I had biceps tenodesis and subacromial decompression surgery on my left shoulder 11 weeks ago (2/26/2007). I started my stretching exercises the day after surgery (as prescibed) and have been stretching religiously twice a day for at least an hour ... PT two to three times a week ... 3 advil before I stretch because there's a lot of inflammation ... I use lots of ice ... I haven't been in the pool yet to kick because the thought of a bathing suit strap on my shoulder makes me cringe...
My passive range of motion numbers are: flexion 140°, abduction 105°, IR (at 90°) 20°, ER (at 90°) 40°, IR (at 45°) 40°, ER (at 45°) 35°.
Because of the inflammation and because my PROM numbers aren't where they should at this point, my PT and my OS want me to have a cortisone shot. Has anyone had an issue with inflammation this long after surgery? Has anyone had a cortisone shot this soon after surgery? Are my PT and OS being impatient? Am I screwing up my recovery by not having the shot?
I had a cortisone shot two years ago, which worked like a charm for 18 months. My second shot was 8 weeks pre-surgery and was not effective. This will be my third.
Former Member
I have htree very different expeerieinces with steroids.
1. I have had probably more than 1000 for my asthma. I have bad asthma but get good drugs.
2. I used to get shots in my right knee. It hurt constantly. I went to the doctor at Howard University who was the team doctor for the football team.. He stopped the shots. My knee no longer hurts. It has been over 15 years.
3. When I had surgery, I got the shingles. there was lots of nerve damage. I got a steroid & something else. there was a series of 3 shots. I've been fine untilabout one month ago, I had the tingling again and some pain when the spot is touched.
I think I'm trying to say that many people expereince steroids indifferent ways and it depends on dosage & frequency.
Seeing how a PT and an OS both agree that an injection will help, I would be inclined to believe them. I have heard that these injections can weaken tendons so if you have biceps tendonitis some care would probably be in order as your complete your recovery to avoid a biceps rupture situation.
I think if I were in your shoes and felt uncertain about this, I would seek the advice of another PT or OS to cover your bases.
He is a orthopedic specializing in sports medicine....does a lot of the Braves and Falcons surgeries. I asked if I could have a cortisone shot because I heard it decreased inflammation and pain. He felt very strongly against the cortisone shots. He said it is just a temporary fix to the problem and can actually create more
.
First off, beth, who did your surgery? I had my knee surgery done by the orthopedic surgeon for the Falcons and Thrashers. Might be the same man.
Secondly, and back to the original question, I would hesitate to doa cortisone shot so soon. Personally I would want to give it a bit more time. I'm not one in favor of cortisone since, after many of them, they can create bone weakness. So I personally avoid them if I can .
Alison
I had biceps tenodesis and subacromial decompression surgery on my left shoulder 11 weeks ago (2/26/2007). I started my stretching exercises the day after surgery (as prescibed) and have been stretching religiously twice a day for at least an hour ... PT two to three times a week ... 3 advil before I stretch because there's a lot of inflammation ... I use lots of ice ... I haven't been in the pool yet to kick because the thought of a bathing suit strap on my shoulder makes me cringe...
My passive range of motion numbers are: flexion 140°, abduction 105°, IR (at 90°) 20°, ER (at 90°) 40°, IR (at 45°) 40°, ER (at 45°) 35°.
Because of the inflammation and because my PROM numbers aren't where they should at this point, my PT and my OS want me to have a cortisone shot. Has anyone had an issue with inflammation this long after surgery? Has anyone had a cortisone shot this soon after surgery? Are my PT and OS being impatient? Am I screwing up my recovery by not having the shot?
I had a cortisone shot two years ago, which worked like a charm for 18 months. My second shot was 8 weeks pre-surgery and was not effective. This will be my third.
Hi Dlevan,
I had inflammation and decreased range of motion for 6 months after my shoulder surgery! It was very scary and very painful. My doctor saidI was a "worse case scenario" because my body made scar tissue around my shoulder. He is a orthopedic specializing in sports medicine....does a lot of the Braves and Falcons surgeries. I asked if I could have a cortisone shot because I heard it decreased inflammation and pain. He felt very strongly against the cortisone shots. He said it is just a temporary fix to the problem and can actually create more
problems....weakened ligaments/tendons and the systemic effects of cortisone on your whole body. I would go to another orthopedic (sportsmed specialist) to get a second opinion.
First off, beth, who did your surgery? I had my knee surgery done by the orthopedic surgeon for the Falcons and Thrashers. Might be the same man.
Secondly, and back to the original question, I would hesitate to doa cortisone shot so soon. Personally I would want to give it a bit more time. I'm not one in favor of cortisone since, after many of them, they can create bone weakness. So I personally avoid them if I can .
Alison
Hi Alison!
That would be wild if it is the same doctor! It was Dr. Scott Maughon. My recovery was rough but, my shoulder....as long as I do my PT ....is doing very well now! It was worth it in the long run. Believe me...there were times I felt like this...:whiteflag: but he kept telling me it would get better with time and to be patient! He was right! It took patience but, its all good now!
swimr4life -
Thanks so much - I was hoping to find someone who is/was experiencing the same type of slow recovery as I am. I really don't want the shot for exactly the reasons you listed.
So did you do anything special in addition to daily stretching, PT, ice and advil to regain your range of motion? My PT is manually manipulating my shoulder joint, hurts but feels good in a twisted kind of way. I think it's helping. I do make progress every week but it's slow. I'd rather regain my range of motion at this pace than suffer the unknown consequences of the shot later on.
How long ago did you have your surgery? How are you now? How long before you could swim?
Thanks for your advice,
Denise
Yup - will do. Thanks for your help. I appreciate everone's responses. I'll report back on the second opinion ... could be a few weeks ... need to find an OS specializing in sports med, get an appointment ...
Beth, I think he might be in with my doctor. I had Dr. Gillogly with Atlanta Sports Medicine (I think that's the name of the practice). He is awesome. I had major knee reallignment and was dancing on pointe (ballet) within 12 weeks. He's also done my sister's 2 compartment leg syndrome surgeries and my dad's quad tendon tear and shoulder clean up surgery. I thikn we've paid for at least one of his cars. :laugh2:
Sorry to hijack!!
Alison
dlevan,
I would still get a second opinion if I were you. Your surgery/situation may be totally different from mine. It never hurts to get another doctor to look at you. Good luck and happy healing!
