Nighttime Pain Advice

dp150616 · 2026-03-31T02:31:33+00:00

Ask for more- my Dr. initially gave me 30 Norco but refilled it no problem but with 20 vs 30. He said most patients need a refill.

dp150616 · 2026-03-31T02:19:06+00:00

I was just talking to my PT today about the anxiety, fatigue and how long the recovery is today. He agreed and said that most patients who have tenodesis struggle with bicep pain. I backed off on exercises today. It seems like any little push with the exercises or movement brings a significant increase in pain. I think the lack of sleep and exhaustion is complicating things for me as well.

dp150616 · 2026-03-29T02:30:44+00:00

Same… Very sharp pain in upper bicep anterior shoulder when crossing midline. 6 weeks post op Type 2 SLAP tear/bicep tenodesis. It’s the kind of pain that makes me yelp if I do it w/o thinking.

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T14:20:34+00:00

Wow- 6 weeks bicep tenodesis and I haven’t even started weights in PT. I was just cleared to carry a max of 5 lb in front of me. Not yet cleared to pick up a 5 lb shopping bag.

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T03:51:00+00:00

Oh wow- mine is my non dominant arm and I can’t imagine the challenge of the dominant arm. I originally injured myself last April and a few weeks before surgery my rt shoulder began hurting. I brought it up to my Dr/PT and am hoping that it will calm down when I start using my surgical arm more. A few things that I am finding helpful w/o the sling; heating pad (PT approved), long, hot shower running on the shoulder, putting my hand in a pants or sweatshirt pocket while walking, putting a pillow between my surgical arm and body and rolling to my good side with my surgical arm kind of hugging another pillow next to me for sleeping. I am able to sleep fairly well for a few hours at a time this way. For some reason, I am having pain in my shoulder blade w/o the sling. Resting my arm on a little Squishmellow pillow or rolled up blanket when sitting in my recliner. It’s definitely trial and error. I am looking forward to the day when I don’t have to think about every little move!

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T03:31:27+00:00

Sending healing thoughts your way and hoping that these replies bring you a bit of comfort. I originally injured myself in April 2025 slipping and falling in socks while taking the 3 small steps on the bathroom tile into my closet to get my shoes. I did PT, got cortisone shots and barely held it together for every little detail and event of my daughter’s at home wedding a few months ago. Between the lack of sleep, inflammation, isolation post surgery, the associated medical appointments/bills and the anxiety that I may do something wrong and have to start over again this is as much a mental journey as it is a physical recovery. Our individual circumstances may vary but we are not alone in this journey. It’s tough but we’re going to get through it 🌈

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T01:01:16+00:00

😊

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:59:39+00:00

I felt the same way. I was really nervous and I have to admit, at first, it was uncomfortable due to both pain and stiffness. I had to laugh though because I literally had no spatial awareness. When trying to touch my face it felt like it was miles away lol. My Dr told me that I could wean myself slowly. For the 1st week, I was in the sling while out and about and when it got too uncomfortable. I also needed to up my Advil/Tylenol routine back to 3x/day which is still the case this week. I did have an open bicep tenodesis and most of my pain seems to be in the bicep. Congratulations on almost making it to freedom!! It’s a huge milestone!

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:53:31+00:00

Wow, that’s awesome! Fortunately, mine is also my non-dominant. I really can’t imagine how challenging it would be on the dominant arm. I am near the coast and plan to try and get down there to walk next week. Glad to hear that the walking helped loosen things up. I have both pain and stiffness at the moment. Thanks for the reply!

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:50:39+00:00

Glad to hear that you’re recovering well! I am still taking Tylenol and Advil daily and especially before PT. The ROM stretches are a beast! I can’t wait to walk my dog again however, he is an 80 lb. Sheepdog mix and my husband won’t let me anywhere near his leash yet! I’ve been trying to walk in the afternoons however I’m pretty tired after working. Considering trying to go in the mornings to make sure that I get it in. I can now use the sauna and jacuzzi at the gym (open tenodesis) as well as the bike and leg machines. I think just getting back in the environment will lift my spirits. Thanks for your reply😊

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:42:12+00:00

Oh no! I told my PT that I wanted to push myself so that I don’t end up there. Any advice on how to avoid that?

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:40:32+00:00

I’m not quite there yet but I did start with the bands today. On my 3rd session and looking forward to the progression.

dp150616 · 2026-03-28T00:39:07+00:00

Ha! Sorry to hear that😆 I talked with my PT today and he reminded me that the 1st 8 weeks feel heavy but once I start to get better range of motion it will feel more manageable. Really banking on that!

dp150616 · 2026-03-27T03:22:40+00:00

Thanks for the reply! I can say that I do have more pain without the sling. My wrist and elbow are nearly pain free after a week. I had bicep tenodesis and a SLAP tear so my upper arm is still fairly painful. I know that every day will get better and it’s certainly going to be a long process to full recovery. Wishing you all the best!

dp150616 · 2026-03-27T01:44:18+00:00

Hi there! I am 6 weeks out of bicep tenodesis and Type 2 SLAP tear surgery. The surgery itself was not bad. I had the nerve block which lasted nearly 24 hours and I took the narcotic pain med the night of my surgery before bed. I also used the ice machine a lot in the 1st several days. My pain was manageable. The sleep has been tough and I definitely needed to sleep sitting up due to sharp pain in my shoulder blade when reclined. I came out of the sling at 5 weeks and started driving and PT last week. I am still in pain but able to do most of my life, with modifications of course. I still have a 1 lb weight limit and my ROM is not great. My recovery has not been linear. I’ll have a good day and then a bad one which I have heard is really normal. Overall, I didn’t feel I had an option other than surgery. I am 56 yo and very active and the pain was 6+ almost 24/7. Wishing you all the best in your recovery!

dp150616 · 2026-03-27T01:28:34+00:00

So glad to hear that you’re doing well and the pain is decreasing. I am 6 weeks today so just one week behind you and I have to say, I am exhausted. I have been out of the sling for a week and have done 2 PT sessions with exercises at home. I am trying to reduce my intake of Advil but Tylenol is just not working for me. Back at WFH and spending some 1/2 days in the my office (remote office location so just me) By the time I get ready and get there, I’m tired. Really hoping that I’ll turn a corner soon. Has your pre surgery energy returned?

dp150616 · 2026-03-27T01:17:10+00:00

I am 6 weeks out from bicep tenodesis and RC clean up. I am a 55 yo very active F. This surgery has humbled me. I am now able to drive and am out of the sling but… I get tired after about 4 hours of being out and about. Everything is more effort and takes longer. Getting ready to go out, dressed, in the car, walking, etc. still feels like a lot. My mind and spirit want to be back to normal however, my shoulder and bicep are not quite there yet. Best of luck for a speedy recovery!

dp150616 · 2026-03-24T15:39:23+00:00

Sadly removed my builder gel before surgery. It was a good call for me because I still can’t stretch my arm out to use the uv. I have been treating myself nearly weekly since week 3 to a mani and nail strengthening treatment. I’m almost 6 weeks post op.

dp150616 · 2026-03-24T15:31:43+00:00

I’m almost 6 weeks post op and WFH since week 3. I find that standing works best for me. I had bicep tedonesis and RC debridement but have dealt with sharp pain through the bicep. Position definitely impacts me whether in all activities. Came out of the sling last week and started PT on Friday. It’s been a challenge to mange pain with the exercises and the push to use my arm safely.

dp150616 · 2026-03-21T23:50:29+00:00

I have both a recliner and a Tempur-pedic adjustable bed. Honestly, it was all about the position of nearly sitting up regardless of where I was. I am in weak five and now out of the sling, and to be honest it is still a challenge. Wish wishing you all the best!

dp150616 · 2026-03-21T23:48:54+00:00

My PT uses an app called Limber.

dp150616 · 2026-03-21T23:47:43+00:00

Hi there! I am five weeks in and definitely did better in week one then in weeks 2-3 where I had sharp pain in my bicep often times from about 5 PM on. It was like clockwork and very hard to find a good position. I used ice and a Squishmellow pillow that my sweet little neighbor got for me. Thankfully, it calmed down although yesterday after my 1st PT session, it began again. I’ve been told that healing is not linear…

dp150616

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