Rotator Cuff Question

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I think I may have torn my rotator cuff, or it is pretty inflamed, at the least. I have been having trouble with my right shoulder for a year or so, and attributed it to my job (mail delivery/sorting, repetitve action). I fell last night and now cannot lift my arm at all and am in some pretty good pain. I am going for x-rays in the morning.

My problem is, everything I have read about this kind of injury is not encouraging. I am supposed to start nursing classes this Sept.

Even for an injury, 6 weeks of treatment and physical therapy are suggested.

Is it feasible to think this can be resolved/healed before classes start?

I know, Sept. is a long way off, and I worry too much.

Guess I am just looking for some kind of positive input.

Thanks for any help, in advance.

Originally posted by Heather333

I had surgery last May on my shoulder secondary to an MVA. I had impingment sydrome where my AC joint was compressing my rotator cuff. Plus I had a bone-spur imbedded in my rotator cuff. I did not have full ROM and had significant weakness in my right arm even though I went through 7 months of PT and rehab. Surgery is a long process and I am still having trouble with my scar.

Hope all goes well.

Heather

I'm very sympathetic!!! Had a lingering shoulder ache for some time, which I foolishly ignored. Then all heck broke loose. 8 months of NSAIDS, 6 months of PT, 4+ months of narcotics, 2 steroid injections, CSpine and shoulder xrays, frozen shoulder- couldn't even lift an empty glass or push a grocery cart. Had to fight to get MRIs done; they insisted on doing CSpine first since I had sensory problems. Major waste of everyones time and money.

After about 5 months of daily pain, the MRI showed a small RTC tear, a large cyst, bone spurs, a completely inflammed joint capsule and AC joint impingement. I SO badly wanted to show that to the ortho who thought i was faking to get out of work, but I had fired him.

Finally, we found the right NSAID and the right PT. Amazing what happens when you treat the right problem! My shoulder is at about 80% strength and ROM. I still have to do daily PT exercises and take prescription NSAIDS about 30% of the time, and have been told I have about a 50% chance of reinjuring it.

I moved into a different area of nursing because of this. People just don't realize how hard nursing is on our bodies.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Add me to the rotator cuff injury list. Slip and fall forward onto outstretched arm. Fortunately there are several of the best sports medicine orthopods where I am, and the o ne I chose is internationally known. So it's pretty much healed now. Remember all orthos are not the same so get one that knows shoulders.

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Just be sure to be very gung ho with the therapy and do the exercises no matter how hard and you will be good as new. I will keep you in my prayers, because I know the wait is horrible.

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Originally posted by Disablednurse

Just be sure to be very gung ho with the therapy and do the exercises no matter how hard and you will be good as new. I will keep you in my prayers, because I know the wait is horrible.

Thank you :)

Yes, that's what the Dr. said also, as long as I am on top of the exercises,things should go well.

I have a good goal !!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Corrections.

My father had to have both of his shoulders worked on and he had the pt and the whole bit. I hope that I never have trouble with my shoulders after all the trouble that I have had with my knee. I am a othopedics best friend. I know that I bought the one here in town his new car back a few years ago between my knee and my carpel tunnel. Best of luck to you during your surgery and recovery I will be thinking about you....:)

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Bump....A question

My surgery is scheduled for Friday (11th), I went in for preadmission tests, and was told if I get sick that I have to call them to cancel (last Friday). I laughed, because I never am sick (rarely, anyway) and of course, I woke up with a killer head cold Sunday a.m. I have been dousing myself with Tylenol cold Day and Night, every 4hours. The cold is almost kicked out, but I have a cough still. I REALLY don't want to postpone this :o

Opinions?

And what might be complications if I didn't say anything.

Side note, I will have a local anesthetic, not general.

Thanks for any help/opinions, in advance.

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Bump, bump!

How are you feeling? Is the surgery a go? I've been following this thread and just wanted you to know you will be in my thoughts tomorrow.

Here's to a speedy recovery and 100% ROM

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Thanks, coffeehound

Yes, I talked to the office and they said come anyway, and, as of right now the worst of the cold seems to be gone.

I'll post as soon as I am able when I get home. Scheduled for 11:30 tomorrow a.m.

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Hey don't worry you don't know for sure yet. Have you thought of trying glucosamine? I take this and it works great for me. About 19 years ago a doctor that I worked with in the OR wanted to work on my shoulder for a rotator cuff. I chose not to have it done and have done fairly well by not having the surgery. Surgery is not always the answer. I have many other problems even including 4 herniated disc in my back. Neurosurgeon wanted to work on it last year but I toughed it out. I was laid up for about 6 months but I haven't had surgery yet. With the right exercise, proper rest and just taking vitamins and herbs have done wonders for me. Try Glucosamine with Una de Gato by Nature Sunshine. You can find them on the internet. Let me know if you can't get hold of them. Try http://www.naturesunshine.com . Good luck hope you get well and have a great time at nursing school. Kathy

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