I am interested in hearing any stories or advice from people who have undergone supraspinatus tear repair. I recently suffered a 1 cm "clean tear" during an incident when I was tumbled by a rogue wave down a lava wall. The good news is I survived with no neck or head injuries, only abrasions and - the bad news - a messed up shoulder, which will require surgical repair "sooner rather than later".
I know the recovery from this is slow but can be successful. So while I am very sad I will miss several months of swimming, I am optimistic about getting back to it this summer.
Any tips? what questions should I ask the surgeon?
Thanks, Karen
I'm sorry that you got this injury. During my recover, I read that rotator cuff surgery is one of the top three worst surgeries to recover from. You'll be sleeping in the recliner for weeks, if not months. PT will suck, and feel more like torture. But do as much of whatever they tell you to do (on your own at home), and you'll recover a lot quicker. But...the one thing that I never thought of, and no one mentioned to me before the surgery...were the things I do with that hand/arm that I wouldn't be able to do during recovery. Simple things like brush your teeth, comb your hair, drive your car, wash your backside, etc. And I hate to mention this, but no one else did...and it was diffficult for me...wiping after taking a poop. Had I realized that before...I'd have practiced a little bit before the surgery. Sounds dumb, and gross...I know...until you have to do it. Otherwise, I think you'll do just fine. Since you're a swimmer, you'll be itching to get back in the water...and that will expedite your full recovery. Good luck.
Dan
I'm sorry that you got this injury. During my recover, I read that rotator cuff surgery is one of the top three worst surgeries to recover from. You'll be sleeping in the recliner for weeks, if not months. PT will suck, and feel more like torture. But do as much of whatever they tell you to do (on your own at home), and you'll recover a lot quicker. But...the one thing that I never thought of, and no one mentioned to me before the surgery...were the things I do with that hand/arm that I wouldn't be able to do during recovery. Simple things like brush your teeth, comb your hair, drive your car, wash your backside, etc. And I hate to mention this, but no one else did...and it was diffficult for me...wiping after taking a poop. Had I realized that before...I'd have practiced a little bit before the surgery. Sounds dumb, and gross...I know...until you have to do it. Otherwise, I think you'll do just fine. Since you're a swimmer, you'll be itching to get back in the water...and that will expedite your full recovery. Good luck.
Dan
