Rotator cuff surgery

[tjclem]

Not me but my wife. Just want to hear from those of you that have been through the surgery. How long was your arm in a sling? Were you even able to use a knife and fork? It is her right arm and she is right handed. Any more input input would be great. Thanks. tom

[Absentia]

Do what the doctor says for the post op.
When he says move it, MOVE IT, it will hurt really bad but she will get more movement back in the end.

[Keano]

Going by my roommate's account, you want focus on getting back as much range of motion first before you focus on strengthening. Like said above, sometimes that means working through pain. He was in a sling for little more than a month.

As for anything specific, figuring out a comfortable place to sleep will be a challenge in itself, amongst other many things. Sleeping on a recliner was strongly recommended so we picked one on cheap from a garage sale somewhere. Getting dressed is another problem (luckily I didn't have to help him with that); he invested in several loose, buttoned shirts. Eating was done exclusively with his non-op hand until he was told to do so. Washing and bathing (luckily I didn't have to help him with that either! D: ) can be tricky too; towel bathrobe is something to consider.

[Absentia]

When I broke my elbow it took a over a year before I had my full range of motion back, even more to do a pushup.
The tissue swells and the muscles tighten and clamps down to protect the injury so stretch, stretch and more stretching (according to doctors orders!).

Joint injuries are tricky so be patient.

[iamlowsound]

Do all of the physio, no more, no less.

lowsound

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

Do all of the physio, no more, no less.

lowsound

+1

It won't be comfortable, it will likely be painful, but it is designed to get things moving again.

[Jeff K]

I've had rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders at different times. The right shoulder was especially bad. They had to drill holes in the bones of the upper arm and shoulder and use laces to hold it all together. Took nearly a year until I was back up to par. The left wasn't as bad, but still took awhile. Physical therapy is a must.

I'm also right-handed. Here's the bad news: Tell her to start RIGHT NOW practicing using her left hand. She will not be able to use the right for awhile. Tell her to start brushing her teeth with her left hand. I had toothpaste all over my face for awhile trying to get used to that! Also... Don't know a delicate way to say this, but tell her to also practice using toilet paper with her left hand. Those were some things nobody warned me about. If she practices before the surgery, it'll help her recovery to be less difficult.

Both of my shoulder surgeries were quite awhile ago, so I don't remember exactly how long I had to wear a sling.

[tjclem]

Thanks for the input guys she is having surgery in early September I hope she does OK until then. Keep the ideas and experiences coming. so how long until she can take a shower after the surgery.