Rotator cuff surgery
Has anyone had ongoing problems after rotator cuff surgery. I am almost 4 months post op and the pain is far worse than before the surgery. I did all the PT and even got the ok for light weights to strengthen shoulder but my range of motion has decreased in the last few weeks and pain is worse. I read about the biodegradable anchors causing problems for RA patients and wonder if anyone else has had similar issues.
, I am so sorry your recovery from rotator cuff surgery has been rough. Between RA itself and the RA meds used to treat symptoms, it can make recovery from surgery (especially surgery on muscles/joints/etc) harder and longer. Have you talked to your doctor and surgeon about what you are experiencing? I know at least three community members have had this particular surgery (sometimes more than once!) and I hope at least one of them sees your post and replies. Here's some information on rotator cuff surgery and RA that you may have already seen -- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5697045/.
Your rheumatologist may have some helpful input, if you happen to have a rheumatologist (I know not everyone does).
I do hope you start seeing some relief from the pain and some increased range of motion as well.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.Leslie850,
I am so sorry about your painful recovery time. I had breast cancer surgery and the incision got an infection to the blue dye. The infection had a 2" hole! Needless to say, it took a long time to heal, and with being off my RA meds, I was an invalid. I could barely move. My family took care of me. So yes, I agree, that it can be a very long recovery! I'm wishing you the best!
Happy Holidays!
Karen
Thank you for the kind message, you never know who is going to read it on the right day and it ends up making them feel better. I remember when I had an infection in my left armpit that left a 1 inch hole. They eventually had to cut out all the bad flesh and it was a lot the doc said. Fortunately it wasn't anything serious and I was able to heal. Still, though, for months before it was awful and smelly and disgusting and just a nightmare, so I get it. You are not alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM
I've had four RA related surgeries since the 1990s.... left and right wrist ulnar resections with synovectomy on each, left elbow joint cleanout, right middle knuckle joint cleanout. The recoveries went fairly well.... though the left elbow has not been the same since the surgery. The wrist surgeries did a great job of eliminating the pain of RA but the wrist motion was decreased quite a bit. A bit of a problem when one is a drummer. I adapted.
, thanks for joining this conversation and sharing your own surgery experiences with the community. I am glad the surgeries and recoveries have been pretty successful, though I am sorry you lost some range of motion in your wrists. Definitely an issue for a drummer! If you don't mind me asking, how have you adapted your playing?
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Hi
. On top of the excellent information from Erin, I want to note that when you mentioned reduced range of motion I thought of scar tissue issues. I know that my wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here) had scar tissue develop in her knee after a replacement that had to be cleaned out and I know of several others who have had similar issues (scarring is more common with inflammation). Of course, only a doctor can do the proper diagnostics to see if this could be part of your issue. Hoping you can get some answers and relief soon. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
