Prayers and positive vibes this way please
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OP
I have spoken with insurance and they are 100% behind me taking my case to someone else. She was very understanding and even called to verify the surgeon was in network and accepting new patients.
Knowing that maybe I'm dragging it out even longer, I have made an appointment to see the surgeon here in town, 15 minutes away, not an hour, on 12/12.
Called the umbrella orthopedic outfit to have them get the message to the original surgeon's office not to proceed with anything with regards to my case and also I sent them the same message through the patient portal.
Finally got an acknowledgement late yesterday.
At this point I feel like we'll be lucky if it all plays out before Jan 1 for deductibles sake. But it's all good.
In the meantime, I'm just piddling around doing what I can do without causing too much pain. Some movements are a straight up no-go and I don't want to worsen it, but I'm able to use it some and I will.
Been working on my old H-D and if it'll run i think I may be able to ride it !!
Knowing that maybe I'm dragging it out even longer, I have made an appointment to see the surgeon here in town, 15 minutes away, not an hour, on 12/12.
Called the umbrella orthopedic outfit to have them get the message to the original surgeon's office not to proceed with anything with regards to my case and also I sent them the same message through the patient portal.
Finally got an acknowledgement late yesterday.
At this point I feel like we'll be lucky if it all plays out before Jan 1 for deductibles sake. But it's all good.
In the meantime, I'm just piddling around doing what I can do without causing too much pain. Some movements are a straight up no-go and I don't want to worsen it, but I'm able to use it some and I will.
Been working on my old H-D and if it'll run i think I may be able to ride it !!
OP
Met with #2 surgeon Friday.
I'm really happy with him and the whole situation now. His office and the hospital are only 15 minutes away as opposed to an hour plus if I had to get it done in Durham.
And I now know that surgery is definitely necessary.
First order of business for him was to show me the MRI so I could see exactly what is torn up and needing repaired. Then he explained how he plans to do the repairs. Said he might could do it on the 7th. And I got the calls today. Yippee!!!
Will be at the hospital in the am at 10 to begin the check in process. FINALLY.
Good lord willing it's a go this time.
Unfortunately it's gonna be awhile before I'm back in the game with something I can work with. Like 4-6 months maybe?
Dern. I'm gonna go nuts.
Thanks for all y'alls support.
I'm really happy with him and the whole situation now. His office and the hospital are only 15 minutes away as opposed to an hour plus if I had to get it done in Durham.
And I now know that surgery is definitely necessary.
First order of business for him was to show me the MRI so I could see exactly what is torn up and needing repaired. Then he explained how he plans to do the repairs. Said he might could do it on the 7th. And I got the calls today. Yippee!!!
Will be at the hospital in the am at 10 to begin the check in process. FINALLY.
Good lord willing it's a go this time.
Unfortunately it's gonna be awhile before I'm back in the game with something I can work with. Like 4-6 months maybe?
Dern. I'm gonna go nuts.
Thanks for all y'alls support.
Glad it's finally moving forward. I'm 14 weeks out from surgery and headed to follow up with the ortho this morning. I would say I'm maybe 85%. I have most of my range of motion back, except behind the back, but the arm is very weak and still aches a lot. Best I can recall from my other shoulder surgery, it took almost a year to be back 100% and pain free.
Glad to hear it's on track for you. I had shoulder work done about 15 yrs ago. There was a fair amount of PT afterwords, but the pain I had prior to the procedure was gone. I had bone spurs and damaged tendon/ligament....can never remember which,
Sounds like the surgery will be easier than the drama leading up to it. Really glad it got moved up for you. The faster it's done, the faster the recovery can begin.
Sounds like the surgery will be easier than the drama leading up to it. Really glad it got moved up for you. The faster it's done, the faster the recovery can begin.
Hope it went well and they didn't mix you up with that fella who was getting the transition surgery.
But seriously, I hope you are way to recovery and have at least one good looking friendly nurse.
But seriously, I hope you are way to recovery and have at least one good looking friendly nurse.
When I got my arm out of a sling after rotator cuff/ bone spur repair, I could not will my arm more than an inch or so, from hanging at my side. It was really strange to think "now lift your arm" and not having it respond.
PT helped this a lot though it took a while. Meet your new friend, Mr Elastic Band!
PT helped this a lot though it took a while. Meet your new friend, Mr Elastic Band!
OP
Happy Friday peeps!
Very happy to report that the surgery went well.
The surgeon said there was a lot of cleaning up to do in there, but the repairs went smoothly without any problems or issues. Excessive blood wasn't an issue.
Anesthesiologist said I did very well and he had an easy time managing me.
I think I was more concerned with that side of it than the repair.
Surgery was just under an hour and a half.
I guess it was the long term nerve block they gave me that caused me to still be pretty loopy yesterday. Started getting fingers back by noon and by about midnight I could feel most of my arm.
I'm not sleeping well and after 4 hrs or so I was aware that I could feel my shoulder and there is minimal discomfort.
It's slung up obviously but I'm happy as a tick on a dog.
They set me up with one of those cold water circulating rigs that @beamernc mentioned and I think that has been much the blessing. Almost no noticeable swelling and maybe its partly responsible for the lack of serious pain.
I have some of the big "O" for pain but I haven't taken any yet. Took something light duty before I tried to sleep and nothing since. They told me I needed to get in front of the pain, well, I'm just gonna wait and if it gets unbearable I'll take something. But only if I have to.
Follow up on the 16th and PT starts on the 21st, good Lord willing.
I want to say again, Thank you all for your support during this ordeal. It really means a lot to me.
And if I can ever be of any help to any of you please don't hesitate to call on me and I will do my best.
May God bless all of you.
Greg
Very happy to report that the surgery went well.
The surgeon said there was a lot of cleaning up to do in there, but the repairs went smoothly without any problems or issues. Excessive blood wasn't an issue.
Anesthesiologist said I did very well and he had an easy time managing me.
I think I was more concerned with that side of it than the repair.
Surgery was just under an hour and a half.
I guess it was the long term nerve block they gave me that caused me to still be pretty loopy yesterday. Started getting fingers back by noon and by about midnight I could feel most of my arm.
I'm not sleeping well and after 4 hrs or so I was aware that I could feel my shoulder and there is minimal discomfort.
It's slung up obviously but I'm happy as a tick on a dog.
They set me up with one of those cold water circulating rigs that @beamernc mentioned and I think that has been much the blessing. Almost no noticeable swelling and maybe its partly responsible for the lack of serious pain.
I have some of the big "O" for pain but I haven't taken any yet. Took something light duty before I tried to sleep and nothing since. They told me I needed to get in front of the pain, well, I'm just gonna wait and if it gets unbearable I'll take something. But only if I have to.
Follow up on the 16th and PT starts on the 21st, good Lord willing.
I want to say again, Thank you all for your support during this ordeal. It really means a lot to me.
And if I can ever be of any help to any of you please don't hesitate to call on me and I will do my best.
May God bless all of you.
Greg
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I’m like you, and avoid the O as well. I find that ibuprofen and copious amounts of adult beverages can manage some pretty stout pain symptoms.
I either don’t hurt, or don’t care.
OP
Unfortunately the adult beverages aren't an option for me. And really neither are NSAIDs. Gotta try to take care of the functioning part of the liver I have left.
Ole Pard...so happy for you to get some resolution...do Not over exert yourself....let it heal...I met folks in rehab that had been through the same shoulder 3 times!!! Once was enough for me!!! My left could use doing But it ain't gonna happen as long as I can get by.
They gave me 6 of the big OCs, I still have 5. Take care my friend...see you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Billy
They gave me 6 of the big OCs, I still have 5. Take care my friend...see you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Billy
Surgeon reviewed everything so far and said "So when do you want to have surgery?"
Scheduled for Dec 27th.
Glad yours went well. Push yourself for the physical therapy; do it but don't overdo it. Sister-in-law didn't for knee; looking at maybe having to have another surgery because she slacked on the pt.
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OP
Hate it for your SIL.
You're spot on about the PT. And that is the goal for me.
Surgeon told me its gonna be a pain but follow the plan and hurt now and not later.
I pray that your surgery and recovery goes well.
You're spot on about the PT. And that is the goal for me.
Surgeon told me its gonna be a pain but follow the plan and hurt now and not later.
I pray that your surgery and recovery goes well.
Thank You. I will post when things get closer.
@svtf150, if the pain gets bad enough and you have to take some of the pain killers, take a laxative along with it. Opioids can lock your bowels up causing more problems. I ended up with a lot of inflammation and severe pain after 4 weeks, which was worse than I had right after surgery.
I'm still doing PT, when I can get in. So many folks scheduled surgery here at the end of the year, since their deductibles were met, that they do not have enough therapists to get everyone in to PT.
I went back to the ortho on Wednesday and he said my range of motion is good, but my shoulder is very tight/stiff and needs more working to loosen it up. He is checking with my insurance company and ordering a CPM, continuous passive motion, chair. I had never heard of that, but it is a chair that has a device that moves and works the arm for you passively. Sounds like I'll need to use it 4-6 hours a day. He said to plop it down in front of the TV and let it do it's thing.
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Watch the liver, my friend.
I did the same for too long.
OP
@beamernc
Yes, they are very busy here as well.
We showed up at 3:45 for the 4 oclock consult last Friday and walked out at 6:05.
I was checking out the pt room and they weren't overly busy at that time.
maybe that chair will save you some trips to your pt? Hope it helps you regardless.
Eta
When you're using the water circulator do you use a specific protocol or schedule. They didnt give us anything that we recall. I've been running it a good bit with a 30-- 45 min break every couple hrs. My hand is swollen a bit so I'm thinkin the shoulder is too. That being said I'm thinkin the cold should be a good thing??
Yes, they are very busy here as well.
We showed up at 3:45 for the 4 oclock consult last Friday and walked out at 6:05.
I was checking out the pt room and they weren't overly busy at that time.
maybe that chair will save you some trips to your pt? Hope it helps you regardless.
Eta
When you're using the water circulator do you use a specific protocol or schedule. They didnt give us anything that we recall. I've been running it a good bit with a 30-- 45 min break every couple hrs. My hand is swollen a bit so I'm thinkin the shoulder is too. That being said I'm thinkin the cold should be a good thing??
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OP
Doing okay here.
Finally could get out of this rig on Sunday and get a look at it and get a shower. He made six incisions.
There was minor swelling and the bicep wasn't lookin' too good but appeared much better today when I showered. Swelling is all but gone. Havn't used the cold water circulator since Sunday. Not much pain unless I get it out of position. Have taken one Tramadol and nothing else cept for the usual daily meds. Consult Friday, PT still set to begin 12/21. Can't wait!!!
That's a lie.
Finally could get out of this rig on Sunday and get a look at it and get a shower. He made six incisions.
There was minor swelling and the bicep wasn't lookin' too good but appeared much better today when I showered. Swelling is all but gone. Havn't used the cold water circulator since Sunday. Not much pain unless I get it out of position. Have taken one Tramadol and nothing else cept for the usual daily meds. Consult Friday, PT still set to begin 12/21. Can't wait!!!
That's a lie.
I had mine last Tuesday ended up with a labrum tear and detached bicep but with added bad news of severe arthritis. So I'll be having complete joint replacement in the future. The ice machine felt good at first then started hurting really bad PT said that arthritis.
OP
Well, round 1 of PT is in the books. Happy to report that it went well.
Therapist has 21 years experience and we seem to communicate well. We discussed the whole process of rehab, what we expect out of each other, how I can mess it all up by not following orders 😀 and a tentative time frame for returning to work. Even though I allowed for more movement of it today than he expected I would, I'm no further ahead and it's just gonna be a slow process, no way around it.
My employer has stated that I have a job when I can come back, so Hurry UP. Yeah, say that again. I get my last paycheck from PTO next Friday and thats it.
As far as I know now, I will not be returning as a delivery driver, so that leaves only the warehouse.
In the meantime, I have plenty of time to read...my bible.
Thanks again for all the prayers and positive vibes a shakin'
Therapist has 21 years experience and we seem to communicate well. We discussed the whole process of rehab, what we expect out of each other, how I can mess it all up by not following orders 😀 and a tentative time frame for returning to work. Even though I allowed for more movement of it today than he expected I would, I'm no further ahead and it's just gonna be a slow process, no way around it.
My employer has stated that I have a job when I can come back, so Hurry UP. Yeah, say that again. I get my last paycheck from PTO next Friday and thats it.
As far as I know now, I will not be returning as a delivery driver, so that leaves only the warehouse.
In the meantime, I have plenty of time to read...my bible.
Thanks again for all the prayers and positive vibes a shakin'
OP
Whale, moving right along, Things have been okay. Last week they loosened the leash on the sling a little in that I could do without it some, not completely though.
And I learned that I still needed to wear it some. Just the weight of my arm is enough to cause some discomfort, especially after exercise. And still using the cold circulator as well.
Set myself back a little bit Sunday night. I'm really desperate for some good sleep/rest and decided to try and sleep in the bed for the first time since this whole thing got started,
without the sling. That did not go well at all and I'm dealing with the results now. definitely could tell a difference Monday doing my exercises and today at PT my ROM was diminished from last week. Dang it. I guess It is what it is.
And the hits just keep on coming. We've had the light over the kitchen sink fail, we've had a water leak partly under the house that was also spraying water in between the subfloor and the bottom of the cabinet under the sink. Yeah....that not pretty.
But my wife handled it all, she's in no better shape than me to be crawlin around under a house but she got it done. All I could do was be a "get me" grunt and be her cheerleader.
I love that gal!
And I learned that I still needed to wear it some. Just the weight of my arm is enough to cause some discomfort, especially after exercise. And still using the cold circulator as well.
Set myself back a little bit Sunday night. I'm really desperate for some good sleep/rest and decided to try and sleep in the bed for the first time since this whole thing got started,
without the sling. That did not go well at all and I'm dealing with the results now. definitely could tell a difference Monday doing my exercises and today at PT my ROM was diminished from last week. Dang it. I guess It is what it is.
And the hits just keep on coming. We've had the light over the kitchen sink fail, we've had a water leak partly under the house that was also spraying water in between the subfloor and the bottom of the cabinet under the sink. Yeah....that not pretty.
But my wife handled it all, she's in no better shape than me to be crawlin around under a house but she got it done. All I could do was be a "get me" grunt and be her cheerleader.
I love that gal!
OP
Had the second post-surgery meetup with the PA Friday.
He was happy with current ROM, however still having issues with inflammation that he claims is mostly the cause of the pain I'm having and affecting my ROM he started me on a 7day steroid protocol to help with that. Not necessarily a fan of steroids but by gosh it has helped immensely. He expects me to be at or near 90% in 60 days.
Had the sixth session of PT this am and what a difference. Therapist noticed the change immediately when I started my self-guided exercise. And again when he took over the manipulations.
Still warning me not to get stupid and do something I shouldn't. "So I should be okay building and installing a new crawlspace door right?
He just gave me that look! Hahaha
He was happy with current ROM, however still having issues with inflammation that he claims is mostly the cause of the pain I'm having and affecting my ROM he started me on a 7day steroid protocol to help with that. Not necessarily a fan of steroids but by gosh it has helped immensely. He expects me to be at or near 90% in 60 days.
Had the sixth session of PT this am and what a difference. Therapist noticed the change immediately when I started my self-guided exercise. And again when he took over the manipulations.
Still warning me not to get stupid and do something I shouldn't. "So I should be okay building and installing a new crawlspace door right?
He just gave me that look! Hahaha
OP
So session number 11 is tomorrow.
The steroid did help some but I'm still not where I need to be with ROM. I've gotten the easy part I guess and the rest is gonna be earned the hard way.
Stretching where it doesn't want to go...beyond where the hurt starts.
Still nothing to build any strength.
Yesterday I managed a half gallon glass jar of milk from the counter to the shelf in the fridge. Barely. With not too much pain.
But thats okay cause tharapist be damned, I can do some things and I'm bored outa my mind and tired of waiting so I replaced this
With this
Now I need to do something about drainage.
But my point was I'm not helpless, yet I'm not even close to being able to return to work, yet very thankful I can do what i can do.
Praise be to God!!
The steroid did help some but I'm still not where I need to be with ROM. I've gotten the easy part I guess and the rest is gonna be earned the hard way.
Stretching where it doesn't want to go...beyond where the hurt starts.
Still nothing to build any strength.
Yesterday I managed a half gallon glass jar of milk from the counter to the shelf in the fridge. Barely. With not too much pain.
But thats okay cause tharapist be damned, I can do some things and I'm bored outa my mind and tired of waiting so I replaced this
With this
Now I need to do something about drainage.
But my point was I'm not helpless, yet I'm not even close to being able to return to work, yet very thankful I can do what i can do.
Praise be to God!!
Stick with it; you can do it! I have my 2nd pt session today. Started ROM last time. It's going well according to therapist but can't hold my arm up when he lifts it for me.
2 more weeks before I can think about losing this sling. Congrats on getting the door done. Looks like you have some function back so the strength will come.
2 more weeks before I can think about losing this sling. Congrats on getting the door done. Looks like you have some function back so the strength will come.
OP
Thanks man.
I know every injury isn't the same, and people respond differently to therapy.
We didn't really get to work on mine until after the sling went away. To avoid damaging the repair work.
And this far into therapy I can barely hold up my outstretched arm, either in front of me or out to the side with hand no higher than shoulder. And thats only for a few seconds.
You will get there. I just wouldn't expect much till you're free from the sling.
Good luck to you!
I feel your pain. I have been at this since 2018 and unfortunately for me it will get no better. I was forced to retire and I hate it. Some days i get to thinking I am able to do more than I can. My mind says "you got this" and my body says "think again fat boy". Take it easy and don't push it. That was what got me, along with the fact that I had a secondary injury that was not identified till a year later. By then all the work I did in PT and at the gym had taken it's toll.
Thankfully thru a second round of PT and a different Physical therapist that actually listened to me when I told her where it hurt the second injury was identified and addressed. Too late. Damage was done and is now not going to get any better.
I guess what I am trying to say is do what they tell you to do but make sure they listen to you and your concerns. Definitely don't get in a hurry. You won't like it if you damage it again.
Best of luck to you.
OP
@Schattenreiter
Thanks for the advice and support.
I know how easy it would be to overdo it and I certainly don't want to.
Pain is still my guide. A little is okay, alot is not says my therapist and I feel like we're in tune with regards to communication about where I am in the process, how it feels, what seems to be most bothersome, etc.
I hate to hear the outcome of your situation and wish you the very best in doing what you can with what you're working with.
Thanks for the advice and support.
I know how easy it would be to overdo it and I certainly don't want to.
Pain is still my guide. A little is okay, alot is not says my therapist and I feel like we're in tune with regards to communication about where I am in the process, how it feels, what seems to be most bothersome, etc.
I hate to hear the outcome of your situation and wish you the very best in doing what you can with what you're working with.
OP
PSA:
It was mentioned before about it being difficult to get appts for physical therapy.
Yes. It is true.
I'm scheduled through 2/9 then seeing PA again on the 10th.
Yesterday I asked the question I already knew the answer to. Do I need to get on the schedule though the rest of this month on into March? Yes I do.
So on the way out I attempted to do that and got what I could get but couldn't get 2 sessions per week like I've been doing.
They're booked up.
If I had waited till next Friday for the PA to tell me to schedule up it would've been too late for this month most likely.
I'm on the cancellation list and hope it works out that I can keep my 2 sessions per week schedule.
So y'all going through this therapy/rehab thing make sure you stay on top of that and don't wait on them.
It could be very detrimental to one's recovery.
It was mentioned before about it being difficult to get appts for physical therapy.
Yes. It is true.
I'm scheduled through 2/9 then seeing PA again on the 10th.
Yesterday I asked the question I already knew the answer to. Do I need to get on the schedule though the rest of this month on into March? Yes I do.
So on the way out I attempted to do that and got what I could get but couldn't get 2 sessions per week like I've been doing.
They're booked up.
If I had waited till next Friday for the PA to tell me to schedule up it would've been too late for this month most likely.
I'm on the cancellation list and hope it works out that I can keep my 2 sessions per week schedule.
So y'all going through this therapy/rehab thing make sure you stay on top of that and don't wait on them.
It could be very detrimental to one's recovery.
Sorry to hear you're having trouble scheduling. So far I'm good; start 2x a week Tuesday and im scheduled into March.
Pain isn't too bad so far; only rough part was trying to hold my arm up unsupported; managed 5 seconds...
Pain isn't too bad so far; only rough part was trying to hold my arm up unsupported; managed 5 seconds...