So it appears my Ortho suggests doing surgery on my left shoulder. MRI last month showed a tear in two places. Originally I was under the impression that if surgery was needed it would be the “lesser” type. By this I mean, shave the frayed part of the labrum down, 6-10 days in a sling and then back at activity rather quickly. Well needless to say that isn’t the case. He said its torn rather badly and needs to be anchored down and stuff. So this requires 4-6 WEEKS in a sling then several months of recovery. He went on to say I wouldn’t be swimming for a long time. He did send me to shoulder PT for a month but after examining me the other day he said its not going to get much better. Its very weak and I experience pain doing certain things. Although the pain has gone down a little since the original incident on Labor day last month. (Took a slight crash while riding a wheelie on the CX bike). Stupid I know but I’ve been on bikes since I’ve been 9 years old. BMX, MTB, road, tri, CX etc…And always doing risky stuff and shit happens. He said it could of happened if I took a crash on a trail or the road just riding normally so it is what it is. I did race an Olympic tri 5 days after this crash and it was sore swimming. But now its almost a challenge putting my shirt on. Weird thing is I’m still racing CX and its ok when racing and riding. I do have pain if I make sudden movements like if the front tire starts sliding out and I correct it etc… Anyway, the Dr said as an athlete its going to be an issue and with my work as well. They can do the surgery within the next 4-6 weeks.
Anyone care to share their experience with this type of surgery and recovery etc…
I’ve had three labrum repairs and the bicep repaired. Make sure you get the nerve block without question. Find a physical therapist who is not overly aggressive more conservative is better and take any time lines they give you and added several weeks except for being in the sling that is miserable. For reference my last labrum repair took 8 anchors and I found through triathlon that swimming has really helped. just need to be very very careful in the beginning. Feel free to p.m. me if you have any other questions or if I can be of help
Bummer!
My shoulder story - had four tears repaired (labrum, bicep, anchor, etc.) and two bone spurs removed. That was end of June. Six weeks in a sling (serious pita), then started PT. At my 3 month check up the surgeon told me I was a great healer, and that I was 6 weeks ahead of schedule. He credited my fitness, particularly range of motion and strength from swimming. Told me I didn’t have to go back to PT if I didn’t want to. I opted for more PT to guide me through abduction moves, which he hadn’t let me do at that point. Started walking 1-2 hours every day the second week after surgery. Started run/walking at seven weeks progressively running more and more (ran 10 miles this morning). Began easy swimming three weeks ago (50 yrds breaststroke, 200 free), increasing to 800 free this past Friday. Still going real easy. Started going to spinning class (semi-aero position) at 9 weeks. I have been released to ride, but haven’t gotten out yet. I also used the recovery time to begin a leg strength routine in an attempt to improve the bike engine.
Background - 63 years, 8 months old. A prime reason for fixing the shoulder now is so I have plenty of time to get ready for M65-69 in 2018. Surgeon said worst tear was probably from high school baseball - real old, that I keep aggravating. Fell in April while running in the dark, landed on hands jamming shoulder - hurt like all hell! Did IMTX a few weeks later when some 300 lbs wetsuit bozo swam over my shoulder with 50 yards left. Caught me with an elbow, almost drowned (I know, I shoulda been finished before the wetsuits!). Continued to train, did Augusta and IMFL. In late November I wasnt able to sleep so I went to a doctor. Didn’t like him, so I went to a second surgeon. My doc is an athlete himself, so he gets it. Same with my PT.
Advice - in the first couple of months do exactly what the doctor lets you do, no more one less. ICE IS YOUR FRIEND, use it all the time the first few weeks. Stay as active as possible. Keep a positive attitude, it goes a long way to making things better.
Any questions, PM me.
Had mine done in January. Like the first response said, get the nerve block without question. I have my biceps tendon moved and anchored into the upper arm. Practice sleeping sitting up…it takes while to be able to lay flat. I also had an 1" of my collarbone as well. Within the last month, the aches finally started to go away. 4-6 immobilized is spot on. Pt for 2-3 months thereafter. I was back in the pool in early April. Good luck