I had this procedure in May 2014. It is a long recovery. My shoulder is still not 100%. My tear was 3 cm, and I had had it for many years. The surgeon told me exactly what yours told you.

Hi, Faron!

I had a very bad rotator tear repaired in Oct. 2012. I'd say the sling use time frame is correct, but it's a special sling. I probably had PT for about 6 weeks, and it was suggested to last longer, but I got such bad bronchitis that I had to stop. I can do absolutely everything I used to be able to do, and am very happy with the results. It was my right shoulder and I am right handed.

It's not fun, and people will recognize that special sling. I was in a store wearing mine and a woman walked up to me and just asked, 'Rotator cuff?' When I said yes, (not to frighten you) she said that she had had the surgery, too, and 'would rather give birth all day long than go through it again!' :-)

I'm sure it's different for everyone, and rather than baling wire, I'd think of you as the Six Million Dollar Man!

Here is a link that might be useful: The Six Million Dollar Man

I'm going to recommend what my acupunturist/chinese medicine specialist neighbor recommended to me...it was for my broken ankle, but it has really helped my shoulder a lot.

The Great Mender Teapills by Plum Flower

He told me to take 8 (they're like little bbs) twice a day. I got them at amazon...

I have known several people who have had the surgery and will reiterate what others have said - recovery is a long slow process. Take the time to heal and do the therapy. I know a couple individuals who did not do proper follow-up care and ended up having repeat surgery.

So sorry, Faron. You've certainly had your fair share of surgeries. But this will be life-improving, for sure, from all I've heard from those who have had the procedure done.

DH is recovering from rotator cuff surgery he had in December. Six full weeks in an imobilizing sling, then another six weeks of very light use of the arm with NO lifting. After that, we'll see what the doctor says. I hope you have someone to help take care of you, because you will likely need some assistance while you are healing.

Yikes! Bionic man is right! I am so sorry to hear this news, Faron. I imagine you are ready to be done with the "forced relaxation" of post surgery. Just put on your headphones and crank up the music.

Hi gang!

Thanks once AGAIN for the advice!!

Cyn-
In a way, it seems like it's been a long time since the new knee!
(9/26) I was back to work FT by late Nov. So, yeah...Oct & early Nov were my "relaxation" weeks lol!

I didn't ask about missing any work?? Since it's outpatient (same day?), how much if any "off days" are common? Does it depend on the severity of the tear? Is sleeping difficult?

Sorry for all the questions!!

Faron

It's very interesting...after I was taking those pills for the ankle, I mentioned to him how my shoulder was so much better. He said then there must be a circulation problem as those pills help circulation. So interesting when I came here and read that your doc said that that area has low circulation and he's going to try to increase it...

Hi, faron ... DH has had two rotator cuff surgeries. The first was to repair one tear, the second was to repair two tears. Both were outpatient, arthroscopic surgeries. Instructions from the surgeon were to NOT fire that shoulder muscle for six weeks, and the sling was to remain on at all times except for showering. So, no physical labor. He's back to work now, but only in a supervisory capacity for another six weeks as he can't do much with instructions of no lifting and minimal use of the arm.

The sling prevented him sleeping on his side ... back only, which he said was not fun. We rented a hospital bed so that he could use the lift function to get in and out of bed easier, and kept that for a month. A recliner would work just as well and would likely be more comfortable to sleep in. If your Dr. is only recommending 2-3 weeks for your sling, you are lucky! DH complained most about the sling.

Physical Therapy is once a week, with a series of exercises done at home twice a day.

AD-
Do those pills have any blood-thinning function, or effect on BP?

JellyT-
Good grief...TWO R-C surgeries?!?!?!? Same shoulder? How far apart?
Do you think wearing a sling also means "stay home" for a few weeks too, or just a couple days?

My job is retail-hardware. I could mix paint & help people with 1 arm I think?!

Faron

Yes, same shoulder, first surgery was in 2007, then another injury last year.

You should plan on taking a few days off work. Your surgery sounds pretty extensive and you probably won't feel like doing much for four or five days. DH has a very physical job so he scheduled the sugery at his normally slow time for business. Hopefully you can be on light duty at work for a couple of weeks.

Appreciate your insight Jellyt!

Obviously I don't know your DH's age, but I'm 53. I'm not sure my small tear is more is more extensive than what your DH went thru?!

I'm assuming he had to have some anchors inserted, & the tendon(s) sewn back down again? Seems pretty common in procedures I've seen on youtube anyway...

As I've blabbed about here this winter, my knee ligaments (MCL & LCL) had to be reinforced with anchors (Swivelocks) & Fibertape (kind of a surgical "string"), when I got my new knee last Sept.

Sheesh! This makes it sound like I'm getting older...;-)

Faron

The surgical string thing might have been used as I can see something like that in the surgical photos. I didn't think holes were drilled in the bone but i do think there might be an anchor in there. Not really sure. All was done through four really small incisions, two in front and two in back. Very litte swelling and bruising which belies the long recovery. Your tear doesn't sound as bad, but your surgery sounds somewhat more extensive. But maybe all the sutff they are doing will allow for a quicker healing process for you. From what I've heard, the sooner you get the surgery the better because the muscles atrophy. You might want to ask your doctor if that makes a difference in your particular case.

I can't say what the pills do...you'd probably need to talk to a practitioner to get that insight. Wasn't an issue for me as I'm not on meds. It only says that it is contraindicated for pregnancy or bleeding disorders...

AD-
"Contraindicated for bleeding disorders"....
I wonder if that implies it has a blood-thinning effect of some type?? I've been on a FULL (325mg) Aspirin a day since '07, so I probably don't need any "more" thinning...lol!

JellyT-
I've been watching some surgeries on youtube for knees & shoulders! Years ago, I couldn't watch surgeries...now, they don't bug me at all!
* My knee has the Arthrex-Swivelock anchors, & the Arthrex Fibertape "string" holding the ligament-ends into the drilled-in anchors.
* I'm such a geek sometimes...I was looking on the Arthrex website, looking at the various anchors & strings used.
* If I do the shoulder surgery, I'll have ~~4 of those drilled-in anchors!

Faron

Hmmmm....

Just thought of something else! In regards to sleeping...I use a CPAP-machine (when I remember to put it on...). Putting on the face-mask might be trickier?

After the 3-6 "sling-weeks", I'd imagine stretching everything back out again is a "B*tch"...?!?!?

Faron