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
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Traveldreams
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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
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
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 .
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👍🏽
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?
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!
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).
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Glad I could offer useful advice, now comes a little word of warning. It really is a very long, slow slog, and you will feel like you aren't making progress, try to do too much too soon and you'll be back where you started. I speak from bitter experience, and now regard my shoulders as a work in progress, the damage I did went too long untreated, but maybe I'm being too gloomy. Good luck.
Glad to be useful. Of all the physical problems I have had my shoulders have been the slowest. At one time I couldn't walk very far so I got a puppy. He needed slowly increasing daily walks, which were a struggle, and it took 5 months and 2 weeks for me to regain my ability but I got there in the end.
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.
I really don't have any answer to your condition. But I wil say that our bodies react to all these new changes in different ways!
After my stents everthing was relatively pain free! Then several weeks later, working full-time, I started to get extreme pain in both arms, which had both been part of the stenting procedure. I instinctively new my body was now reacting to that! The pain lasted for a whole week then stopped by itself! Depending on how stressed I am at work, this pain returns on a milder visit.
Yes, something I’ve started doing this past month has definitely triggered the pain. Interesting that yours stopped by itself. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that is the same for me!
Hi. I had issues with my left shoulder after OHS for a valve repair, I was told that the surgeons move your arms out of the way so they have better access during surgery. I had restricted movement and saw GP and physio and nothing worked. One night I was woken by a loud click and my shoulder pain disappeared and I immediately got all the movement back. I’ve not had any problems since. I did wonder if there was some inflammation and when it had gone the shoulder joint realigned itself. Hope yours sorts itself out and you begin to really feel the benefits of the operation.
I thought that was probably the case ( I think spatchcock chicken) and it isn’t any wonder that it’s out of place. It doesn’t make a normal sound when I rotate it so it probably isn’t in its usual position. I also had repair so that makes sense. Thanks for responding.
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