left shoulder pain and reach

[Traveldreams]

Five months tomorrow since OHS for valve repair. Generally all good, back at work full time, walking 5 miles per day. However, my left shoulder began being painful about a month ago. This was at the same time that I returned to work full time so I’m guessing that it suddenly got used again. Not only is it painful but I don’t yet have the ability to stretch it out straight above my head. I’ve read a lot of research about this but has anyone else experienced it? Anyone paid for physio? Any suggestions greatly appreciated as my cardio rehab exercises haven’t had any impact.

Thanks

[Bluedolphin123]

I was thinking of you yesterday and wondering how you was doing, it seems extremely well apart from the shoulder issue which is great news 😊

I’ve not had my surgery yet but I did have an issue with my shoulder a few years ago and it took two years to get better a little at a time - apparently shoulders do take time . I’d go back to the doctors & physio but in the meantime don’t push the limited movement beyond what is comfortable.

Well done on what you have achieved so far, going back to work full time is an amazing achievement 😊x

[Traveldreams in reply to Bluedolphin123]

Lovely to hear from you! Sorry that you’re waiting still. It’s awful until you get a date.

Yes, back at school 730 to 5ish and apart from the shoulder pain I haven’t experienced any issues at all. Not even particularly tired (except for my first full time week).

Thanks for sharing about your shoulder. Half of me thinks I’m lucky if that’s my only issue. The other half thinks I ought to do something about it.

Keep in touch and let me know when you get your appointment x

[Bluedolphin123 in reply to Traveldreams]

I had my pre op in April and the surgeon still said 4-6 months ( I was told March 2023 it would be done in three months but that’s a different story there’s been lots of admin errors so here I am still waiting!)

You are doing amazing but I remember how annoying that shoulder was so I’d definitely see what can be done about it then you will feel so much better .

Nearly school holidays for you so enjoy 😊x

[Dimelza66]

Hello, well done on your recuperation. I am also in your situation, (6 weeks since ohs) my biggest issue since valve repair has been my shoulder! (As you say it isn't a big issue at all, but interesting that others have had the same thing). I've had physio and it really helped, but as soon as I carry a bag on that shoulder or use it too much it starts again. If I bend right over and loosen all my arms and shoulders it feels like it's dropped back into place. A small price to pay for a non leaky valve, and I'm certain in time it will go.

Your 5 miles a day is encouraging! I'm at 2 miles and swimming 1km, so you're an inspiration to me👍🏽

[Traveldreams in reply to Dimelza66]

Thank you for replying. Nice to hear that someone else is having a similar problem (if you know what I mean). I wake up some mornings thinking it feels a bit better but back to pain and lack of movement within a short time.

You’re walking further than I was at 6 weeks - that’s amazing. 🤩 haven’t been swimming yet - has the chlorine irritated your scar?

Take care x

[Cat04]

This is a common problem after OHS/AVR, my shoulder pain is only just settling after nearly 18 months post op and a year of physiotherapy and it is still restrictive at height and lifting. Patience is the key!

[Traveldreams in reply to Cat04]

Thank you, that makes me less panicky. I just feel so well overall that I think I’m overthinking the shoulder issue.

[nicknack999]

Hi, this seems to be an issue for a few of us, myself included, and was discussed here too - questioning whether meds could be a cause: healthunlocked.com/bhf/post...

I've still not got to the bottom of it but do find it less painful after a few months of regular stretching and weekly strength training (of sorts).

Hope you get sorted

[Traveldreams in reply to nicknack999]

I don’t currently do any strength work as I find that working at a school my muscles are sore after a working day. That is definitely something I’ll try in the school holidays. Thank you x

[andy110519]

Hi Traveldreams,Sounds like your doing really well, apart from the shoulder.

I had OHS 5 years ago for AVR at age 49. I was fairly fit beforehand including swimming once a week. Afterwards I had problems with my right shoulder which was particularly noticeable when swimming. It came and went a bit and after 18 months I went to physio which sorted it out over a couple of months.

It can still be a bit uncomfortable at times if I aggravate it but doesn't stop me doing anything.

I would advise physio sooner rather than later.

Take care.

Andy

[Traveldreams in reply to andy110519]

That’s great advice, thank you so much.

[GrumpyYorkshireman]

Hi Traveldreams,I'm glad to hear your OHS recovery is going well. After my OHS I had considerable shoulder pain in my right shoulder that was very uncomfortable, especially at night. I went back to the Dr's and was diagnosed as having scapular dyskinesis which apparently can be a common side effect of OHS.

I had a course of physio and was recommended to do some simple exercises targeting the area and both really helped. I still get twinges in my shoulder now and again but when I do I just do the exercises I was shown and it generally settles down again.

I hope you get your shoulder issues sorted.

[Wildstar1900]

I had an icd implant a year ago and since then have had a painful left shoulder. GP prescribed pain killers which did nothing and sent me for physio which also didn't seem to work. Don't know what to do now.

[Traveldreams]

Yes, painkillers are definitely not a solution. I’m sorry that physio hasn’t worked. If I have to live with it then so be it but like you I’d like to see how much I can improve it.

[scentedgardener]

I haven't had heart surgery but I have had a lot of shoulder problems, and I've had both NHS and private physio. There isn't a lot of difference between the two, you would probably see a private physio for more sessions, but I wouldn't say they are any more skilled, both are very good.Persistence is the key, without overdoing it. Gentle exercises with very gradual increases in repetitions has been what brought about the most benefit for me.

[Traveldreams in reply to scentedgardener]

Thank you, I was told that the waiting list for non-urgent NHS was 18 months and loath to wait that long.

I’ll look into the exercise you’re suggesting.

[scentedgardener in reply to Traveldreams]

Ideally you need exercises suggested for you by a physio, they can tell you what would be beneficial for you. Perhaps have a session with a private physio so they can work out what is best for you.You sound really motivated to be persistent, so find a physio to get some suggestions.

Good luck.

[Traveldreams in reply to scentedgardener]

Honestly, that’s just the sort of advice I was hoping. Thank you.

[Qualipop]

I have arthritis in my shoulders and have been to physio where I was given exercises to do. They just made it worse. I would see an osteopath first but one who doesn't do violent adjustments.

[Traveldreams in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you, I just worry about an osteopath with my ribs post surgery. I’ll certainly have a look into that.

[Qualipop in reply to Traveldreams]

As long as they are aware they should be able to work gently just on your shoulder. They may even refuse until your ribs have healed.

[Traveldreams in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you.