torn rotator cuff

My mother is having surgery this Friday.  She is having a bursectomy,
acromionangioplasty & surgery on her torn rotator cuff with a steel pin inserted.

Does anyone know what the pain level after surgery is.  She is 81

[Tuckamore]

Hi Upsgrrrl,

Welcome to the Senior Health Forum.

Your mother's pain level will be similar to anybody else's pain level.... high. This surgery is usually very painful. My adult son had a similar shoulder surgery  though less extensive this winter. He had difficulty sleeping the first few nights, even with pain medications. So expect that she will have significant pain.

It's important that she is kept comfortable. Sleep is important for healing and reduced pain levels also promotes better healing.

It's my guess they will begin physical therapy as soon as she has healed some. PT will be painful... stretching and strengthening those repaired areas can cause increased discomfort. However PT is an important aspect in a good recovery. If her pain levels are kept to a minimum she'll be more apt to do well in PT.

Best of luck to your mom. I hope she'll have lots of support during the post-op and recovery process. I wish her a quick and uneventful recovery.

Warm Regards,
~Tuck