During a very busy shift at the Bistro, a non-skid mat in the kitchen flew out from under me when I stepped on it, and I fell...Of course, I put my dominant arm out to catch my fall, reflex action! When I sat up, I couldn't move my arm at all - I thought that either it was broken or that I'd dislocated it...I hadn't EVER felt pain like this, not even counting childbirth!
The cooks wanted to call 911...but luckily, it was shift-change time at the front desk and one of the clerks was able to drive me to the emergency room in nearby Seaside. They saw how much pain I was in and got me in immediately...after some pain medication which barely eased the pain, I was taken to x-ray. They actually did several sets of x-rays, wanting make sure I didn't have a fracture. There wasn't one, but the doctor felt I might have muscle or ligament damage, which of course wouldn't show up on the x-ray.
They gave me a sling to immobilize it and said to use it for a couple of days, then just take it easy...and if it wasn't any better by the end of the week, to make a follow-up appt with my doctor.
Well, the following week I saw my doctor. Because it was a Workers Comp thing, and because the Insurance tends to move pretty slowly, I didn't get the needed MRI until yesterday - the last three weeks have NOT been fun...I have full mobility from my elbow down, so I can type and write with no problem, but haven't been able to lift my arm without pain. Needless to say, I've gotten very good at washing my hair and showering with one hand. Sleeping has been a real issue...I've finally resorted to propping myself up with a couple of pillows and sleeping on my back. It's the only way I can do it, cause otherwise every time I move I wake up.
I talked to the doctor this afternoon about the MRI...I have a torn rotator cuff...and they're working on getting me an appt with a Surgeon. The doctor didn't show me the pics from the MRI, I guess the next doctor will, and will discuss options.
Because this is my RIGHT shoulder, and I'm right-handed, I'm very concerned. I can only hope that it isn't a BAD tear, and that maybe just therapy can help...If I have to have surgery on my shoulder, I can just see myself in a cast or sling for weeks! .
If this DOES come to pass, my sister has already offered to trade cars - she has an automatic and I have a stick...which I can drive NOW with little discomfort, but DO have to have my right arm to shift, you know? If push comes to shove, I CAN write with my left hand, but it's really bad.
The week after this happened, I was offered (and accepted) a new job...in Sales at our local newspaper. My new employer is being VERY understanding about the whole thing...as fate would have it, my manager was dining at the Bistro at the time the incident happened, so even before they hired me she knew this happened, and that it may require further medical attention.
If anyone has ever experienced this, I would appreciate any feedback.
I'm sorry to hear this Joni but the good news is that not everyone who has a torn rotator cuff needs surgery. Many tears will heal on their own if you follow a rehabilitation program. Your doctor will discuss your options when you see him again. In the meantime there are things you could be doing to help the healing process. First, apply cold packs to help decrease pain and reduce swelling. Avoid overhead activites but keep your arm mobile. That is very important. You need to regain motion and strengthen the other muscles of the rotator cuff that are not torn (there are 4 in the rotator cuff). This injury happened almost 4 weeks ago. Doctor's suggest resting the shoulder for a few days so now it's time to start with the therapy.
You want to avoid the surgery if possible. It is difficult and should only be used as a last resort if the therapy does not work. If you have to have the surgery you shoulder will need to rest for 4-6 weeks which causes complications with recovery because your shoulder will lose it's ability to move properly and it's possible you will end up with a frozen shoulder with limited motion.
Btw, my experience has only been second hand. My ex went through this last year (including surgery). Remember, he is a maintenance man so was put out of commission for quite some time and yes, he did have the recovery complications.
Posts: 9192 | Location: Atlanta, GA, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Well, I thought I was going to have to wait until 9/23 to see a specialist about this, but then this morning my doctor called with good news - I have an appointment this Friday! And even better, we thought I'd have to go all the way to Portland to see the Orthopedic Surgeon, and they found one much closer
I stopped and picked up the MRI films, which I'll have to take with me, and of course, peeked at them. Obviously, I have no idea what I'm looking at, but am definitely looking forward to the doctor going over them with me -
Included in the envelope was the written report...again, most of was in medical jargon which I didn't understand, but I WAS able to understand "Noted is a full-thickness tear of the rotator cuff tendon. (and futher on...) There appears to be a gap of approximately 10.0mm at the site of the tear"
After reviewing the MRI originally, my doctor had told me that although there was no way to know for sure, it appeared that my arm HAD dislocated at the shoulder, causing the tear, but then popped back in on its own. So I guess it could have been much worse, sooner.
Well, I knew it wasn't a minor injury, considering that even 5-1/2 weeks later I can barely lift my arm without excrutiating pain in my shoulder...I'm still holding onto the hope that I can get through this without surgery, trying to keep a positive outlook. I guess I'll know more on Friday...
Hey thanks for the update. I've been wondering what was going on and I knew you had an appt 9/23 so I am thrilled you were able to get an earlier one. Please let us know what you find out.
P.S. Want me to translate the written report?
Posts: 9192 | Location: Atlanta, GA, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
And yes, I need surgery to repair the torn rotator cuff...It will, luckily, be a very easy procedure thanks to todays technology...just a couple of incisions for the camera..and they'll go in and look, repair where necessary. I don't care about scars, I just want my arm to function without pain!
He's got me on the list..has to wait for approval from the insurance.
He assured me that the surgery will not involve me being in a cast...all I have to do is NOT elevate my arm forward or sideways while it heals...I haven't been able to do that for 2 months now, so that should be easy!
I was very worried that the FIX for this would involve being in a cast, preventing me from driving, writing, etc for who knows how long. I'm SO happy that it will be easier...As long as I can work and drive, I'll be happy
Giz: Doctor, it hurts when I raise my arm. Doctor: Don't raise your arm. -------- Giz, the doctor is right; this is an operation done very frequently on major league baseball players, mostly pitchers, who almost always continue their careers. If they are able to pitch after that surgery, the technology must be pretty good. Just follow the doctor's orders and don't throw any sliders. You'll be fine.
-------- Doctor: Have you ever had this before? Giz: No. Doctor: Well, you got it now.
Posts: 17183 | Location: Lincoln Place, Granite City, IL, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Yes, Joint operations have come a long way in the past few years. However.
With my lastest set of knee operations (torn meniscus in both) I find that it takes 4 - 6 months for full heal and let me tell you if you over do on the joint you pay in pain. If you lift to much, move it around too much, to fast, twist it, land on it in another fall you will feel it - a lot.
I hear tell from those I have met with torn rotor cuffs and who have had meniscus repair/removal that both are near equal in the "torment" department before, and after the operation for a while, however that the knee tends to have more pain for longer due to the fact that you walk on it (bear weight) the Rotor cuff can be limited in the movement and weight for a longer period of time thus less pain is experienced.
Shoulders require more exercise (Physical therapy) than the knee - also your doctor will give you a list of supplements, dietary considerations (all aimed at giving your body the materials it need to heal) and a list of at home exercises. Do it - do it all. Failure to do so will result in a longer recovery process and possibly re-injury.
Also, if your doctor tells you to start moving it the first day, then move it. I would wager that he/she will also suggest limering exercises, stretching exercises to keep it all limber.
Lastly, I do hope you made a strong suggestion to toss that "non-skid" mat.
= = = = = = = =
Dorian, yes professional athletes do go back on the playing field.
1. They already have good muscle built up to support the joint.
2. They have a more intensive and longer Physical therapy program.
3. They will most likely end up partially crippled or in chromic pain after their career ends.
4. They end up having more surgeries closer together and/or end up in moderate to sever constant or near constant pain.
I learned that all during the last surgery from a semi-professional sports person who was in for a 3rd operation on his knee. He cautioned me against pushing it or playing sports for at least a half year to allow the full healing process to take place.
Posts: 3921 | Location: Leaving land, heading for the ocean | Registered: 06-03-02
Just an update....I had surgery on Friday 10/14. The doc had hoped that just microscopic surgery to stitch up the rotator cuff would be necessary, but once in there, discovered muscles that had to be re-attached, etc...no wonder it hurt so much!
So...I'm happy the surgery is behind me...I'm now in a sling for 5 weeks, but am still able to do my job and drive, although I had to trade my stick-shift car with my mom's automatic for awhile. (It's a real pain to shift on the column with your left hand! )
It hurts...ALOT...but I'm going to be religious to the doctors instructions on movement and exercise. I want my right arm back for sure!
Just wanted to update y'all...I'll be back...and even better - soon!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: gizmogram,
How is your recovery going at this point? I had a bad fall in December myself. IT took forever for docs to agree what the problem was. A tear was rulled out initially, and it took about 6 weeks for anyone to get me to PT for my shoulder. After about 2 mos of PT I finally gave up on that avenue. I found that I was not gaining anything from it. I've had 2 of a possible 3 injections in it so far, and not even the anesthetic in the shot touches the pain. I have my next appt on the 29th of this month, so I'm waiting to see what the doc suggests. At my last appt, he said we'll do our best to avoid surgery. I'm trying to figure out if I live with the pain that I'm in, or face surgery. Seems like a lose lose situation to me. So I'm curious how you're doing?
Goldgirl I am SO sorry I didn't notice this question, but thank goodness an attentive administrator let me know it was here
Well heck, it's been almost a year since my injury and 9 months since my surgery. As it turned out, Workers Comp denied the claim because they said it was an old injury (funny, I never recalled having hurt my shoulder before ) but they took care of the expenses anyway - there would just not be any ongoing treatment.
I was fine with that, but PT would have been the ongoing treatment, so I never got that. I've just been careful not to pick up anything too heavy or do too much extending with the right arm, and it doesn't give me much grief.
Last weekend I spent a couple of hours weed-whacking with a gas powered trimmer, and it ached quite a bit after that, but when it bothers me I just take Ibuprophen and it takes the edge off.
So you had your appointment a couple of weeks ago - any news on that?
Hi Gizmo, no worries about the delay, and thanks to the admin!.... well.. you're right. I did have that appt a couple of weeks ago. I left more puzzled than when I went in. When I described to the intern that the injection didn't work, and the pain wasn't improving his first inclination was to jump to the recommendation of surgery. Once he examined me, however, he decided that where I was telling him the pain was (and I only know this because I have come to learn that interns and some doctors apparently have yet to learn that a closed door isn't sound proof) wasn't possible. No joke. His report to the doc was that my description "wasn't possible" Before they even re-entered the examination room I was furious, and too taken aback to deal with it appropriately.... as if I had any reason to fabricate where and how it hurt. Between them, they determined that the original diagnosis of shoulder impingement must be incorrect, since the injections and PT hadn't been helpful. Therefore, he was referring me to a different doctor. I can't remember what kind he said it as anymore... a physio-something.... who took a more wholistic approach. I was so furious, that basically what I heard them saying was "you're nuts" lol. I never called the other doctor as of yet. At this point, I wouldn't describe it as acute pain most of the time, but more as chronic pain. After 7 months I seem more resolved to just deal with it, than to continue seeing doctors and having tests and injections etc....
)
) but they took care of the expenses anyway - there would just not be any ongoing treatment. 
