Thank you Donna. I'm only 2 weeks out and I am hurting pretty good here. I'm not a quitter though and I believe God will heal. It's going to take time but I will get better. I had everything done except a complete replacement. I'm 58 retired Truck driver over the road for over 31 years and my other shoulder needs to be completley replaced. Wore it out shifting gears. Only after this on my left side I think I will just take it with me. I think the worse part for me is wearing this sling . My neck is killing me becuase in 2016 I had Titanium put in C-3-5 . Hey I'm almost bionic here LOL. That was painful too! So I just keep praying and thanking Jesus for his never ending Love! Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you for the update Donna. I just passed 11 months this week, similar set of repairs as yours (which is pretty massive you know), but it is difficult to compare progress as everyone’s physiology is different. I still like to hear your experiences though, since we all share similar recovery goals and, you are a good storyteller. 1 year is a huge milestone, congrats on the return of your strength and range. I get your sense of frustration with lingering pain - I also do the one arm coat thing. Positional soreness, I’ve come to accept, may linger for months still. I have zero regrets about the surgery, there would have been no way I would have had reasonable function otherwise. I returned to hockey (gentlemen’s league:-)) this month and considering a ski trip at March break (worried about falling too - but it is a mental obstacle more than physical one). We have the luxury of being optimistic after all right? We know we can improve, we just don’t know exactly when, but it does improve with time and treatment. I read all of your followers as well. There seems to be a lot of aggressive PT out there. Overuse and over-flexing, especially in the first few months, puts a lot of stress on other muscles. All I would say is, be patient early on. It pays off in the end. Oh, and ice every day. Don’t wait for pain! I hope you continue improving (and posting!), and thanks for your positive energy!
Tom, thanks for your encouraging words to me and other readers! You are right that it is nice to hear how other people are progressing even though we don't all heal exactly the same.
Hi, thanks for the suggestion on patience early on ... why Ice everyday though, even if no pain? Doesn’t ice lead to stiffness? Thought heat is better for circulation and healing ...? I ask this not to argue but to get corrected if am wrong. Thank you...
@@sabvrao Great question, and an ageless debate in fact. I just don't know. I'll be honest, I took my therapist's advice all the way through the journey and came out so much better than I ever thought I might. I think the joint gets 23.5 hrs a day to have good circulation and ice for 20 minutes at night seemed to counteract whatever excessive misuse I probably did to it during the day -even if there was no pain. I'd love a thoughtful scientific explanation of when to heat vs ice but have not heard one yet.
you have helped me a lot. I am in week 8 almost full range of motion but no strength and some pain. sorry you had such a hard go of it. I think you should be proud of the help you have given people with these videos. wonderful lady
yes just reaching up behind my back is hard to do. I am surprised how long and hard this particular surgery is . It takes longer than i thought. I narrow mindedly thought that I would be able to go back to work at 12 weeks. I work construction. I have to wait till strength comes back a bit more. The video where you mention the scapular problem was very helpful. It made me watch what was going on more. The Breg-POLAR-CARE-CUBE was a good idea and I think I healed better because of it. I also bought a thing called the rotator which helps stretch
It's been four months since my surgery and I was thrilled to hear your experiences as they mirror mine in many ways. Extending my arm to the side heavily impacts my "wing" span. So 30 sessions of PT along with exercising at home sds normal. I'm not there yet but misery loves company and by the amount of comments, I'd say there are many going through similar experiences. Thank you. You have given me hope. I'm 69 and an active traveler. Best wishes
Donna, I am four years post-op for rotator cuff repair and some other clean up. I reached full range of motion early at 6 months with moderate pain, but everything was served up with a side of pain so I felt very encouraged. I’d worked hard and it was surely paying off. The only problem was that my pain never went away and shortly after the one year mark, actually took a dive into the 8 pain range. No relief without meds for maybe a 60% relief. My only friend...ibuprofen every 6 hours. I don’t take the hard stuff. I have kids and a job and can’t be zonked out of my mind constantly. I’ve been getting steroid injections all this time, as well. Despair is an understatement. I’ve been ready to dig a hole and crawl into it. Appointment after appointment with no diagnosis or plan of attack. Pain spread into my chest, neck, shoulder blade and arm to the thumb. Front of the shoulder is the worst pain most days, but they all battle for that title daily. I’d say at the two year mark, I realized I’d feel this way every single second of every single day until the very last second of my very last day. I was living only because I had a family and they still needed me. I just found out today I have a bone spur on the bottom of my acromion that has shredded my supraspinatus again. I also have edema from my previous anchor and it must be removed. Fluid at my biceps tendon might mean a repair there as well. Plus, a new posterior labrum tear. That MRI report was stout. I came across your video series and cried like a baby when I reached the 12 month video. I knew why there was a missing 10 month video. I recognized the look in your eyes. Positive outwardly, but also worried and let down. I’m so hopeful you are feeling much better, but if you’re not, know that you are not alone. I made it through the absolute hell of recovering once and, unfortunately, I’m about to stand back up for round two. Which is something I swore I would never do. I just have to believe anything is better than accepting this horrible version of me that I’ve become. It’s worth it to try again, fight again, and maybe...just maybe...win this time. I’m scheduled for July 2nd. Here’s to pain, PT and positive attitudes!
Kim Tate, I am so sorry that you have gone through such a painful existence with your shoulder! I was 80% for 18 mos and found a wonderful exercise program called the Egoscue Method, that got me to 100%. The exercises are based on getting your posture correct and everything else falls into place. I am doing great now! Good luck to you!
Hi Donna. I had 2 rotatator cuff surgerys, one in end of August and one in beg of dec, I am completely healed . I had two difficult surgeries, due to the critical condition of the second arm that's why 2 arms done. I sure hope you recover soon, you are so sweet
Hey Donna, I am 16 weeks out from my right rotator cuff surgery. I did 12 pt sessions from week 1 to 11. I’m 65 years old and had my left rotator cuff surgery in 2018 which worked out well. My pt for the last 6 weeks is mowing the lawn, vacuuming and mopping the house, riding motorcycles etc. I just washed and wiped down my rv and walked my 65 lb black lab. In my experience the Surgeons and therapists thrive on your problems. As long as the surgery was done properly you will be fine. After working your shoulder with therapy, exercise or housework take 2 ibuprofen for the inflammation and rest. Over time you will be pain free. Best of luck with your recovery.😎👍
Hi Donna - trust you are doing well/better. Especially with all COVID-19 issues going on. I’m at 3 months after surgery. going to PT. Still in recliner as sleep is rough - I’m a side sleeper - and that side was the surgical side. Doing “OK” but still some pain. Expect it will take a while - surgeon said it can take up to 1 year. Anyway since you were so gracious posting all your videos - they were helpful. I’m keeping the faith - can’t go backwards anyway. I saw a post recently that said why don’t we put up Christmas decorations and call the years wrap (doubt my recovery will go that fast). All the best. Tom V
Donna, I want to thank you for all of your videos, they really helped me throughout the process. I had both the rotator cuff surgery as well as reattachment of my bicep. Thanks for the tip about the ice machine. I am 8 months out and feel I am doing well. Thanks again for all your help!
I have just loved your videos. I have used them as a bench mark. I appreciate that you continued with the recovery for a year. How about a new current video?
I know! These were awesome benchmarks! So glad she made a new one after 3 yrs! I am at 7 mos. now, and had to stop PT at 4 mos. so this really gives me hope!
12 days post op one handed typing. Thank you for taking the time over the last year to document your recovery. you gave a barometer of what is normal post op RCR/ and hope. I am a PTA and this keeping quiet is not easy. Scary and respectful of the SLOW tendon healing that is going on right now. amazing how time consuming taking care of my shoulder can be. . though I knew what to expect. the personal living of it is something else again. there was a big improvement in normal movement of your left shoulder from 10 months to the one year mark - hard earned. and well done. again, thank you for your videos/ also of note, your scapula substitution is evident in your early videos, as seen by arching your back and shoulder hiking. the shoulder is truly a complex joint. Linda Deisch
Hi Donna. Thanks for the update. Glad to see you are doing better, hopefully the rest falls into place for you shortly. I am about 5 months out and it is amazing how the simple things seem to make major milestones for you. For me, the first time I put my own socks on and another was when I could sit up on the PT table without having to use the "good side". So I totally get the coat thing. Please make sure you let you pharmacist/Doctor that you are starting on some holistic meds, especially if you are on any prescriptions. The databases are not great on a lot of the holistic stuff but the may be able to cross check things for interactions. Please keep us posted as you finish your journey. Best of luck. Chuck
Like watching your videos, had similar work done on my right shoulder,going on 8 months of therapy, shoulder was fine with pain at about a 2, but started to do work conditioning, which is 5 hours of pt 5 days a week and my shoulder started to hurt a little more, glad to of seen your video to motivate to hang in there, thanks
Hi Donna. I have watched all your videos . Very helpful and spot on. I am 7 months post op. Wow. I also feel I should be further along. There was a lot wrong but perhaps not exactly like yours. I started out having severe arthritis and the the air bag tore my rotator cuff in a car accident and labrum tear. The pain of course is not as it was but nags more than anything and some movements are jerky and primarily in the front. I call it snap crackle and pop shoulder. I can now sleep on that side and am alittle sore upon waking. But even tho I can put glasses in the cupboard now I find bending and picking something up even if it's light causes a pain. Not a 10 but a 4 at least. Your videos have shown me patience. So I hope to be at 1 year much further. The journey continues. At 64 I wouldn't do this again. I would have my 6 children and the hysterectomy again before this. Gravity isn't your friend with shoulder repairs either I have found. By the end of day I ache. Still love my ice pack. Thank you again for your help.
Hi, Donna. Thank you for sharing your experience. I had shoulder surgery, rotator cuff and biceps tenodesis January 2021. Unfortunately, I continued to have extreme pain; I never felt like I was getting better. I kept telling the surgeon and therapists that something did not seem right. So for six months I kept going to PT and do daily exercises. Finally, after six months I had another MRI to discover the same tear that was repaired was now completely torn. I found a new surgeon and had repeat surgery October 2021. This surgery was much better, and my ROM is good considering I just passed my four month mark. I am still in PT and doing a lot of strength exercises and working out at home. This past week I am very sore. I don’t want to take pain medication if at all possible. I did play doubles tennis one time for an hour, but I seemed to be fine. I’m just sore and I’m thinking maybe the PT is too aggressive. I see my surgeon in two days. I’m 70 years old, but active and in good health. I’ve just been scarred from this whole experience. Sleeping is challenging and I just don’t want to do any damage again. I feel like I want another MRI just for my peace of mind. I feel for everyone who has and is going through this. Thank you for sharing and helping us be positive. I know it could be worse.
Jonnette, okay you’re my hero! I don’t think I would have played tennis 4 months out! You are brave! What a terrible experience you had with the first surgery and I can’t totally understand why you are worried. It’s normal to backslide a little, especially when you overdue it. Take it a little easier!❤️
Josiah, I’m on day 74 of 180. I’m in week 11. Next week I can start some weight training w/ bands. This is a marathon, not a sprint. That’s the best advice. It’s frustrating at times, but looking back now it’s worth it. Physical therapy is a process. Some days are better than others, and injuries vary. Painful? Yep, but it’s loosening the scar tissue. The next day you have better range of motion. Results vary, but so far, so good. I’m now finding out, that this is more a 365 day recovery....Good Luck! All the best!
Love your videos. They are becoming very helpful for me. I am currently 11 days post op. I stopped pain meds after one week. I dont wear my sling unless i leave my house. I havent started pt yet. I go tomorrow to get my bandages off and stiches out and should know then when i am supposed to start pt. I havent done any exercises but i have been moving my arm more and more each day. Today being 11 days post op i was able to wash my hair with both hands. Yay
Hi Donna, thanks for all your videos. iam getting my rotator cuff done on Halloween. 10/31/19. you helped take a lot of the unknowns, away. Thanks and its appreciated greatly. hope your recovery is going great.
I'm at 15 weeks after full rotator cuff tear, bicep muscle snip and some other lateral something. It is amazing listening to you because my pain is just like yours, identical in all positions you described. And yes I have watched all of your videos and they really have helped me. Especially in the beginning!
Hi Donna. I'm about to have my shoulder repair within the next 30 days and the amount of work you went through with your repair is almost verbatim what I'll be going through as well. I stumbled across your first-week post-op video and binge-watched your year! I just wanted to say thanks for sharing and your honesty. I'm nervous, I have a lot of questions and I pray I come out better on the other end of this operation - for myself and my family. I'm glad to see you progressed well, although it seems it was a journey for you; however, you have provided me and countless others with support and for this fact, I'm writing to say thank you in advance! This isn't my norm posting online but I really just had to say something! I wish you continued health and even more healing on your shoulder!
Andy Carpenter, thank you for your kind words! I am doing great now and that shoulder is better than ever! I hope that your surgery goes smoothly; it is definitely a process!
Hi Donna, greetings from Germany. Thanks for the update, it's nice to see the range of movement you have again. I'm now at the start of week 13 post op after having a full scapularis tear on my right shoulder. Hopefully I'll be heading back to work next week (part time)but I'm still getting pain. I have literally no strength in my arm and lots of numb areas that have no feeling and I know exactly where the screws are in my shoulder I was feeling positive with the progress but this morning I feel like I've gone backwards. If I try to lift my arm out from my side and up, it's not good whereas yesterday no real problem. Range of movement has now decreased. No idea what's going on. I have physio later today and another appointment with my surgeon on Thursday, hopefully things take a turn for the better. I don't know if I'm trying to run before I can walk and doing too much or hoping for better results, no idea. Thanks again for your video's.
I've been diagnosed with a full supraspinatas tendon tear. However, I still have full movement and still manage, for example,120 pushups (4 sets of 30) and 32 chinups ( 4 sets of 8). I have no real pain except when I move suddenly or my shoulder is suddenly jolted. I have trouble with some specific exercises like dips or shoulder press. I'm afraid of a fall or I'd be concerned about skiing as Donna mentioned. I'm 50 years old. The shoulder surgeon has suggested surgery (because of the MRI result). I'm petrified. I don't want this. After reading people's comments and watching Donna's incredible series of videos I trust this youtube site for advice. What would you people do? Surgery and maybe never FULL recovery OR no surgery and maybe never quite normal again? Maybe just downhill despite feeling ok now? Thanks infinitely for any comments and thank you Donna for your amazing series.
Wayne Kelly, I like you felt like I could function without surgery, but my surgeon told me that the tear would never heal and I was at risk of tearing more tendons and that I would always be “babying” it. Which was true! I am now better than ever and I don’t even think about that shoulder anymore!
Hi, I had a tear and when it finally let go fully, I could not move my arm up easily and when I went to lower it I would get a bolt of pain that would make you cry out.. I would definetly not over stress your shoulder and try some therapy to strenghten all the shoulder muscles. I'm at 19 weeks post op and finally getting back to working , I feel a little soreness at the end of the day, but I feel better after a night's rest. I do rubber band exercises every 2 or 3 days to allow for recovery. I'm surprized you can do what you do with a full tear. and yes a Fall can really do you in.
thank you for sharing your challenges. I learned much from your experience and courage. best wishes for full recovery. I have not had surgery and may be able to avoid it: I received two energy healing treatments, from healer-intuitives, with each giving partial improvements. I also made Castor bean packs as recommend by Edgar Cacye, and self massages with Peanut oil that contains Sassafras extract.
I cannot lift my arm and may need surgery but for me it's a last resort because I've had spine surgeries and one specific wasn't a cake walk and I'm still not fully healed from my spine surgery 2 years ago and that caused further issues long term.. 1 surgery can lead you to more surgeries. My brother had 5 tears, one full tear and didn't require surgery.. He was 39 and an athlete and honestly in better shape then I am. I can't lift a coffee cup off the counter because of my frozen shoulder, my arm doesn't move much at all and I'm only 35. Waiting on the MRI, they suspect tears and also thoracic outlet syndrome. But right now I have almost no range of motion in my arm and shoulder.
www.egoscue.com/find-therapy/egoscue-new-york-city/ If you have watched my most recent video, I would suggest that you contact the Egoscue Clinic and see if they can help you!
Hi my name is Kayleigh I had a Biceps Tenodesis nearly 9 months ago now and I'm in so much pain. It's been worse after the operation. I feel like my surgery was a mistake. I'm seeing a second surgeon soon. Will see what happens. Thanks for your video. Hope your recovery went well and that 100% now
@@larrywheeler9917 No it didn't but I've been to a 2nd surgeon and the screw that they used in the previous surgery is too big, may have to get it removed ^.^
It’s been 4 years but was reading your comment and relate. I’m 14mo post tenodesis and in more pain than I was pre surgery. How do you feel today? Did it ever improve?
@AK-lf1ks the pain hasn't improved and I can't touch the area where the screw was. I also have a subluxated (partially dislocated shoulder) now. My biceps tendon also clicks and when it does its so sore 😱🙈. Hope you recover soon.
Hello and thank you Donna. I had the similar surgery to my right shoulder. My surgeon strung me along for a few months before deciding to give me the same surgery. Gave a Cortisone shots DEEP inside my damaged shoulder. Til finally those shots stopped working. Which brought me to surgery in 2005. Rehab for a month plus few weeks. Surgeon gave me the clear, now continue speech.. In 2007 I returned to Forklift Operating.. I as you felt, thee awareness of my shoulder, but continued on. I soon felt ok. I learned to manipulate me using and working with my injuries.. ( tendens ripped, cuff ripped,muscles ripped) .. I soon learned that I would be sacred for life. I dealt and learned. Moving and working now 2018 I am feeling the 2 months after surgery Pains again. I am sorry for not finding you and your story sooner!! Your videos are very much appreciated Donna!! You are a TRUE SOLDIER!!!!! Although after 12-13 years after shoulder fix?/shoulder surgery? I'm feeling soon after pains and reminders of my shoulder. I have looking and asking for exercises that I shoulder use to build up muscles all around my shoulder. I wish you soo much luck Grace and pain free days/nights my FELLOW SUPER AMAZING BEAUTIFUL SHOULDER WARRIOR!!!!! LIVE LOVE LIFE TO IT'S FULLEST WARRIOR!!!! GOD BLESS!!!! AND KEEP ON PUSHING MY LOVE!!!!!! 💖🤗😘👸💖💖💖💖👊🏽👊🏽✊🏽🤗😘👸👌🏽💖💖💖💖💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯🌟✔
So, One year out since the knife today! I pretty much have your ROM, even though I had to fight thru a frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). And as repeatedly mentioned, I base my recovery solely on my tennis performance (28yr sport addiction). Started the extreme overhead motion of serving about four weeks ago, and it has improved by leaps every week. Will I ever get my big game back? Will it ever feel like "nothing happened" as you say? Maybe an answer at the 15mo. mark. Stay tuned.
God it sucks I tore two in my left shoulder six months ago. I had 50 ROM for the first 3 months - I have been back to 100% ROM for over a month. But my strength is far from 100%. I am very strong however having lifted weights 32 years. I can not hang from a bar or lift anything of substance above my shoulder & dont expect that for 3-6 months. Prior to this I was pressing 2 70lb kettlebells overhead regularly plus very heavy bench press. I have continued weight training through the recovery but greatly modified. The pain is greatly reduced and very minor - unless I do something stupid like try & hang from a bar. I have much less clicking & popping now & the beginnings of a strength return. I recommend DMSO with aloe vera. Drink a teaspoon of turmeric daily with black pepper then you wont need ibuprofen. I also have a magnetic heating pad that I apply to it & a shoulder brace - its important to keep the injury warm Also I try to sleep on my back.
Gareth, I would not expect to hang from a bar for a year and if you can do it sooner then it's a bonus! You will get it back but are going to have to be very patient. Wait.... just noticed that you did not have surgery... Once a tendon is torn, it does not repair itself, you can only strengthen the muscles supporting it. If you don't see the improvement that you want with strength, I would revisit your doctor. Good luck to you.
How are you doing years later? I had rotator cuff tear repair on my right arm in 2016. I gained 95% of my normal range of motion. I cannot bring my hand up from behind my back as far as I used to. The strength of my right arm is only 70% of what it used to be. Just a year ago, I did some arm exercised using only 3 pound weights because my arms were getting flabby. The arm exercises caused something in my shoulder/arm area to snap. What really happened I don't know. But I heard a loud snapping noise. Immediately after that, my whole arm, shoulder, back and neck areas were in excruciating pain. Meanwhile during this time my left should was getting worse than my right shoulder. I eventially got an xRay and eventually an MRI. I found out from the XRay that there were 2 metal anchors in my shoulder from my shoulder surgery that I knew nothing about before. It made me wonder if one of them broke off as result of the arm exercise. I don't know. I just had my left shoulder surgery done for a rotator cuff tear as well. My recovery process is a lot slower than yours. But I am not discouraged. I know I am a slow healer. Since my right shoulder incident, I am now very reluctant to overuse my arm or carry, lift heavy things anymore. I am waiting until next year to see if I should have surgery on my right shoulder again to fix the problem. My right arm now feels like I only have the use of one muscle and it is straining and easily fatigued just from doing very basic things like brushing my teeth, washing dishes. In about a year's time, I was pain free as long as I don't over exert it. But it is never the same since the surgery. There is still some loss of function and strength. Since my surgeries, I am ultra careful about doing anything to can cause me to fall - which is my greatest fear because it can lead to another shoulder surgery and recovery process which I dread. Having to do two surgeries already and possibly a third is not fun. It was my fall forward that injured my shoulders years ago. It took years before I realized I had tears that required surgery. Before the surgery, I was able to do alot of work and carry heavy loads that I can no longer do.
Oh I’m sorry, potentially 3 surgeries would not be fun! My shoulder that I had surgery on is stronger than ever and is doing great. I’m very fortunate.
Hi Donna. Great to see your one year update. Glad you are doing so well. I hope you reach that pain-free point. I'm in my 60s so not as convinced I will be pain free but certainly the younger you are the more you should be able to expect that. I especially enjoyed seeing you move your arms around. Inspiritional! I'm at week 7.5. Got out of the sling at 6 weeks and was in a lot of pain because I had NO movement while in the sling (very conservative doctor). At least now I don't find myself putting the sling back on several times a day. I've had one PT appointment (waiting for healthcare.gov to approve more). I do the exercises and they DO hurt (especially the extension of sliding my arm out in front of me on the table. Obviously I have a long way to go). Did you try the curcumin? I want to try that because I cannot tolerate any anti-inflammatory meds. Cheers to you.
Katherine, I have used the curcumin a couple of times but keep forgetting! One day after using my shoulder felt great! But that could have just been the day... I am going to try to use is more regularly and see what happens.
Kathrine, don't be discourage because of your age. I am 75, had my surgery in January 2019 and am 90% improved. The absolute key is doing the exercises, even though they hurt but do them up to the pain, not through. If you give yourself too much pain you will cause more inflammation and more pain, Good luck!
Used 2 different cameras to record, one reversed my photo and one did not. And I think I actually said right on my first video. But trust me, it was my left shoulder.
Good to know. I wish I had been discouraged, actually. I had good range of motion before surgery and now, after 16 weeks, it's a real struggle--with the pain, strength and range-of-motion. The doctor will tell you "4.5 month to 6 month recovery", but for me, anyway, that is BS. They haven't even started much strength training because my extension upward is only about 145 degrees, and external rotation about 45.
Yes Ray for me it was 16 months and even now I still have some pain with certain movements. The good news is that I don't feel my shoulder or think about it all of the time like I did the first year.
hi. I’ve been watching your videos because i am scheduled for rc repair surgery in April 2022. i’m scared of the surgery and the pain from the post-op pain and recovery process. so have been planning ahead to prep myself pre- and post-surgery. you gave me great ideas and tips. would you do a video giving an update again. i would like to know whether are you back to normal activities? sports? are you still cautious about injuring shoulders again? are you pain free now or still have pain? thank you.
Hi there! I am about to launch a whole set of videos because I broke my wrist and had to have surgery!! I will update on my shoulder as well ( I’m doing great with that!)
Morgan, I have full range of motion but there is some snap, crackle and pop as I move it around and I do have pain on occasion. But there is nothing that I can't do. Is it perfect, no. But it is stronger and I am not aware of it like I use to be.
Donna Westermeier good to hear, that sounds more positive than the last time you replied to me around 3 months ago. I’m in a similar situation myself, around 9 months post op, still pain at times for unexplained reasons, but progress is slowly being made and I don’t notice the shoulder much these days.
Hi Donna.....remember me? I've not looked at this for a while, but as I hit the 10 months post op and was still really frustrated with my progress, I thought I'd have a look back at where you were😉. It's really reassuring to see you had the same concerns! How are you now and how did the homeopathic cumin stuff go? Thanks again, Carry
Hi Carry! I didn't really notice much difference with the tumeric. At 1 1/2 years post surgery, I would say that I was doing pretty well. I still had some pain on a certain rotation, but it wasn't a common rotation that I performed daily. My surgeon was a little stumped at 14 months out and we both agreed that maybe I should go see his partner for a second opinion. I never went because I really wanted to wait longer to see if things worked themselves out. What was great is that I was at a point that I didn't think about that shoulder or baby it anymore. Well... last night I somehow injured it! I have been doing interval training for the last 8 weeks with no problems and even last night while working out, it felt fine. When I got home it started hurting and within 2 hours I could not lift my arm without severe pain. I saw my surgeon today and he thinks I may have inflamed the anterior rotator cuff. He gave me a steroid injection and wants me to have an MRI in 5 weeks to see if there has been any damage to the tendons. I want to cry!! But what good would it do! I will survive! What is going on with you?
Oh Donna, I'm so sorry to hear that😟, I hope it settles down for you. Has the steroid helped? I'm still a frustrated golfer! I can manage 8 or 9 holes, but struggle with any more and even 8 or 9 flares it up that I can't lift my arm as easily or painfree for a couple of days......all so slow! Anyway, I hope you get sorted.....let me know how you get on?
I had my surgery on June 16 and so it's helpful to know what to expect. My shoulder feels like I have a tight fist in it. I sure hope physical therapy will help with this. It's a slow process. I can't return to work until 8/11/17......maybe..that's my next doctors appointment. I do mostly typing on my job. Thanks for your informative video.
Patti Cakes I have tried several nights but always end up back in the recliner. Bed is not as comfortable. ;( You only have one more day till your surgery! Blessings!
rahil amlani, everyone recovers at different rates and it totally depends on what was all repaired and how. Full replacement or labral repair is a much faster recovery.
Eric Davis, you are welcome. I know, it is really frustrating, but if you look back you will see that you are improving! It just is a slow and steady process.
Donna - Thank you for all your videos. They have been extremely helpful. I am hoping to have my surgery performed next week (schedule permitting). I'm an engineer, and every individual's story is a data point, and no 2 data points are the same. I've taken notes and am remaining optimistic. I wish you the best in your continuing journey onward!
Hi Donna I have had my rotator cuff surgery on Monday 14th 2019 It went very well thank God I have very little pain Discomfort yes but no pain I was on the Strong painkillers just for 2 days Yes of course the sleeping is not good and I have to wear the sling for the full 6 weeks I am sleeping in my bed surrounded by pillows It's not too bad After all its only 3 days since my surgery
Thanks for the update. I had my rotator surgery on 12/13 so I'm a little more than 9 weeks in. Fortunately mine was not as extensive as yours. I started physical therapy 2 weeks ago and am pretty much able to do most things I did prior to surgery with the exception of running and cycling and I hope to start doing that in a couple of weeks. I still have pain and stiffness particularly in the morning and I do a lot of icing which helps. I started noticing improvement at around week 4. I have watched all your videos and started watching them prior to my surgery so I knew what to expect. I hope you continue to improve and and look forward to more updates from you.
I'm 4 months out of surgery. Still painful with certain motions. I can't reach behind my back comfortably yet. After a year for u can you reach behind your back comfortably? Meaning like if u was to scratch your back
Well all this sounds like an adventure because I begin my journey 12/1/21. I’m a right handed plasterer 40 years fell off the scaffolding 11/3. Landed on my right shoulder about 6 feet up. Two tendons tears and rotator cuff tear. My surgeon is Dr. P who is the LA Kings lead orthopedic so I’m very hopeful. I’m 57 years old and very active still. I appreciate your story Donna!
How did it all go? I too tore 3 things, completely, 2 cuffs and a bicep tendon. I already have full range of motion and thinking of canceling my surgery.
Hello Donna I am 61 years old and live in Australia, I had shoulder surgery on 23rd August so just over 2 weeks ago. What a journey this is! I had the supraspinatus and biceps tendons repaired. I have to say I have watched many RU-vid videos before and after surgery, none have been as honest and helpful as yours! I really appreciate you making these, it's like chatting over a coffee you are open and friendly. I hope you are doing well now! 😊😊😊
I also had 3 tendons anchored down on the cuff and a bicep tenodesis .. I'm 1.5 yrs post-surgery... still achy, limited confidence to go all out as of yet.. had some setbacks after 6 months due to trying to push the limits a bit with weights.. I don't recommend that at 6 months. In fact I think this surgery takes 2 years if not longer to truly, fully heal completely and I have this feeling there will always be some pain and arthritis type sensation there.
Thanks, this is helpful. I'm actually 6 days post op on my 2nd shoulder surgery. I had a slap tear fixed 2 years ago, but was still experiencing enough discomfort in my biceps tendon daily to warrant the surgery. Ended up doing a bicep tenodesis. 2nd times the charm...!
Hi Donna.......uploaded my introductory video. Pre op to 6 weeks. All being well, I'll upload another (shorter😉) one in a day or so bringing it up to where I am now... Try searching for "Carry's cuff"👍
Ok I'm confused. I have watched your videos and your surgery was on your right shoulder. You as re talking about your left shoulder being the one you had surgery on. What's up with that
Hi, thanks for the honest up-date. I saw one of your earlier videos just after surgery. I have been pouring over RU-vid in an effort to familiarize myself with the inns & outs involved--as I am considering the surgery. The saying goes, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." So, while the physiology of your/our pain is enough in itself to deal with; our emotional stability is challenged by the lack of rest through sleep and the thought that says, "what if the pain never goes away?" I found that upon going through a brutal case of covid in November of this past year, and the stress if just hanging on; it required me to exercise my thoughts at a nearly constant level. Now with the rotator cuff issue, pain and sleeplessness, I am in the same position, needing to live, to do the due diligence at finding the right surgical option, and all the while exercising my mind by constant encouragement. I will say, the while hearing you speak about the continued pain and sleep issues caused a red light to go on for me, I also know that the Hope we have is An Anchor of the soul. Your soul is your mind, your will and your emotions. So, I am praying for both you and I to be strong, and I encourage you to exercise your belief that you can overcome with the same tenacity you are engaged in disciplining the physical side of things. Thanks again for the vids. Kyle
Thanks for your videos. I am two weeks away from my surgery. I had an ACL done years ago and it was a fairly straightforward recovery and I was expecting similar from the rotator. But from looking at your videos and others, it seems to be a whole different animal. Your videos are helping me to prepare for a long road ahead. Thanks!
Hi Donna i hope you're doing perfect now. How are you feeling now do u have any updates about your shoulder condition? Thanks, your videos are perfect and very valuable for all of us
Hi @@funmakingmoneyify Any update ? Btw how long did it take to get your external rotation arm and elbow near the body, like you show at the 6 months mark ? Thanks for sharing your experience.
Cortisone, though it may provide pain relief, can inhibit healing of tissue. My surgeon wouldn’t even do rotator cuff surgery on me until at least two months had passed from a cortisone injection I’d had. I’m going to be more judicious in the future about getting injections.
hai Donna,thanks for yr adventure reports, like yr arms haha.I was waiting 'where is the backfall,in the beginning.course I had also some turning back things.Felt so good that I thought that it wouldn't hurt.Wrong.Its so fragile!!One time carrying two cases water(3rdfloor) and the last time carrying a heavy garbitch bag ten seconds(had to lock the door ).Also turning back on the road with my car gives pain next day!!What my therapist said it was not teared.He said there wil come moister on the overload spot and thats coursing pain in the small area.You feld from a stair,I tried to stop my motorbike from falling over(I stood stil in the middle of the country).I also felt nothing for a long time and suddenly it started to pain.Like you I'm also active and the orthopeed sad better do the surgery now,becaue when you are older it won't grow back.(I'm 62 play every day piano and guitar, sporting and like driving my bike).You are much younger,but like you,I'm now 3 and a1/2 month further and also think,before I could do al things whiteout pain and now I feel everything.its going better than after the operation, but its like you said, it wil take the full monty.minimum 1 year and what I see from you and its similar with me(supraspinatus 8mm and he cutted the small biceps head,(sitting in the way off the supraspinatus)should be better for revalidation ,the anchor screw can tear off or break out, with a lot of trouble).you did not mention that they cut your small head biceps???they sad it has not much function,17% los from max force, but they did not say also less direction losses, what I see now.Its toff Donna and I see you troubleing,its tof and boring.its an old shoe what you wanna get rit off and it sticks.hopefully you can swim now, thats also what I like.much love and courage Donna and keep up.Theo...(amsterdam)
Remember you may never be pain free but you should be at least 80%. I'm 95% better from some surgeries and only 70% from some of them. You can try prescription meloxicam and natural turmeric. Turmeric doesn't help me too much. I already take it every day and still pay for it and I also eat whole natural anti inflammatory diet and take collagen to help repair. Diet helps too. A lot of foods like meat, etc cause inflammation. Salmon is good for inflammation though. Omega 3's in salmon.
I had a similar problem at 3 months into physical therapy (4 1/2 months after surgery) Felt like i retore it. Doctor gave me the cortisone shot after taking 4 weeks off of therapy. Went back into therapy 2 weeks after the shot and felt better. After 7 months of therapy, I'm done with the therapist and now will continue my strength training at the gym. Range of motion is great, Now have to build on strength... I also tore the rotator cuff and bicep. Thanks for your insight...
Hey Donna. LOVE your videos. I’m coming up on one year also. And it is definitely a process and a struggle. I have to have the other one done next month, swore I would never do it again but pain is worse and can’t do much with the unrepaired arm.
Hi… Just wanted to let you know that I had my right shoulder done five years ago. And this February I had an accident with a runaway grocery cart that got away from me. And it ripped my supraspinatus in two places so I had to inches that had to be repaired January 29… in my left shoulder this time. I am recovering now and I am in physical therapy. It has been so horrible. The pain this time was excruciating. But I had to have it done because I was in such pain without the operation. I have been following Donna since I had the operation five years ago. And now I am watching her video again. She is a wonderful human being and I love her. She tells it just like it is. I wish all of you that have had this operation good luck and Godspeed.
I'm a 64 year old male. I fell on November 30 2019. I have a pacemaker and it took three weeks to get the mri. I have a massive rotor cuff all four tendons and ruptured the bicep tendon, all on my left shoulder. Surgery was January 2 2020. Doctor only repaired the 4 rotor cuff tendons, the bicep was to far towards my elbow, he said I can do without it. About 6 weeks as I type this. Just started passive physical therapy this week. The pain has been off the scale. Sleeping almost nonexistent. Really worried, Hoping for the best. I got off all pain medication 2 weeks ago. I do NOT want to take a chance of getting hooked on them. Wish us both the best. I'm a boat captain, not sure at this point I will be able to get back on the boat.
Been checking your video updates, feeling hopeful, but same time, slightly deflated, I'm one month PO, looks like I have a LONG way to go. Thanks for sharing your info and experience.
Donna Westermeier hello my name is Dennis, I had my shoulder done 16 weeks ago. Don’t worry, as long as you do your exercises each week you will improve. It may not happen as fast as you want it to but it will happen.
Goood luck i had shoulder surgery about 6 months with physical therapy....the shoulder therapy is pain the physical therapy more pain....it all involves extreme pain...I have found deep tissue massage helps with the pain the most...it is like a shot of cortisol....if you rely on the surgeion and PT your fucked.
I am at 1 year 1 month post-rotator cuff surgery. I just discovered your honest and helpful videos now. You echo my experience so well and I hat is encouraging beyond measure. I thought I was doing poorly, sometimes hopelessly, because I am 70. I recently changed my goal from feeling like the shoulder is a normal part of me in 12 months to 18 months. Thank you so much for telling it like it was for you.
I just have a few questions for you. I am 2 weeks out from my surgery. 1. When did you start back wearing a bra? Seems like it going across my shoulder would cause more discomfort. 2. I don't start pt til after my 6 week check up, why do some have therapy sooner and some not? 3. Sometimes when I'm not hurting and of course still have my sling on, I lift a loaf of bread or I use that arm, is that bad? Did you ever do that?
1. I think it was after 6 weeks. I wore a lot of camisoles instead. And yes, earlier the bra straps would have been uncomfortable! 2. It all depends on the surgeon and what actually needed to be repaired. That's why you can't base the speed of recovery to someone else. 3. No, a loaf of bread will not hurt. I actually lifted heavier at times and regretted it later because of spasm in my shoulder muscles!
What sometimes feels really good for me. I had both of my lebrums repaired and then developed impingement. Hang on a pull up bar and relax your arms for like 60 seconds it seems to creat space for the structures and give relief.
Had mine 5 weeks ago. My doctor didn’t do nerve block. No sling. He said just keep my arm at side. Can bend at elbow. No physical therapy until 10 weeks. We’ll see.
Hi Donna I am joining all the folks who are thanking you for the videos. They are definitely the go to vids on youtube. I’m 8 weeks into subscap and also bicep tendon/release & repair (and some other bone spur and other ‘stuff’). Supra not bad enough to repair. I obviously have a way to go but so far I don’t really have any complaints. I am so glad to be a couple weeks into therapy and out of that sling. Yes, sleeping is pretty blah because I cannot sleep on that side. I have two questions. 1. did the doc release your coracoacromial tendon (the doc released mine)- that is supposed to help avoid future impingement especially with supraspinatus. 2. Thought you said that you swim. So please let me know if you have been in the pool lately and if so how that is going? How is the range of motion ? Pain? Much appreciated. You seem very determined and I hope you are doing well and that you have overcome the issues you experienced at one year - I’ve talked to a lot of folks that say that it takes longer than 1 year to really get back to norm. Take care Matt
Donna" I am 3wks till surgery Rt Rotary Cuff 90+ tear will know for sure after surgery, I'm 63yrs old and a little anxious, I fell forward at supplement income job so it's legally Comp but they are taken good care of me so far" My question is this" is the first 3-5 days the worse and since I'm am on opiates for chronic spinal stenosis and post laminectomy syndrome of surgeries done in the early 1990's do think that the meds since I'm taken them anyway will make it easier to manage the range use of shoulder masking symptoms, I will ask the Dr and Pt but I wanted to hear from a patient who knows the stiffness and tightness after surgery" don't know if or when your going to get this message, but I await to hear from You" Like I said I'm anxiously concerned and normally I don't worry or overly concern myself in over all thing's, but living along is quite intimidating" Thank You for your time, William from the Great Lake's State of Michigan, 25 miles from the Canadian border of Windsor, 6 blocks North of 8 mile Rd base line of Detroit"
William Skauge, hello Michigan! The first 3 days are definitely the worst. It’s really hard for me to say how the current use of opiates will help as I wasn’t on anything like that before surgery. That would be a great question for your pain management doctor! Good luck to you and let me know how it goes!
Mine is roughly 10 months post-surgery. I have some pains, but none more than from activity like normal day-to-day and then physical activities like surfing. My PT continues, on my own, stretching and strengthing a few times per week. My PT also said it is likely that some degree of stretching and strengthing will be needed on at least a limited basis always. Hope everyone recovers to their satisfaction, but don't give up on PT either supervised or on your own.
@@ThrasherTyler Hi, I feel it is actually stronger than my non-surgically repaired shoulder. I do a lot of stretching, but that is because I am able to continue surfing and don't want to be tight in shoulders
Hi, I feel it is actually stronger than my non-surgically repaired shoulder. I do a lot of stretching, but that is because I am able to continue surfing and don't want to be tight in shoulders@@ThrasherTyler
Hi Donna, I have messaged you before here. I am now 6 months post op and I am doing really good. I am back to work and have been released by the Surgeon and physical therapist. I had a massive tear, full tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus and bicept tendon tear. My surgery was July 30 2019 and was off work for 5 months. I am so glad to be back to work, my surgeon said to still be careful for up to 6-9 months and even up to a year. I still do my exercises every day.
Donna, thank you for your videos. I sympathize so much w u! Had my rotator cuff surgery 14 mo ago, still doing my exercises, very difficult to move my arm to the back (tying my bra is a nightmare). Tell us of those postural exercises that got u back to normal. Where did u go for those? I am glad u are back to your old self Expecting your final video. Your followers deserve it...
Ana, I will do a follow up video and I will specifically talk about the postural exercises. I did them via FaceTime because this group is not in my area. It is call the Esgoscue Method. Goggle it, as it made all the difference in my recovery!
@@anam.tassino691 , I have done a number of Tony Robbin's seminars and he has had Pete Egoscue come in and talk and do exercises with us. That is how I was introduced to them.
I must say that I had reconstruct surgery with metal plate and 9 screws in bolted to my arm and shoulder. July 17th and Nov 1st the Doctor feels that I should go back to work.im I'm a janitorial and grounds keeper for a high school....
It’s about to be 1 year I still feel like crap some days it hurt some days it don’t my shoulder feel like it will never be the same I still have pin also
Hey Donna. I followed your videos before I had shoulder surgery in dec 2017. On the way to recovery and still have a lot of tightness and positional pain too. What I came across is a tennis size massage ball from Walmart. I put it on the counter top and I lean over on the massage ball with some pressure and I roll on it. Then puts on wall on my back of shoulder and roll up and down. It has actually help break up scar tissue and it really works. It’s great. 💕💕 thank u for the wonderful videos
I had similar surgery also. 7/8 months out and similar pain. Therapy stopped one month back, therapy on last progress report recommended having another MRI because I can’t lift my arm to the side and front higher than my chest. Sperotic pain, sometimes it’s sharp stab. This was a work related accident, and proper actions have been a battle. Workers comp has refused an MRI, and I’m trying to have a lawyer help me. I personally feel this is the new norm for me. I am 60 years old. Thank you for a little reference..
