knoxvegaswizard

I've been a critical care/ED nurse for 30 years, and I had a Mumford procedure with shoulder decompression on July 1, 2008. Mine was done arthroscopically, as an outpatient. Here are some things you should consider in making your decision: Recovery time: PT should start about 3 days post-op. ROM returns quickly; but that is not the same as being pain free. Strength is the last to return. Don't count on going off light duty for at least 6 weeks. Pain: this is an amazingly painful procedure. If you're offered a brachial plexus (scaline) nerve block as part of the procedure, I'd go with it. You won't be able to use that arm for 16-24 hours, but you shouldn't be using it anyway, and it REALLY helps decrease the immediate post-op pain. There are risks to having a block, of course, so talk it over with your gas passer. My doc also prescribed heavy duty narcotics for the first week--I needed them. Ice is your friend, use lots of it. Long term post-op: expect some soreness, especially at night, for 6-8 months. This isn't a surgery you get over in a couple of weeks.