Rotator cuff surgery

[Hank]

49 minutes ago, hubcap said:

You will need to have an X-ray at the minimum before my Dr will schedule the procedure. When you do the consult you get the orders for the X-ray. Insurance should pay for the X-ray.

I did everything to avoid surgery--therapy, shots (they hurt like hell but provided 2-3 pain-free weeks each, but two was all they could give); rays, MRI, etc. This all took 6-8 months to go through everything. Then got a second opinion before agreeing to be cut on.

Now, 23 years later, it feels like it's starting all over again.

[PeytonM]

You’ll need MRI to visualize the tear.  
23 years sounds pretty good…although the thought of going thru it again on the same shoulder. Yikes.

 

[Hank]

Hey, @N201MKTurbo, how're you doing? My surgery was much less invasive; I began exercises the next morning holding a can of soup.

Hope you're doing well. Take the pills, they'll help your recovery. After my surgery last fall, I set alarms on my phone to take a poll every 6 hours, no pain at all. It's much easier to keep it gone than to make it stop once you start feeling it.

[N201MKTurbo]

1 hour ago, Hank said:

Hey, @N201MKTurbo, how're you doing? My surgery was much less invasive; I began exercises the next morning holding a can of soup.

Hope you're doing well. Take the pills, they'll help your recovery. After my surgery last fall, I set alarms on my phone to take a poll every 6 hours, no pain at all. It's much easier to keep it gone than to make it stop once you start feeling it.

Actually, the pain is mostly gone. I want to start using it, but I saw my surgeon today and he said I have to not use it for 4 weeks. It is going to drive me crazy. 

[cliffy]

Even when it feels better- FOLLOW THE DOCTORS INSTRUCTIONS

Doing something else is at your own peril 

[Hank]

Chill and relax, Rich. That sling is partly to give support, partly to remind you that your arm isn't ready to be doing things yet.

[PeytonM]

I’ve been told to plan on 20 weeks. Too many horror stories. 

[hubcap]

On 3/5/2025 at 6:16 PM, Hank said:

I did everything to avoid surgery--therapy, shots (they hurt like hell but provided 2-3 pain-free weeks each, but two was all they could give); rays, MRI, etc. This all took 6-8 months to go through everything. Then got a second opinion before agreeing to be cut on.

Now, 23 years later, it feels like it's starting all over again.

I would definitely check out the stem cells and PRP. It wont cost much to find out. I would avoid the cutting if at all possible. 

[Pinecone]

On 3/4/2025 at 11:07 AM, hubcap said:

I have had procedures performed on both of my shoulders.
 

The left shoulder wasn’t as bad as the right shoulder. I had PRP (platelet rich plasma) performed on the left shoulder and the results have been remarkable. I would say it’s about 99% as good as new based on the way it feels.

My right shoulder was much worse, so the Dr performed a stem cell procedure on it. I would say it’s about 97% as good as new based on the way it works and feels.

Both procedures are “out patient” and no knives are used. Recovery is a few days and the healing process continues for up to 9 months. 
 

Would do either procedure again without reservations. I am thinking about having stem cells done on my knee.

If you have a bad shoulder at least check out either of these options before you let them cut on you…..my .02 worth.

Just had MRI done on my right shoulder, and torn rotator cuff.

Dr appointment next week Fri.  I will ask about these.

 

[hubcap]

On 4/3/2025 at 4:40 PM, Pinecone said:

Just had MRI done on my right shoulder, and torn rotator cuff.

Dr appointment next week Fri.  I will ask about these.

 

An orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery as that is the way they make their money. 

[PeytonM]

If they don’t offer other options, find another doc! Mine did, but he also reviewed the data as I had already done. I decided on the repair.