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.

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.

practice wiping left handed....sucks lol

Had it done last December Do as your told but PT ain’t the fixer they want you to believe I would have resistance PT and for 3 days couldn’t even move me fingers let alone raise my arm ! Use your head but don’t expect a quick recovery. Then if it does your set. Took about 6-7 MONTHS to get full range back The pulley exercises are the must do’s. Ice is king . You will know when you’ve over done it

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.

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.

Agree with everything above....

Day One will go good as the numbing from the surgery will carry you through.....

Day Two sucks! That was the day I was happy for the pain meds, but I still didn't think they were enough......

I did PT for four-five months.........surgeon thought it should be six or more to be safe, PT guys says three months. Glad I went longer.....

In the end, as I approached this, I talked to A LOT of guys (mostly trappers) who've had this procedure done, and I was SHOCKED at the number that said they did NOT do things right and tore it again.......

I really took that to heart and truly believe, nearly two years later, that my movement and strength on that side is 99%........

Unfortunately, I am getting hints from my body that now the other side is possibly looking for a similar surgery.........ugh!

MZ

Follow Doc and PT’s instructions to a T…no more, no less. If you don’t leave PT in a sweat and tears, find another PT. Expect to be back to normal in 5 months. My left shoulder is the bomb now, really need it on my right shoulder but I figure when I can’t pull my bow back anymore I’ll get it done.
Again, follow orders to a T!!
And check with your insurance about the ice machine and chair. They have a chair that will come programmed that automatically raises your arm for you before you even start PT.

Lleft shoulder done in 2007 after sliding off a culvert and hitting the cement embankment. Rotator torn, bone spurs and attaching a ligiment. All went well. I second the ice machine. I had a huge problem with only 1 Ocycotan so never took anymore. PT went very well. Did not drive for 3 weeks. PT was 8-10 sessions. They want you to get 100% range of motion so they concentrate on stretching and not strength building The theropist told me if you don't get full range of motion you won't get strength. I listened. I had the surgery in March. I got full range of motion by August and it was October of the next fall before I could lift a 40 lbs. bag of dog food with that arm and toss it in the truck. It did get stronger. Glad a followed the directions and listened well.

Bryce

Wife had both hers done, anchors gave out on left shoulder, looking at another repair. Has to undergo SC joint repair in Mayo first, 6-9 month recovery from that. Do your therapy, ice, ice, ice, and pain meds.

Jeeeesh ! perfect timing OP.
I get the process rolling very soon too.
NOT looking fwd to it, but hope all is well when it all over.
Spurs and "frayed" ....... whatever that is.
Several shots over the past couple years, last a little less each time now but DO work wonders .... temporarily.
Good luck OP, and thanks for the others notes !

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.

Late 60’s is going to be longer recovery time, but my tip for therapy is this. You want the biggest, meanest looking due in the joint, because being hurt will be good for progress.

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.

I have had four rotator surgeries, two per side. Do the PT as directed, although it can be different every time.

I suggest sleeping in a recliner the first few weeks. I also found that the cheapest pharmacy nylon sling provided more comfort than the very expensive ones you come out of surgery with. My favorite sling probable cost less than $10.

Be careful when you walk or climb stairs. You do not want to have to catch yourself. Should you trip and fall, wrap your arms around your chest. Do not extend you arms to catch yourself.

Remember your PT exercises and do then a few times per week whenever you sense discomfort in your shoulder, neck, or arms.

Only use a surgeon who operates with laparoscopic procedures. Do not allow an old fashion surgeon to cut you open. Been there, done that, there is a big difference.

Save your pain pills for the very worst days. Keep a few on hand for emergencies.

PM me if you have questions.

Thank you again folks, I appreciate all the input. Sounds like it's gunna suck.

I go in on Saturday for a MRI, might be next step for me, 44yrs old and dont remember hurting it, had it injected once

Everything said above is sound advice. I would add that since you're going to be on pain meds get on a stool "softner" BEFORE surgery and continue on it until you're off the pain meds Some people really plug up on the pain meds.
Good Luck.

going in thursday,not looking foward to it,will take the above advise