Dr McKay, I lived in Shelton at the time of both my shoulder and knee issues. I put off surgery as long as possible. I was caring for my Mom who was bedridden. You supported me and encouraged me. Helped me through the shoulder replacement surgery. I can’t thank you enough for the compassion you showed. Thank you so very much. Kathy Fredrick
I just had rotator cuff and bicep tendon surgery in December and hearing you say, wear your sling, with sincerity really motivates me to stick it out. Thank you for that and for sharing your knowledge with us.
I’m a retired P.T. . Patients love ice machines. Unfortunately Medicare no longer pays for them. They say they find no pain or recovery benefit. Apparently Medicare has never polled patients as to how they feel. I will be getting my second rotator cuff surgery next week and I will purchase an ice machine.
I have to be on my back to sleep and my best advice is once you get comfortable, use pillows under BOTH elbows to keep your arms resting on your belly as if they were both in slings. I had the large pad between my arm and belly which helped with comfort too. Then time your pain pills so you take about 15-30 minutes before bedtime. This gives out time to get in your system as well as time to get comfy since they don't work as well if you're already maxing out your pain tolerance. I have tendonitis and a bone spur that was destroying my shoulder muscle. I now have zero pain after abt 6 months but still working on increasing strength. Best decision ever!
Don't be scared of pain. I didn't have alot of pain after my repair and was able to live with some Advil only and 8 days post op didn't need any of it , sleeping is the real issue because I'm a side sleeper and bynedryl really helped me
THANK YOU..... I'm quite anxious about my upcoming surgery and the recovery stage...it is a full Reverse Right shoulder replacement ... and this helped. I bought the Breg Polar Care and hoping that helps..... I've seen other videos and plan on sleeping in a recliner chair for the first week.... thanks again
3 weeks post op. The sling was killing me as soon as the nerve block wore off. My advice, start taking your pain meds as soon as you get home. About 3 days and you’ll be good..
Big thanks for the tips, Dr.McKay. I will be having my first shoulder replacement surgery in about three weeks. If it goes well, I will do the other one six-eight weeks after that. I’m definitely going to get one of those ice machines.
I've had 1 rotator cuff repair and unfortunately a year post op I had a bad fall so back in I go again this month for a re do. I have the b polar ice machine and it works great 👍 for me I use a u shape pillow like you would use for traveling along with pillows for anywhere you need comfort. Sleep is tough first few days so I'm game for anything that makes you feel comfy
I'm 6 weeks post-op. Get the nerve block and ice however you can! Once the block wore off it was time for the oxycodone. I waited a bit too long and wound up chasing the pain. In the end I used 14.5 of 30 prescribed 5mg oxycodones (yes, get a pill cutter). I have auto-immune disorders and deal with chronic pain. I was concerned about layering analgesics. I kept a pain/dosing log for the PA to review. On day 4 the shoulder was getting better but my Achillies and femoral enthesitis was acting up. I dosed for the auto-immune pain and noted it in the log. Finally, I never understood why docs recommend or prescribe for side effects. If you're having trouble sleeping, why not use an appropriate sleeper? You're in a recliner, likely mouth breathing more, do you really need to dry up your mucus membranes? Get a drug designed for the symptom, not one that has a side effect for the symptom. My non-clinical 2cents. Good luck!
S/P op 3 # weeks rotator cuff repair & using ice machine qd, minimal pain. Freezing water bottles good idea, why didn’t I think of this? Sleeping has been the most challenging. My recliner’s knob right side, same as operative side so not safe during nighttime. Using wedge pillow plus smaller pillow to support side of surgery.
Good luck with your recovery! Yours sounds more invasive and major than mine. I had rotator cuff tears repaired and my tendon ripped off at the shoulder bone connecting the shoulder and the long head bicep muscle. They had to drill two anchors into the bone and tie the tendon to them. My surgery was only 19 hrs ago so I'm not in pain... YET! The nerve medication hasn't worn off yet. I had a bad crash on a mountain bike last summer. I'm hoping a water machine aids in and speeds recovery! Bless us all! Lol
Thank you very much for the tips. Ice machine was not cold enough with all the bandages. It was leaking. After day 3 I got off the machine. Bottles is not bad tip.
My insurance doesn’t cover the ice machine and my husband doesn’t want to buy a $200 single (hopefully!) machine so I bought 4 of the individual types you freeze. Then I hope to have enough to swap out. Hope it helps!
I had shoulder surgery 8 weeks ago. I’ve been healing. Today, I twisted my wrist fast and my shoulder feels like week 1. I hope I didn’t re injure myself.
had clavicle surgery yesterday 12/20/22...fingers are numb as well as the lower shoulder. thought the it might be from the Nerve Blocker injection but that should subsided a few hours after surgery. should i sitll be numb a day later..unless there is an issue of course. thanks
@@Visaviel I had broken my clavicle which healed nicely...I do need sternoclavicular joint surgery as well...haven't done it yet. Like to know what are your symptoms? My sternoclavicular joint seems to feel as though it pops in and out. Yours?
@@JGC_TV mine is a posterior dislocation which is causing TOS from an assault. So my shoulder sits forward while the clavicle sits behind the sternum. I have limited use of the arm. If I use my arm, my chest and shoulder start to ache and my arm becomes discolored. this is due to the clavicle pushing on the vein, artery and possibly nerves in the neck (TOS). It feels like something is stuck in my chest. I have yet to be properly evaluated by a vascular surgeon, but my surgery is in 2 weeks, so requested from the trauma surgeon to refer me to vascular for CTA. Some shoulder surgeons won’t operate on the SCJ and refer to a trauma surgeon.
Lets get real...The pain you experience depends on how much work is done on your shoulder example.. You can have simple rotator cuff surgery or in my case, I had a COMPLETE labrum tear, I had 6 anchors drilled...also had a detached Bicep, this was due to being shot in my shoulder in a war zone..The meds this Dr is talking about would never had helped me..I was on Oxy for 2 weeks straight...finally by the 3rd week the pain somewhat subsided from a 10 to a 6. I was not able to lay in a bed for 5 weeks...It took me 13 months before my shoulder and bicep was close to be 100%. I do not condone drug use, But sometimes it will be the only option to stop the pain from extensive and painful surgery.
Melatonin really does work surprisingly well. Takes half an hour to an hour to kick in so plan ahead. Also lasts a long time so you can really sleep in.
I had to cancel my shoulder surgery and get a second opinion i am waiting on. The surgeon who consulted for shoulder repair surgery declined anything stronger than tylenol in my recovery plan after surgery. He doesn't believe in narcotics. He said their addicting. I told him I've had open heart surgery 2x and never got addicted, and even came off early. Sucks I gotta wait now... already had my work time off pre scheudled. Gotta love some peoples views...
I know that it can be used for the reason swollen hitting it will help if you kipp it for long time like you say in my time I am taking the today I got something called Great Green land in said my body you know what I mean I don't think it will help but I can not but it at this time I feel to breeze in my body it like I said I am into ice machine but it is nice to hear about it and from this moment to I suggest you guys add on your Manu small 📈 amount Drug that is more effective on long runs and everything else please 🙏
Notice how he never mentioned pain meds?! That ice machine looked so cumbersome. And for sleeping take melatonin or Benadryl? Seriously? Well, if you have pain meds that should help with the pain AND will help with sleep as well.
Dr McKay, I lived in Shelton at the time of both my shoulder and knee issues. I put off surgery as long as possible. I was caring for my Mom who was bedridden. You supported me and encouraged me. Helped me through the shoulder replacement surgery. I can’t thank you enough for the compassion you showed. Thank you so very much. Kathy Fredrick
I just had rotator cuff and bicep tendon surgery in December and hearing you say, wear your sling, with sincerity really motivates me to stick it out. Thank you for that and for sharing your knowledge with us.
I’m a retired P.T. . Patients love ice machines. Unfortunately Medicare no longer pays for them. They say they find no pain or recovery benefit. Apparently Medicare has never polled patients as to how they feel. I will be getting my second rotator cuff surgery next week and I will purchase an ice machine.
This is my problem. The machine costs $200. So I bought 4 of the individual freezable ice packs. Hope they work.
rent one from health aids store
Thank you for the advice, I am going for total shoulder replacement soon…
I have to be on my back to sleep and my best advice is once you get comfortable, use pillows under BOTH elbows to keep your arms resting on your belly as if they were both in slings. I had the large pad between my arm and belly which helped with comfort too. Then time your pain pills so you take about 15-30 minutes before bedtime. This gives out time to get in your system as well as time to get comfy since they don't work as well if you're already maxing out your pain tolerance. I have tendonitis and a bone spur that was destroying my shoulder muscle. I now have zero pain after abt 6 months but still working on increasing strength. Best decision ever!
Great information. Clear and easy to understand. Put me at ease before the surgery. THANKS.
Don't be scared of pain. I didn't have alot of pain after my repair and was able to live with some Advil only and 8 days post op didn't need any of it , sleeping is the real issue because I'm a side sleeper and bynedryl really helped me
THANK YOU..... I'm quite anxious about my upcoming surgery and the recovery stage...it is a full Reverse Right shoulder replacement ... and this helped. I bought the Breg Polar Care and hoping that helps..... I've seen other videos and plan on sleeping in a recliner chair for the first week.... thanks again
REVERSE SHOULDER SURGERY HURTS LIKE HELL, BUT P.T. MAKES YOU BETTER
3 weeks post op. The sling was killing me as soon as the nerve block wore off. My advice, start taking your pain meds as soon as you get home. About 3 days and you’ll be good..
Big thanks for the tips, Dr.McKay. I will be having my first shoulder replacement surgery in about three weeks. If it goes well, I will do the other one six-eight weeks after that. I’m definitely going to get one of those ice machines.
Pain meds help a lot!
Thank you for tips!
Thanks Doc. jUst had rotator surgery and no one told how helpful the ice machine was!
Thanks so much for all the videos!
Thank you. I have to go through this alone. Pray for me please.
How did your surgery and recovery go?
Me too.
Me too, and I have depression that gets unbearable with no sleep. I think I’m screwed.
Thank you, Awesome tips! Stemless shoulder replacement in a few days.
Thanks for the advice going in for a standard shoulder replacement joy at 43 years old 🎉🎉🎉
I've had 1 rotator cuff repair and unfortunately a year post op I had a bad fall so back in I go again this month for a re do. I have the b
polar ice machine and it works great 👍 for me I use a u shape pillow like you would use for traveling along with pillows for anywhere you need comfort. Sleep is tough first few days so I'm game for anything that makes you feel comfy
I'm 6 weeks post-op. Get the nerve block and ice however you can! Once the block wore off it was time for the oxycodone. I waited a bit too long and wound up chasing the pain. In the end I used 14.5 of 30 prescribed 5mg oxycodones (yes, get a pill cutter). I have auto-immune disorders and deal with chronic pain. I was concerned about layering analgesics. I kept a pain/dosing log for the PA to review. On day 4 the shoulder was getting better but my Achillies and femoral enthesitis was acting up. I dosed for the auto-immune pain and noted it in the log. Finally, I never understood why docs recommend or prescribe for side effects. If you're having trouble sleeping, why not use an appropriate sleeper? You're in a recliner, likely mouth breathing more, do you really need to dry up your mucus membranes? Get a drug designed for the symptom, not one that has a side effect for the symptom. My non-clinical 2cents. Good luck!
S/P op 3 # weeks rotator cuff repair & using ice machine qd, minimal pain. Freezing water bottles good idea, why didn’t I think of this? Sleeping has been the most challenging. My recliner’s knob right side, same as operative side so not safe during nighttime. Using wedge pillow plus smaller pillow to support side of surgery.
Thanks for the information I'm on my second week of recovery
I have rotator cuff surgery in a week and I went online and bought an ice machine for 30.00 used.
Great advice and video!!!! Thank you so much!!
I had AVN in both my hips so we had to replace. My shoulder got worse and got a replacement only 3 days ago. Thank you for making these videos!
Good luck with your recovery!
Yours sounds more invasive and major than mine. I had rotator cuff tears repaired and my tendon ripped off at the shoulder bone connecting the shoulder and the long head bicep muscle.
They had to drill two anchors into the bone and tie the tendon to them.
My surgery was only 19 hrs ago so I'm not in pain... YET!
The nerve medication hasn't worn off yet.
I had a bad crash on a mountain bike last summer.
I'm hoping a water machine aids in and speeds recovery!
Bless us all! Lol
Thank you very much for the tips. Ice machine was not cold enough with all the bandages. It was leaking. After day 3 I got off the machine. Bottles is not bad tip.
I suggest using distilled water so the inside of the cooling pad doesn’t get full of “gunk”.
Much thanks!
My insurance doesn’t cover the ice machine and my husband doesn’t want to buy a $200 single (hopefully!) machine so I bought 4 of the individual types you freeze. Then I hope to have enough to swap out. Hope it helps!
How much is the ice machine & where can I buy one?
Amazon, about $250.
Sleep sitting up for 2 months? I can't sleep one night sitting up.
I had shoulder surgery 8 weeks ago. I’ve been healing. Today, I twisted my wrist fast and my shoulder feels like week 1. I hope I didn’t re injure myself.
I had a shoulder hemiarthroplasty 4 weeks ago, crazy!! Feeling great and getting strength back
had clavicle surgery yesterday 12/20/22...fingers are numb as well as the lower shoulder. thought the it might be from the Nerve Blocker injection but that should subsided a few hours after surgery. should i sitll be numb a day later..unless there is an issue of course. thanks
Hi, I am having surgery for the sternoclavicular joint. How was your recovery?
@@Visaviel I had broken my clavicle which healed nicely...I do need sternoclavicular joint surgery as well...haven't done it yet. Like to know what are your symptoms? My sternoclavicular joint seems to feel as though it pops in and out. Yours?
@@JGC_TV mine is a posterior dislocation which is causing TOS from an assault. So my shoulder sits forward while the clavicle sits behind the sternum. I have limited use of the arm. If I use my arm, my chest and shoulder start to ache and my arm becomes discolored. this is due to the clavicle pushing on the vein, artery and possibly nerves in the neck (TOS). It feels like something is stuck in my chest. I have yet to be properly evaluated by a vascular surgeon, but my surgery is in 2 weeks, so requested from the trauma surgeon to refer me to vascular for CTA. Some shoulder surgeons won’t operate on the SCJ and refer to a trauma surgeon.
Lets get real...The pain you experience depends on how much work is done on your shoulder example..
You can have simple rotator cuff surgery or in my case, I had a COMPLETE labrum tear, I had 6 anchors drilled...also had a detached Bicep, this was due to being shot in my shoulder in a war zone..The meds this Dr is talking about would never had helped me..I was on Oxy for 2 weeks straight...finally by the 3rd week the pain somewhat subsided from a 10 to a 6. I was not able to lay in a bed for 5 weeks...It took me 13 months before my shoulder and bicep was close to be 100%. I do not condone drug use, But sometimes it will be the only option to stop the pain from extensive and painful surgery.
How are you doing now?
@@8brandenv All good now...no issues
@@butalina Thank you for your service.
@@8brandenv All good now, it gets achy every now and then...but very manageable...
Thanks for the video! I've got shoulder surgery tomorrow, and I'll be sure to use these tips during my recovery!
I love my cryo machine
Melatonin really does work surprisingly well. Takes half an hour to an hour to kick in so plan ahead. Also lasts a long time so you can really sleep in.
I had to cancel my shoulder surgery and get a second opinion i am waiting on. The surgeon who consulted for shoulder repair surgery declined anything stronger than tylenol in my recovery plan after surgery. He doesn't believe in narcotics. He said their addicting. I told him I've had open heart surgery 2x and never got addicted, and even came off early. Sucks I gotta wait now... already had my work time off pre scheudled.
Gotta love some peoples views...
😢😢😢 before hurts so bad 😞
I know that it can be used for the reason swollen hitting it will help if you kipp it for long time like you say in my time I am taking the today I got something called Great Green land in said my body you know what I mean I don't think it will help but I can not but it at this time I feel to breeze in my body it like I said I am into ice machine but it is nice to hear about it and from this moment to I suggest you guys add on your Manu small 📈 amount Drug that is more effective on long runs and everything else please 🙏
Benadryl also makes you eat if you take it often. Common side effect of antihistamines.
Notice how he never mentioned pain meds?! That ice machine looked so cumbersome. And for sleeping take melatonin or Benadryl? Seriously? Well, if you have pain meds that should help with the pain AND will help with sleep as well.
Unless your like me and allergic to
Most pain meds, Benadryl is a good option.
Thoughts on going into alcohol rehab after surgery? Kill 2 birds at once?
Drugs we need drugs.
Good bacteria yogurt for depression.
TWO MONTH???? SLEEPING SITTING UP??