Rotator Cuff surgery?
#7756010
12/27/22 08:20 PM
12/27/22 08:20 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
J.Morse
OP
trapper
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OP
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
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I am scheduled for surgery next month. Right shoulder has howled for several years. Ok, except for wisdom tooth removal, this late 60's fat guy has never been under the knife. What should I expect as far as recovery time, etc.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7756024
12/27/22 08:29 PM
12/27/22 08:29 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
N E Nebraska
sotired
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2011
N E Nebraska
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They make an ice machine that pumps iced water into a pad that you lay over your shoulder. If you can find one, get it. Ice will be your friend. Do not get behind on your pain pills or you will suffer. It will probably be easier sleeping in a recliner than the bed. If the recliner lever is on the same side as the surgery, you will not be able to put your feet down, and it can hold you prisoner. Trust me. Do the physical therepy, and on their schedule. If you try and show how much more you can do, you will suffer. Recovery can be a bear, but that first night you sleep in a bed, and realize that your sholder didn't ache, and you didn't have to keep rotating all night, it will all be worth it.
"Education, transportation, and communication, that's what ruined the world."
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7756054
12/27/22 08:51 PM
12/27/22 08:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
indiana
wamp
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
indiana
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Have had both done 14 to 16 week recovery back to work no restrictions. The key is do the physical therapy as they tell ya no more no less. Had major damage to right shoulder surgeon said be luck to have 80% usage and that is about what I have.
"Keep your traps free"
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7756055
12/27/22 08:52 PM
12/27/22 08:52 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
J.Morse
OP
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OP
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Northern Michigan
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Thanks for the input, folks. I am not looking forward to the post surgery recovery.
Rusty, no spurs.
My left shoulder is about 3-4 years behind the right. Oh boy.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: Crowfoot]
#7756162
12/27/22 10:27 PM
12/27/22 10:27 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Pa
coalminer
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Pa
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Had right done twice, a lot of truth in above. Second time had bicep tendon tore, they cut it, lost a lot of strength in my arm. Like they said learn to wipe left handed, sleep in recliner, it took me about 10 to 12 weeks to get semi normal. Good luck.
My heart belongs to my family. My body belongs to my work. My soul belongs to the woods.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7756200
12/27/22 11:02 PM
12/27/22 11:02 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
east central Minnesota
Maddog47
trapper
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Joined: Dec 2006
east central Minnesota
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Had my right shoulder done twice and my left shoulder once. Not a fun adventure. PT is overrated but just my opinion. In all honesty you will be in for a rough time but hopefully worth it in the end. Good luck and I hope you heal fast.
Peace is that brief glorious moment when everybody stands around reloading Thomas Jefferson
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: Maddog47]
#7756205
12/27/22 11:09 PM
12/27/22 11:09 PM
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Joined: May 2018
SW Georgia
Wanna Be
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trapper
Joined: May 2018
SW Georgia
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Had my right shoulder done twice and my left shoulder once. Not a fun adventure. PT is overrated but just my opinion. In all honesty you will be in for a rough time but hopefully worth it in the end. Good luck and I hope you heal fast. I wouldn’t have gotten my range of motion back if it wasn’t for that evil PT lady. She’s lucky she looked good cause there was several times I wanted throat punch her as hard as I could! But, she got my shoulder back to factory condition.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7764365
01/06/23 03:17 PM
01/06/23 03:17 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
HILLTOP TRAPPER
trapper
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Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
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going in thursday,not looking foward to it,will take the above advise
U GOTTA DO WHAT U GOTTA DO CAUSE IT IS WHAT IT IS....AINT NOTHIN WRONG WITH QUIET
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7764374
01/06/23 03:40 PM
01/06/23 03:40 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Belair MD
VictorD
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2016
Belair MD
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What everyone is saying is correct, take their advice ! . I had rotator, bone spurs, and re attach my bicep in June 2022. Have to admit, healing is some of the worse pain I every had. Especially if you accidently drop something and flinch with your bad arm!!!! They should offer you a nerve block before the surgery. TAKE IT !!! You will have no pain until it wears off. Mine wore off that night at 2:32 am. You will see why I remember the time. Make sure they give you the right pain meds. You will need them. Mine were weak so the upped them and I still needed to double up. Just be careful. Drink Metamucil while on pain meds it will help. They should give you a shoulder harness to hold the ice packs they give you. Ice really helps. You will need to sleep sitting up. If you don't own a recliner, buy one. Buy slip on shoes, you won't be able to tie your shoes. Also buy a very large T shirt or shirt, this way when they send you home form the surgery you can put it over the sling and only put your one arm through the arm hole. Make sure to wear your sling and I strapped my arm down. I wasn't one to just sit and take it easy. But, the doctor told me stories of people falling and putting their arm down the break the fall. You can image what this would do to your arm. I didn't want that to happen to me, and it almost did, I took my son bow fishing (I know, I know, my wife yelled at me enough) I did fall on my face but my shoulder was fine because I strapped my arm down. Once you get a full night sleep without that pain you will be happy you did it. Good Luck
Last edited by VictorD; 01/06/23 03:43 PM.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: HILLTOP TRAPPER]
#7764376
01/06/23 03:46 PM
01/06/23 03:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2022
Eastern W by God V
Crowfoot
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2022
Eastern W by God V
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going in thursday,not looking foward to it,will take the above advise Wishing you the best. I go Mon for my last shot ..... then comes the knife. I'll be thinking of ya, we're in the same boat !
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7764579
01/06/23 07:25 PM
01/06/23 07:25 PM
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Joined: Sep 2014
adk foothills
trapper red 315
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2014
adk foothills
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2015 had my right shoulder done. What's been told to you is spot on. Ain't no he-man after you wake up from the surgery and the initial pain meds wear off, Because of my cdl license, the doc put me on a codeine oxytocin mix. Great stuff but just took the edge off. Sleep sitting up, everytime you can, sleeping is healing
I do not recognize the biden/harris administration as legal
18 speeds on 18 wheels
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7776611
01/19/23 04:43 PM
01/19/23 04:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
HILLTOP TRAPPER
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
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well that sucked,at about a week after surgery now and its not to bad,pain wise,start pt in a week,after the blocker wore off the next day it was absolutely horrible,but i had more damage than they first thought,i quit taking the meds(percoset) cause they mess up your stomach(BMs)so now i just take ibuprophen and deal with it.im no (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) when it comes to pain,heck ive been working for a year since my accident,but that day after was horrible.just a little update.my doctor said everything went great and itll be fine after healup,they even took care of some arthitis while they were in there so thats good too.tight chains eveyone
U GOTTA DO WHAT U GOTTA DO CAUSE IT IS WHAT IT IS....AINT NOTHIN WRONG WITH QUIET
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7776854
01/19/23 09:40 PM
01/19/23 09:40 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Omro, Wisconsin
Cooncuff
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Joined: Dec 2006
Omro, Wisconsin
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Ah, PT Funny how a 1 pound weight can kick your butt.....I had one exercise they called start the lawn mower which was a bugger but seriously Do the Home PT, it will help a lot in the long run....Best of Luck
In youth we learn, In age we Understand.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7789968
02/03/23 12:50 PM
02/03/23 12:50 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
HILLTOP TRAPPER
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
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hey jmorse and crowfoot how ya doing,ive been wondering about you guys,im about 18 days past surgery and the pain is getting less each day,but still throbs prettybad sometimes,been going to work periodically,pretty much just to answer phone and deal with customers.just curious how you all are surviving the pain
U GOTTA DO WHAT U GOTTA DO CAUSE IT IS WHAT IT IS....AINT NOTHIN WRONG WITH QUIET
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7789987
02/03/23 01:18 PM
02/03/23 01:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2014
PA
Marathon
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2014
PA
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Just had mine done Jan 23. Yup...3 days of pain, then it subsided a lot. I didn't take many of the narcotics, but used lots of ibuprofen and lots of ice. Reducing inflammation is the key to pain reduction. Mine was a complete tear with retraction, but doc told me he got it attached where it should be. Mine is dominant hand, so I practiced things left handed before surgery. Last night was the first night I could sleep in a bed somewhat. Today is my first day of PT. Gonna hurt I'm sure.
Last edited by Marathon; 02/03/23 01:26 PM.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7790121
02/03/23 04:23 PM
02/03/23 04:23 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
J.Morse
OP
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OP
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
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Well folks, I went to the hospital last Monday. Arrived about 20 of 6 am and was ushered right in. I had the usual pep talk from the doctor and anesthesiologist people, then got what was called a nerve block shot in my shoulder. It went downhill swiftly after that. The nerve block was great......my shoulder quit hurting and my arm was basically dead. The downhill part was the danged shot also deadened half of my diaphragm and I went into some scary respiratory arrest crap! I quite literally thought I was on my way out. My diaphragm would spasm if I tried to take a less than shallow breath, plus my lower right ribcage felt like it was being torn to pieces at the same time. As a result, I nearly blacked out before they got me in a position that allowed me to take a breath without severe pain. Needless to say, the surgery was postponed until this Monday. The doctor says he can use some other method of numbing my shoulder and I should do fine. I am NOT looking forward to going back! Buk buk buk buk buk buk!!
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7790136
02/03/23 04:36 PM
02/03/23 04:36 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
HILLTOP TRAPPER
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
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thats scary jmorse,the dead arm thing was weird,but no pain for a little while,i sure hope it goes better for you next time around,i would not look forward to going back again either.GOOD LUCK
U GOTTA DO WHAT U GOTTA DO CAUSE IT IS WHAT IT IS....AINT NOTHIN WRONG WITH QUIET
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7799330
02/15/23 04:57 PM
02/15/23 04:57 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
J.Morse
OP
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OP
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
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Update: I am now a rotator cuff surgery survivor! I was quite nervous, as you can imagine, when I went back to the Traverse City hospital for the sawbones to do his thing. It went very well.....I didn't cry, scream, or shove anybody coming out from being knocked out. I was, however, kept overnight and not sprung till the following afternoon. This arm sling is a royal pain, as is doing everything else one handed. My pain has been minor, in fact, it was worse pre-surgery. One thing I am fighting, that I believe is from sleeping propped up, is a real hard bit of sciatica in my right leg. That crap is worse than the shoulder pain ever was. I have suspected for years that I am a candya++, but it is now confirmed! I eat way more pain meds for the sciatic nerve than for the shoulder. Can't wait to be shed of the dadgum sling.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7799399
02/15/23 06:34 PM
02/15/23 06:34 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
HILLTOP TRAPPER
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2009
MINN
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glad you came out ok,as far as the arm sling,at my first pt session i asked the guy about the sling and he said i dont have to use it all the time,mainly its for not doing something dumb with that arm.im a month out now and i dont wear the sling at all around the house anymore.but as soon as i go out the door it goes on.he did say there are 4 differant cuff surgerys so that could make a difference?mornings are the worst for me but once i get going the pain goes away.im back at work only doing things that i can do left handed,and i wear the sling alot at work.i'm quite amazed at how proficient ive become with my non dominant hand,anyhow one thing for sure is do your pt at home as prescribed i try to push it a little more,BUT not too much,good luck
U GOTTA DO WHAT U GOTTA DO CAUSE IT IS WHAT IT IS....AINT NOTHIN WRONG WITH QUIET
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7799952
02/16/23 12:53 PM
02/16/23 12:53 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
Trapper7
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
MN, Land of 10,000 Lakes
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I ran into my wife's Tahoe with my ATV (it's a long story) going about 15mph. I broke my nose and after a MRI found I tore my left rotator cuff. I can still use my left arm, just can't lift it over my head without peeing my pants. After hearing some horror stories from several people who've had the surgery, I decided I can live with the pain and don't need to raise my arm over my head. The ones I spoke to all say the PT is the worst part because it's painful and takes a long time.
When us older people say, "Enjoy them while they're young." We are talking about our hips and knees, not our kids.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: Trapper7]
#7800061
02/16/23 03:43 PM
02/16/23 03:43 PM
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Joined: Jan 2022
Eastern W by God V
Crowfoot
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2022
Eastern W by God V
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I ran into my wife's Tahoe with my ATV (it's a long story) going about 15mph. I broke my nose and after a MRI found I tore my left rotator cuff. I can still use my left arm, just can't lift it over my head without peeing my pants. After hearing some horror stories from several people who've had the surgery, I decided I can live with the pain and don't need to raise my arm over my head. The ones I spoke to all say the PT is the worst part because it's painful and takes a long time. Its all about your quality of life ..... however much you may have left. If all you plan to do is scratch you a s s with one hand and pick your nose with the other, you're good to go. Some folks get along just fine with one arm completely removed. You got this. 
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7800660
02/17/23 10:20 AM
02/17/23 10:20 AM
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
J.Morse
OP
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OP
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
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Thanks folks. I am actually pleased with the near lack of shoulder pain post-op. I'm thinking that is a good thing!
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: J.Morse]
#7858751
05/03/23 06:14 PM
05/03/23 06:14 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
J.Morse
OP
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OP
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Northern Michigan
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UPDATE! I have been doing PT now for 5 1/2 weeks since removing the arm sling/brace thing. My arm still aches, mostly at night, but I sleep on my right side 99% of the night. The PT girls say I'm doing "awesome" as far as range of motion is concerned. We are now doing strengthening exercises more than stretching exercises. I hope to be able to use a chainsaw by July, then, this fall I intend to drag a bull Moose out of the Newfoundland bush single handedly! Ok, the guide will likely do it with an Argo.
Last edited by J.Morse; 05/03/23 06:16 PM.
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Re: Rotator Cuff surgery?
[Re: midlander]
#7859582
05/04/23 09:19 PM
05/04/23 09:19 PM
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
J.Morse
OP
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OP
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Joined: May 2013
Northern Michigan
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Great to hear you are on the mend....and envious of your upcoming moose trip...! Hope to see some pics upon your return Thank you, Midlander. If I luck out and fill my Moose tag you'll hear me hollering clear back here!
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