrow. Sleeping is a challenge but have managed to get some, sitting up is a necessity. My biggest problem is neck pain. I think they sent me home with my sling not properly fitted so that was the original culprit, but it is still an ongoing issue, particularly at night. I have resorted to taking off the shoulder strap to sleep. Haven't seen any other posts on this......MAC
Dec 28, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		2 weeks in
by: Michelle

Well, two weeks in snd every day is an improvement! Still sleeping in a recliner, and still cannot move shoulder or dress without assistance, but my energy has returned. This is a much longer road than I anticipated! Great to have Mom visiting from NY!
Dec 30, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		one week out- trouble?
by: Rach

I had repair of a complete rotator cuff tear and torn ligaments one week ago. My "wrap" dressing as well as my immobilizer were on pretty tight. I started cpm machine the next day. Slept in recliner 1st 5 nights, have been in bed the past 2. I had pain frequently and was tahing the prescribed oxycontin, vicodin, and celebrex.

Here is my problem. I saw doctor yesterday. He took off my "wrap" dressing and sent me home with the immobilizer on loosely and said it didn't have to be tight. During the car ride home, I had more pain and felt like the muscles were stretching and loosening. Maybe it was too tight before? So I decided a couple hours later to put deoderant on under my affected shoulder. I simply let my arm hang while wiping a bit on (with my good hand, so I wasn't holding or supporting the bad). I felt a very painful 'pop' and pain lasted less than 5 seconds. Since then, I have pretty much had no pain, at all! Cpm machine is now a breeze.

So did I maybe ruin my repair or had I started to have "frozen shoulder" that is now gone. Please help. Md is gone now till next week and I'm worried I messed up.
Jan 04, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		7 months rotator cuff repair /bone spurs
by: kathy

hello well the doctors stoped my therapy just like i said but i have to tell you its been 7 months now and i still have days i cry it hurts specially when the wheather is cold and snowy boy did it hurt just almost like i had the surgery done again i got threw those couple of days when it snowed but i still ache but not as bad my doctor said in march he wants to see me and in july for a physical to see how much of loss in the arm my strength has increased but i still have problems holding things for a long time like grocerys the doctor thinks that the company i work for should award me for the shoulder because i will only be 65 percent for the rest of my life i can use it to a cetain degree but not for everything i have to write down what i can do and cant do it looks like the company might have to give me something because before the accident i was okay 100 percent never no problems belive me i hate this because i have days i cant even pull up my zipper on my coat without going very slow i have to tell people i cant rush due to my shoulder most people understand some dont care i am not giving up i just do what i can and go from there i am raising it higher but with alot of pain but i will never be able to move my arm behind my head far as i use to so i have to keep my hair short to be able to manage it .
Jan 04, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		7 months rotator cuff repair /bone spurs
by: kathy

hello well the doctors stoped my therapy just like i said but i have to tell you its been 7 months now and i still have days i cry it hurts specially when the wheather is cold and snowy boy did it hurt just almost like i had the surgery done again i got threw those couple of days when it snowed but i still ache but not as bad my doctor said in march he wants to see me and in july for a physical to see how much of loss in the arm my strength has increased but i still have problems holding things for a long time like grocerys the doctor thinks that the company i work for should award me for the shoulder because i will only be 65 percent for the rest of my life i can use it to a cetain degree but not for everything i have to write down what i can do and cant do it looks like the company might have to give me something because before the accident i was okay 100 percent never no problems belive me i hate this because i have days i cant even pull up my zipper on my coat without going very slow i have to tell people i cant rush due to my shoulder most people understand some dont care i am not giving up i just do what i can and go from there i am raising it higher but with alot of pain but i will never be able to move my arm behind my head far as i use to so i have to keep my hair short to be able to manage it .
Jan 04, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		comment to rach
by: kathy

rach im not a doctor but it sounds like what happended to me scare tissue breaking but maybe you should tell your doctor just in case better safe then sorry later scare tissue is a pain i had problems doing pt it took 2 monthe for the pain to let me move it the way i should of finally it gave in i still hear pop but i probley now have arthritis since the surgery let me know how you make out snowey2468@hotmail.com
Jan 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cuff surgery
by: Dirk

Going to see the Dr in a couple of weeks. Had an MRI, and I have a small bicep tear and small rotator cuff tear. Not in too much pain now. Take 800 mil ibuprofin and 1 Advil PM at night and sleep ok. My regular Dr wants me to do PT before I try surgery. She says I am not that bad yet. Ortho says I should have operation because it is not too bad yet. What to do? I am only allowed 40 PT visits per year. For the person whi had neck trouble I have cervical compression as well. I had 2 cervical epidurals in 2004 and do 'chin tucks' and it is ok.
Jan 17, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How much is too much
by: Deb

My surgery was Jan 4/10. This is my 9th surgery so am quite aware of pain but first for the arm which is a different thing again all together pain wise. I am just not sure for using the repaired arm what is not enough or too much. My surgery was on my dominant arm (right) for partial tear, bursectomy, bone spurs & cyst removal & more then 2-3hrs of sleep at a time would be great. Tylenol PM sounds like the answer along with my best friend "the recliner". I have been doing some exercises on my own & start PT next week but am not sure if daily housework duties is too much. I have been doing slowly some cooking, laundry, sweeping, vacuuming of course mainly with my good arm but have not been told what are the limits. I find it hard to ask for help & get bored sitting. Seems to hurt less if I get up & move with my arm hanging to my side & keep busy. Can't wear the small material sling because my neck is so bad with degeneration & bulging disc but am worried I may strain or not give the shoulder the proper rest if I don't use it. The hospital sent me home with a huge sling that wraps around the waist & velcro straps that crisscross over the shoulder. So any ones input would be great re:limitations of daily chores & arm rest. Thanks to all for posting. I sure am glad I kept searching for a site with fellow sleep deprived patients feeling the same. People that have never had surgery don't understand so its nice to hear from others that are feeling the same.
Jan 17, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar