I had a nerve block twice. The first was an injection at the base of my neck. Lasted about 24 hrs. The next was a long needle inserted in the OR and it was attached to a bag of meds. Wife pulled the needle out when ag was dry. Both worked for the first day.

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.

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

thats great news , now do what the pt say to do ,

Dang you guys are bad luck. I just got home from urgent care a little while ago after hurting my shoulder working with a bull this this afternoon and the diagnosis is a suspected tear to the rotator cuff. First time in the left shoulder, have torn the right one a couple times. Never a complete tear just partials but they are not fun. Have to follow up with the ortho to confirm and treat, but having been here before I think they are right.

Sounds like you had a very good outcome with the surgery, now it is up to you and your PT person to make sure you optimize your recovery and get the best results possible. I don't know how bad your cuff was before your surgery but I went through several months of much limited usage with pain before I had surgery. Recovery can seem slow but remember you are recovering and getting stronger and more motion range every day, instead of going backwards every day.

Bryce

Hope the recovery keeps going well Jan.

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.

The ice water machine is called a Polar Cube. You can find them used on eBay.

Ask about a pain block. Different types but they last 24 hours.

Sleeping in a recliner will be more comfortable. Maybe the first week or two.

Be careful what you lift even with your good side. Every rule you break during the day will come back to haunt you at bedtime. Trust me. Had this surgery four times.

Thanks folks. I am actually pleased with the near lack of shoulder pain post-op. I'm thinking that is a good thing!

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.

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!