I've been having a lot of pain in my left shoulder, mostly when moving it up, but it throbs mostly all the time now. It's been going on a month, even though I've been icing it and using ibuprofen. So today I saw my NP, and after some x-rays and stuff, said my rotator cuff is torn. We're going to try PT before going to an orthopedist, but I'm worried now that if I do need surgery (I'm still mobile with it, but it hurts to lift it above my head), I won't be able to do clinical. Since they only offer Nursing 101 in my school in the fall, it would sideline me for a whole year!
I cannot let that happen! Anyone know how long it takes a minor shoulder injury to heal? This is my non-dominant side, so resting it is possible. I'm not lugging any laundry or anything heavy, and icing as much as possible a day. I've had 5 knee surgeries, and I know those can be a bear to recover from. Plus I'm diabetic, and that would delay healing (I suppose) with a shoulder injury.
I'm praying hard I can get through this without surgery. My NP gave me a script for Vicodin for the pain. I filled it, but don't feel the need to take any - 800mg of ibuprofen keeps about 80% of the pain at bay during the daytime. Maybe at night when it gets worse (I roll onto it when sleeping and that sends a searing bolt of pain through my shoulder), but I really hate taking anything during the day when I may have to drive (a distinct possibility at ALL times with 4 kids! :chuckle).
I had the same problem last year. I had a tendon probelm in my shoulder. I had the same symptoms you decribe. THe Doc gave me a cortison shot inthe tendon and I was good as new. Never had any trouble since.
Yes, I too had a rotator cuff problem. Painful!!! Also received cortisone shot after enduring the pain for awhile and haven't had a problem since then. Good luck to you.
Thanks for the tip on the cortisone shot. I had that done to my knee once, and thought it didn't help much for that, it just may for my shoulder! I'm definitely going to ask about it!
RedSox33RN
1,483 Posts
I've been having a lot of pain in my left shoulder, mostly when moving it up, but it throbs mostly all the time now. It's been going on a month, even though I've been icing it and using ibuprofen. So today I saw my NP, and after some x-rays and stuff, said my rotator cuff is torn. We're going to try PT before going to an orthopedist, but I'm worried now that if I do need surgery (I'm still mobile with it, but it hurts to lift it above my head), I won't be able to do clinical. Since they only offer Nursing 101 in my school in the fall, it would sideline me for a whole year!
I cannot let that happen! Anyone know how long it takes a minor shoulder injury to heal? This is my non-dominant side, so resting it is possible. I'm not lugging any laundry or anything heavy, and icing as much as possible a day. I've had 5 knee surgeries, and I know those can be a bear to recover from. Plus I'm diabetic, and that would delay healing (I suppose) with a shoulder injury.
I'm praying hard I can get through this without surgery. My NP gave me a script for Vicodin for the pain. I filled it, but don't feel the need to take any - 800mg of ibuprofen keeps about 80% of the pain at bay during the daytime. Maybe at night when it gets worse (I roll onto it when sleeping and that sends a searing bolt of pain through my shoulder), but I really hate taking anything during the day when I may have to drive (a distinct possibility at ALL times with 4 kids! :chuckle).