I'm at 6 weeks today. This journey has been a huge adjustment to be dependent. Healing process is not only physical but mentally as well. It's hard for me to "let my arm go" to have the therapist perform the stretches. It's not easy. But very helpful. Pain is tolerable. Yes yes yes.... everyone heals differently. I have the same pain as you do at 6 weeks. Thank you for sharing
Hi Darcia. I started watching your videos on rotator cuff surgery. I am waiting to have my surgery soon after my clearance from my cardiology is finished. I will continue to follow you , as I am learning so much. No one gave me instructions on what to expect before during or after surgery yet. Your a big help as its he.ping me get prepared before surgery. I sure don't want to be out shopping for all the things I'm going to need after surgery. I love you little beanie that you wear, may I ask where 🤔 i could find one. Thank you.❤
Thank you, for posting this video - I am having rotator cuff and bicep repair coming up and am so nervous about it. I’ve put this off for way too long and it has caused significant damage. Looking back,, I would have done things so differently. Just praying that I will have a great outcome . God Bless and keep making videos 😊
@@DarciaDarcy I am now 10 weeks out and beginning to get scared. I can only lift my arm up the same as you in your video, although assisted my arm can go pretty much straight up. At about 8 weeks my PT had me doing the exercises that you showed, but with 2 lb weights. Most times, it really hurt and I still cannot tough the top of my head or blow my hair dry with my arm. It's my dominate arm . Any suggestions?
Recovery is really hard. Have you asked your PT what they feel is happening? If they feel like your recovery is normal, then it might be okay. 10 weeks is not very long after surgery and it’s common to still have almost no strength. I hope that helps and that you will heal well. Thank you for the comment.
Thanks for your informative post-surgery report. I'm on day eleven after shoulder surgery and bicep tenodesis. I started physical therapy seven days after the surgery date and the plan is to discontinue the arm sling after four weeks. I have no pain at all during the day, so I have to consciously avoid using the arm to pick up or hold heavy objects. At the same time, trying the sleep at night is very difficult because of pain in the 5-6 range. I have tried many suggestions from RUclipsrs and from my physical therapist, but nothing has really worked to eliminate the night pain. Overall the healing process is going well and the medical system has been very effective and supportive.
@@SuperHowyalikemenow Right, no pain during waking hours, but plenty of pain when lying down at night. Now that 19 months have passed since the surgery, it's as if I never had a shoulder problem. I do pull-ups every day and regularly lift heavy objects. Physical therapy is the key to a successful recovery. Do the exercises without missing a day and the recovery will be good.
Thank you so much! I am 3 weeks post op from rotator cuff surgery. I'm doing really good so far. I had surgery Nov. 9th started physical therapy on the 12th. This was my 2nd surgery also. The first time they removed Spurs.. which I didn't do physical therapy until I was like 6 weeks post op then. But I believe the sooner they get you in to do therapy on you the better off you are.
Great video! I’m at beginning of week 6; see the Doc next week. I dislocated my shoulder so I had three weeks of pre-op PT that I think has helped my recovery. Thank you so much for your help in moving through this process.
I’m 6 weeks as of yesterday….. and I feel like a failure cuz I can’t lift my arm to the side but ive been moving it at 10 days front and back. And doc said my rom front and back are good I can raise to the front pretty dang close to like putting my hand up to ask a question…… back I feel no pain just pressure and can lift not as far as the front but she said it was good…. Side lift however that way hurts like crazy….. and the incision pain I have that as well and my doctor said after the 6th week you will notice it go away. As for sleeping without the sling. I started 2 days ago lol before my appointment anyway I took 5 king size pillows took the blanket (I’m a side sleeper) rolled up in the blanket 🌮 put a nice thick pillow in front of me a thick one behind two head ones cuz you can’t lay flat hurts way to much, laid down on my side put a pretty flat pillow under my elbow and for me it felt the best to hold my fingers up under my chin pillow under the hand….. no matter how you sleep you’re gonna wake up in pain but this way I found the sleep I did get was cozy and I wasn’t as miserable once I found this sleep position.
I have voiced my concern especially, after the PA made the comment about the 12 week mark usually being the marker for the range of motion. I questioned me using all the weights since it was really making me sore and a lot of them were painful. She told me to just back off of them and if I wanted I could just not come for PT for a couple weeks but continue to do the exercises at home. Monday, I’m going to try and make an appointment with my surgeon asap and get his opinion. I have an appointment with him at 4 months, but don’t want to wait that long before showing him my rom.
im 10 days out rotator cuff repair, bicep repair and arthritis removal AC joint... thanks so much for your videos they have been immensley helpful and encouraging. Best wishes and God bless! (and you are lovely!)
Coming up on my 4th week post-op surgery Darcia. Thank you for letting me know what to expect when I see my Dr. at 6 weeks. I been to physical therapy twice a week since surgery. my 1st visit to physical therapy was the day after surgery. Thank you for all the information and look forward to watching you progress. Take care !
Thank you! Wow, 4 weeks! You will hopefully get your sling off soon! Keep going! The hardest is already behind you (I think!). 😀 I’m glad you watched and liked my video. It’s hard going through surgery and not know what to expect. Also, thank you for the encouragement to post another update video on my shoulder. 😀
I am almost 4 weeks postop from my rotator cuff surgery. I also had a bicep repair. And when I go to physical therapy when they first stretch you out is the most painful thing I have experienced. But he feels it’s necessary to get through that pain. It has to be done. And my doctor told me physical therapy will be painful. I just hope that in the next two weeks it will improve to the point where I won’t have to wear my sling anymore. So far I have six more physical therapy visits to go. The one thing that bothers me the most is trying to sleep with my sling. Unfortunately I wound up staying awake for the whole evening and then I get to the point where I am exhausted and then I fall asleep like 6 AM.
That sounds really rough, I’m sorry. I remember a few nights where I loosened my sling just a bit since I just couldn’t sleep with it tight. It’s hard to get through this time. I hope you’ll get healed up well and soon.
Thank you Darcia my husband is on his 2nd rotor cuff surgery repair as well he's now in physical therapy 3 times a week thank you for the at home exercise tips
Thank you for these videos! They are great! I am 4 days PO bicep and rotator cuff repair. Looking forward to watching these as I need them. BTW- your lashes are great! What brand are they?
Thank you. My shoulder is much better than before surgery. It can still get sore if I overdo it, but it’s healed really well. Best to you as you have surgery and recover!
Thank you for your video I’m in my second week and have started pt last Monday I have two questions At 6 weeks will I be able to wear regular pants that zip and button or will I still need to wear sweats? Also did the dr tell you how long you’ll have to wear your sling when you go out in public? I’d love to chat with you. Best of luck in your recovery
Hi there! Hope your recovery is going well! When you are able to take your sling off may dictate when you can button and zip your pants, since you may be approved to use your arm a little more by then. It just depends on how strong you are and what your doctor and PT are telling you. I wore my sling all the time, not just when in public. My first surgery I wore it for 6 weeks, but my second surgery I had to wear it about 8 weeks since it was a repair and higher risk. Hope that helps!
@@DarciaDarcy Thank you for your reply I think what I was asking was, after you sling comes off after six weeks and you have it off in your home, but your Dr said to continue to wear it when you go out, how long will that continue for until you don’t need to wear it out in public?
Hi, once I took my sling off, I didn’t wear it at all, at home or in private. If my arm became VERY fatigued then I would sometimes put it on for a little bit. I followed the advice of my doctor though, and that’s what they said. I think I’d say to do whatever your doctor says. Hope that helps!
I am 5 weeks post op and first visit to ortho is next week. Thanks for the video and the heads up. I’m supposed to wear the arm brace for 6 weeks 23 hours/day but have started not wearing it if I’m just sitting working at my computer or watching TV. Anxious to get going with PT.
@@michellejohnson8253 my OT ( I MISS understood) and was only doing my therapy 2x a week, when she wanted me to do therapy 5x a day, so I was so stiff, I should have been started 2 weeks after my surgery, just keep moving and follow pt ( a good one)
Thanks for the helpful video. I am four weeks post surgery and was wondering if you know how you retore yours the first time? I accidentally tried to open the fridge with my operated arm the other day and I’m scared of retearing mine too or ruining the repair :s
Oh dear…I was told to not use my repaired arm for MONTHS after my surgery, and definitely not AT ALL when I was still wearing my sling. I hope your shoulder is okay. I’d just keep resting it, icing it…all the things. If you notice during PT that you have noticeable weakness or pain I would seek professional advice. Best wishes as you heal.
@@DarciaDarcy thanks so much for your response and the great content! Glad to say that my PT thinks all is okay. All the best and I hope your shoulder is still holding up well!
I am almost week 8, the last week in the sling the pain was not bad, I was taking proscription naproxen almost very day and heating pad as soon as I got up, but week 6 and that sling came off the next 5-7 days was more like week 3. Bad night sleeps, back to norcos , pain in my fingers and swelling in the shoulder. Started PT at week 7 and do not have that range motion, I use a ‘normal’ sling when I go out just to stop me from doing anything dumb. Every little bit of ‘odd’ pain I am thinking ‘Oh Sh!t’. It is not a day to day you feel better but every week you feel a little better with some extra pain here and there.
I had surgery yesterday. And without your videos I wouldn’t be able to put a shirt on and many other things. The only benefit I have is it was not my dominant arm.
@@DarciaDarcy That’s really unfortunate I’m constantly worried about re tearing my shoulder, I have my 6 weeks check with surgeon in two days so hopefully all ok . Can’t wait to sling the sling 😂 all the best 👍
Thank you for this post. I’m six weeks out for a 4cm rotator cuff repair surgery with graft from a 1998 skiing injury/tear. May I ask how you re-injured your shoulder from the first surgery. I’m very active and my concern is trying to do too much too soon. Thank you very much for reading and answering my comment. Your video was very helpful/informative, especially the exercises at the end which are some of the ones I currently just started. Thank you!
I’m honestly unsure of how it retore. Surgeon‘s guess was immediately post op the first time before it had had a chance to “take” but I don’t know for certain. I have gone SO much easier the second time around. I really pushed myself to do things the first time and looking back I don’t recommend that. As long as you do your exercises from PT, you should recover and it’s okay to go slow. You will get there eventually.
@@DarciaDarcy Thanks so much for your quick response. That’s my concern about pushing too fast and being impatient regarding progress & recovery - my therapist always reminds to just to his recommended PT and not anything crazy. Your videos and advice have been very valuable to me during this recovery process. Best wishes to you !!!
Here in the U.K. the drs won’t do anything because it’s a torn rotator cuff injury from years ago and even though I’ve fallen since then and the pains come back 100% worse then before and I can’t even open a door lift shampoo bottles tie my hair up put arm behind my back or above my head stuff like that they still won’t help at all I guess I’m stuck with the pain and inability to move my arm I can’t even afford to go private it’s been like it for 3 weeks now 😭😭😭
I hope that this is just a flair and will settle back down soon! I’m sorry that medical care feels inaccessible. That must feel helpless and I’m sorry. I hope you feel better soon, and thank you for stopping by my channel.
I was just wondering why you needed to have the surgery done a second time?. I am now four weeks postop and I went for my first PT as per the doctor’s request. (To wait till four weeks to start PT). I’m so afraid of some thing tearing again that I’m reluctant to do any movement. And yet there are people doing a lot more than I am at four weeks. It’s very confusing
I can totally relate. I followed the advice of my PT’s and hoped for the best. I didn’t use my arm at all though (except for pendulum swings) till my sling came off.
How is your shoulder now? How far out of surgery are you? I’m 6 weeks. I took my sling off at 2 weeks, but kept it quiet and still. Hopefully, you’re doing well
I am at the beginning of this rotator cuff tear.. dr thinks it is torn and starting PT twice a week for 6 weeks... had pain and aching in right arm and definitely no full range of motion with out pain. Limited mobility with it and sleeping is so painful... will still need an MRI and surgery is likely. I am so scared I will never be the same as before this injury 🥲🥲
Hi i had surgery on my shoulder and this is my day 6 recovery is it normal for my arm to fill a lil stiff and lil swollen a some pain is it normal I still able to do my home arm exercises but a lil worried
Yes. Day 6 is still very much recent post-op. Take it easy and don’t do ANYTHING with your arm unless expressly stated by your surgeon. Taking it slowly is hard, but hang in there. Best wishes to you as you heal.
A&D ointment, Vaseline, or vitamin E oil. And always keep them covered to the sun. I didn’t put anything on them until they had completely closed up though and stitches were removed.
I had surgery six weeks ago- you can use Luxamend which is for scaring and I'm using something called Rhofade which is for redness. Both I got from my dermatologist.
Quick question.... anyone who's had this surgery... did your surgeon have you do preoperative testing? I'm supposed to have this surgery however I'm a little concerned about the competency of my surgeon, he never had me do any preoperative testing.
@Darcia Darcy at my 60 years of age, I've had multiple different surgeries from cystoscopy, cataracts, kidney stone etc.. to more complex surgeries and my surgeons have always at the very least requested preoperative bloodwork, if not in addition chest xray and ekg. I'm supposed to be having rotator cuff surgery debridment of calcium tendinitis. This was put on hold because my past bloodwork showed a drop in my hemoglobin, however this was detected by my primary care throughout several blood draws in previous months, had I not mentioned this to the surgery center they would've never known about this issue, had the surgeon requested the preoperative bloodwork he would've found this out for himself and he should've halted the procedure, this is my concern
That makes sense and I would be concerned too! I unfortunately don’t think that it’s standard for many surgeries to ask these questions or ask for blood tests. At least at the hospital system I work with (and from personal surgery history). Additionally, unless patients specifically ask for tests to be done, if it’s not standard practice, they aren’t supposed to order the tests. It’s unfortunate! You should always advocate for yourself, and it sounds kine you’re doing this. Best wishes on your procedure and with healing!
I believe it really depends on what type of repair is done. I had a large tear and really wasn't at this level until about 3 months and that was with PT from week one. I also developed wrist and finger pain from week 6. I'm not glad you did Darcia but I appreciate your videos of your experience with this tough surgery.
I think it’s important to find one that comes highly rated for shoulders. I had a PT that hurt every time I had an appointment. Then my most recent PT was pain free. You don’t have to settle for one that hurts. Keep asking who’s good and try them out.
@@DarciaDarcy Oh I have one that's good they helped my husband when he had hip replacement surgery they do all types of physical therapy . I was wondering what to expect pain wise difficulty etc . I really appreciate your help I know I ask a lot of questions but I'm so scared of what's going to happen . What did they have you do for physical therapy ? They were very nice and helpful with husband they were patient and made sure he was comfortable .
That’s tough! I would anchor the strap with my surgery hand without moving my arm and then I would then hook it with my other hand. I would have to do it really loose though. Or wear a loose-fitting sports bra that I could shimmy into from the hips up. Good luck!
I didn’t drive much that first month. And definitely not till I had stopped taking narcotics. I just didn’t want to be liable for an accident if I didn’t have a working arm. Maybe that was irrational, but that was my motivation. ☺️ When I started driving, I didn’t use my operative arm almost at all. I didn’t want to put any torque on my shoulder.
I'm at 6 weeks today. This journey has been a huge adjustment to be dependent. Healing process is not only physical but mentally as well. It's hard for me to "let my arm go" to have the therapist perform the stretches. It's not easy. But very helpful.
Pain is tolerable. Yes yes yes.... everyone heals differently.
I have the same pain as you do at 6 weeks.
Thank you for sharing
Hi Darcia. I started watching your videos on rotator cuff surgery. I am waiting to have my surgery soon after my clearance from my cardiology is finished. I will continue to follow you , as I am learning so much. No one gave me instructions on what to expect before during or after surgery yet. Your a big help as its he.ping me get prepared before surgery. I sure don't want to be out shopping for all the things I'm going to need after surgery.
I love you little beanie that you wear, may I ask where 🤔 i could find one. Thank you.❤
I'm 6 weeks post op and I really appreciated hearing about your experience. Thanks for posting. Good luck with your healing.
I’m so glad it was helpful. Best to you as you recover.
BEST video I've found yet. Thanks so much!
You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching!
Wow, this was great!!!❤ thank you!! This was better than any physical therapy video
Wow, thank you! I’m so glad it was helpful for you!
Thank you, for posting this video - I am having rotator cuff and bicep repair coming up and am so nervous about it. I’ve put this off for way too long and it has caused significant damage. Looking back,, I would have done things so differently. Just praying that I will have a great outcome . God Bless and keep making videos 😊
Best wishes for a successful surgery and recovery. Thank you for the positive feedback.
@@DarciaDarcy I am now 10 weeks out and beginning to get scared. I can only lift my arm up the same as you in your video, although assisted my arm can go pretty much straight up. At about 8 weeks my PT had me doing the exercises that you showed, but with 2 lb weights. Most times, it really hurt and I still cannot tough the top of my head or blow my hair dry with my arm. It's my dominate arm . Any suggestions?
Recovery is really hard. Have you asked your PT what they feel is happening? If they feel like your recovery is normal, then it might be okay. 10 weeks is not very long after surgery and it’s common to still have almost no strength. I hope that helps and that you will heal well. Thank you for the comment.
Alvin I’m 3 weeks out with the same surgery and the same arm 🥺 it’s been rough.... thanks for sharing .
Thanks for your informative post-surgery report. I'm on day eleven after shoulder surgery and bicep tenodesis. I started physical therapy seven days after the surgery date and the plan is to discontinue the arm sling after four weeks. I have no pain at all during the day, so I have to consciously avoid using the arm to pick up or hold heavy objects. At the same time, trying the sleep at night is very difficult because of pain in the 5-6 range. I have tried many suggestions from RUclipsrs and from my physical therapist, but nothing has really worked to eliminate the night pain. Overall the healing process is going well and the medical system has been very effective and supportive.
Best wishes on your recovery!
WOW!!! no pain at 7 days...???
@@SuperHowyalikemenow Right, no pain during waking hours, but plenty of pain when lying down at night. Now that 19 months have passed since the surgery, it's as if I never had a shoulder problem. I do pull-ups every day and regularly lift heavy objects. Physical therapy is the key to a successful recovery. Do the exercises without missing a day and the recovery will be good.
Thank you so much! I am 3 weeks post op from rotator cuff surgery. I'm doing really good so far. I had surgery Nov. 9th started physical therapy on the 12th. This was my 2nd surgery also. The first time they removed Spurs.. which I didn't do physical therapy until I was like 6 weeks post op then. But I believe the sooner they get you in to do therapy on you the better off you are.
Get well soon!
Great video! I’m at beginning of week 6; see the Doc next week. I dislocated my shoulder so I had three weeks of pre-op PT that I think has helped my recovery. Thank you so much for your help in moving through this process.
I’m 6 weeks as of yesterday….. and I feel like a failure cuz I can’t lift my arm to the side but ive been moving it at 10 days front and back. And doc said my rom front and back are good I can raise to the front pretty dang close to like putting my hand up to ask a question…… back I feel no pain just pressure and can lift not as far as the front but she said it was good…. Side lift however that way hurts like crazy….. and the incision pain I have that as well and my doctor said after the 6th week you will notice it go away. As for sleeping without the sling. I started 2 days ago lol before my appointment anyway I took 5 king size pillows took the blanket (I’m a side sleeper) rolled up in the blanket 🌮 put a nice thick pillow in front of me a thick one behind two head ones cuz you can’t lay flat hurts way to much, laid down on my side put a pretty flat pillow under my elbow and for me it felt the best to hold my fingers up under my chin pillow under the hand….. no matter how you sleep you’re gonna wake up in pain but this way I found the sleep I did get was cozy and I wasn’t as miserable once I found this sleep position.
Hi! It took about a year to get the all-clear from doctors, PT, etc. but I went back to work about 4-5 months after surgery.
I am right at 6 weeks, rotator cuff and bicep tenonessis.Im getting there ,take care!
I have voiced my concern especially, after the PA made the comment about the 12 week mark usually being the marker for the range of motion. I questioned me using all the weights since it was really making me sore and a lot of them were painful. She told me to just back off of them and if I wanted I could just not come for PT for a couple weeks but continue to do the exercises at home.
Monday, I’m going to try and make an appointment with my surgeon asap and get his opinion. I have an appointment with him at 4 months, but don’t want to wait that long before showing him my rom.
im 10 days out rotator cuff repair, bicep repair and arthritis removal AC joint... thanks so much for your videos they have been immensley helpful and encouraging. Best wishes and God bless! (and you are lovely!)
Thank you! And best wishes for a full recovery!
Coming up on my 4th week post-op surgery Darcia. Thank you for letting me know what to expect when I see my Dr. at 6 weeks. I been to physical therapy twice a week since surgery. my 1st visit to physical therapy was the day after surgery. Thank you for all the information and look forward to watching you progress. Take care !
Thank you! Wow, 4 weeks! You will hopefully get your sling off soon! Keep going! The hardest is already behind you (I think!). 😀 I’m glad you watched and liked my video. It’s hard going through surgery and not know what to expect. Also, thank you for the encouragement to post another update video on my shoulder. 😀
Having surgery soon this is helpful
Thanks! Also your skin is beautiful you should do a video on your skincare routine !!!!!
Wow, thank you! 😊
Just came across your video, so so helpful!! I hope your doing well!! Thank you!
Thank you. I’m doing very well. I’m glad you watched and it was helpful!
I am almost 4 weeks postop from my rotator cuff surgery. I also had a bicep repair. And when I go to physical therapy when they first stretch you out is the most painful thing I have experienced. But he feels it’s necessary to get through that pain. It has to be done. And my doctor told me physical therapy will be painful. I just hope that in the next two weeks it will improve to the point where I won’t have to wear my sling anymore. So far I have six more physical therapy visits to go. The one thing that bothers me the most is trying to sleep with my sling. Unfortunately I wound up staying awake for the whole evening and then I get to the point where I am exhausted and then I fall asleep like 6 AM.
That sounds really rough, I’m sorry. I remember a few nights where I loosened my sling just a bit since I just couldn’t sleep with it tight. It’s hard to get through this time. I hope you’ll get healed up well and soon.
Thank you Darcia my husband is on his 2nd rotor cuff surgery repair as well he's now in physical therapy 3 times a week thank you for the at home exercise tips
You’re welcome, I’m so glad they were helpful and I hope your husband heals really well!
Why dod he need 2 repairs? The first didn't work?
Great video , may I ask how you re tore your Rotator Cuff?
Check up is tomorrow and I can't wait. Thanks for the info great video
You’re welcome! Thank you for watching!
Thank you for these videos! They are great! I am 4 days PO bicep and rotator cuff repair. Looking forward to watching these as I need them. BTW- your lashes are great! What brand are they?
Thank you! As for the lashes, I always get Kiss lashes. Best wishes as you recover.
thanks Darcia - yr videos are helping me to get in the right head space for my r c surgery 27/2/23. how is yr shoulder now.
Thank you. My shoulder is much better than before surgery. It can still get sore if I overdo it, but it’s healed really well. Best to you as you have surgery and recover!
Hi its Scott here. Wondering why you had two surgeries on the same arm ? Also did you have a complete tear ?
Informational video . Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome!
Thank you for your video
I’m in my second week and have started pt last Monday
I have two questions
At 6 weeks will I be able to wear regular pants that zip and button or will I still need to wear sweats?
Also did the dr tell you how long you’ll have to wear your sling when you go out in public? I’d love to chat with you. Best of luck in your recovery
Hi there! Hope your recovery is going well! When you are able to take your sling off may dictate when you can button and zip your pants, since you may be approved to use your arm a little more by then. It just depends on how strong you are and what your doctor and PT are telling you.
I wore my sling all the time, not just when in public. My first surgery I wore it for 6 weeks, but my second surgery I had to wear it about 8 weeks since it was a repair and higher risk. Hope that helps!
@@DarciaDarcy
Thank you for your reply
I think what I was asking was, after you sling comes off after six weeks and you have it off in your home, but your Dr said to continue to wear it when you go out, how long will that continue for until you don’t need to wear it out in public?
Hi, once I took my sling off, I didn’t wear it at all, at home or in private. If my arm became VERY fatigued then I would sometimes put it on for a little bit. I followed the advice of my doctor though, and that’s what they said. I think I’d say to do whatever your doctor says. Hope that helps!
Second surgery on your right shoulder, was this because you injured while healing from the first or this is years later?
Thanks for the videos. Im 3 1/2 wks post surgery. I like watching your progress. 👏🏻👍🏼
I’m so glad you’re liking my videos! Best wishes for a great recovery!
@@DarciaDarcy thanks so very much.
Happy holidays to you!
You’re welcome! To you as well!
I am 5 weeks post op and first visit to ortho is next week. Thanks for the video and the heads up. I’m supposed to wear the arm brace for 6 weeks 23 hours/day but have started not wearing it if I’m just sitting working at my computer or watching TV. Anxious to get going with PT.
After how long were you able to use your computer after operation
Thanks for sharing 💖
This was very helpful
I’m so glad!
Your range after 6 weeks is wild.
Thank you! I had an excellent PT!
Agreed! I’m 7 week post op and cannot move my arm up at all. I feel broken 😟
Best wishes to you in healing. I hope you get some strength back soon. Give yourself time and take the advice of your PT and surgeon.
@@michellejohnson8253 I'm 6 weeks out .. small world. Well... maybe not so small since it's the internet.
@@michellejohnson8253 my OT ( I MISS understood) and was only doing my therapy 2x a week, when she wanted me to do therapy 5x a day, so I was so stiff, I should have been started 2 weeks after my surgery, just keep moving and follow pt ( a good one)
Thanks for the helpful video. I am four weeks post surgery and was wondering if you know how you retore yours the first time? I accidentally tried to open the fridge with my operated arm the other day and I’m scared of retearing mine too or ruining the repair :s
Oh dear…I was told to not use my repaired arm for MONTHS after my surgery, and definitely not AT ALL when I was still wearing my sling. I hope your shoulder is okay. I’d just keep resting it, icing it…all the things. If you notice during PT that you have noticeable weakness or pain I would seek professional advice. Best wishes as you heal.
@@DarciaDarcy thanks so much for your response and the great content! Glad to say that my PT thinks all is okay. All the best and I hope your shoulder is still holding up well!
After how long were you able to use your laptop after the operation
I am almost week 8, the last week in the sling the pain was not bad, I was taking proscription naproxen almost very day and heating pad as soon as I got up, but week 6 and that sling came off the next 5-7 days was more like week 3. Bad night sleeps, back to norcos , pain in my fingers and swelling in the shoulder. Started PT at week 7 and do not have that range motion, I use a ‘normal’ sling when I go out just to stop me from doing anything dumb. Every little bit of ‘odd’ pain I am thinking ‘Oh Sh!t’.
It is not a day to day you feel better but every week you feel a little better with some extra pain here and there.
I agree…it’s week to week improvement since the day-to-day is too rocky! I hope you feel better soon!
Thank you!!!
I had surgery yesterday. And without your videos I wouldn’t be able to put a shirt on and many other things. The only benefit I have is it was not my dominant arm.
Thank you. Best wishes on fast healing.
When did you get released to go back to work?
Thanks for the video, just wondering how soon after your first repair you re tore it ? Cheers
I’m not sure when it retore, unfortunately. It was about 10 months after my 1st surgery that I really noticed increasing pain, though.
@@DarciaDarcy That’s really unfortunate I’m constantly worried about re tearing my shoulder, I have my 6 weeks check with surgeon in two days so hopefully all ok . Can’t wait to sling the sling 😂 all the best 👍
Thank you for this post. I’m six weeks out for a 4cm rotator cuff repair surgery with graft from a 1998 skiing injury/tear. May I ask how you re-injured your shoulder from the first surgery. I’m very active and my concern is trying to do too much too soon. Thank you very much for reading and answering my comment. Your video was very helpful/informative, especially the exercises at the end which are some of the ones I currently just started. Thank you!
I’m honestly unsure of how it retore. Surgeon‘s guess was immediately post op the first time before it had had a chance to “take” but I don’t know for certain. I have gone SO much easier the second time around. I really pushed myself to do things the first time and looking back I don’t recommend that. As long as you do your exercises from PT, you should recover and it’s okay to go slow. You will get there eventually.
@@DarciaDarcy Thanks so much for your quick response. That’s my concern about pushing too fast and being impatient regarding progress & recovery - my therapist always reminds to just to his recommended PT and not anything crazy. Your videos and advice have been very valuable to me during this recovery process. Best wishes to you !!!
Thank you!
Great video thanks
Thank you! Glad it was helpful!
how did you tear it the second time?
Here in the U.K. the drs won’t do anything because it’s a torn rotator cuff injury from years ago and even though I’ve fallen since then and the pains come back 100% worse then before and I can’t even open a door lift shampoo bottles tie my hair up put arm behind my back or above my head stuff like that they still won’t help at all I guess I’m stuck with the pain and inability to move my arm I can’t even afford to go private it’s been like it for 3 weeks now 😭😭😭
I hope that this is just a flair and will settle back down soon! I’m sorry that medical care feels inaccessible. That must feel helpless and I’m sorry. I hope you feel better soon, and thank you for stopping by my channel.
This is very informative as I’m getting a shoulder surgery because it keeps dislocating and all. I get my surgery next month.
Thank you! Best wishes to you as you have surgery and then recover!
Thank you.....
I was just wondering why you needed to have the surgery done a second time?. I am now four weeks postop and I went for my first PT as per the doctor’s request. (To wait till four weeks to start PT). I’m so afraid of some thing tearing again that I’m reluctant to do any movement. And yet there are people doing a lot more than I am at four weeks. It’s very confusing
I can totally relate. I followed the advice of my PT’s and hoped for the best. I didn’t use my arm at all though (except for pendulum swings) till my sling came off.
Day 11 post surgery. First time. Sore and very limited.
Glad you’ve checked in here. Hope you feel better and heal quickly.
Thank you 🙏🏻💖🙏🏻💖🙏🏻
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I go Thursday for right rotator cuff repair and I am hoping it goes well.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Darcy can you share how you re-tore your tendon?
I’ll consider sharing that. Thank you for watchingj
How is your shoulder now? How far out of surgery are you? I’m 6 weeks. I took my sling off at 2 weeks, but kept it quiet and still. Hopefully, you’re doing well
I’m doing just fine. Check out my other videos. I’ve done updates along the way!
I am at the beginning of this rotator cuff tear.. dr thinks it is torn and starting PT twice a week for 6 weeks... had pain and aching in right arm and definitely no full range of motion with out pain. Limited mobility with it and sleeping is so painful... will still need an MRI and surgery is likely. I am so scared I will never be the same as before this injury 🥲🥲
I hope you get a good MRI and get the interventions you need.
Hi i had surgery on my shoulder and this is my day 6 recovery is it normal for my arm to fill a lil stiff and lil swollen a some pain is it normal I still able to do my home arm exercises but a lil worried
Yes. Day 6 is still very much recent post-op. Take it easy and don’t do ANYTHING with your arm unless expressly stated by your surgeon. Taking it slowly is hard, but hang in there. Best wishes to you as you heal.
Very pain full for me I have partial tear 😭 painfull
I’m so sorry. Will you have surgery?
thanks for the video can i ask one question why did you have to do it twice
My shoulder tore after the first surgery. 🙁
@@DarciaDarcy jeez
@@DarciaDarcy so your rotator cuff tore twice!!! Omg that’s so scary
Yes. It was unfortunate!
What did you put on your scars?
A&D ointment, Vaseline, or vitamin E oil. And always keep them covered to the sun. I didn’t put anything on them until they had completely closed up though and stitches were removed.
I had surgery six weeks ago- you can use Luxamend which is for scaring and I'm using something called Rhofade which is for redness. Both I got from my dermatologist.
Quick question.... anyone who's had this surgery... did your surgeon have you do preoperative testing? I'm supposed to have this surgery however I'm a little concerned about the competency of my surgeon, he never had me do any preoperative testing.
Are you thinking of any specific pre operative testing? I’ve had this surgery twice, with 2 different surgeons and neither asked for this.
@Darcia Darcy at my 60 years of age, I've had multiple different surgeries from cystoscopy, cataracts, kidney stone etc.. to more complex surgeries and my surgeons have always at the very least requested preoperative bloodwork, if not in addition chest xray and ekg. I'm supposed to be having rotator cuff surgery debridment of calcium tendinitis. This was put on hold because my past bloodwork showed a drop in my hemoglobin, however this was detected by my primary care throughout several blood draws in previous months, had I not mentioned this to the surgery center they would've never known about this issue, had the surgeon requested the preoperative bloodwork he would've found this out for himself and he should've halted the procedure, this is my concern
That makes sense and I would be concerned too! I unfortunately don’t think that it’s standard for many surgeries to ask these questions or ask for blood tests. At least at the hospital system I work with (and from personal surgery history). Additionally, unless patients specifically ask for tests to be done, if it’s not standard practice, they aren’t supposed to order the tests. It’s unfortunate! You should always advocate for yourself, and it sounds kine you’re doing this. Best wishes on your procedure and with healing!
Why do ii continue hearing more then 1 surgery? If the odds for everyone is more then 1 surgery then that is just terrible
The majority of rotator cuff’s don’t need to have additional surgeries. Thanks for the comment.
If I was only that young.
I'm 6 weeks post op and I cannot lift my arm at all. 😢 Its excruciating. I've been doing PT and everything right.
So sorry to hear that. Best wishes for your recovery.
I believe it really depends on what type of repair is done. I had a large tear and really wasn't at this level until about 3 months and that was with PT from week one. I also developed wrist and finger pain from week 6. I'm not glad you did Darcia but I appreciate your videos of your experience with this tough surgery.
Tell the truth how was physical therapy .
I think it’s important to find one that comes highly rated for shoulders. I had a PT that hurt every time I had an appointment. Then my most recent PT was pain free. You don’t have to settle for one that hurts. Keep asking who’s good and try them out.
@@DarciaDarcy Oh I have one that's good they helped my husband when he had hip replacement surgery they do all types of physical therapy . I was wondering what to expect pain wise difficulty etc . I really appreciate your help I know I ask a lot of questions but I'm so scared of what's going to happen . What did they have you do for physical therapy ? They were very nice and helpful with husband they were patient and made sure he was comfortable .
How do you put on a bra with one hand?
That’s tough! I would anchor the strap with my surgery hand without moving my arm and then I would then hook it with my other hand. I would have to do it really loose though. Or wear a loose-fitting sports bra that I could shimmy into from the hips up. Good luck!
@@DarciaDarcy What about driving? How soon and was it difficult?
I didn’t drive much that first month. And definitely not till I had stopped taking narcotics. I just didn’t want to be liable for an accident if I didn’t have a working arm. Maybe that was irrational, but that was my motivation. ☺️ When I started driving, I didn’t use my operative arm almost at all. I didn’t want to put any torque on my shoulder.