Rotator Cuff surgery?

Vezna31 · 07-16-2007, 07:50 PM

Anyone here have any experience with rotator cuff surgery? I just got my MRI results back today and I have 3 tears in my rotator cuff plus muscle atrophy from 20 years of playing racquetball. I don't have much pain on a daily basis unless I'm playing regularly, which I haven't done in the last year. It used to wake me up in the middle of the night and I used to take about 1000mg of ibuprofin per day when I did play regularly. I'm thinking of becoming a lefty as an alternative. Any opinions?

gomarlins3 · 07-16-2007, 08:14 PM

I haven't had it, but I know I need to have it done. Mine is from many years of weights. I can do no lifts over my head and bench press hurts often.

Java Junky · 07-16-2007, 08:23 PM

Vez, ya got lots'a company. Samey-same Go: can't even pull my own tee off sometimes. Lots'a reasons. Hemmin' n' hawin' about dooin' the surgery deed myself. (I think it's inevitable)
It doesn't mend on it's own (as your continuin' to play can attest) n' when it starts affectin' your ability to sleep somethin' probably should be done. Whether r' not to opt for the surgery is only a call that you can make as you're the only one with answers to all the variables.
This deserves better attention, but I godda apologize n' run.
Be well.
Java

Java Junky · 07-16-2007, 09:07 PM

N' Vez, they may wanna shoot the joint with Cortizone to hold off the surgery n' give you some relief. Be ultra cautious with allowin' the use'a "Zones" (any of the streroids). They've godda lodda side effects that you never hear about, like, my personal favorite, havin' your eye-sight loused up like somebody put dabs of Vaseline on different areas of your glasses. The only savin' grace of this particular side effect is that in 75% of the cases it goes away after 6 -18 mos. In the other 25% . . .
They've also got exercises for lessenin' the chance of damage to the cuffs, but, unless we're pro pitchers r' the like, we never find out about 'em until after the damage's done. But, if they lessen the chances of further damage . . . better late than never I guess.
'Best of luck with this Vez.
Be well.
Java

s2000isu · 07-16-2007, 09:13 PM

I dont know to much about that surgery. My gym teacher had it done and never got full motion of his arm back. I heard of someone else that got it done I cant remember who or the whole story but I seem to remember him being good as new after the surgery. I think it depends on how bad it is and who performs the surgery. I wish ya luck with it. I know how hard sports can be on a body. I am only 22 and I know my knees arent 100% damn you deadlift and squat. I often think back to when we had weight testing and pushing myself when my knees feel funny and make strange crunchy noises. Id do it again in a second. Thats my story.

S2000dude · 07-17-2007, 12:52 PM

Wel Vez, Java warns you well regarding Cortizone. Plus it's only a temporary solution. However, I think you know that.

Never had RC surgery but I would imagine the surgical procedure is a lot simpler these days. Arthroscopic I believe they call it. Had it done on my knee 10 yrs ago for a tear from too much tennis. No cuts just 3 holes.

Make sure you go to a good ortho surgeon. Two opinions might be worth the efoort !

Keep us posted !

Dr. Jimbo · 07-17-2007, 01:00 PM

Up here in Santa Barbara we have a world renowned shoulder doc. Dr. Donald Fareed. He's at 1483 East Valley Rd. Santa Barbara (actually Montecito). His phone # is 805-969-0988. I am a chiropractor here in SB and have sent a number of people to him and they have gotten excellent results.
Dr. Jimbo

Cosmo · 07-17-2007, 01:07 PM

Vez,

If you don't have a Surgeon picked out already, Dr. Paul Murphy here in San Diego is a top notch Doc. He takes care of all the Pro Supercrossers and Charger players. I had my knee scoped and it came out good. If you want his email let me know buddy.

Cosmo

Vezna31 · 07-17-2007, 02:00 PM

Thanks for all the info and referrals, guys. I have a number to talk to a doctor today. I'm not leaning on getting any kind of cortizone shot. If I was a professional racquetball player on tour, I would think about it, but I'm just an above average league player. If the doctor were to tell me that my shoulder would feel no worse than it does right now if I quit playing, than I would opt for playing left-handed and not have surgery.

My range of motion is not too bad and the pain is minimal. I can teach myself to play left-handed rather quickly since I know the mechanics. I figure it will be about 20 years until the left shoulder is shot

I'll keep everyone updated on the what the doc says.

Vezna31 · 07-17-2007, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobby2002S2K

I got a bad Knee man, 9 years of running,road marchin with 65lb ruck sack mile after mile, 165 combat load jumps and after 2 yrs of eating bottles of 500mg mortin I think its about time for me to take a break and get it fixed. I just hate doc's. Tell ya what Vezna i'll trade my knee for you shoulder.

HELL NO!! At least I can walk. I had a badly sprained knee once from playing hockey back in '94 and that ended my season and put me on the shelf for 8 weeks and it didn't require surgery. I can't imagine damaging it enough to require surgery.

Java Junky · 07-17-2007, 09:41 PM

Cripes! Whudda bunch'a train wrecks are we!
Don't get me started on knees Bob.
Ain't it a shame that we didn't listen to the older folks when they tol' us to take better care'a ourselves?
N' now maybe you folks're gettin' some idea'a why I always end with
Be well.
Java

Scooterboy · 07-18-2007, 08:34 PM

I've had it done on the right and had a bone spur removed on the left shoulder. It is a real pain!! The most important thing is to do all of the rehab exercised that they tell you to do. No matter how bad you feel, if you don't do what you are told it will take forever to recover.

As for not getting full motion back, it will take a while. It has been over 2 years and I am just getting full motion back (I didn't follow my rehab).

I am happy with my surgery. I hurt bad before and feel great now.

Vezna31 · 07-20-2007, 09:51 PM

I have a doctor's appointment on Monday July 30. We'll see what he says. I'm playing racquetball left-handed tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to get at least 20 years out of the left shoulder now

Java Junky · 07-20-2007, 11:36 PM

Here's hopin' it's all good news Vez.
Be well.
Java

Vezna31 · 07-31-2007, 12:58 AM

Met with an orthopedic today. After looking at my MRI, he came to the conclusion that I definitely have 1 small tear, not 3. The tear is not complete. I have some fluid around the outside part and he isn't sure what could be causing the muscle atrophy. He did a barrage of movement tests all of which had no pain. He said my range of motion was good.

His diagnosis was to go back playing, but not competitvely. I honestly don't know what that means. Whether I am playing in a league, a tournament, or just practicing, I practice kill shots which typically are over 100 miles per hour. I'm thinking he means just easy swinging. He told me he would contact me in 4-6 weeks to see how it feels. I honestly think the best way for him to diagnose me completely is to go out and play continuously like I used to and then let him do all the same tests again while I have all the pain.

Java Junky · 07-31-2007, 06:38 AM

To quote our northern neighbors (New Hampshire) "Live free, or die".
Give 'em hell Vez!
Be well.
Java

07-16-2007, 07:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,285	Rotator Cuff surgery? Anyone here have any experience with rotator cuff surgery? I just got my MRI results back today and I have 3 tears in my rotator cuff plus muscle atrophy from 20 years of playing racquetball. I don't have much pain on a daily basis unless I'm playing regularly, which I haven't done in the last year. It used to wake me up in the middle of the night and I used to take about 1000mg of ibuprofin per day when I did play regularly. I'm thinking of becoming a lefty as an alternative. Any opinions? __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

07-16-2007, 08:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
gomarlins3 "Enjoy the drive" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 2,814	I haven't had it, but I know I need to have it done. Mine is from many years of weights. I can do no lifts over my head and bench press hurts often. __________________ Yablownowitz Racing brought to you by Anytime Fitness. Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me. "Whatever you do, where ever you go, enjoy the drive." I know for a FACT that the last year of production of the S2000 is 2003!!!!! After that, it will be the S2200 under an assumed name.

07-16-2007, 08:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,436	Vez, ya got lots'a company. Samey-same Go: can't even pull my own tee off sometimes. Lots'a reasons. Hemmin' n' hawin' about dooin' the surgery deed myself. (I think it's inevitable) It doesn't mend on it's own (as your continuin' to play can attest) n' when it starts affectin' your ability to sleep somethin' probably should be done. Whether r' not to opt for the surgery is only a call that you can make as you're the only one with answers to all the variables. This deserves better attention, but I godda apologize n' run. Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

07-16-2007, 09:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,436	N' Vez, they may wanna shoot the joint with Cortizone to hold off the surgery n' give you some relief. Be ultra cautious with allowin' the use'a "Zones" (any of the streroids). They've godda lodda side effects that you never hear about, like, my personal favorite, havin' your eye-sight loused up like somebody put dabs of Vaseline on different areas of your glasses. The only savin' grace of this particular side effect is that in 75% of the cases it goes away after 6 -18 mos. In the other 25% . . . They've also got exercises for lessenin' the chance of damage to the cuffs, but, unless we're pro pitchers r' the like, we never find out about 'em until after the damage's done. But, if they lessen the chances of further damage . . . better late than never I guess. 'Best of luck with this Vez. Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

07-16-2007, 09:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
s2000isu Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: pa Posts: 1,180	I dont know to much about that surgery. My gym teacher had it done and never got full motion of his arm back. I heard of someone else that got it done I cant remember who or the whole story but I seem to remember him being good as new after the surgery. I think it depends on how bad it is and who performs the surgery. I wish ya luck with it. I know how hard sports can be on a body. I am only 22 and I know my knees arent 100% damn you deadlift and squat. I often think back to when we had weight testing and pushing myself when my knees feel funny and make strange crunchy noises. Id do it again in a second. Thats my story. __________________ S2kx2: "paint it pink! Or better yet buy a Miata" 2001 Vortech SC 12.8 at 111 miles per hour

07-17-2007, 12:52 PM	#6 (permalink)
S2000dude Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Spring Lake Hts, NJ Posts: 241	Wel Vez, Java warns you well regarding Cortizone. Plus it's only a temporary solution. However, I think you know that. Never had RC surgery but I would imagine the surgical procedure is a lot simpler these days. Arthroscopic I believe they call it. Had it done on my knee 10 yrs ago for a tear from too much tennis. No cuts just 3 holes. Make sure you go to a good ortho surgeon. Two opinions might be worth the efoort ! Keep us posted ! __________________ you've just entered a dimension of sight & sound and high Revs. You've entered the V-Tec Zone ! 2005 NFR - good bye ol' friend 2008 Laguna Blue - welcome to my garage ! My first car - 1956 Studebaker Hawk !

07-17-2007, 01:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
Dr. Jimbo Don't taze me bro! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca. Posts: 1,024	Up here in Santa Barbara we have a world renowned shoulder doc. Dr. Donald Fareed. He's at 1483 East Valley Rd. Santa Barbara (actually Montecito). His phone # is 805-969-0988. I am a chiropractor here in SB and have sent a number of people to him and they have gotten excellent results. Dr. Jimbo

07-17-2007, 01:07 PM	#8 (permalink)
Cosmo Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Diego Area Posts: 22	Vez, If you don't have a Surgeon picked out already, Dr. Paul Murphy here in San Diego is a top notch Doc. He takes care of all the Pro Supercrossers and Charger players. I had my knee scoped and it came out good. If you want his email let me know buddy. Cosmo __________________ Never drive faster than your angel can fly.

07-17-2007, 02:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,285	Thanks for all the info and referrals, guys. I have a number to talk to a doctor today. I'm not leaning on getting any kind of cortizone shot. If I was a professional racquetball player on tour, I would think about it, but I'm just an above average league player. If the doctor were to tell me that my shoulder would feel no worse than it does right now if I quit playing, than I would opt for playing left-handed and not have surgery. My range of motion is not too bad and the pain is minimal. I can teach myself to play left-handed rather quickly since I know the mechanics. I figure it will be about 20 years until the left shoulder is shot I'll keep everyone updated on the what the doc says. __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

07-17-2007, 09:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,436	Cripes! Whudda bunch'a train wrecks are we! Don't get me started on knees Bob. Ain't it a shame that we didn't listen to the older folks when they tol' us to take better care'a ourselves? N' now maybe you folks're gettin' some idea'a why I always end with Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

07-18-2007, 08:34 PM	#12 (permalink)
Scooterboy Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 37	I've had it done on the right and had a bone spur removed on the left shoulder. It is a real pain!! The most important thing is to do all of the rehab exercised that they tell you to do. No matter how bad you feel, if you don't do what you are told it will take forever to recover. As for not getting full motion back, it will take a while. It has been over 2 years and I am just getting full motion back (I didn't follow my rehab). I am happy with my surgery. I hurt bad before and feel great now.

07-20-2007, 09:51 PM	#13 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,285	I have a doctor's appointment on Monday July 30. We'll see what he says. I'm playing racquetball left-handed tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to get at least 20 years out of the left shoulder now __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

07-20-2007, 11:36 PM	#14 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,436	Here's hopin' it's all good news Vez. Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

07-31-2007, 12:58 AM	#15 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,285	Met with an orthopedic today. After looking at my MRI, he came to the conclusion that I definitely have 1 small tear, not 3. The tear is not complete. I have some fluid around the outside part and he isn't sure what could be causing the muscle atrophy. He did a barrage of movement tests all of which had no pain. He said my range of motion was good. His diagnosis was to go back playing, but not competitvely. I honestly don't know what that means. Whether I am playing in a league, a tournament, or just practicing, I practice kill shots which typically are over 100 miles per hour. I'm thinking he means just easy swinging. He told me he would contact me in 4-6 weeks to see how it feels. I honestly think the best way for him to diagnose me completely is to go out and play continuously like I used to and then let him do all the same tests again while I have all the pain. __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

07-31-2007, 06:38 AM	#16 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,436	To quote our northern neighbors (New Hampshire) "Live free, or die". Give 'em hell Vez! Be well. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

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