Shoulder pain

[tselph]

I’ve been having severe shoulder pain in my left shoulder for about 1.5 years. I have OA, fibromyalgia, Sjogrens & Raynauds. I’ve had 2 injections in it & when I had the last one I told my orthopedic doctor that I thought I should have an MRI to see what was going on. He agreed so I had one & it showed torn rotator cuff & arthritis in it. So I’m scheduled for surgery on February 26th. Any suggestions post surgery from anyone? I’m going to try & work from home the week before & about a week after surgery. I’m 64 & hoping to fully retire when I turn 65. Can’t wait.

[DorsetLady]

Hi,

Had my left shoulder replaced exactly a year ago today....

surgery itself went very well, home next day.

Unfortunately because the first Covid-19 restrictions came to UK a few weeks later, and hospital sort of went into panic mode, I didn't get any Physio, only one appointment which was 2 weeks in, really more of a chat along the lines of keep doing what you’re doing (not an awful lot of help). Neither did I get to see surgeon at the six weeks juncture...just a phone call.

After 6 weeks, I followed exercises I found on internet...not really ideal, and I feel this maybe hampered recovery.

However, now no pain, can sleep on that side, and although that arm is still a little stiff with upward movement, but mostly good.

Just make sure, all the things you need are within easy reach - pots, pans, food etc in kitchen, clothing etc in bedroom, especially if you live on your own, as I do. Think about carrying drinks etc one-handed - not as bad as a hip or knee where you have to struggle with a stick as well.

When you’re sitting, it’s quite nice to take arm out of sling, but rest it on a cushion, don’t just let it hang...it does need support, but also a little bit of movement.

You might also need the help of pillow(s) when sleeping, just trial and error really.

Good luck...but remember is a complex joint, so exercise, but don’t try and overdo it...my rotator cuff need a couple of stitches so if yours does as well, you need to be aware of not raising arm too high, too soon.

[tselph in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. Good suggestions. I had my right hip replaced 2 years ago. I don’t know how I tore this. I haven’t fallen or anything.

[DorsetLady in reply to tselph]

I can’t recall doing anything to my RC either...thought it might be from trying to support the shoulder through years of OA...but just just my thoughts, no explanation from surgeon. Hope all goes well.

[tselph in reply to DorsetLady]

Dorset Lady, I just had my 6 month check up following my shoulder surgery and I’m doing quite well. I not completely where I should be though. He wants me to have more strength in it and still need to stretch it more. My extension isn’t quite to where he wants it. I can deal with that. Laying on it still isn’t comfortable. It’s getting there. Thanks for your encouragement. I hope you are doing better.

[DorsetLady in reply to tselph]

Getting there slowly Am back to Pilates which is helping rotation- but the muscles still seem to be “pulling” when I reach up and straight out in from when standing....but improving...Hopefully you will be able to lay on yours soon -