Day 1
I had a torn labrum repaired today and I will document the recovery in case it is helpful to others. I was real nervous about the surgery and thought it might heal itself, but it will not. I had a SLAP tear "10 to 2". My bicept tendon was not damaged, thank God.
My arthroscopic surgery was today and the Dr. said all went well. He used 2 anchors, which were drilled into the bone and a disolvable string to stitch the labrum in front and back of the bicept tendon. It was a day surgery, so I was in and out of the hospital in 3 hrs. The actual surgery was about 1 hr. My AC joint was also cleaned out, which is normally a seperate surgery. However, it is conveinient to do both at the same time and I had arthritis building up (the joint would crack and grind).
A sling is optional, but I prefer it when walking around. I can straighten my arm, but I'm not forcing it. My shoulder joint feel loose and it sounds like fluid is moving around. Any sudden movements are painful. I am using ice, a pain pump, and pain medicine. I have 10 weeks before I can start rehab.
Day 22
I have been to 3 physical therapy sessions. So far I don’t do much at all, small movements, no stretching, just stabilization exercises (i.e. contract your shoulder muscles without moving your shoulder). I do some assisted range of motion as well, using one arm to lift the other. My shoulder muscle is noticeable smaller because I haven’t used it in about 1 month. I have noticed a creaking sound coming from my shoulder, it sounds like a squeaky door. I’m sure it’s the thread stretching or moving over something, but it makes me nauseous to hear. My bicep doesn’t seem to be bothering me as much, although the discomfort comes and goes. I really wish I could do arm extensions and curls to test it out. I do have full range of motion in my elbow.
The scars from the stitches are healing and are nothing to worry about. I have been using vitamin E oil every day. Another thing I might note is that a couple times I have dropped something like an egg or a remote control and instinctively I was able to quickly catch the item with the repaired shoulder. The quick twitch muscles seem to function fine, I just don’t have good ROM laterally or forward. I have great ROM in the back row exercise, bending over and performing a pull.
Day 290
I just thought I would mentin that my shoulder is not as good as new, but it is better than it was before the surgery. Actually I notice it is more stable than the other shoulder, which probably has damage too. I'm going to start pushing myself in the gym (in a smart way) to try and get my strenght up. Also i've been doing yoga 2 times a week.
My elbow is more a problem than my shoulder, I have self diagnosed myself with severe tendentis (tennis elbow). This is probably a result of my shoulder and wrist not being stable. No way I'm going through surgery again and the doc said its really hard to mess up your elbow.
That's about it.
