torn rotator cuff

[grammy13]

two totally torn tendons in left rotator cuff - sometimes pain is bearable and other than not being able to raise my arm I can function normally - other times pain is so severe I get naseaus and light headed - how do i deal and make all days bearable - i still work full time and drive 68 miles roundtrip a day

[Tuckamore]

Hi Grammy,

I am sorry for the multiple medical issues you are facing. I was not aware you had other medical issues and I am very sorry you are facing some tough decisions. If you have been at your current position for a year and work 1,200 hrs a year you should be eligible for approximately 12 weeks of FMLA. This should begin a new each year unless your company goes by the date of first use.

When you say SSI do you mean Social Security Disability? If so the requirements are high and it can take up to 2-3 years to obtain it unless you are approved on the initial application. If you are considering SSD there are some very good sites that explain the procedure and process. Just goggle SSD information.

The older you are when you apply the more likely you are get obtain SSD, as long as you qualify. And usually it does not take as long but it is the government. I just applied 3 weeks ago. I am waiting for my first denial letter.

Hang in there. If you would like to PM me you may do so. Please let me know how you are doing and as always, take care, Tuck

[grammy13]

thank you for your kind responses -I am a sales & customer service manager for a small company so of course I do many other things like hiring, training and scheduling

i have not scheduled any suregery as of yet - i will be seeing an orth surgeon on thurs, 10/23, prior to this i have been seeing a chiropractor - the problema with surgery is that right now i am scheduled for some vascular surger on my right leg on 11/23 - must get this done because of the pain also - if i schedule surgery for shoulder i know i will lose my job - MUST wait until 1/10 when I will at least be eligible for SSI unless it would be possible to get disablity - anyone have any info on this and also where I might be able to find a pain management group to join in my area

I will wait to hear

thank you

[Tuckamore]

Hello Grammy,

I also had a torn right rotator cuff. It was not repaired because 28 years ago they didn't do that unless you were an athlete, or at least that's what a rural surgeon told me. So mine was never repaired.

Here's what I did or didn't do. I could never use a broom, mop or any similar motion. I had problems raising my affected arm. I had difficulty driving so I used my left arm to drive with and my right arm close in case of an emergency. I used ice on it to reduce the swelling and inflammation. I took IB (lots) for pain and swelling. It took almost 2 years before the pain reduced significantly and another 2 or 3 before it has barely noticeable. I suffered with pain for a long time. I rarely have pain any longer.

I recommend you seriously discuss surgery with your physician. I wish I would have sought another opinion. Best of luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing. Take care, Tuck

[Jaybay]

I applaud your willpower in the face of such pain and working with such a tremendous commute!  What kind of work are you engaged in?   I've had 2 rotator cuff repairs and understand the agony of the injury, the surgery and the post-op therapy.  I do hope you have surgery scheduled by now?  That's the only thing that will correct this problem.  Well, that and a whole lot of physical therapy.  Each time it took a good year to get to the point I didn't notice the "bad" shoulder any longer.  

Until you have surgery, you'll need to do the usual:

1.  Rest the shoulder as much as possible
2.  Keep up a steady dose of anti-inflammatory meds (advil, etc.)
3.  Use heat for 20 minutes before any exertion and ice for 20 minutes after

Can you tell us what your doctor has advised thus far and what you're doing to manage your pain?  I sure hope you're able to sleep nights, as I found that was the worst.  I used to always sleep on my left side until the shoulder went to h*ll.  It took forever to reset my autopilot to the right side.  :-)