Glenoid Labrum Tear - Arthroscopic Surgery

[shari_louise84]

glad you got thru everything. one thing i can say without a doubt here is that ice is probably doing much more as far as pain control than even your narcotics are. that ice was a lifesaver for me post op after my tears were repaired. i love ice. i DO remember well,all the little pendulum excercises. they really do help alot in getting that joint moving tho without involving any muslce or tendon,make certain to follow those to the letter. i also had to use that continuous passive motion chair thingy too. that was also a big help. i really noticed the difference in my abilitys once that chair was done and i had to send it back. i kind of took a couple steps back after that. but once i got into the very important hands on PT,things got much better. it sure does hit you once that block dissipates doesn't it? thats when we really hit the ice. i didn;t have that cryo sleeve,and believe me i wish i had gone with it. luckily from what you have stated,the overall surgery wasn't really as in depth for you and believe me,that alone makes a big difference in pain levels and healing too. by the time my supra had completley torn,it was a big mess inthere which required alot of sepoerate repairs,and i felt every single one post op,lol.

hopefully things will continue to progress,just do everything your surgeon tells you with regards to any excercises and PT. its all Rxed for a good reason. good luck and please keep us posted jimmy. FB

 

[emotions]

1 Week Update

After one full week, things appear to be going great. Pain is very minimal, unless I move my arm the wrong way. However, range of motion is very minimal too. Still wearing a sling, still using cryo-sleeve occasionally. Doing my exercise routine every day as directed and not missing any reps. Not taking any pain medication after day 4... this is a big issue for me, cause I cannot stand the feeling of being medicated. Finally moved bowels after one full day off pain meds.

Here is what I have found to be the most difficult issues to deal with:

Sleeping - Still cannot lay down flat in bed and be comfortable enough for any significant sleep. Sleeping in recliner is still the best way to keep comfortable.
Pain Meds - Upset stomach and constipation. I've been taking stool softeners with my pain meds and still had problems with moving bowels. The inactivity does not help at all.
Wound Dressing - For some reason this caused a lot of discomfort for me. Even after taking the dressings off (tape), there was some residue left behind that itched like crazy and felt like strands of fiberglass in my skin. This caused my skin to break out and was very irritating.
Armpit Rash - With your arm constantly tucked to your side, this creates lots of sweat. I've started using baby powder and that helps a little, but there is just no preventing the constant sweating and odor.
Stir Crazy - This is a big issue for me. I made a goal early on to get out and go to a college basketball game 5 days after surgery. This was a big milestone for me as getting out of the house seemed to help me feel better. Don't just think you are going to lay around and watch movies for a week. This will drive you insane.

So all in all, I feel pretty good. My first post op appointment is this Friday and my stitches will be removed then too. Rehab should start shortly after. I'm looking forward to it... although I'm sure it will be painful.

 

[Yahole]

i fell into a beam about a month and a half ago and when i had my mri done two weeks ago the results said it looks like i have a slap repair (had the dye injected in) it didnt say it was for certian but still hurt when i move my arm and i am in a sling they say i need the slap repiar surgery i go into the ortho doc. on monday kind scared about the surgery but after reading this it helps me a little bit knowing it went well for you

 

[deutschesprache38]

1 Month Update

Still recovering. Not very much pain at this point however, my shoulder does feel very stiff and my range of motion is lacking. First PT appointment was a few days ago. They showed me some exercises for working on my range of motion (pulleys and bands). The exercises are a bit painful, but I realize they are doing good, so I'll try not to miss any. Therapist plans on seeing me just once a week for four weeks until I get my range of motion back. Then it's time to start strengthening the shoulder again.

Sleeping is still causing me some problems four weeks later. I'm a side sleeper, so the shoulder still gets sore at night and causes me to toss and turn quite a bit. The doc did prescribe some sleeping aids, but I don't like the way I feel the next day after taking those.

I've also stopped using my sling and the cryo-sleeve. I'm using a heating pad occasionally for comfort. If the PT starts to cause any swelling, I'm sure I will break out the cryo-sleeve again. Doctor won't let me take any Ibuprofen as it interferes with the healing process of the micro fraction procedure I had done.

Overall, I'm still very positive surgery was the right choice for me. I can't wait to get my range of motion back and start strengthening my shoulder. Doctor says I should have no problems golfing this summer if all goes well.

Oh yeah - today I raised my arm up over my head on its own for the first time since surgery. It wasn't easy... I had to concentrate hard to make it happen. :wave:

I'll give another update in a month...

 

[x_fluffernutter_x]

congrats on that arm raise,it IS a big deal. glad things are going well for you jimmy. just following everything your ortho and PT have you doing is really the key to getting the full ROMs back properly without impairments. it all just takes some time. but it does sound like everythig is on track for you.

the one thing that helped me sleep,but i am used to sleeping only on my back becasue of my spinal cord injuries,is just keeping that shoulder solidly supported before you go to sleep,and during sleep? just place small towels or pillows in various ways til you find that good comfortable spot. if you happen to move around alot in your sleep like sammy(the other woman who was going thru this with me?)did,she was all over the place. she finally actually placed a bed pilow around her arm with duct tapping that pillow so it kind of 'cuffed" the arm in a way? and just slid her arm into it before she went to sleep. you could try that too if you move around alot in sleep. just something i know she said really helped her sleep. the thing i noticed right away when sleeping without that sling was alot of pain when that arm/shoulder was down to low and not supported at just the right level/angle? getting that part situated will really help you.

i am glad things went well and seem to be continuing on the upswing for you. like i said above,just follow ALL recommendations for PT to the letter. please keep us updated jimmy. good luck, FB