Wondering about shoulder surgery....What was your experience?

Thanks to everyone for your support and input.i really appreciate it~

I too have shoulder issues that developed last year after getting a house ready to sell and then cleared out. I have had an MRI which indicates a need for surgery or possibly replacement. Cortisone injections are no longer effective.

Since I have another number of issues such as jaw surgery I cannot do this now. I alternate using lidocaine patches and a sleeve by Body Helox. I am not attempting to advertise a product but mentioning that because I could not find any product in stores for the upper arms. I buy it online.

The other thing I do is drink turmeric tea that I brew. It is not a miracle cure but seems to help with inflammation. There is a version of that tea sold in Whole Foods but the best one is also bought online.

Ideally I should have surgery and attempt that recovery but my jaw issues come first. I know what to avoid doing with my shoulder. I may opt to have it one day but in the meantime I am doing what I mentioned. People I train with have said they have noticed an improvement with what I can do since drinking this tea. I make a large pitcher of it every couple of days.

It is interesting in that some movements or exercises are very hard while others are not. I certainly do not overdo any but stay within what I can do that does not bring on pain. I find that if I keep my arm generally closer to my body when doing an exercise I am better off. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I think it does depend on your age, the particular injury and the experience of the surgeon. My husband was fortunate to have an excellent surgeon. He was in his sixties and absolutely needed the surgeries and physical therapy. He is doing much better now.

Thanks MAYDAY~
I'm 59 and have torn tendons too.Sorry to hear your friend still has some issues.

My friend, 58, turned and tore something in his shoulder, tendons.. his young doctor had done surgeries alot, friend thinks he is the best in his area, had the repairs. He is still in pain... Don't know if he was diligent in physical therapy.. I guess that is the key to repair... He still has issues..Bernesecat seems to have the upperhand on this... Do Your Homework, find out who is on your insurance, and look again. do yor homework

Thank you Bernese and I'm so glad your shoulder finally got better.

Thanks Alva and NHWM~
I have had 2 opinions from 2 different surgeons,both saying the same.

Slightly more than 3 years ago, I dislocated my right shoulder in a nasty fall.
Several tears. I was 73 years old. The ER people told me I needed to see an orthopedist the next day to evaluate the ex-ray. The next day was a Friday and the designated MD went on a ski weekend telling me I should come back Monday. On Monday morning he called up and said he could see me on Tue.
I had a lot of pain. He hardly checked me out. Just ordered Physical therapy 3x per week. In the meantime, I checked out people who had surgery and what it would entail. A lot of controversy to operate at that age. By the time I found a surgeon, to go for the operation, (I also had another opinion - very important). He told me he would not operate because by now I had a frozen shoulder. So for the next 6 months I went to physical therapy and home exercises every day.
Then I saw enough of an improvement that maybe I did not need an operation.
The downside would have been being immobile, home bound for 6-8 weeks and all the rehab again. It took me 1,5 -2 years before I could say now I'm ok.
The shoulder will never be the same as before, but I have very good range of motion and only once in a while I get a painful reminder if I reach for something in an odd way. I'm back to doing yoga and running without fear. Swimming helped me the most (I only do breast strokes). But it took at least 6 months before I dared to try swimming. It depends a little on your age and who will take care of you when you are home bound. The Physical therapy is of utmost importance. Also, find a reputable surgeon who specializes in shoulders.
I wish you well !!!

My husband has had surgery on both shoulders. His were rotator cuff issues. Very painful before and after. The physical therapy after the surgery is tough but it helps tremendously. There wasn’t any way that my husband could have avoided surgery. He was in chronic pain.

I hope your situation improves. If your doctor is recommending surgery you most likely need it.

Every single case with shoulder surgery is unique because every injury is unique. But you are likely looking at about 6 weeks in a shoulder immobilizer and physical therapy for some time after that. Your best guide is the orthopedic surgeon and get two opinions if you are able. You really have little choice here.

Thanks cherokeegrrl~

I had hoped it would get better,but it's just not and I'm pretty miserable,so I guess I'm gonna have to face it.

I agree, i suffered for 18 looong months before i had shoulder surgery. It was very painful, just as dr said it would be, physical therapy was awful at first, but i kept at it and sure glad i did. That was 15 years ago and i have never had as much as a twinge in that shoulder and have complete ROM. Dont put it off if you are suffering,,,,,

Thanks Isthisrealyreal~

I know someone that had a rotator cuff surgery using cadaver stem cell and he had an amazing recovery, full range of motion restored in 4 weeks and fully recovered in same.

My mom has had 3 shoulder surgeries and got 95% range of motion restored and no ill issues.

Both say they wish they had not waited so long to have the surgery.

Best of luck and full recovery prayers for you.