Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: valiantkate on August 22, 2013, 06:15:39 PM
-
I ruptured my rotator cuff months ago and am waiting for surgery. There has been a definite lack of any sort of info about the recovery process- tips etc, what I will and will not be able to do, I feel ok about surgery but I believe the recovery process is very lengthy- I have my son's wedding coming up, I may have to hide behind lots of people in the photos! ho ho
Thanks ladies
-
Rotator cuff ? shoulder? oh my meno-brain >:(
Is the surgeon au fait about this type of surgery. I believe that the recovery process is long. Can you speak with a physio before you have the operation to find out what exercises will be recommended after?
When is The Wedding - do you have The Hat yet ?
-
Sorry to hear that other treatments haven't worked for this. It seems from the BUPA site that recovery is about six months. There is info in the surgery section under Frequently Asked Questions. http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/r/rotator-cuff-injury#textBlock209920
Are you having keyhole surgery?
Taz x
-
Hi CLKD, Im not too sure what i will wear yet- as the waiting list for surgery is-- well, how long's a piece of string. I'd like to wear a hat as my hair is thin, I'm looking forward to it as it's been tough for my son in the last couple of years and then within a year a lovely daughter in law to be , a lovely little 'step' daughter- she had her from a previous relationship, a grandson and now a wedding!! Phewie! Just so happy. I shall get my outfit when I know when surgery is as I may have to work around the plaster and sling, but hey, it's their day.
I found some advice about recovery after the surgery, practical tips etc, Just want it to happen ASAP.
-
Thanks for that Taz, will check out the site. I like to know whats going on so I can get prepared and try to be as independent as I can. I have waited since February for this!!!! Getting used to not using my arm properly. I believe the surgery will be keyhole initially with the proviso that the may have to change to open surgery depending on what they find as I also have lots of arthritic changes too. Gosh I sound like a wreck although I have to admit that I feel like the tin man in The Wizard of Oz- the only problem is the oil can is empty, haha.! :stretcher:
I will let you know what happens. I have already bought a long handled scubbing bruch for those hard to reach places, an electric toothbrush, pump action toothpaste, loads and loads of books.
Thank you for being there xx
-
Surgery planned for tomorrow, butterflies are jumping up and down in my tum. I know I'll be fine but still a bit of a scardy cat!!
-
Hope everything goes to plan for you tomorrow.
-
:thankyou:
-
What's worrying you the most?
-
hi there, well, got it done, to be honest I was most frightened of the anaesthetic- the uncontrolled sleep. Actually it was marvellous and the hospital and staff were fabulous. In some discomfort now and I cant seem to geet comfy, but that's to be expected and time will help , starting with the physio- going very gently. The surgeon came to see me when I had come 'round' said I would need a bone scan ASAP as the condition of my bones was 'very bad' which made their work harder to do. Ive had a lot of pain in my bones lately, felt like they were 'on fire' most of time- lots of incessant pain, I have Osteoarthritis and its not been great. So getting it arranged ASAP. I will keep you poated. I am really grumpy with everyone at moment as I cant do much- even typing is a challenge!!! She said - sticking tounge out at side of mouth as typing hoho.
valx
-
I meant posted not poeted- or whatever I wrote!
-
:foryou: :medal: feet up, TV on?
-
oh yes, and a lovely little black ex stray cat curled up by my feet. bliss
:cat48: thank you so much xxx
-
So glad it went well :sunny:
-
Hi, I had my DEXA scan, pipsy, my gosh it was over in a blink, anyway The GP said I did have Osteoperosis - also have Osteoarthritis so a double whamy really. anyway the GP looked at a lot of readings and data and said hed have to calculate my BDM before sorting out medication, advising me in the meantime to make sure I have clcium and vitamin D. I need to excersise but its tricky with an imoboliser sling on so cant wait for that to come off!!! I left the surery a bit confused.
Besides that Im feeling OK!!! However if I were a car I'd be ready for the breakers yard I think. :stretcher:
Cherrio. Valx
-
:thankyou: :foryou:
Brisk walking will help hips and below. Which in the Autumn :sunny: you can do 2-3 times a week. You will absorb a certain amount of Vit D from the sunshine so a double helping of bone preservation ;) Presumably you will have physio to get the shoulder moving again?
I think that calcium may need another mineral in order to help up-take? It needs to be taken in a controlled manner so that the body doesn't store too much. How is your diet since surgery? Where was the scan pointed at, hips is the best place!
-
I fell a couple of months ago and have to go in for surgery to repair rotator cuff damage and an impingement decompression. Booked in for next month, consultant said I wouldn't be able to drive for 6/8 weeks! I am a sales rep, so will be off work. He said it will be key hole surgery!
Keep posted on how you are doing
-
How long do you need to keep the immobiliser on?
What pain relief did they give afterwards?
-
Ann, hi, please dont worry about your surgery, I was and it was fine. I only have 2 teeny marks in my shoulder now. I don tlike too many painkillers so I take paracetamol in the day- if needed and two co dydromol at nigt, again, if needed. I went into the surgery hearing all sorts of dreadful things- Oh, you cant do this- that or the other.... I was prepared for the worst ! Things have been tricky but you just find ways round, ie- others can peg the washing out and carry it to the tumble dryer, others can iron and help with the household chores. I am a very independent woman and like to challenge myself- I am getting better at writing with the left hand etc. I bought a 'pull on' bra which didnt cut into my shoulder too much, I bought pajams too- wet wipes for the loo etc.
It is awkward to sleep-the sling is a pain, for the first week or so I slept on the settee with the cat for company, at least I didnt roll over, I have been sleeping in bed for weeks now, bliss. My hair is a state as I cant blow dry it and my OH doesnt understand the concept of 'styling'!!!!
Asking for lifts in the car is a pain, gone are the days of popping out, i use public transport if the jouney is short. My friends have helped me a lot. I hope the sling is removed this week although I think I will miss the feeling of security! It wasnt as bad as I thought.
If you live in the UK you may be entitled to the Employment and support allowance- ask the Dept of Works and Pensions - if youve worked you may be entitled to this- it does help, and then council Tax rebate???
Please dont worry, worrying about the unknown can be a terrible thing. Be practical, plan what 'stuff' you will need, thats how I cope, bath time- I lay out all the things I need- perfume too! Get a box with stuff for the day- bottle of water, sweets, books, pens etc- pop it by where you sit.
Ask for help - you will need it, especially at first, you will find ways to cope and do stuff- a challenge! Go for walks etc, dont just fester by the TV when youre a bit better. Dont cheat- keep that sling on- except in the bath or shower. I had exactly the same op as you are due, I survived. The sling has been on for 6 weeks now and it has gone by so quickly. Good luck, you WILL be OK. ;) Valxx
-
HI CLKD, I left the GP not very much the wiser. I must say my diets a bit hit and miss, I make sure I have yougurt and dairy products, oily fish ( stinky burps though!) seeds and pulses, soya milk on muesli. I take calcium and vitamin D tablets to supplement my diet but I dont know if I'm 'overdosing' on them.
I know I'm overweight at 13 stones- I'm 5 foot and 6 inches, this has crept up on me over the years. When my sling comes off and the physio says I can I am looking forward to swimming and re joining the Yoga group. I try to walk daily but my arthritis in my hips isnt good at the moment- I 'wobble' rather than walk! It was a lovely day yesterday so I went in the garden to potter about, then a walk to the library. I am enjoying life at a slightly slower pace as I had a frantic job prior to injuring my shoulder. I now have time to smile, to read and enjoy my wonderful friends.
I really hate taking too many tablets as my Mum was addicted to codine and I saw the results when I was a child.
I really dont know what the next step is- I thought that the results would be very 'cut and dry' rather than them working out my score. I daresay I will get that info soon. Thanks for the support. Valxx ;)
-
Thanks for the info, Val.
Must admit I have been finding it difficult to sleep now, if I role over onto my left side it hurts, not had a good sleep for ages! I work full time and have to drive distances to visit customers, so I will be off work for a while!
I am sure I will be ok but it is a worry.
Let me know how you get on, how long it is till you get the sling off and movement back into your arm!
-
Ann, heres a handy list of things you might need:
Electric toothbrush and tube toothpaste- you wont be able to operate a push type.- practice prior to the op.
Flannels- so useful for washing your face and soothing to put over your shoulder in the bath.
A long handled brush for your back when youre in the shower.
A jug whilst in the bath- lovely to trickle water over the shoulder and pour over your armpit area.
A 'wheatie'- those things you pop into the microwave, can be comforting.
Nice bubble bath- make it a treat!
A hot air brush dryer- just in case your other half is as incompetent as mine at hair styling!!!!!!!
Pajama sets- baggy bottoms and a short sleeved t shirt/ vest type top- ASDA sell them. They were really handy and it doesnt feel like youre in your bed time attire all the time!
Big knicks! Pads if you still have periods.Wet loo paper (Andrex)
Moisturising cream for your hands- your skin can dry out.
Spare pillows so you can pop one on your lap as you mustnt put any strain on your arm.
I found having a 'cape' to wear outside so useful. Its awkward to put your arm into sleeves at first so its handy at this time of year. I got mine from Matalan, cost me £10.00- I have used this so much- even if its not your style you have to adapt in the short term.
Shoes with zips or pull ons- you wont be able to tie your laces and i get on my kids nerves by asking them to tie them for me!!! Pay back time?????
Painkillers ready, take them if you need to, you may not, but dont be a hero- if it hurts take them.
Slings come in small medium and large, I have a large as I have really long arms, it as the most comfy. Ask the hospital staff their advice.
When you come round you will find that you will have lots of dressings over the would, dont panic! Its to soak up any fluid they used in the keyhole stuff, the dresings come off shortly after. You'll go home with small dressings on and your sling.
Let the family fuss over you, play act for a while, milk it, pay back time.
The main thing is to think about what youre doing and plan what you need first- lay them out, put them ready.
It was so much easier than I thought!!!!!
Physio starts tomorrow so I'll keep you posted. Dont be frightened, the anaesthetic was great- had a funky dream about brightly coloured flowers!!!!! Woke up feeling like I'd been to the best party ever!!!!!!
:cupcake: Keep me posted.
-
Anaesthetic is the best sleep I ever have ::) and becuase I ask for anti-emitics prior to surgery I am never nauseous or sick.
Good advice here :foryou:
-
I generally propose to the surgeon- well if hes a he!!!!! HEHE - ooo stop it now.
-
What is it about surgeons (male) I have fallen for a few ;D
-
Great advice!!!
I have been driving my husband mad before the op! Think I might go up to my mums in Scotland after!
I don't have a lot of movement in my arm, so struggle to wash my hair and dress! He has got good at doing up bras!
My surgeon is Dutch and only 38!!!
-
OOOO you floozy you! Yep, I am looking forward to getting my hair bak into some sort of shape befor too long. AS for the bra!!!!! Try the pull ons- sooo sexy. x (but so comfy)
-
My husband refuses to do up my bra :o .........
I have worked with many Surgeons - some were dishy but difficult, others were :-* oh look what you've started ;D
-
I bought a pull on bra but I couldn't stretch it enough to get my arm through! I am wearing best tops and no bra most of the time. Which was a bit embarrassing recently at a physio app as she asked my to take my top off!
-
What I found easier is if I gently 'rolled' the bra or other clothing up over my arm and pulled it over the good one,, it is tricky, to pull stuff off I reversed the process and tucked my head down and pulled the t shirt etc over my head with my good arm- it sounds mad- pity theres no video link eh?
I'm off to see the consultant today, did my first real physio yesterday, I coouldnt believe how weak my muscles had got. Will make sure I do all the excercises though as I dont always want to be like this.
Last night was my first slingless sleep and can I tell you, I missed the security of it, I can't believe it really, I'm sure I will get used to it again, I'm still wearing it outside as I do fall quite a lot.
Have a good day. Valxxx
-
Does your arm feel better than before surgery?
Do you have more movement in it?
-
Hi ann, my arm feels 'odd' and very weak, slightly swollen too in the biceps. I was surprised when the phsio asked me to ift my arm up at the front that I couldnt!. I damaged my rotator Cuff in February and have been unable to use it since then so its not surprising really. I must persevere with the physio though. I know its a long recovery . I'm looking forward to going swimming and doing Yoga again but the susrgeon told me to wait 6 months. No driving either- so ARGH!!!
I'm going for a walk outside soon, sling on, its beautiful here, need all the vitamin D I can get these days and its good for the bones :sunny:
Take care -keep in touchxx
-
Enjoyed your walk?
-
It was more of a 'wobble' than a walk, I do limp these days, got OA in my hips. Anyway, it was lovely, the sun was warm on my back, I flipped the leaves around, so glad I went I think it's too easy to stay in, I know that the answer to my health stuff is in my hands to a large extent. I felt so much better, I try to get out each day, even for a walk to the local shop etc. I'm eating good sensible food- who knows I'll be a renewed woman in a while!!!!
-
Are you able to take pain relief (sorry, meno brain ::) ) - if so, take a dose about 40 mins before you go for your walk? That way it will ease any inflammation and you should have less pain in the hips.
-
Yes, I want to get back to Pilates! And no driving means no work for me! I won't know what to do with myself!!! Like you probably walking will be all I will be capable of!
-
Hi Ann, how are you doing? I had physio yesterday- hard work but getting there, off to buy a gym ball today- so I can do my excercises at home- by the time i'm finished I'll have some 'guns' and I'm thinking about an anchor tatoo!!! Shame that I still cant do the ironing! :D
-
I am ok, just want to get it over with and get my arm back in use!!!!
-
Hi Ann, was just thinking about you. Not too long to go before your surgery. How are you feeling? Have you got everything you need?
Try not to worry, just enjoy the next few days, chill out and relax, do not try to clean your house from top to bottom!!! :bighug: :bighug:
-
Thanks, I am ok, trying not to fret!!! How are you? Still going to physio? How long before you could take the sling off and drive?
-
Theres nothing to fret about although I know how you feel! My sling came off a couple of weeks ago and do you know what... I kinda miss the security of wearing it. I still wear it when I'm on the bus as I cant drive for a month or so yet!!! Thats the bad bit . My shoulder does get sore so I try to manage my pain relief- half and hour prior to bed. If I wake up- I have dreadful pain in my hips- at night which wakes me, ( I have Osteoarthritis and bursitis in my hips- ) I take some then if it's 4 hours after my last lot of painkillers. You have to be sensible- try not to overdo it, listen to your physiotherapist, do your exxercises, I try to do mine- hubby even put a pulley thing up on the door for my exercises! It's a long haul and I do get frustrated but i ask for help when I need-
I'm off for a nice bath shortly, earlish night as I get tired.
Try not to worry, take lots of time- think about what you do, organise your bits and pieces, and rest. Your body is an amazing thing and you will be amazed at how quickly the healing process takes plece.
nighty night x
-
Well the op is tomorrow afternoon! Think I am more concerned about the pain and recovery! I will post tomorrow night, if possible, and let you know how it went!!
-
good luck tomorrow Ann, you'll be fine. I think you'll just want to chill out after the surgery so post only when your fit to. Are they keeping you in overnight?
All the very best.xxxx ;) ;)
-
Yes they are keeping me in one night
-
Hi there Ann, hope you are OK after the surgery. I expect you dont feel too 'tickety boo' at the moment- that's to be expected really. Take things easy, take the pain relief and I hope you manage to get some sleep.
:foryou:
-
Thanks for your emails, great to get support. Amazing how different post op advice is!!! Are you in the UK?
-
Stitches out today. Pain is tolerable, as long as I take drugs! Still doing my physio. At the moment I have less arm movement than I had before the op! Physio says give it at least 6 weeks!
-
It weill take a long time to heal and there are different ways to repair an injury like weve had, it also depends on the level of damage you had. I still cant use my arm properly and am plodding away at the physio, I'm lucky that my pain didnt seem theat severe. I hope everyones helping out at home! ;)
-
3 weeks tomorrow since my operation, decided to go back to work on Friday 13th!!!
Must be mad. Still struggling to stay awake all day, so may need to nap!
-
Oh my gosh, that's early Ann, how did it go? Cant believe I still cant drive or raise my arm. Been of work for almost a year now- saw Occ Health last week and they said I am not ready to go back yet, I have a physically challenging job and need my arms- maybe if I had another type of job maybe I could, I feel so guilty though. It sounds like you have made a fantastic recovery- have a fantastic Christmas and its time those sprouts went on you know! xx ::)
-
Went back to GP on Monday and he told me not to drive, so I am working from home doing admin. I am a field based sales person so really need to drive for work. I just don't have the strength in my arm if anything happened. So I am only doing light duties.
My physio said it depends on your surgeon, if you are told to do physio straight away or not, I live in Cambridge and it seems all the surgeons follow the physio straight away guidelines. I don't have full range of movement yet, but it is getting better, but still painfull. Are you doing physio? I have to do it 5 times a day! They said it is the most important part of recovery.
-
Oh yesm the physio ball and pulley are getting used, I alaso use a wrapping paper roll for my other excercises! I have really bad OA as swell so thats holding the healing up as well. Its terrible not driving- hope that will change when i see the surgeon again at the end of January!!! Then FREEDOM!!! ;D
-
I am using a large golf umberella for exercises!! My 6 week follow with surgeon is 2nd jan, hoping I will be able to drive after that!
-
I hope we both have 2 arms we can use in 2014 and are pain free!
-
Oh yes please!!!! Have a fabulous Christmas Ann,lets hope were in fine 'fettle' for 2014.
love from mexxxx :-*
-
6 week post op follow up today. The movement I have so far is about right for 6 weeks, keep doing the physio, go back in 6 weeks. If you don't get more movement back "we still have options", what I asked? More surgery!!!!
My reply "I don't want to see you in green scrubs again, no chance!"
-
Hope it all goes well today ann. Did you have a lot of treatments before you opted for surgery this time?
Taz x
-
Think my post wasn't clear. Yesterday the consultant said my progress was normal for 6 weeks and said he would see me again in 6weeks and he could do more surgery if it didn't improve further!!! Which I said no to!
-
Ah yes - I thought today was the 2nd not the 3rd and that you had been told in advance that if all was not well at today's (yesterday's) consultation then you might need a further op! Sorry - your post was perfectly clear ;D
Did you try other treatments before the surgery?
Taz x
-
Only some physio, but the MRI showed the rotator cuff was damaged and ligament torn, so physio alone would not fix it!!!
-
MRI's are really useful - can save such a lot of time not faffing around with things that wont work.
Taz x
-
Ann I too had rotor cuff repair on Dec 18th, just wondered if you have movement yet without pain :o I am having physio, every 10days (P.T does deep massage) and doing exercise at home, but the pain from stiffness is horrible, I can move arm from elbow okay and do forward moves, but outward & upward..very painful :'( x
Valiant how are you doing? x
-
Hi ladies, I'm still here, still got an arm that doesnt do what I want it to. I must admit it is improving though, I never realised that it would be such a long haul! I have only slight pain now- no agonising catches which I had prior to surgery. I was pleased I gave the surgery a chance, just need to plod on with the physio now. I'm still on only 40 per cent outward and upward movement but I feel that thngs are getting a bit more flexible, you will improve Rosebush, it just takes time. Crikey, Ive been off work now for over a year! I was panicking that Id been signed off initially for 4 weeks "you simply cant do that!" I said to the consultant- he just grinned at me, bless him. ;)
-
I have one more physio session next week and am doing my exercises at home.
It's still a bit painful but a lot better than it was and I am not taking so many pain killers. Now I can lift my arm forwards above my head, but not completely straight also up to the side not to bad but can't get it behind my back. It does just take time and mine was very painful for about 8 weeks, not so bad now. You have to keep doing the excersise the physio gives you, it will get easier. I was living on pain killers for weeks! I took 3 weeks of work afterwards and didn't drive for 6 weeks.
-
Put Ice on it, especially after exercise this will calm the muscle down
-
Ladies how are you doing with shoulder pain-movement now, I can do more forward & upward moves but cannot dry back of hair yet, or get arm up my back, can just about turn hand and touch back of hip joint, wish my Consultant had not told me it was only a 12 wk recovery period..i am off on long stay hols on Friday, and would have left the op until I came home in May..its just so painful & restricting, still need painkillers as well..... :'(
-
My physio called BUPA to ask for more physio for me and they authorised another 4 sessions. I am not taking so many pain killers, just every other day now!!! I still can't get my arm up my back, I can't zip up a dress or do up a bra! But it is much easier forward and sideward. I can reach above my head now but still can't straighten my arm.
12 weeks!!!!!!! The consultant told me 6 months :-(
I think that is more realistic. It isn't bothering so much now and it's been 4 months.
-
Ann so pleased you have got extra physio, it seems we can /cannot both do same movements, my arm today really aches, have just taken 2 p/killers, have only needed 2 'at night' the last week, its just such a pain not being able to do normal stuff, like zipping up a dress, think as you were told, 6mths would have been a better recovery date to have given me..
Ann are you using any weights to gain strength? x
-
No, physio has given me a dyna band to excersice with. I tried some weights at home and it really hurt so haven't tried again. I do go to Pilates now which I am enjoying and this is giving my arm more excersice and she does some strength excersice. It is getting better and once I got my head round the idea that it would be about 6 months, I have stopped worrying and stopped thinking about it! I dont think I would have had the surgery if I had known how much it was going to hurt afterwards! I certainly hope I never need a knee or hip!!!
-
Hi ladies, well, still off work... op was in September, seeing consultant this week so I think I will be OK to restart. Goodnesss knows how I'll get out of bed though! Going to the shoulder class regularly which is brilliant. Good to know that we are all making progress, albeit slowly eh?