Great, so I MAY have a labrum tear

[SociallyChallenged]

Has anybody else had this arthroscopic surgery? I go in for the MRI to see how bad it is this Friday. I'm looking for people that have had this surgery or know people that have had this surgery. Any suggestions or advice? I'm pretty pissed that I have to have surgery, but that's the only thing that can be done. Thanks in advance.

 

[GenHoth]

Listen to your orthopedic surgeon, they know what they are doing.

 

[presidentender]

Never had it. The one guy I know who did was older, and the docs just told him to take it much easier for a while. Supposedly, it has to be pretty bad before you need surgery, so you might be back to 100% sooner than you think. You're young, so you'll probably heal quicker, right?

If you do have surgery, though, the internet says to err on the side of caution while recovering, since you'll feel better before you actually are better. In any case, good luck and get better.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: presidentender
Never had it. The one guy I know who did was older, and the docs just told him to take it much easier for a while. Supposedly, it has to be pretty bad before you need surgery, so you might be back to 100% sooner than you think. You're young, so you'll probably heal quicker, right?

If you do have surgery, though, the internet says to err on the side of caution while recovering, since you'll feel better before you actually are better. In any case, good luck and get better.

That's a useful bit of information. I think I learned that experience with my hip already, but I will definitely keep it in mind. Thanks.

 

[brikis98]

Sorry to hear that man - how'd you do it? How long will you be out of action for?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: brikis98
Sorry to hear that man - how'd you do it? How long will you be out of action for?

Well, I don't know exactly when it happened since I've had this clicking/popping for probably half of my life. I do remember one instance when I realized it started to hurt after my friend ran into me during a faux-tackle. My weightlifting aggravated it. Well, after surgery, the arm stays in a sling for 3-4 weeks, then usually 3-4 months until it's back to 100%. I'll be glad to get the process started though since I'm sick of having a bum shoulder.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: GenHoth
Listen to your orthopedic surgeon, they know what they are doing.

Not always, not always at all. The more serious the problem, I'd say the greater chance they will properly hone in on the cause. I've been completely underwhelmed with the surgeons I've seen over my mild knee problem, very very underwhelmed.

Not sure in regard to this particular surgery, but good luck!

 

[rasczak]

I feel your pain SC. I have a tear in my rotator cuff that I have put surgery off for (opted instead for rehab) so I know the pain you feel. Good luck with that, and definately make sure you take it easy on the shoulder throughout the established recovery time.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: rasczak
I feel your pain SC. I have a tear in my rotator cuff that I have put surgery off for (opted instead for rehab) so I know the pain you feel. Good luck with that, and definately make sure you take it easy on the shoulder throughout the established recovery time.

How is the rehab helping? I did rehab for tendinitis and it made the pain worse in my shoulder. I've heard this is a relatively common procedure so there aren't any high risks, but I'm still wary of having people inside my joints. How risky is the rotator cuff surgery that you would need? Also, why did you decide to just rehab?

 

[Chunkee]

i have had this surgery. In high school....long time ago. prevented me from tri lettering my senior year. reahab is a bitch...it will never be 100%. Get the surgery done, and do what you can.

Good luck

jC

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
i have had this surgery. In high school....long time ago. prevented me from tri lettering my senior year. reahab is a bitch...it will never be 100%. Get the surgery done, and do what you can.

Good luck

jC

How much effort did you put into rehab and general shoulder health? And what kind of % are we talking about? And in what aspects do you mean? Strength? Flexibility? Endurance? Certain movements?

 

[Chunkee]

flexibility, strength...i put a great deal into my rehab...keep your rotator cuff muscles strong and that will help... you will notice from sugery forward, it will be weaker than the other.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
flexibility, strength...i put a great deal into my rehab...keep your rotator cuff muscles strong and that will help... you will notice from sugery forward, it will be weaker than the other.

Hm, thanks for the advice. I've had this torn labrum for a very long time apparently (~8 years) so I'm wondering if it will really be any difference in strength compared to that. Did they actually mention to you how bad your labral tear was? I know there are differing degrees involving the size, location, and if the damage is involved with the bicep tendon. Did you have tendon damage at all? I'm very curious to know your situation so I can relate it to mine as needed. Thanks for any info you can provide me with.

 

[presidentender]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: Chunkee
flexibility, strength...i put a great deal into my rehab...keep your rotator cuff muscles strong and that will help... you will notice from sugery forward, it will be weaker than the other.

Hm, thanks for the advice. I've had this torn labrum for a very long time apparently (~8 years) so I'm wondering if it will really be any difference in strength compared to that. Did they actually mention to you how bad your labral tear was? I know there are differing degrees involving the size, location, and if the damage is involved with the bicep tendon. Did you have tendon damage at all? I'm very curious to know your situation so I can relate it to mine as needed. Thanks for any info you can provide me with.

Out of curiosity, have your symptoms worsened over time?

 

[Chunkee]

not really,however, it is always there. I have lifted weights and gotten even stronger of course...nothing like being 28 and bullet proof...dont get me wrong..it is not as hindering as you may think, but you know it is a slight limiter in striving for ultimate excellence...dont pitch baseballs and dont play football

now, to deal with my cervical spinal cord injury, cervical spondylosis, bulging c5 disc... may have to have it replaced with a steel one too many wrecks mountain biking, too many smashes on the ocean floor...

enjoy life everyone, each day could be your last...i am starting to get into white water kayaking, moutaineering and possibly ice climbing... I am 40, going through a midlife and want to create more memories and enjoyment.

life strong, but smart ;0

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
not really,however, it is always there. I have lifted weights and gotten even stronger of course...nothing like being 28 and bullet proof...dont get me wrong..it is not as hindering as you may think, but you know it is a slight limiter in striving for ultimate excellence...dont pitch baseballs and dont play football

now, to deal with my cervical spinal cord injury, cervical spondylosis, bulging c5 disc... may have to have it replaced with a steel one too many wrecks mountain biking, too many smashes on the ocean floor...

enjoy life everyone, each day could be your last...i am starting to get into white water kayaking, moutaineering and possibly ice climbing... I am 40, going through a midlife and want to create more memories and enjoyment.

life strong, but smart ;0

Luckily, this is not my primary arm (left shoulder, I'm right-handed) so I really won't be too limited in that respect. Thanks a lot for the new aspect of it all.

Originally posted by: presidentender

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: Chunkee
flexibility, strength...i put a great deal into my rehab...keep your rotator cuff muscles strong and that will help... you will notice from sugery forward, it will be weaker than the other.

Hm, thanks for the advice. I've had this torn labrum for a very long time apparently (~8 years) so I'm wondering if it will really be any difference in strength compared to that. Did they actually mention to you how bad your labral tear was? I know there are differing degrees involving the size, location, and if the damage is involved with the bicep tendon. Did you have tendon damage at all? I'm very curious to know your situation so I can relate it to mine as needed. Thanks for any info you can provide me with.

Out of curiosity, have your symptoms worsened over time?

Yeah, they have. The problem is I can barely do anything challenging with the shoulder without it getting amazingly sore the next day.

 

[rasczak]

when I start it I'll let you know Hehe actually I did the rehab for about two months and it went well. it was really frustrating having the "victories" be so damn small. It just never felt like I was really getting anywhere. my advice is when you start to feel that way, try to remember that this is not a 100m dash, but a marathon. slow and steady is the key.

 

[Jeffg010]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: brikis98
Sorry to hear that man - how'd you do it? How long will you be out of action for?

Well, I don't know exactly when it happened since I've had this clicking/popping for probably half of my life. I do remember one instance when I realized it started to hurt after my friend ran into me during a faux-tackle. My weightlifting aggravated it. Well, after surgery, the arm stays in a sling for 3-4 weeks, then usually 3-4 months until it's back to 100%. I'll be glad to get the process started though since I'm sick of having a bum shoulder.

Shit this sounds exactly like what I got. I think I ripped mine in HS 18 years ago. I was benching and after the last set I felt sore and thought nothing of it. Then the next day I benched again and it hurt really bad on the first set. From then on I always had a clicking in my shoulder. I did nothing about it hoping it would heal up. This is my right shoulder. Since the last week of May I been working out hard 3 days a week and as the weight load started to top out my shoulder started to really hurt. I got the stupid click and all that BS that you?re talking about. 2 weeks ago it was really feeling sore and I was think of seeing a Dr. I took a week off of lifting and only lifted once this week and my shoulder feels much better but still has the soreness and tightness I always had since the HS. I just have been living with it because it is not to bad for every day use but since I started lifting it has been a real bitch.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Jeffg010

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Originally posted by: brikis98
Sorry to hear that man - how'd you do it? How long will you be out of action for?

Well, I don't know exactly when it happened since I've had this clicking/popping for probably half of my life. I do remember one instance when I realized it started to hurt after my friend ran into me during a faux-tackle. My weightlifting aggravated it. Well, after surgery, the arm stays in a sling for 3-4 weeks, then usually 3-4 months until it's back to 100%. I'll be glad to get the process started though since I'm sick of having a bum shoulder.

Shit this sounds exactly like what I got. I think I ripped mine in HS 18 years ago. I was benching and after the last set I felt sore and thought nothing of it. Then the next day I benched again and it hurt really bad on the first set. From then on I always had a clicking in my shoulder. I did nothing about it hoping it would heal up. This is my right shoulder. Since the last week of May I been working out hard 3 days a week and as the weight load started to top out my shoulder started to really hurt. I got the stupid click and all that BS that you?re talking about. 2 weeks ago it was really feeling sore and I was think of seeing a Dr. I took a week off of lifting and only lifted once this week and my shoulder feels much better but still has the soreness and tightness I always had since the HS. I just have been living with it because it is not to bad for every day use but since I started lifting it has been a real bitch.

Exactly. It's not really a big problem if you're not an athlete, but as soon as you want to lift and compete and stuff, it starts to blow. If you wanna continue lifting, get a referral to the orthopedist from you general practitioner and have him check it all out.

 

[TallBill]

What kind of doctor do you even go to for this? My shoulder has been messed up for quite a while now and its about time that I go see a doctor, but am really worried about how insurance will handle it. I don't need a referral from a general practicioner on my insurance.

When I use the "find provider" tool, orthopedic surgeon is an option. Should I just call a few even to examine my shoulder for the first time?

 

[BlackTigers]

Gah, shoulder injuries suck. My shoulder pops out of the socket if I move my arm up (think shrugs), and I'm putting off the surgery because I can't go without my arm for two months. =/

I'm really hoping that I can work them uscles around it enough to stop it from happening, and it's gotten better so far, but it still pops out occasionally. Good luck.

 

[GenHoth]

Originally posted by: TallBill
What kind of doctor do you even go to for this? My shoulder has been messed up for quite a while now and its about time that I go see a doctor, but am really worried about how insurance will handle it. I don't need a referral from a general practicioner on my insurance.

When I use the "find provider" tool, orthopedic surgeon is an option. Should I just call a few even to examine my shoulder for the first time?

Yeah, orthopedic is the way to go. I know of a few good ones in the area if you want some recommendations too

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: TallBill
What kind of doctor do you even go to for this? My shoulder has been messed up for quite a while now and its about time that I go see a doctor, but am really worried about how insurance will handle it. I don't need a referral from a general practicioner on my insurance.

When I use the "find provider" tool, orthopedic surgeon is an option. Should I just call a few even to examine my shoulder for the first time?

Orthopedic surgeon = orthopedist = the person to see. If he draws a conclusion about surgery, ask him if there are any non-surgery options if that's the way you'd prefer. Other than that, your insurance should cover what it normally does for doctor visits and the like.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: SociallyChallenged

Orthopedic surgeon = orthopedist = the person to see. If he draws a conclusion about surgery, ask him if there are any non-surgery options if that's the way you'd prefer. Other than that, your insurance should cover what it normally does for doctor visits and the like.

Ok. The reason behind my apprehension is that I've only had my own health insurance for the last 6 months. Before that I had full everything 100% coverage with Tricare in the Army, and before that I was on my parents.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Just to let you guys know. The contrast part of the MRI with contrast blows. It doesn't necessarily hurt that much, but it's the most discomfort I've felt in a while. I felt fine, but apparently my heart rate spiked and they put me on some oxygen. Before they put the dye in my shoulder, they made me lay in there for like 15 minutes in a ridiculously uncomfortable position while the doctor finished up a phone call. Jackass. The anxiety of waiting was worse than anything, which is probably why everything spiked.