Rotator cuff surgery?

Has anyone here had rotator cuff surgery? If so would you recommend it? Did you have any adverse side affects or trouble in healing etc? Any advice or info about this type of surgery would be great!!!

[ernst2834]

I just had rotator cuff surgery.  Your doctor will tell you whether or not it is required.  A rotator cuff that is damaged to a certain extent will not heal on its own, and will only get worse.  I can promise you that the surgery and recovery are a long, arduous process.  The first month is the worst, and the physical therapy is tough.  In my opinion, my doctor did not prepare for what I was up against in terms of recovery.

Pain is pretty bad, no sleep, cant get comfortable, and the pain meds were no help for me, in fact, made things worse.  But, the good news is, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  A good physical therapist is KEY!  Mine was awesome.  You have to work hard, and be dedicated to getting well.  The sleeping issue will resolve itself at around week 4-6.  All of sudden, one night.....you sleep, and its over.  

Good luck, and remember...you have to be a hard worker to get through this in about a 4-6 month recovery time.  

[janny21]

I had rotator cuff surgery in 2003.  Complete tear rt. should rotator cuff.    I totally agree with the previous post by ernst2834.  You should be totally informed. Do as much research as possible and always get a second opinion.  It does depend on the degree of damage as to whether the injury can heal on its own.  Mine was a complete tear with major damage so surgery was my only option.  You do have to be dedicated to your therapy and realize the recovery is a long process.  I too did not feel my surgeon prepared me for how the recovery would go.  
It's not an easy surgery thats for sure but if totally necessary you do not want to wait too long and just let it go.  You will only make things worse.
Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progess.

[isthiscp]

Thanks for your reply! I have a left tear not complete, but bad enough. The thing is, it happened in Dec 06 and due to ABSOLUTE neglect from the hospital it was even discovered until Nov 07(despite having a swelling the size of a grapefruit on my shoulder) Are you in plaster etc after the surgery?