rotator cuff surgery

[renz006]

i have a decision to make about surgery for a torn rotator cuff and cartilage.  i am scheduled for surgery  just 3 months before going on a trip to alaska.  i am concerned whether i will be able to use my arm  enough to do this ie: carrying luggage, on and off buses and trains, etc.  it is not my dominant arm.  doctor says i should be fine, therapist says it's cutting it close.  does any out there have any opinions that can help me decide?  thanks

[hanaguchi]

Hi,
I think you are cutting it close. Three of my friends have had this surgery and only 1 was recovered in 3 months. Assuming everything goes well with the operation it takes a lot of physical therapy to get it back into shape. You may be better of going for surgery when you come back.
Have a great trip.

[broke123]

is it a complete rotator tear? can u hold ur arm extended at 90 degrees to us body? if u can, and it doesnt bother u too much, u should wait till after you come back.
if its bothering u a lot now, u should do the surgery now, and make sure u have agressive physical therapy. for the next 3 months.
good luck