Shoulder Surgery and the Road to Recovery

[fozcycle]

As most know, SWMBO and I were rear ended last July.  Both of us tore our right shoulders and required surgery.  SWMBO went first and had surgery in November.  Her injury was more extensive and required an 8” opening on top of her shoulder.  The doctor said she was looking at 6 months of rehab.  Since we could not both be out at the same time, SWMBO went first.  With her recovery doing well, I had surgery on January 11th.  Mine was basically a cleanup of the labrum, which looked like angel hair to the scope’s camera.  My right hand was on the steering wheel so when we were hit, my body flew forward but the right arm was stiff, causing damage to the labrum(gasket around the joint).  I have some muscle tear but it did not require work.  Now, I am a week post surgery and on the mend.  The doctor said I could drop the sling and begin rehab. Right now, I have not played since Jan 8, and hope to return to the course by April 2nd.  I have a lot of work ahead of me, and a lot of pain, but I also have desire.  I will attempt to chronicle my efforts through this thread.

Join me in this adventure by offering up any insights, stories you may have of shoulder surgery repair.

 

[cnosil]

Glad to hear the surgery went well and hope your recovery is quick!

[Rickp]

18 minutes ago, fozcycle said:

As most know, SWMBO and I were rear ended last July.  Both of us tore our right shoulders and required surgery.  SWMBO went first and had surgery in November.  Her injury was more extensive and required an 8” opening on top of her shoulder.  The doctor said she was looking at 6 months of rehab.  Since we could not both be out at the same time, SWMBO went first.  With her recovery doing well, I had surgery on January 11th.  Mine was basically a cleanup of the labrum, which looked like angel hair to the scope’s camera.  My right hand was on the steering wheel so when we were hit, my body flew forward but the right arm was stiff, causing damage to the labrum(gasket around the joint).  I have some muscle tear but it did not require work.  Now, I am a week post surgery and on the mend.  The doctor said I could drop the sling and begin rehab. Right now, I have not played since Jan 8, and hope to return to the course by April 2nd.  I have a lot of work ahead of me, and a lot of pain, but I also have desire.  I will attempt to chronicle my efforts through this thread.

Join me in this adventure by offering up any insights, stories you may have of shoulder surgery repair.

 

Had my right shoulder done over 2years ago and it’s been great.  Rehab wasn’t easy but necessary.  I still do the exercises.

Im sure you both will be fine in a few weeks, looking to hear how your rehab goes.

[revkev]

Thanks for the update - you have been in my thoughts and prayers. I’m glad you are off to a good start! 

[Gusset]

Glad to hear things are progressing, and that your accident wasn't worse. My situation can't compare, but I'm in PT these days for "run of the mill" rotator cuff syndrome, so I feel for you. I'll be praying.

[fozcycle]

First day of rehab had me spinning in my boots……a lot of exercises with no weights in my hand, just a small ball and many movements that exercised the inner workings of the shoulder.  I was able to perform all asked but it was painful.  Set up for 3 times a week……

[ole gray]

Hang in there buddy and get your ole arse healed up properly.  You'll be back to bagging birdies before ya know it. 

[RollingGreens]

Best of luck. Hopefully the pain is short term. Get as much rest as possible to help with healing 

[Rickp]

1 hour ago, fozcycle said:

First day of rehab had me spinning in my boots……a lot of exercises with no weights in my hand, just a small ball and many movements that exercised the inner workings of the shoulder.  I was able to perform all asked but it was painful.  Set up for 3 times a week……

3X a week is a good number.  

[fixyurdivot]

Will they have you capable of raising both arms above your head when TB wins the Super Bowl... cough, cough, sorry, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little .  Best wishes on the rehab.

[Siamese Moose]

It's been 20 years (in April) since I had my left labrum done (SLAP tear). I hope the techniques have advanced, because, while I have full function, I still have pain. I still do some of the PT exercises (internal and external rotations, mostly) as part of my twice a week gym work. If I miss a week, it lets me know. Best of luck on your rehab!

[MattF]

Did you have to take a photo with no shirt mate? 

All jokes aside, best of luck with the recovery and it's just as well we're not coming down this year.

[fozcycle]

17 hours ago, fixyurdivot said:

Will they have you capable of raising both arms above your head when TB wins the Super Bowl... cough, cough, sorry, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little .  Best wishes on the rehab.

I will surely be able to raise my arms up when the Bucs repeat as SB Champs!

4 hours ago, MattF said:

Did you have to take a photo with no shirt mate? 

All jokes aside, best of luck with the recovery and it's just as well we're not coming down this year.

Yup, I wanted you to admire my physique……

[fozcycle]

7 hours ago, Siamese Moose said:

It's been 20 years (in April) since I had my left labrum done (SLAP tear). I hope the techniques have advanced, because, while I have full function, I still have pain. I still do some of the PT exercises (internal and external rotations, mostly) as part of my twice a week gym work. If I miss a week, it lets me know. Best of luck on your rehab!

I’m hoping for a better than before result…….

[Shankster]

You’ll be just fine Foz, just don’t pull a Shankster, and try to get back to golf sooner than you should.  Pretty sure that’s what set me back on my rehab.  
 

although, I couldn’t do anything with it for 2 weeks.  It was just welded to me in a sling, you’re already ahead of me.  
 

Keep us posted, and good luck!

[sirchunksalot]

Best of luck with your recovery Foz, hopefully you'll be back up and swinging a club soon. It's good to hear your wife's recovery is coming along well. 

[SlowNLow]

On 1/20/2022 at 7:21 PM, fozcycle said:

First day of rehab had me spinning in my boots……a lot of exercises with no weights in my hand, just a small ball and many movements that exercised the inner workings of the shoulder.  I was able to perform all asked but it was painful.  Set up for 3 times a week……

Never had a shoulder but went through 2 hip swaps, the pain means you are working through it, keep pushing, soon you will feel seconds of strength without pain, then minutes, then hours, after that you are as good as new.

 

[HeathS16]

Hope you have a quick rehab and recovery! Good luck Foz! 

[fozcycle]

First time out driving since surgery on 11th and decided to visit the guys after their round today.  Have to say it was a bit weird driving my truck, but all was well and I made it home okay.   Every day my shoulder feels better even though there is pain.  

[fozcycle]

Today I had to cancel my PT due to having a busted water heater.  The original 55 gal water heater lasted 25 1/2 years and had to be replaced today.  BTW, my shoulder was hurting so missing PT was not bad.

[JFish350]

DO YOUR REHAB and follow your PTs advice. Also DO YOUR REHAB

 

I've 3 shoulder surgeries. 1st one was in 1991 on the left. Dove into 3rd base, it didn't move but my shoulder did. Dr said it was like wet shredded wheat when he opened me up. to this day I do not have full rotation or range in my shoulder. It doesn't hurt, about the only thing I can't do are back squats. I can't reach the bar when its on my shoulder. 

Surgery #2 was Dec 2008 on the right side. crashed on my dirt bike during a desert race doing about 60mph. Tore 2 of the four ligaments that hold your arm and shoulder together completely apart. Had other tears in the other ligaments. That really sucked, and took over a year before I was pain free and felt I was as close to 95% as I'd ever get. 

Late 2020 my right shoulder started to bother me some. I was working out 5 days a week and the weights I able to do kept getting lower and lower. Arm curls I was down to 5 lb. dumbbells' and that was hurting me. Ended up having another surgery last March 9th. Different DR. this time and they were very strict with my PT. I played my first round July 23rd. I was not at 100% probably more like 75%. 

I followed my PTs rules, did my exercises at home and was back in the weight room in August. I do not have full range of motion in either shoulder and every once in while I get pain, nothing a few Advil's can't fix. 

My advice to you and your wife, DO YOUR PT AND FOLLOW THEIR ADVICE. 

 

Good luck 

[fozcycle]

Went to PT today, Dr said I could putt at home. So I will be setting up my new putting mat and the automatic return that my grandkids gave me.

Will post pics tomorrow……..I am very excited.

P.S……I can raise my arm almost all the way up!

[fozcycle]

Here’s my setup……

 

[mattpobrien4]

That's good to hear SWMBO is doing well after surgery. I know that no amount of time will take away the pain of the accident but it's great that you found something that helped you both through the process.

[fozcycle]

Saw my Orthopedic doc today.  I can reach almost all the way vertical.  He said I could Chip and Putt. It’s only been 3 weeks post surgery.

[Rickp]

1 minute ago, fozcycle said:

Saw my Orthopedic doc today.  I can reach almost all the way vertical.  He said I could Chip and Putt. It’s only been 3 weeks post surgery.

You’re doing great, I couldn’t chip & putt until week 5-6.

[fozcycle]

Went to my club today for a chip & putt.   Chipping was horrible but the putting was very good.

[GolfSpy AFG]

1 hour ago, fozcycle said:

Went to my club today for a chip & putt.   Chipping was horrible but the putting was very good.

And no pain or lingering effects from resuming chipping and putting on that shoulder I hope?

[fozcycle]

Traveled to Omaha today for my Sister in Law’s funeral so, travel by air with suitcases and carryons was a real bear. SWMBO is still recovering as am I, so trying to lift everything with my left arm was difficult.  Also, I had my c-pap for my carryon and I had difficulty carrying it on my left shoulder. Right shoulder still very tender…..but we made it…Tampa to Houston, then Houston to Omaha.

[Rickp]

10 hours ago, fozcycle said:

Traveled to Omaha today for my Sister in Law’s funeral so, travel by air with suitcases and carryons was a real bear. SWMBO is still recovering as am I, so trying to lift everything with my left arm was difficult.  Also, I had my c-pap for my carryon and I had difficulty carrying it on my left shoulder. Right shoulder still very tender…..but we made it…Tampa to Houston, then Houston to Omaha.

Sorry about your SIL.