I tore my rotator cuff a few months ago, although I didn't realize that is what happened until I went to my PCP who sent me to have an MRI. After they called me to tell me that everything looked normal I was told to go to physical therapy. I wasn't happy with that since he didn't give me any indication of what the problem was.
I called a specialist and went in with my MRI and when he looked at my MRI he said I had several small tears and although he offered a cortisone shot, I opted to try a prescription anti-inflamatory and shoulder strengthening exercises which don't seem to be helping at all. I can't lift my arm up very well and certainly not past my shoulder, and not at all if I am trying to hold anything in my hand. I have been off work for 3 weeks because of this.
It's been Two weeks+ since I saw the specialist (an Orthopedic surgeon) and I am still in a lot of pain and it hasn't gotten any better. I don't sleep well, on my back or on my left side, forget sleeping on my right side. I have tried to do a few things like sweep the carpets once(I have to before I vacumn because my dogs shed so much) and wash dishes a couple times using my left hand and arm as much as possible and afterwards I suffer in extreme pain for the next day or two and then the pain never goes away, it just subsides if I don't do anything. I have to keep my arm propped with a pillow in order to have any relief at all since even just the weight of my arm causes my shoulder to hurt alot. I am right-handed and have had to try to use my left arm and hand for most things. Thank goodness I can still type on a computer with my elbow propped up at least but have to be careful not to do that for too long.
I have a follow up appt to see the specialist on Feb 16th and will probably get the cortisone shot then. I wish I could find more information about healing a torn rotator cuff without having to go through surgery if possible. I am concerned about having cortisone shots although I have been told by my specialist that unless I get a lot of cortisone shots it probably won't have any long term side effects. I have also heard just the opposite so I am not sure what to believe. I just hate feeling so helpless and not being able to do all the things I like to do and even the housework I dislike doing, but I hate the messy house I have now because I can't take care of it. I've been told by others to just suck it up and go to work, ignore the pain, and just take a bunch of pills and other comments of that sort. I can't do my job since I am a bartender and although I have been looking for a new and different job, the job market here sucks right now. It's very frustrating and I sometimes feel depressed and I pretty much stay home and don't go anywhere or talk to anyone.
I am hoping that one of the Doctors will read this and hopefully address this issue on the show as well as address how not to lose hope. I would also hope to hear some options for treatment.
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Well, first of all welcome to The Doctors...I have had 2 surgeries on my right shoulder. Both of them were for torn rotator cuffs and a torn labrum tendon. I got the cortisone shots...infact a couple each time. Be prepared for some pain, I am not going to lie and say it isn't painful. You may feel better for a few days afterwards and think, yea! it worked but, for at least me, the pain returned. I chose to have the orthoscopic surgery to repair the injuries. I had a great surgeon in Pennsylvanis for the 1st surgery...he actually is the surgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. So I was in good hands. I was in a lot of pain for a week or so and then just pretty sore after that. I was in good shape after rehab and was released to full duty. My 2nd surgery was about the same deal, though my surgeon wasn't nearly as caring.
So be prepared for a long rehab...though it depends on your severity of your tear. I apologize for being blunt, just want you to be prepared and not BS you. That's what is nice about this site, we can be honest with eachother and know what you may expect. I wish you the best of luck and hope you have a speedy recovery. Keep me informed on your progress.
Take care, Jeff
I just went through this! I had a small tear (along with other bursitis). I tried the cortisone shots - didn't touch the pain at all. My orthopod and I discussed what the surgery would entail and I agreed to go along with it.
I had it on Jan 28th. He shaved and cleaned up the rotator cuff tear (cause it too small to repair) and fixed everthing else. I am way ahead of the game on therapy. He sent me home with a CPM - continous passive machine - which I used 4 times a day to get range of motion back in my shoulder. The company said it would take 3-4 weeks - it took me less than 2 to meet the goals they had set for me. I started physical therapy and have already started exceeding where I should be.
You just have to have a positive outlook on this and get the right surgeon. But the next thing that is most important is that you must do the therapy - if you don't - you will end up with limited range of motion.
Good Luck! Joharley19
I had symptoms very similar to what you describe - though my MRI showed I had a complete tear. What you describe sounds a lot like a complete tear - especially the marked weakness, inability to lift over shoulder height, and night pain that interrupts sleep. I had surgery a year ago and couldn't be happier today. Granted it was a long and difficult recovery, I am now pain free and have no restrictions of movement.
Went back to the orthopedic a few weeks ago for similar pain in the other arm (always had pain in both, always worse on the other side). Given my history, he went ahead and did an MRI. Lots of inflammation, a bone spur, and a partial tear over the bone spur. I will be having surgery next week to "clean up" in there, shave the bone spur/make more room for the tendons to move, and hopefully prevent a complete tear (which is a MUCH longer recovery period).
I hope this gives you a little more information in which to make decisions. Good Luck!
Lisa
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