Been watching your videos and didn't really know what to expect after surgery. I had same exact surgery as you on 1-27-17 and it is now 2-8-17. After surgery I was kind of lost because post surgery instructions were very minimal. Your videos are very informative on what to expect and tips on doing things. Thank you for these videos!
Right at 3 weeks now and I agree with you on everything. You feel like you can do everything you did before but you can't. A back scratcher is your best friend. Sleeping in a bed is difficult because I want to roll on my side so I sleep in a recliner to keep from rolling from side to side. Boredom is incredible. Getting dressed is a definite challenge. Showering and drying off is much slower and more deliberate in your movements. I sleep a lot. Thanks for your video.
I have watched both of your videos and I am so glad that I did. I am having surgery tomorrow and I have been having a lot of anxiety. Thanks to you I feel better knowing that I am not alone about my feelings. I will keep watching your videos your honesty and frankness is appreciated.
I really appreciate your videos. it's helped me to know I'm not alone. I went on my first one mile walk yesterday. I had my surgery almost 3 weeks ago. your videos really encourage me. thank you Donna.
Thanks so much for your videos. I am 3 weeks post rotator cuff surgery and the advice you give in your videos has been wonderful. You provided more helpful information than the surgeon did. I am very appreciative.
Thanx for sharing!! I'm at three weeks and it's gone well. Showered after three days and started doing the circular rotations with my arm hanging same day. I'm finding through research and my own journey that it's very important to not keep your arm locked in the sling constantly. Obviously there are many things that you have to do differently. I usually sleep sitting in bed three hours or so and get as much as I can in chaise lounge, all with sling. My surgeon is a very bright young man who also did my meniscus tear. I do feel however, that there is a "fast food" recovery nowadays. I got my stitches out two weeks later and that aspect has been great. Great healing, no infection. I met with the surgeon assistant. It would have been nice to meet with my surgeon to help my apprehension as there's apart of me that thinks one wrong move and my arm will fall off. You're kind of left on your own. Like ok, hrre you go, figure it out. Doesn't thrill me. It seems to be going very good. The mental aspect is harder than yhe pein and the sling is hella uncomfortable but keep the faith 🤞🤞Best to all
Thank you for your very helpful and informative videos. I had my op last Friday, Nov 1, 2019. Everything is going ok. Not really having any pain as such. Just a sort of dull ache sometimes. I am doing simple exercises with the arm without much difficulty and my husband has been fantastic. I had a total knee replacement in 2012 and he was so brilliant. Then in February this year I broke my ankle in three places and was in a moon boot for what seemed like an eternity. So he has had a lot of practice at playing nursemaid and everything else. I wish you well.
Thank you so much for your videos! I appreciate that you’re still responding after 7 years. I’m on week 3 and I experience most of what you’ve described. It helps to know that my experiences are common.
Hi Donna I have just had rotator cuff surgery 2 days ago Monday 14th of October 2019 And thank God not too much pain And I am sleeping in my bed Surrounded by pillows Donna like you say take it easy Today is just my 2nd day I am going to go for a walk tomorrow Please God
Thank you for all the great videos had rotator cuff surgery and bicep repair 4 days ago, never realized how long reaching this is. Ugh. The docs don’t tell you much. I’m amazed at those who don’t have much pain, after, ouch. Your encouragement is so comforting! Hope you’re doing well.💐😘
Thank you, I haven't had my surgery yet but I am enjoying your videos. I feeling better about going through this surgery. Thank you for helping know more.
Thanks for the videos Donna! I'm having surgery on my left shoulder in about a week. Your videos have really let me know what I can expect after my surgery. You did an excellent job of explaining what to expect!
Thank you for your videos as they are very informative! I picked up some awesome tips from you- the water bottles for the polar ice machine was an awesome idea! That is something I can do solo with my good arm. Your positive attitude has kept me in check as well. It’s great to hear someone’s honest perspective of their own progress. I am looking forward to watching your other videos as I progress. Thank you for sharing! Go Bills!
Thank you Donna! Your posts week by week has been such a great help. No surgery pain but muscle spasms from my shoulder blade all the way up to my ear have been horrible. Staying positive & know it is a process. Using the Tei Fu massage lotion & find some relief. Taking a muscle relaxer mostly at night.
Hi Donna, I live in Rochdale England and in the third week post surgery. I'd just like to thank you so much for the information, help and advise you have given, I certainly know what to expect on the road to recovery now. To be honest, it's more painful at the moment than it was in the first or second week and I've had to put my arm back in a sling. I guess patience is the key in going forward. Thanks once again and best wishes x 😊
Thank you so much for your videos. I am one week post op and I really appreciate seeing your journey and advise. Definitely tough and takes a lot of patience!
Thanks for your videos. They gave me some idea what to expect when I recently had my rotator cuff and biceps tendon repair. My difference was that I came out of the sling at 8 days except to sleep and go to busy places (ballgame, Walmart). I know I have a long way to go, but the videos here on TH-cam were sure a help...mostly to my anxiety.
you have such a good outlook on this whole ordeal.. today is week one for me and I did not know what to expect. you have been such a great help for me and others. I am afraid of running out of pain pills so I only take them at night when the pain is at its worse. I took your advise and brought a big chair in my room and yes it makes it a little better. I am trying to type with my left hand. not so good at it. you are such a lovely lady and I hope you are doing great by now.
Donna, thank you so much for sharing your journey....your information really hits home with me. I am at 9 days post surgery and realizing how little information I was given on what to expect/how to prepare. I agree that the recliner becomes your best friend....we purchased a used (like new) power lift recliner, which has been great. I am trying to take to heart what you said about asking for help, as I'm finding it hard to do that. I made a list of things to order (back knobber, massage lotion, deep relief and lavender oil, and a,shower brush.). I see my dr in 2 days for my post op visit. Again, thank you so much!
Donna Westermeier it did go well...thank you! I started PT a couple of days ago, which helped me to get over the "mental hurdle" of knowing what I can safely do/not do as far as movement goes. My biggest frustration at this point is that i feel like my arm is glued to my side, so it's tough to get in there and wash and thoroughly dry my underarm area. Consequently. my skin is quite irritated. Did you have that issue as well? Your words, especially in this particular video, have been extremely helpful and relatable. I have had a couple of "emotional meltdowns" in the past few days, and listening to you has helped me to get over myself! 😁
Hey Donna, Thanks for posting how your recovery went/is going if watched in sequence. I'm 3 weeks out now as well, but here in Wisconsin it is snow and ice every couple of days. Suckie!!! At least I have people to dig out and salt here. My biggest thing is the stiffness in my shoulder and the inability to sleep for more than a few hours. I sort of believe that if I could get the sleep thing down I should be able to get back to work, but that will be after week 4. again, thanks for posting your journey.
Bob, stiffness is normal at this stage of the game. Lack of sleep affects us in so many ways and I know that was tough in the early stages as well. It will improve!
Thanks for your videos, I watched before surgery and it helped a lot. I'm 3 weeks post surgery today. I have little to no pain so hardly take anything for it. Usually only need something for physical therapy. I'm still stuck not driving because of the sling since I'm right handed and it's my right shoulder I had surgery on. Can't wait for the next few weeks to go quickly to come out of the sling. Ice packs are my friends at night as is my recliner to sleep in. I miss my bed but when I lay down in physical therapy I see why I'm not in my bed. Hoping to try a bed again soon probably once I'm out of the sling. I running into the same issue with help. First week was good with it but people think I'm fine, just the way it is just have to ask for help. I've been living on TV dinners, can't wait to cook again. I am back to work part time since I have a desk job and have a station set up at home to work. That has helped me keep sane the past week to work a little bit and not watching Netflix.
I had surgery 5 weeks ago, I wore the brace for a solid 3 days then I slept in it at night for 2 weeks. After that I quit wearing it i now just not to use my arm and i have full range of motion no pain and doing exercises
Thanks for your videos. I'm as three weeks post op. My Dr. had me out of my sling at 2 weeks while at home. Also he started pt at home with a mechanical chair that moves my arm for me on DAY 2 post op. Its very easy to over do it though as you said. Thanks for sharing your experience, its been helpful.
Thanks for doing this. it is Sunday morning viewing. I am going into week 3 and like to know what I am looking forward to. You are spot on so far. I would recommend spouse and/or family watch it, too. When another voice echoes your feelings and pain...they may be more open to hearing it! I also will not cheat and look ahead. One week at a time!
Thank you so much for your videos Donna! Your tips have helped me a lot. I did the frozen water bottles, the t-shirts , the ponchos, young living deep relief is AMAZING!! I just ordered my 2nd bottle. I also am using the lavender essential oil and the tei-fu lotion. I'm 3 weeks post op for a full thickness, greater then 90% tear of the supra spinatus. I've watched many people's videos but YOURS have been the absolute MOST HELPFUL!! Thank you!!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I’m two weeks post op and your videos have really helped. You’re keeping me very informed. I’m tempted to look ahead but I’ll stay with the week I’m on.
Thank you for the advice. I am in my third week it's going well but I know it's going to be a long road. I'm a plasterer by trade and I work for myself will let you know when I get back to work. From Wales all the best
@@londonengland7096 All back to normal I have been plastering all my life. 56 now still plastering all going well I think my work strengthened the shoulder over time.. Thankyou.
I'm on day 5 after rotator cuff repair surgery. Three of my four tendons were full thickness tears with a torn labrum and biceps tendonosis. I'm only taking off the sling for showering and moving my elbow and wrist. I'm doing my best not to actively move the injured shoulder being scared of damaging the repair. Here's hoping everything goes well
@@funmakingmoneyify thanks. I'm thinking of posting a video of my journey to wellness. I think I'm just paranoid about compromising the repair that's all
10 days out felling a bit timid on all things concerning this right shoulder , pain has stopped for the most part , I'm using 420 products to get off pills thanks for your posts very helpful
I'm 3 weeks out and I have a lot of pain. I'll take the meds until I don't need it. Tylenol does not help. Mmy biggest issue is pain and no mobility. This hurts.
I am two years behind you. I am doing "OK" at the three week mark. There are a few times that I may have pushed it a little too much. I have been paranoid about tearing things up because I have used my "bad" hand a few times. The pain reminds me that it isn't time yet!
John Hempel Just had my surgery five days ago and I have the same paranoia about ruining the repair by doing something I shouldn’t be doing this early. Even the smallest moves make me think. Good to know I am not alone.
Hi, I am writing my comment today because I am following your videos on your progress. I don’t know if you still read the comments but thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am exactly three weeks on my arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery on right shoulder, he also did subacromial decompression, distal clavicle excision and bicep tenodesis. Just like you state on your video it’s a long process 🙂
11 days after my surgery and I highly recommend applying ORTHO-Nesic gel by BlaineI labs several times daily. This gel is a miracle and stops pain faster and for longer periods than Tylenol. My pain has been minimal because of the gel. Also I started PT 6 days after surgery.
Hello and thank you. I have the same surgery and haven’t had my post op visit yet. I am wondering why you had to wait six weeks for PT, I thought it would be sooner?
Thanks for your supportive and informative videos. I am now almost 3 weeks post bicep tendon, supraspinatus tendon, SAD and ac joint excision and still in my recliner and quite overwhelmed at the moment by the magnitude of what I am unable to do. Physio starts this week, so I am nervous if not scared. Sleeping is better than before op but only in the recliner. The arm will very quickly let you know how far you can go. Looking forward to regaining full range of movement.
Hi Donna, you're so right, cooking meals is difficult to impossible. folding laundry takes so long with only one arm. Greetings from town of tonawanda!
Everything is difficult using one arm only...and I mean EVERYTHING..Repairing 2 rotator cuff tears is painful,every facet of normal daily living post operation has been a challenge.. it will be approximately 12 months be4 I have total full movement in my arm..I can now drive,try and a void lifting anything with left side..the spot is still tender to touch but Physio weekly is needed.. am coping reasonably well, but did not expect pain managing so difficult..praying for a positive outcome.
I’m 3 and a half weeks in and everything you said is right on. Hit a bit of a wall in terms of feeling frustration with wanting to do more but paying for it when I do. I haven’t tried going for walks yet because I’m getting the house ready to sell and that takes all my energy. Thanks for this video series...it helped me prepare before and after. The long road ahead is not such a mystery! 👍😀🌻
My first joint replacement was my right shoulder which was done on a Thursday. I returned to work in the machine shop on Monday without telling anyone because disability ins. would not pay. I didn't go to rehab and eventually recovered well even though there was firewood to cut, split and stack all summer and the surgery was June 7. I think rotator cuff is much more iffy with so many different aspects to consider. I have now had both hips and both shoulders replaced. My Dr. calls it "Genetic Predisposition". I was always very active in all sports and I think it is at least partially due to wear and tear. I was in my 60's for all 4 surgeries. The technology for this stuff has made it somewhat routine but physical therapy is important as is having a GOOD physical therapist.
Judy I tried physical therapy, then cortisone shots (which worked great for a short period of time) then surgery. Stretching is important for me now before activity and I do some as I lay in bed at night or whenever I think of it. Good luck to you.
Haha love your cooking comments. Thank you! I am one-week post-op and now we are 10 days away from Christmas dinner. The last few days I've realized there's no way I'll be making turkey dinner for the kids (20s) as I had planned. hahaha. Instead, I think I will tackle a lasagna! Love you sharing your videos. Very helpful!
@@funmakingmoneyify haha, that'd be a first and quite an adventure. Two of them are recent meat-eaters, eating a bit of it is one thing, prepping the beast might turn them back to vegetarianism! :)
@@funmakingmoneyify It went very well, thank you. I hope your holidays were filled with love and happiness. By now I'm attempting to do more but am frustrated by progression. That arm is remarkably unwilling, like some foreign appendage that was attached incorrectly! LOL And this one-fingered typing is for the birds! Ohh sooo slow and full of mistakes! The biggest problem for me now at week four is still having hardly any sleep due to pain trying to lay in bed or extreme discomfort and pain from that discomfort as I attempt to sleep sitting up in a chair. I have been trying everything to convince hubby we need to buy a recliner (we really don't have room for, but will somehow make work so I can have a hope at getting healthy sleep!) It's bad for your heart to not let it rest at night. It's still working as hard as during the day pumping blood when your legs aren't at heart level and I do also have circulation problems. I've been keeping my compression hose on for bedtime too. :( I have to go back through your videos to see what you said about the recliner. Happy new year and all the best to you and yours for 2020!
I was allowed to drive at 2 weeks according to my post-op instructions... (no heavy drugs of course). It is difficult since I'm right - handed and this is the surgical side. I practiced with my husband and today (day 16) I drove the 2 miles to my 1st PT. I don't recommend taking major roads or driving very far.
Tomorrow is my three week time point since the surgery. My biceps area has been very sensitive lately even though I don’t lift anything heavy with my surgical arm obviously not heavier than a coffee cup. I did not even hold a coffee cup with my surgical arm yet I’m very scared that I might re-injure it. I can relate to how you feel about mentally but then the shoulder not agreeing with you. I have the same issue. Thanks for the video!
Mary Burns This is my week 13. My ROM is good. I am working on my physical therapy. Strength training started last week. I noticed when I skip on my PT exercises it makes a whole lot of difference. My shoulder stiffens very quickly if I don’t do my exercises. Then it becomes painful. So it is important to stick to your exercise schedule
Hi Donna I know this video is 5 years ago I had my rotator cuff surgery October 2019 The recovery is slow I have been having Osteopath treatment for almost one year now since July 2020 It's now almost July 2021 I am now going to finish all treatments I can't remember if you said it took at least 2 years to completely recover Once again thank you so much for making these videos Wishing you health and happiness
Just reached my 3 week mark and after watching this video again I'm not sure I'm doing as good as I thought. First day of surgery, the biggest problem I had was with the nerve block. It made it hard to breath and also cause a muscle spasm in my back that didn't go away until after the block wore off. From then on, I cant say the pain was bad at all, as long as I didn't move my arm. I sleep well in my recliner which helped me keep the shoulder still. I took Ibuprofen 800mg twice a day and 2 Oxycodones every 6 hrs. The pain was almost non-existent as long as I stayed still. I am not taking the Oxycodone anymore and I only take the ibuprofen because the Doc told me to continue it, along with the icing. My range of motion is improving but now watching this again, its pretty much at the same level you were at the 3rd week out. I actually drove two weeks out. I had to go to a periodontist to complete work that was started before the surgery. I just took the sling off so I would attract attention and get a ticket. In a way I'm disappointed because I thought I was doing a lot better than normal, but maybe not. I was hoping that with some PT, (which I hope to be starting next week) it wouldn't be too long before I get back to work. Listening to you now say Im still a LONG way out, has me concerned a bit. I guess I won't know until I start PT and see what happens. Thanks for being here. It helps.
Mike JW, everyone’s recovery is different and you can’t base your progress on where I was at 3 weeks. Your injury and repair were unique to you and your body is unique to how it heals. It is a long journey but it will improve. Hang in there!
Cara, did you get any relief for your wrist? I’m having the same pain and discomfort in my wrist and fingers from being in the sling. I’m at six weeks postop.
I'm 11 days Post Op and my sling is driving me insane, lol. I had rotator cuff and labrum surgery, they said minimum 6 weeks in the sling, maybe 8 weeks. ugh... I thinkI might buy a different sling soon.
I'm having surgery Tuesday. I have the trifecta, Labrum, rotator and bicep. My doc has me scheduled to start therapy a week after surgery. Interesting. How long did you keep the ice machine? My insurance doesn't cover it. Enjoy your video's!
@@funmakingmoneyify I used mine for about 10 days. Haven't since. Pain is alot better now. I still don't sleep much though. Tomorrow is 3 weeks since surgery. Doc says I can stop wearing the sling when home on the 20th. Looking forward to that. He also said it would be at least January before I can go back to my job. I've enjoyed you video's also.
Oh my gosh !! I can relate to everything you shared on this video (and your other videos)!! The "itchy back"-thing....omg !! Tomorrow will be 3 weeks out of surgery for me. Had a full thickness tear repair performed as well as spur removal of the clavicle. Still feeling that dull pain....sometimes,SEVERE pain...when I try to over-do it. Funny you should mention spaghetti... I made spaghetti the other night. The hardest part,for me,was trying to open the jars of sauce !! UGGH !!
Liz, at 2 weeks I could not pull back my hair yet into a ponytail. Can you have someone do it for you? If you are alone, there are videos on TH-cam that show how someone with one arm puts her hair up in a ponytail. It does take practice to do that and requires a wall to help accomplish the task. Good luck to you!
I did a ponytail by sitting in a chair, bend over and using my good arm to flip my hair over my head (like you would do with wet hair to put it in a hair turban). My hair would be in my lap right next to my bad hand, where I could kind of use it to help. The sloppy bun look was best, where you don’t pull your hair all the way through the last time, since it’s never going to come out neat in the beginning. Every inch of movement you gain makes it a ton easier.
@@riverramblings4843 Now 9 weeks post op and week 4- 9 a lot of progress pain wise and range of motion. I stopped wearing my sling at week 6 and back at the gym doing very very light 5lb weights on shoulder work outs.
I have desk job... restarted work after 2 weeks. Rotator and bicep tendon. The downside of a desk job I guess. Ha. At 2 weeks i also made a mistake by using my bad arm to steady a heavy patio umbrella I was carrying upright... not a good idea. Severe sharp pain at repair site... sore and throbbing for many days after. Using a lufa with extension in the shower is great. It's tough being single and going thru things like this. The pets don't help much. 😀 Those with partners have it easy.
I will have rotator cuff surgery in September 2020. Can't one drive a car one-armed? I have push-button shifter; it's not like I have a stick shift. So why was driving "taken away?"
Mark Ferwerda, because I was in a sling and it was medically ordered to not drive. If I drove and were in an accident, my insurance would not have paid because I drive against medical advise.
Hello 3rd 4th week..... I can never sleep correctly..... 2 to 4 hours a day. Trying to decipher what pain and what is normal.... I can't sleep in a recliner because it moves my shoulders foward. As i write this I'm an a computer chair at 245am....
Robert, can you prop some pillows under you back to put you in a better position in your recliner? Or a pillow under your elbow of the affected shoulder?
Thank you so much @@funmakingmoneyify 🙏 I hope so. In the waiting room to see my physio now, hopefully she can do some remedial on my shoulders to release the muscle spasms. I had my left shoulder done. I’m finding my right shoulder is over working. Hope you’re keeping well 😀
My shoulder surgery will be scheduled soon. My dilemma, I'm right hand dominate and of course the injured arm. My recliner is a right handed pull and in search of a used one seems most recliners are right hand pull, Do you have any magic tricks to share on this!
There are some recliners that are remote control operated. I found one on Amazon that includes vibrating massage, maybe not to use post surgery but eventually may be helpful. I already had a Stressless brand chair that comes in different sizes to fit your body height and is a beautiful addition to my living room that is working very well for me. It reclines back ward but doesn’t have an attached ottoman. I raised the ottoman with a foam cushion to give my legs more height. It is working very well for me, as I am sleeping the entire night through. At 3 weeks post op I have not been able to get comfortable in the bed even using a wedge instead of pillows to prop me up so this chair has been my haven. Another option is a zero gravity lawn chair. They push back and are perfect for a summer nap or reclining out of doors, why not use one indoors to sleep in? Pad it up with a thick blanket or quilt tied down for stability. I bought mine at Bed Bath and Beyond but have seen them at a variety of stores. My positive attitude seems to depend on how much good sleep I get so I hope this suggestion helps anyone who needs to find a chair that works for them with rotator cuff surgery. Hang in there and heal well. It is a long haul in the best of circumstances and worth every penny to make yourself comfortable. P.S. The ice cuff was a godsend. So be sure to invest in that. I iced my shoulder 30 minute on and 30 minutes off for the first week except when sleeping. I set the timer on my phone to keep me on schedule. Fill it with ice twice daily. I can’t imagine trying to use ice packs after that.
Many handles can be switched to the left side, if you are handy. My husband and I have 'theater recliners' with built-in buttons on the right-impossible after right rotator cuff surgery. The company said they couldn't be switched. They were just out of warranty, so it was worth trying. It took a couple hours switching the wire bundles over, but it worked! Here is a link for switching a Laz y Boy with a handle. It may give some insight. www.upholsteryresource.com/node/170
My surgery is 3 weeks tomorrow. Supraspinatus, subscapularis, biceps anchor and labrum. I had a huge - and I do mean huge - post op hematoma that is still bruised along my inner bicep and yellow on my chest wall. I was told by my surgeon this is “normal”, I think not. Still have a fluctuant collection inner arm. Did you experience much bruising afterwards? Just curious.
No driving ? Are u kidding me? I was driving the next day in a sling. I am prior military so I’m used to being a functioning cripple lol. I’m not stopping what I need to do because of a sling. I also let my arm relax a few hrs from the sling to avoid stiffness . I’m on day 8
So, I’m still trying to get in to see my surgeon. I saw my physical therapist. She didn’t diagnose my problem but she said the pain is coming from the infraspinatus. It feels knotted up back there
@@funmakingmoneyify so, I mentioned to you about my shoulder. I have now been to a surgeon who did my distal clavicle excision surgery. She thinks my arm pain is coming from my neck. I now have now been to a neurosurgeon and a physiatrist and both of them think that it’s not my neck. The physiatrist thinks a cortisone injection. It hasn’t helped 100% but it has definitely helped. So, my physiatrists office is going to send me to a surgeon that specializes in shoulders. The one I have been seeing is an orthopedic oncologist. So, the physiatrist is sending a referral to the shoulder surgeon
Everything went just like you said Donna..I’m in week 3 now.. the MRi said I had a partial cuff tear and bicep tendinosis.. as it turned out I had two full tears in two cuffs and no bicep tenodesis! Two anchors and sutures to fix I followed your post op advice on the Arnica and ice machine and all has gone good so far.. start physical therapy tomorrow thanks again there is hope!
@@jayhawkr86, glad to hear all went well. It makes you wonder if more things tore between the time you had the mri and the time you had surgery…. Praying for a smooth recovery for you!
Just before I had the operation, I was out with my family and came off the scooter and it was lights out so I still have concussion which is making it easier for me to rest. I'm not as mentally active as I would be without it. Knock yourself out lol. It works. I'm enjoying reading etc
I just passed my 3rd week.. and you are right,, still getting shoulder spasms. But i think i'm getting better. WHat an injury and surgery!! In the recovery room the nurse got mad at me for "figiting". Andyelled at me. Even after the injury,, my under arm wanted ice packs or a pillow case... then after surgery ,, the same feeling returned worse!The nurse would have no part of it....
3 weeks is a tough point because you start feeling like you can do more and then can easily overdue it and get more spasms! The worst part is over though! Hurray!
I’m so worried right now, I’m going to have operation on my right shoulder in some months. I have beautiful long hair like you, I keep thinking to have very short cut and this make me cry. It would take forever to grow back that long, but if not then how can I wash and dry and tight it up with my left hand....also I have to dye my hair every month as they’re all gone white. Wishing my mum would be around for some help but we are too far away ☹️☹️☹️
Yen, you do not have to cut your hair! If it is really long, you could put it in a side pony tail! Do you have any friends that can help you with coloring?
I had long hair and had it cut because I thought it would be really hard to take care of it. I was so bummed after the cut. I am now almost at three week time point and Donna’s videos are so helpful. I am feeling exactly how she described about thinking it is still a long way to full recovery.
this is my 3rd week (the beginning) and im literally in tears because im exhausted i cannot get comfortable to sleep and eating is hard.... i know im whining i want this over !!!
@@nikki5360 I’m 11 days post op struggling to find comfy position to sleep.also in constant pain at night this is so dam horrible. How many weeks post op are you?
@@londonengland7096 Monday it will be 3 weeks post op. Luckily I have a recliner but even still I think the most hours I slept was probably 5 hours and That’s when I was using my oxy. It’s always two and three hours here and there like I have not gotten any real sleep at all it’s so uncomfortable.
@@londonengland7096 sorry that i'm just answering im better now but still have issues can't lift my arm sometimes my fingers lock and have strange feeling in my hand ..... i wish i never had the surgery
I'm in my third week after surgery and using ice packs daily and also sleeping in a recliner. Tried sleeping in bed one night but that saved is. Woke up within two hours after falling asleep with tremendous pain. Can't wait to be able to drive again. Frustrating yes. Thanks for sharing how you went through this. I agree with your "other people" comments....
Been watching your videos and didn't really know what to expect after surgery. I had same exact surgery as you on 1-27-17 and it is now 2-8-17. After surgery I was kind of lost because post surgery instructions were very minimal. Your videos are very informative on what to expect and tips on doing things. Thank you for these videos!
Right at 3 weeks now and I agree with you on everything. You feel like you can do everything you did before but you can't. A back scratcher is your best friend. Sleeping in a bed is difficult because I want to roll on my side so I sleep in a recliner to keep from rolling from side to side. Boredom is incredible. Getting dressed is a definite challenge. Showering and drying off is much slower and more deliberate in your movements.
I sleep a lot. Thanks for your video.
You are welcome, hang in there!
I have watched both of your videos and I am so glad that I did. I am having surgery tomorrow and I have been having a lot of anxiety. Thanks to you I feel better knowing that I am not alone about my feelings. I will keep watching your videos your honesty and frankness is appreciated.
You are welcome Gigi, how did the surgery go?
I really appreciate your videos. it's helped me to know I'm not alone. I went on my first one mile walk yesterday. I had my surgery almost 3 weeks ago. your videos really encourage me. thank you Donna.
You are most welcome!
Thanks so much for your videos. I am 3 weeks post rotator cuff surgery and the advice you give in your videos has been wonderful. You provided more helpful information than the surgeon did. I am very appreciative.
You are welcome Celia! I hope your recovery continues to go smoothly.
Thanx for sharing!! I'm at three weeks and it's gone well. Showered after three days and started doing the circular rotations with my arm hanging same day. I'm finding through research and my own journey that it's very important to not keep your arm locked in the sling constantly. Obviously there are many things that you have to do differently. I usually sleep sitting in bed three hours or so and get as much as I can in chaise lounge, all with sling. My surgeon is a very bright young man who also did my meniscus tear. I do feel however, that there is a "fast food" recovery nowadays. I got my stitches out two weeks later and that aspect has been great. Great healing, no infection. I met with the surgeon assistant. It would have been nice to meet with my surgeon to help my apprehension as there's apart of me that thinks one wrong move and my arm will fall off. You're kind of left on your own. Like ok, hrre you go, figure it out. Doesn't thrill me. It seems to be going very good. The mental aspect is harder than yhe pein and the sling is hella uncomfortable but keep the faith 🤞🤞Best to all
Thank you for sharing as well! You are right about being left out there to figure it out- that is why I did this series of videos.
And your efforts are appreciated!! Best wishes to you 🤞🤞
These videos are so honest and so helpful! Thank you! Grateful for your gift of time making them!
Thank you for your very helpful and informative videos. I had my op last Friday, Nov 1, 2019. Everything is going ok. Not really having any pain as such. Just a sort of dull ache sometimes. I am doing simple exercises with the arm without much difficulty and my husband has been fantastic. I had a total knee replacement in 2012 and he was so brilliant. Then in February this year I broke my ankle in three places and was in a moon boot for what seemed like an eternity. So he has had a lot of practice at playing nursemaid and everything else. I wish you well.
Hi Sue, I'm going to have tear cuff surgery on Nov 15 this Friday, very worried so please share any experience.Thanks
Well it sounds like you have a great husband who has helped you through a lot of surgeries!
Thank you so much for your videos! I appreciate that you’re still responding after 7 years. I’m on week 3 and I experience most of what you’ve described. It helps to know that my experiences are common.
You are welcome! I love helping people through this recovery as it’s a long road.
Hi Donna
I have just had rotator cuff surgery
2 days ago Monday 14th of October 2019
And thank God not too much pain
And I am sleeping in my bed
Surrounded by pillows
Donna like you say take it easy
Today is just my 2nd day
I am going to go for a walk tomorrow
Please God
Mary Lynch, sounds like it’s going well!
Thank you, SO, SO MUCH. I needed this, I'm at the 3rd week post surgery, and you explained everything I'm experiencing.
Thank you for taking the time to provide this information.
Thank you for all the great videos had rotator cuff surgery and bicep repair 4 days ago, never realized how long reaching this is. Ugh. The docs don’t tell you much. I’m amazed at those who don’t have much pain,
after, ouch. Your encouragement is so comforting! Hope you’re doing well.💐😘
Thank you, I haven't had my surgery yet but I am enjoying your videos. I feeling better about going through this surgery. Thank you for helping know more.
Just had a similar surgery. Your videos are really helping me get through this.
Thanks
Also wanted to say thank you for your excellent blog!
Thanks for the videos Donna! I'm having surgery on my left shoulder in about a week. Your videos have really let me know what I can expect after my surgery. You did an excellent job of explaining what to expect!
Carl Southall, thank you and good luck to you!
Thank you for your videos as they are very informative! I picked up some awesome tips from you- the water bottles for the polar ice machine was an awesome idea! That is something I can do solo with my good arm. Your positive attitude has kept me in check as well. It’s great to hear someone’s honest perspective of their own progress. I am looking forward to watching your other videos as I progress. Thank you for sharing! Go Bills!
LOL! Yes, Go Bills!
Thank you Donna! Your posts week by week has been such a great help. No surgery pain but muscle spasms from my shoulder blade all the way up to my ear have been horrible. Staying positive & know it is a process. Using the Tei Fu massage lotion & find some relief. Taking a muscle relaxer mostly at night.
Really like your videos. Just heard you had bicep repair as well. Thanks for the info you provide as I'm now 3 weeks
Hi Donna, I live in Rochdale England and in the third week post surgery.
I'd just like to thank you so much for the information, help and advise you have given, I certainly know what to expect on the road to recovery now.
To be honest, it's more painful at the moment than it was in the first or second week and I've had to put my arm back in a sling. I guess patience is the key in going forward.
Thanks once again and best wishes x 😊
Thank you so much for your videos. I am one week post op and I really appreciate seeing your journey and advise. Definitely tough and takes a lot of patience!
I'm at the 3 week mark, and what you're experiencing is exactly like mine. thanks
Thanks for your videos. They gave me some idea what to expect when I recently had my rotator cuff and biceps tendon repair. My difference was that I came out of the sling at 8 days except to sleep and go to busy places (ballgame, Walmart). I know I have a long way to go, but the videos here on TH-cam were sure a help...mostly to my anxiety.
Excellent series. I am scheduled October 4, just a few days away. Learning a lot from you. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome! Good luck to you!
you have such a good outlook on this whole ordeal.. today is week one for me and I did not know what to expect. you have been such a great help for me and others. I am afraid of running out of pain pills so I only take them at night when the pain is at its worse. I took your advise and brought a big chair in my room and yes it makes it a little better. I am trying to type with my left hand. not so good at it. you are such a lovely lady and I hope you are doing great by now.
Maria Kane, thank you for your message. I am doing very well now.
I hope your recovery continues to go well.
Donna, thank you so much for sharing your journey....your information really hits home with me. I am at 9 days post surgery and realizing how little information I was given on what to expect/how to prepare. I agree that the recliner becomes your best friend....we purchased a used (like new) power lift recliner, which has been great. I am trying to take to heart what you said about asking for help, as I'm finding it hard to do that. I made a list of things to order (back knobber, massage lotion, deep relief and lavender oil, and a,shower brush.).
I see my dr in 2 days for my post op visit.
Again, thank you so much!
Maureen, I'm so glad that my advice and tips have helped you! I hope your Dr's visit went well!
Donna Westermeier it did go well...thank you! I started PT a couple of days ago, which helped me to get over the "mental hurdle" of knowing what I can safely do/not do as far as movement goes.
My biggest frustration at this point is that i feel like my arm is glued to my side, so it's tough to get in there and wash and thoroughly dry my underarm area. Consequently. my skin is quite irritated. Did you have that issue as well?
Your words, especially in this particular video, have been extremely helpful and relatable. I have had a couple of "emotional meltdowns" in the past few days, and listening to you has helped me to get over myself! 😁
I am having this surgery in 2 weeks, these videos are so greAT! thank you!
I’m Having surgery in August. Your videos have been very helpful as to what to expect. Thank you.
Donna - thank you for sharing your story, it has been very helpful!
Hey Donna, Thanks for posting how your recovery went/is going if watched in sequence. I'm 3 weeks out now as well, but here in Wisconsin it is snow and ice every couple of days. Suckie!!! At least I have people to dig out and salt here. My biggest thing is the stiffness in my shoulder and the inability to sleep for more than a few hours. I sort of believe that if I could get the sleep thing down I should be able to get back to work, but that will be after week 4.
again, thanks for posting your journey.
Bob, stiffness is normal at this stage of the game. Lack of sleep affects us in so many ways and I know that was tough in the early stages as well. It will improve!
I know this was posted 7 years ago but I have a ten year old and i really needed to hear everything you said.
Donna I’m having my surgery in about six weeks, and your videos are already helping me to get my head ready for this. Thank you so much, Doug
Good luck to you Doug!
Thanks for your videos, I watched before surgery and it helped a lot. I'm 3 weeks post surgery today. I have little to no pain so hardly take anything for it. Usually only need something for physical therapy. I'm still stuck not driving because of the sling since I'm right handed and it's my right shoulder I had surgery on. Can't wait for the next few weeks to go quickly to come out of the sling. Ice packs are my friends at night as is my recliner to sleep in. I miss my bed but when I lay down in physical therapy I see why I'm not in my bed. Hoping to try a bed again soon probably once I'm out of the sling. I running into the same issue with help. First week was good with it but people think I'm fine, just the way it is just have to ask for help. I've been living on TV dinners, can't wait to cook again. I am back to work part time since I have a desk job and have a station set up at home to work. That has helped me keep sane the past week to work a little bit and not watching Netflix.
Hang in there! Before you know it you will be able to do more, but in the mean time, yes... ask for help!
Thank you ! I had surgery 3 weeks ago and yes it’s hard
I had surgery 5 weeks ago, I wore the brace for a solid 3 days then I slept in it at night for 2 weeks. After that I quit wearing it i now just not to use my arm and i have full range of motion no pain and doing exercises
Hi Donna been 6 weeks post operation, Its going great almost full extension of the operated ar down a lot of physio, will keep you updated.
Great to hear Dave!
Going in as soon as insurance company gives the ok. Donna thanks for the vids. I also am close to buffalo like right down the road. Thanks again.
You're welcome Randy. Good luck and stay warm, it is freezing here!
Thanks for your videos. I'm as three weeks post op. My Dr. had me out of my sling at 2 weeks while at home. Also he started pt at home with a mechanical chair that moves my arm for me on DAY 2 post op. Its very easy to over do it though as you said. Thanks for sharing your experience, its been helpful.
Darlene Darling Hi I was curious about the mechanical chair you mentioned. Is that something you have access to at your PT office?
Thanks for doing this. it is Sunday morning viewing. I am going into week 3 and like to know what I am looking forward to. You are spot on so far. I would recommend spouse and/or family watch it, too. When another voice echoes your feelings and pain...they may be more open to hearing it! I also will not cheat and look ahead. One week at a time!
Well Mike, I don’t know if I would have been able to wait to look ahead! Hang in there!
Your videos have been very helpful I am at my 3 week mark now. Feeling pretty good. And I am also from Buffalo go bills. Thanks
Go Bills! I'm so excited that they are playing well!
Thank you so much for your videos Donna! Your tips have helped me a lot. I did the frozen water bottles, the t-shirts , the ponchos, young living deep relief is AMAZING!! I just ordered my 2nd bottle. I also am using the lavender essential oil and the tei-fu lotion. I'm 3 weeks post op for a full thickness, greater then 90% tear of the supra spinatus. I've watched many people's videos but YOURS have been the absolute MOST HELPFUL!! Thank you!!
You are most welcome Kim! Please keep me posted on your progress!
Thank you so much for your videos. I'm having surgery next week and you have really helped me feel prepared.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I’m two weeks post op and your videos have really helped. You’re keeping me very informed. I’m tempted to look ahead but I’ll stay with the week I’m on.
Ha Ha! It's okay to look ahead! Good luck to you!
Thank you for the advice. I am in my third week it's going well but I know it's going to be a long road. I'm a plasterer by trade and I work for myself will let you know when I get back to work. From Wales all the best
Dave, your biggest obstacle is trying not to go back to work too soon! Try to take it easy!
How are you now?
@@londonengland7096 All back to normal I have been plastering all my life. 56 now still plastering all going well I think my work strengthened the shoulder over time.. Thankyou.
@@davidtynan190 I’m so glad to hear you are well but to hear you are plastering as normal should gove hope for everyone thanks
@@londonengland7096 your advice from the start was my motivation
I'm on day 5 after rotator cuff repair surgery. Three of my four tendons were full thickness tears with a torn labrum and biceps tendonosis. I'm only taking off the sling for showering and moving my elbow and wrist. I'm doing my best not to actively move the injured shoulder being scared of damaging the repair. Here's hoping everything goes well
You are at the hardest stage. It gets better from here!
@@funmakingmoneyify thanks. I'm thinking of posting a video of my journey to wellness. I think I'm just paranoid about compromising the repair that's all
@@Melodycat918 , good for you! I think that is a very common thought to worry about damaging the repair.
@@funmakingmoneyify next Tuesday is my first visit to PT.
Thanks for all the advice I'm fixing to have the same surgery in a week 1/2
10 days out felling a bit timid on all things concerning this right shoulder , pain has stopped for the most part , I'm using 420 products to get off pills
thanks for your posts very helpful
I'm 3 weeks out and I have a lot of pain. I'll take the meds until I don't need it. Tylenol does not help. Mmy biggest issue is pain and no mobility. This hurts.
I am two years behind you. I am doing "OK" at the three week mark. There are a few times that I may have pushed it a little too much. I have been paranoid about tearing things up because I have used my "bad" hand a few times. The pain reminds me that it isn't time yet!
John Hempel Just had my surgery five days ago and I have the same paranoia about ruining the repair by doing something I shouldn’t be doing this early. Even the smallest moves make me think. Good to know I am not alone.
Hi, I am writing my comment today because I am following your videos on your progress. I don’t know if you still read the comments but thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am exactly three weeks on my arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery on right shoulder, he also did subacromial decompression, distal clavicle excision and bicep tenodesis. Just like you state on your video it’s a long process 🙂
Pat, thank you for your comment, and yes, it is a very long process but you will get there!
11 days after my surgery and I highly recommend applying ORTHO-Nesic gel by BlaineI labs several times daily. This gel is a miracle and stops pain faster and for longer periods than Tylenol.
My pain has been minimal because of the gel. Also I started PT 6 days after surgery.
lysistrata35 , thanks for the recommendation!
Hello and thank you. I have the same surgery and haven’t had my post op visit yet. I am wondering why you had to wait six weeks for PT, I thought it would be sooner?
It all depends on your surgeon and how he/she did the surgery.
Thanks for your supportive and informative videos. I am now almost 3 weeks post bicep tendon, supraspinatus tendon, SAD and ac joint excision and still in my recliner and quite overwhelmed at the moment by the magnitude of what I am unable to do. Physio starts this week, so I am nervous if not scared. Sleeping is better than before op but only in the recliner. The arm will very quickly let you know how far you can go. Looking forward to regaining full range of movement.
Nancy, hang in there, it's a very slow process. Don't be overwhelmed and take this time to relax and not try to overdo it!
YOU GO THANK YOU FOR THE VERY HELPFUL ADVICE AND GOOD HUMOR!
MY WIFE LIKE IT SHE IS THE ONE YOU HELP
James Christianson, I’m glad I could help!
Hi Donna, you're so right, cooking meals is difficult to impossible. folding laundry takes so long with only one arm. Greetings from town of tonawanda!
rawlsmar, nice to hear from a fellow Buffalonian!
Everything is difficult using one arm only...and I mean EVERYTHING..Repairing 2 rotator cuff tears is painful,every facet of normal daily living post operation has been a challenge.. it will be approximately 12 months be4 I have total full movement in my arm..I can now drive,try and a void lifting anything with left side..the spot is still tender to touch but Physio weekly is needed.. am coping reasonably well, but did not expect pain managing so difficult..praying for a positive outcome.
thank u. had massive tears. surgen said i was worst she ever saw. said pamper it for a year, dont move it 4 4weeks
So did you have the surgery?
Thanks for sharing these videos. I'm on Day 2 and this is super encouraging.
Andrea T, you are most welcome!
I’m 3 and a half weeks in and everything you said is right on. Hit a bit of a wall in terms of feeling frustration with wanting to do more but paying for it when I do. I haven’t tried going for walks yet because I’m getting the house ready to sell and that takes all my energy.
Thanks for this video series...it helped me prepare before and after. The long road ahead is not such a mystery! 👍😀🌻
Jane, you are welcome. Hopefully you are seeing some slow improvement since you wrote this!
My first joint replacement was my right shoulder which was done on a Thursday. I returned to work in the machine shop on Monday without telling anyone because disability ins. would not pay. I didn't go to rehab and eventually recovered well even though there was firewood to cut, split and stack all summer and the surgery was June 7. I think rotator cuff is much more iffy with so many different aspects to consider. I have now had both hips and both shoulders replaced. My Dr. calls it "Genetic Predisposition". I was always very active in all sports and I think it is at least partially due to wear and tear. I was in my 60's for all 4 surgeries. The technology for this stuff has made it somewhat routine but physical therapy is important as is having a GOOD physical therapist.
Judy I tried physical therapy, then cortisone shots (which worked great for a short period of time) then surgery. Stretching is important for me now before activity and I do some as I lay in bed at night or whenever I think of it. Good luck to you.
Haha love your cooking comments. Thank you! I am one-week post-op and now we are 10 days away from Christmas dinner. The last few days I've realized there's no way I'll be making turkey dinner for the kids (20s) as I had planned. hahaha. Instead, I think I will tackle a lasagna! Love you sharing your videos. Very helpful!
Urbanmoon, better yet, if your kids are in their 20’s, let them cook the dinner! Merry Christmas!
@@funmakingmoneyify haha, that'd be a first and quite an adventure. Two of them are recent meat-eaters, eating a bit of it is one thing, prepping the beast might turn them back to vegetarianism! :)
Urbanmoon, LOL! You may be right! How did it go?
@@funmakingmoneyify It went very well, thank you. I hope your holidays were filled with love and happiness. By now I'm attempting to do more but am frustrated by progression. That arm is remarkably unwilling, like some foreign appendage that was attached incorrectly! LOL And this one-fingered typing is for the birds! Ohh sooo slow and full of mistakes! The biggest problem for me now at week four is still having hardly any sleep due to pain trying to lay in bed or extreme discomfort and pain from that discomfort as I attempt to sleep sitting up in a chair. I have been trying everything to convince hubby we need to buy a recliner (we really don't have room for, but will somehow make work so I can have a hope at getting healthy sleep!) It's bad for your heart to not let it rest at night. It's still working as hard as during the day pumping blood when your legs aren't at heart level and I do also have circulation problems. I've been keeping my compression hose on for bedtime too. :( I have to go back through your videos to see what you said about the recliner. Happy new year and all the best to you and yours for 2020!
Urbanmoon , all the best to you as well in this new year!
I was allowed to drive at 2 weeks according to my post-op instructions... (no heavy drugs of course). It is difficult since I'm right - handed and this is the surgical side. I practiced with my husband and today (day 16) I drove the 2 miles to my 1st PT. I don't recommend taking major roads or driving very far.
Thanks for sharing your experience, did you see yourself able to air travel at week three?
Tomorrow is my three week time point since the surgery. My biceps area has been very sensitive lately even though I don’t lift anything heavy with my surgical arm obviously not heavier than a coffee cup. I did not even hold a coffee cup with my surgical arm yet I’m very scared that I might re-injure it. I can relate to how you feel about mentally but then the shoulder not agreeing with you. I have the same issue. Thanks for the video!
How are you now?
Mary Burns This is my week 13. My ROM is good. I am working on my physical therapy. Strength training started last week. I noticed when I skip on my PT exercises it makes a whole lot of difference. My shoulder stiffens very quickly if I don’t do my exercises. Then it becomes painful. So it is important to stick to your exercise schedule
Hi Donna
I know this video is 5 years ago
I had my rotator cuff surgery October 2019
The recovery is slow
I have been having Osteopath treatment for almost one year now since July 2020
It's now almost July 2021
I am now going to finish all treatments
I can't remember if you said it took at least 2 years to completely recover
Once again thank you so much for making these videos
Wishing you health and happiness
Just reached my 3 week mark and after watching this video again I'm not sure I'm doing as good as I thought.
First day of surgery, the biggest problem I had was with the nerve block. It made it hard to breath and also cause a muscle spasm in my back that didn't go away until after the block wore off. From then on, I cant say the pain was bad at all, as long as I didn't move my arm. I sleep well in my recliner which helped me keep the shoulder still. I took Ibuprofen 800mg twice a day and 2 Oxycodones every 6 hrs. The pain was almost non-existent as long as I stayed still. I am not taking the Oxycodone anymore and I only take the ibuprofen because the Doc told me to continue it, along with the icing. My range of motion is improving but now watching this again, its pretty much at the same level you were at the 3rd week out. I actually drove two weeks out. I had to go to a periodontist to complete work that was started before the surgery. I just took the sling off so I would attract attention and get a ticket.
In a way I'm disappointed because I thought I was doing a lot better than normal, but maybe not. I was hoping that with some PT, (which I hope to be starting next week) it wouldn't be too long before I get back to work. Listening to you now say Im still a LONG way out, has me concerned a bit. I guess I won't know until I start PT and see what happens. Thanks for being here. It helps.
Mike JW, everyone’s recovery is different and you can’t base your progress on where I was at 3 weeks. Your injury and repair were unique to you and your body is unique to how it heals. It is a long journey but it will improve. Hang in there!
Thank you I know your right on that .day by is day is the way forward.
3 weeks today.
Your videos are almost identical to my symptoms. Thanks for using internet for something good
Ahh, you are welcome!
Hi Donna,
I hope you are well. Can I ask you did you feel discomfort in your wrist from being in the sling
Cara, no I did not.
Cara, did you get any relief for your wrist? I’m having the same pain and discomfort in my wrist and fingers from being in the sling. I’m at six weeks postop.
How was taking a shower ? I'm having same surgery in August. Thx for sharing !!
Taking a shower was not bad. It's one of the easier things to do.
@@funmakingmoneyify Sorry I was referring to..how soon to shower..
I'm 11 days Post Op and my sling is driving me insane, lol. I had rotator cuff and labrum surgery, they said minimum 6 weeks in the sling, maybe 8 weeks. ugh... I thinkI might buy a different sling soon.
I'm getting ready to have shoulder surgery on August 14th do you have any advice
Watch my first video- it has a lot of advice.😉
I'm having surgery Tuesday. I have the trifecta, Labrum, rotator and bicep. My doc has me scheduled to start therapy a week after surgery. Interesting. How long did you keep the ice machine? My insurance doesn't cover it. Enjoy your video's!
William, I used the ice machine for about 6 weeks on and off. I used it a lot the first 2 weeks.
@@funmakingmoneyify I used mine for about 10 days. Haven't since. Pain is alot better now. I still don't sleep much though. Tomorrow is 3 weeks since surgery. Doc says I can stop wearing the sling when home on the 20th. Looking forward to that. He also said it would be at least January before I can go back to my job. I've enjoyed you video's also.
@@billiamnotbob Glad to hear the pain is a lot better!
Oh my gosh !! I can relate to everything you shared on this video (and your other videos)!! The "itchy back"-thing....omg !! Tomorrow will be 3 weeks out of surgery for me. Had a full thickness tear repair performed as well as spur removal of the clavicle. Still feeling that dull pain....sometimes,SEVERE pain...when I try to over-do it. Funny you should mention spaghetti... I made spaghetti the other night. The hardest part,for me,was trying to open the jars of sauce !! UGGH !!
Doug Deman , the struggle is real!
@@funmakingmoneyify Indeed,my friend !! Indeed !!
2nd week blues. dreading my ponytail drama for church outing. how do you tie back your ponytail? liz
Liz, at 2 weeks I could not pull back my hair yet into a ponytail. Can you have someone do it for you? If you are alone, there are videos on TH-cam that show how someone with one arm puts her hair up in a ponytail. It does take practice to do that and requires a wall to help accomplish the task. Good luck to you!
Donna: I had same surgery as you did just 2 weeks ago. love your videos! would you consider selling your ice machine?
also, I live in South Jersey
Gina, My son just had labral repair of his shoulder so he is using it!
I did a ponytail by sitting in a chair, bend over and using my good arm to flip my hair over my head (like you would do with wet hair to put it in a hair turban). My hair would be in my lap right next to my bad hand, where I could kind of use it to help. The sloppy bun look was best, where you don’t pull your hair all the way through the last time, since it’s never going to come out neat in the beginning. Every inch of movement you gain makes it a ton easier.
You’re right on with the 3wk post op, I’m in my third week and I’m feeling exactly the same.
Me too!
@@riverramblings4843 Now 9 weeks post op and week 4- 9 a lot of progress pain wise and range of motion. I stopped wearing my sling at week 6 and back at the gym doing very very light 5lb weights on shoulder work outs.
I have desk job... restarted work after 2 weeks. Rotator and bicep tendon. The downside of a desk job I guess. Ha. At 2 weeks i also made a mistake by using my bad arm to steady a heavy patio umbrella I was carrying upright... not a good idea. Severe sharp pain at repair site... sore and throbbing for many days after. Using a lufa with extension in the shower is great. It's tough being single and going thru things like this. The pets don't help much. 😀 Those with partners have it easy.
Yes, I agree that is easier when someone else is around! Good luck to you and stay away from lifting heavy objects even iwith you good arm!
I will have rotator cuff surgery in September 2020. Can't one drive a car one-armed? I have push-button shifter; it's not like I have a stick shift. So why was driving "taken away?"
Mark Ferwerda, because I was in a sling and it was medically ordered to not drive. If I drove and were in an accident, my insurance would not have paid because I drive against medical advise.
@@funmakingmoneyify Thanks so much for your reply. My doctor and PA have neither mentioned anything about not driving post surgery; hope they don't.
Hi mark, I just had my surgery on 7/13 & started driving after about 2 weeks. I just make sure not to go too far
Hello 3rd 4th week..... I can never sleep correctly..... 2 to 4 hours a day. Trying to decipher what pain and what is normal.... I can't sleep in a recliner because it moves my shoulders foward. As i write this I'm an a computer chair at 245am....
Robert, can you prop some pillows under you back to put you in a better position in your recliner? Or a pillow under your elbow of the affected shoulder?
@@funmakingmoneyify lol the sling seems to hurt more than my shoulder....if I could just sleep id prob ok, but I still wake up every hour to 2 hours.
Thank you this has been very helpful. I am having surgery in 4 weeks and ag as in this is very helpful.
Good luck to you!
Thank you. I had not thought about the wall as helper. Yay
It’s been 3 weeks for me now. It’s killing me not be able to do anything. So hard to cope 😢
Hang in there, it WILL get better!
Thank you so much @@funmakingmoneyify 🙏
I hope so. In the waiting room to see my physio now, hopefully she can do some remedial on my shoulders to release the muscle spasms.
I had my left shoulder done. I’m finding my right shoulder is over working.
Hope you’re keeping well 😀
Thankyou good advice
My shoulder surgery will be scheduled soon. My dilemma, I'm right hand dominate and of course the injured arm. My recliner is a right handed pull and in search of a used one seems most recliners are right hand pull, Do you have any magic tricks to share on this!
Kathy, I am sorry but I don't! Mine was my non-dominant arm which made it much easier. You need to find a recliner that has a remote control.
There are some recliners that are remote control operated. I found one on Amazon that includes vibrating massage, maybe not to use post surgery but eventually may be helpful. I already had a Stressless brand chair that comes in different sizes to fit your body height and is a beautiful addition to my living room that is working very well for me. It reclines back ward but doesn’t have an attached ottoman. I raised the ottoman with a foam cushion to give my legs more height. It is working very well for me, as I am sleeping the entire night through. At 3 weeks post op I have not been able to get comfortable in the bed even using a wedge instead of pillows to prop me up so this chair has been my haven.
Another option is a zero gravity lawn chair. They push back and are perfect for a summer nap or reclining out of doors, why not use one indoors to sleep in? Pad it up with a thick blanket or quilt tied down for stability. I bought mine at Bed Bath and Beyond but have seen them at a variety of stores. My positive attitude seems to depend on how much good sleep I get so I hope this suggestion helps anyone who needs to find a chair that works for them with rotator cuff surgery. Hang in there and heal well. It is a long haul in the best of circumstances and worth every penny to make yourself comfortable.
P.S. The ice cuff was a godsend. So be sure to invest in that. I iced my shoulder 30 minute on and 30 minutes off for the first week except when sleeping. I set the timer on my phone to keep me on schedule. Fill it with ice twice daily. I can’t imagine trying to use ice packs after that.
Many handles can be switched to the left side, if you are handy. My husband and I have 'theater recliners' with built-in buttons on the right-impossible after right rotator cuff surgery. The company said they couldn't be switched. They were just out of warranty, so it was worth trying. It took a couple hours switching the wire bundles over, but it worked! Here is a link for switching a Laz y Boy with a handle. It may give some insight. www.upholsteryresource.com/node/170
My surgery is 3 weeks tomorrow. Supraspinatus, subscapularis, biceps anchor and labrum. I had a huge - and I do mean huge - post op hematoma that is still bruised along my inner bicep and yellow on my chest wall. I was told by my surgeon this is “normal”, I think not. Still have a fluctuant collection inner arm. Did you experience much bruising afterwards? Just curious.
Jim, I did have bruising afterwards but I think by a week or so, it was gone. I took arnica before surgery to try to reduce bruising.
Donna, 8 years...how are you now?
@@SuperHowyalikemenow , I am great! The shoulder is stronger than ever!
No driving ? Are u kidding me? I was driving the next day in a sling. I am prior military so I’m used to being a functioning cripple lol. I’m not stopping what I need to do because of a sling. I also let my arm relax a few hrs from the sling to avoid stiffness . I’m on day 8
So, I’m still trying to get in to see my surgeon. I saw my physical therapist. She didn’t diagnose my problem but she said the pain is coming from the infraspinatus. It feels knotted up back there
Good luck to you!
@@funmakingmoneyify so, I mentioned to you about my shoulder. I have now been to a surgeon who did my distal clavicle excision surgery. She thinks my arm pain is coming from my neck. I now have now been to a neurosurgeon and a physiatrist and both of them think that it’s not my neck. The physiatrist thinks a cortisone injection. It hasn’t helped 100% but it has definitely helped. So, my physiatrists office is going to send me to a surgeon that specializes in shoulders. The one I have been seeing is an orthopedic oncologist. So, the physiatrist is sending a referral to the shoulder surgeon
@@ErinM-2024 , keep me posted what the surgeon says. Chronic pain is no fun!
@@funmakingmoneyify I will do that
I’m having surgery tomorrow similar to yours but the thought of not using my dominant arm as normal for 8!weeks seems a nightmare! Help me Jesus
Good luck brother!
I know, it’s scary but you’ll be amazed how fast you learn to adapt when you have to!
Everything went just like you said Donna..I’m in week 3 now.. the MRi said I had a partial cuff tear and bicep tendinosis.. as it turned out I had two full tears in two cuffs and no bicep tenodesis! Two anchors and sutures to fix I followed your post op advice on the Arnica and ice machine and all has gone good so far.. start physical therapy tomorrow thanks again there is hope!
@@jayhawkr86, glad to hear all went well. It makes you wonder if more things tore between the time you had the mri and the time you had surgery….
Praying for a smooth recovery for you!
You are MY THERAPIST ❤
Just before I had the operation, I was out with my family and came off the scooter and it was lights out so I still have concussion which is making it easier for me to rest. I'm not as mentally active as I would be without it.
Knock yourself out lol. It works.
I'm enjoying reading etc
Richard Fogden, oh boy! I guess that’s one way to do it!🤣
I'm at 3 weeks. Glad its the winter months but still depressingly not being able to do things. Positive side ...3 more weeks
Donna Westermeier, I’m having this surgery in a week. Would love to speak with you. Thank you.
that's great! mine hurts so bad I cannot JUST DEAL with it
I'm wondering why pt want stayed with you yet. They started me a week after surgery
Magnolia Sunshine My doctor told me the same thing one week after surgery I will be doing physical therapy
I just passed my 3rd week.. and you are right,, still getting shoulder spasms. But i think i'm getting better. WHat an injury and surgery!! In the recovery room the nurse got mad at me for "figiting". Andyelled at me. Even after the injury,, my under arm wanted ice packs or a pillow case... then after surgery ,, the same feeling returned worse!The nurse would have no part of it....
3 weeks is a tough point because you start feeling like you can do more and then can easily overdue it and get more spasms! The worst part is over though! Hurray!
I’m so worried right now, I’m going to have operation on my right shoulder in some months. I have beautiful long hair like you, I keep thinking to have very short cut and this make me cry. It would take forever to grow back that long, but if not then how can I wash and dry and tight it up with my left hand....also I have to dye my hair every month as they’re all gone white. Wishing my mum would be around for some help but we are too far away ☹️☹️☹️
Yen, you do not have to cut your hair! If it is really
long, you could put it in a side pony tail! Do you have any friends that can help you with coloring?
I had long hair and had it cut because I thought it would be really hard to take care of it. I was so bummed after the cut. I am now almost at three week time point and Donna’s videos are so helpful. I am feeling exactly how she described about thinking it is still a long way to full recovery.
I started driving a week after surgery
This is my week and I have therapy tomorrow
this is my 3rd week (the beginning) and im literally in tears because im exhausted i cannot get comfortable to sleep and eating is hard.... i know im whining i want this over !!!
Hi How are you feeling now?
Oh my gosh me as well I’m just so over this
@@nikki5360 I’m 11 days post op struggling to find comfy position to sleep.also in constant pain at night this is so dam horrible. How many weeks post op are you?
@@londonengland7096 Monday it will be 3 weeks post op. Luckily I have a recliner but even still I think the most hours I slept was probably 5 hours and That’s when I was using my oxy. It’s always two and three hours here and there like I have not gotten any real sleep at all it’s so uncomfortable.
@@londonengland7096 sorry that i'm just answering im better now but still have issues can't lift my arm sometimes my fingers lock and have strange feeling in my hand ..... i wish i never had the surgery
i was driving 4 days after mine I'm confused why you can't drive.
vloging and gaming, I had to keep my arm immobile for 6 wks in a sling and was medically directed not to drive.
My surgeon told me not to drive until 12 weeks after surgery.
I'm in my third week after surgery and using ice packs daily and also sleeping in a recliner. Tried sleeping in bed one night but that saved is. Woke up within two hours after falling asleep with tremendous pain. Can't wait to be able to drive again. Frustrating yes. Thanks for sharing how you went through this. I agree with your "other people" comments....
Hang in there Herman!