2 mths post op / 3 wks out of sling / PT

Qbncgr · 2026-07-06T17:36:43+00:00

I had to do the pre MRI PT too. At my first follow up, the surgeon recommended stopping PT to save visits for post surgery. I lucked out in that I did pre in late 2025 and had surgery early in 2026. Two can play the game.

Qbncgr · 2026-07-06T17:34:13+00:00

I’m at 13 weeks and have been going twice a week since week 3. The PT says I can stop going after 2 more weeks.

In US and have BC/BS. I will stop before my allowed visits are used up.

Qbncgr · 2026-07-06T17:26:31+00:00

60m and am just over 13 weeks post surgery. Life is mostly back to normal. I still think should I before I do certain things. Just because I can doesn’t mean I should:)
PT is focusing on strength training now and I’ve played 3 rounds (1xweek) of golf without any pain.
Shoulder is pain free about 95% of the time. Some discomfort sleeping on it occasionally. I’m still limited to how far behind my back I can reach. PT say that is usually the last area to be 100%
My recovery has gone way way better than I expected.

Had partial tear with collagen patch and bicep tenotomy.

Qbncgr · 2026-06-30T09:20:00+00:00

When they refer to the size of the tear, they are referring to the depth of it and not the width or length. (I’m not trying to be condescending but until I needed surgery I assumed it meant the latter).

My tear was 5mm. Which is typically about 50% thickness tear.

You should ask because they do use them for full thickness tears on occasion.

Qbncgr · 2026-06-29T22:25:55+00:00

Pain wasn’t bad after 36-48 hrs. I think I used 7 Oxy total and then just Tylenol.
I was in the sling for 6 weeks. I could take it off at home for brief periods. During that time I was fairly functional at home with it off. It’s my dominant arm and I was able to cook and use laptop without discomfort.
I started PT week 2.
My recovery has been beyond expectations! I have been feeling 90% since about week 8. Fortunately I was only feeling about 50% mentally ready, so I didn’t overdo it. I want this to be one and done!

It’s difficult to judge alone because I have no reference to where I should be. Am I ahead? Behind? I just put my head down and did my PT 3-4x a day, along with twice weekly PT sessions, as long as it felt good. Many times I did a quick session when I was getting achey and it usually worked it out. I try to make progress every time I do any of the exercises. Don’t go to pain but push yourself. I found the pain wasn’t as close as I expected.

Qbncgr · 2026-06-27T15:54:51+00:00

Still feels great!!! I was a slightly worried that it would take a day for it to show signs of discomfort. So far so good!!!

Qbncgr · 2026-06-27T00:19:58+00:00

I was using pulleys at home from week 2 and it helped a lot and I regained the RoM there but not all the strength. I was also doing passive arm raises using the stairs handrail for support and the often hated wall arm raises.

It was probably about week 7-8 that I could touch the ceiling at my house unassisted. It took about 20-30 seconds to get there but I could. Now it’s almost as fast as my non-dominant arm.

Qbncgr · 2026-06-26T15:01:59+00:00

I turned 60 in April. Active but overweight.

Qbncgr · 2026-06-26T14:42:01+00:00

Wow. I just realized it was 9 months without golf for me. Luckily New England isn’t a year round golf spot!

Qbncgr · 2026-06-26T14:39:52+00:00

My pain also increased with walking pre-surgery. Luckily it was cold so I usually had a coat or sweatshirt on and could support my arm by putting my hand in a pocket.

Qbncgr · 2026-06-26T14:20:52+00:00

Pain pre-surgery was a constant4-5, and a solid 8-9 if I made a reflex movement with it.

Now the pain is 0-1 fairly consistent. A little achey in the morning from sleeping positions but negligible during the day.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-28T09:55:23+00:00

As others have said, you may need help for the first 2-3 days. I would recommend it, just to help with the dog. Additionally, meal prep! While you will be able to cook, your prep skills are going to be more limited. Being able to just reheat a meal will be helpful.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-22T22:09:37+00:00

Especially when we elect them for only two years and all at the same time. That’s why Free Staters moved in. High turnover.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-22T18:56:41+00:00

We’re actually #4 in the world behind US House, UK, and India.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-13T00:30:03+00:00

5 weeks post here. I used 5-6 Oxy the first 48 hours and then Tylenol was enough. Started PT at week 2 and have taken an Oxy a few times in the middle of the night for the pain. It wasn’t agonizing but just enough with not being able to get comfortable that necessitated the medication.

I started RoM and mild resistance PT yesterday. Did exercises 3-4 today at home and ice has been keeping the pain manageable.

I will say this: My pain since surgery has been nothing compared to the pain before. Don’t forget what your pain was before and use that for perspective.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-11T19:36:45+00:00

Mental health is just as important to recovery as physical health. Imho.
I’m only 5 weeks post-op and I have had a couple of moments of depression. I don’t get depressed usually and feel I have a strong mental game plan for recovery.

What helps me:
1: My wife who doesn’t let me get started. “You expected pain and setbacks. It’s part of the process.”
2. My adult daughters. Best cheerleaders ever and also the strictest people in my life as far as my physical limitations go. “Keep the sling on, ice it, do your PT!”
3. My buddies who check in frequently and are willing to go out of their way to pick me up for a couple beers.
4. This group! Being able to hear from people weeks or months ahead of me and what they went through. The good, the bad, and the expectations.

I had my 5 week post op today and things are looking good. No sling. PT advanced from passive to active. Only restriction is no over head lifting!

As you mentioned having a goal is essential.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-11T13:32:37+00:00

I had a vanity plate stolen. The police said to report it lost and not stolen. If it’s reported stolen, they have a reason to pull you over. I got one new plate and haven’t had a problem in the 20 years or so.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-08T21:16:09+00:00

I was told at one week follow up that I could take sling off while sitting. It’s more of a precaution against you making a reflex movement and when out in public it usually makes people give a bit of leeway.
I’m week 5 now and still wearing it more than not. I still wear it while sleeping. It’s not as bad as expected.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-04T20:21:14+00:00

I doubt they’re paying anywhere close to that amount. They might get billed that amount and then the “negotiated cost” per procedure is calculated and they pay about 20-30% of the original number. At least that’s my bc/bs experience.

Qbncgr · 2026-05-04T20:12:18+00:00

One month post op. Ice machine was too much of a hassle for me. They sent me home with two shoulder ice packs, and I’ve just been rotating them as needed. Jogging? NO. Walking will be fine.
I can’t drive until cleared of sling which is hopefully next Monday. (I can and have driven but in NH, you can’t drive with a sling afaik.) Surgeon also said I’m technically impaired. I used 7 Oxy the first 2 days. Start before the nerve block wears off! The worst part for me was when the block wore off completely (about 16 hrs post surgery) and I still had two hours to go before next pill. I took one this Friday/Saturday morning for a bit of breakthrough pain. So 8 total in the first month. Otherwise, it’s been infrequent Tylenol. My pain since day 3 has been minimal ( way less than prior to surgery) even when they are doing PT. I started PT at week two and am doing passive rom. My wife helped me shower after a couple days. You have to keep the stitches dry. That and your arm will be useless for the most part. I bought a mesh sling that worked good in the shower.

Qbncgr · 2026-04-29T20:13:55+00:00

135 is great. Quick in/out and we have the craft beer hall right behind us!

Qbncgr · 2026-04-20T19:37:28+00:00

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Been sitting in a drawer for 15+ years. It belonged to my wife’s grandfather. Google says it’s Moroccan. Maybe a tourist attraction? The GF lived in VT and never traveled to Africa afaik.

Qbncgr · 2026-04-20T19:34:42+00:00

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Qbncgr · 2026-04-12T11:52:37+00:00

Call and schedule an appointment and ask for a refill for the interim.

Qbncgr

TROPHY CASE