upcoming surgery :(

[hulkie]

Hello, I haven't been on here for awhile as i've been having shoulder problems. It all started in june as a slight pain on top of my shoulder and radiated sometimes down my arm and especially through my trap area up into my neck. I continued to train some, only to have the pain worsen. It got so bad that i could hardly sleep, let alone train.

So..i see a ortho specialist...get xrays, he says everything looks fine just ac joint is inflamed. Get naproxen and cortisone and told to return to gym. I return and am fine for 3 weeks then back to the same pain as before.

I return to doc where i am given a MRI. Results were a problem at the end of my clavicle on ac joint. (not connected or its impinging it) He said i was most likely born like this and it just now got bad.. I wanted fixed and asked if i could continue to lift. His reponse was to take naproxen and only lift when it doesnt hurt. Other words, i was told to live with this..obviously he didnt care if i could continue my desire to lift.

So after this, i decided a second opinion would be wise. I scheduled an appt with a sports ortho specialist who is known to be the best in the area. Upon his first examination he knew what lifts would aggravate it, what movements of arm, and he pressed right on the point and i was in extreme pain.

He kept saying the prior doc messed up on me, and there was no reason i shouldnt have been fixed before. He said i am a candidate for the mumford procedure..basically he said he will go in orthoscopically and shave a little off the end of my clavicle. He said a sling for a few days, few stitches, and i can begin light lifting in 2 weeks with a good improvement within a month.

So, my question is...Has anyone ever had this done before. I've read some online and some people say they wish they havent had it done. In pain..etc.
I started back working out this week and im weak...pain is still there but seems to have improved (though it will improve with cessation of lifting).

My surgery is FEB 14, just getting nervous about what to expect, and i would like to hear from someone that has had this done. This has been a great setback for me and im just feeling depressed lately. Sorry for this being so long but that about sums up the whole store of what ive been through.

 

[ALIN]

Best wishes, hope you a quick recovery.

 

[bluejay]

Good luck with it all.

 

[RearNaked]

Unfortunately, I have no info for you bro. I am however, debating the same procedure, doc told me basically the same thing. Except h gave me a much longer recovery time than you for some reason. Please keep us up to date post-surgery, I am very interested in what your results may be. Only reason I have not done it yet, is I have heard both good and bad stories of the procedure. Some say it was the best thing they ever did, and others say shit somehow got totally worse. The sleeping thing certainly does suck major ass. The corticosteroid shit worked great for me for about 4 months, the second shot did sweet fuck all. Just don't work out period, and you can also try a non addictive otc med called SleepMD or simply melatonin to help you get some rest when the pain is intense. I know no amount of otc pain meds help me. In any event, good luck my brotha!

 

[GUARDIAN]

Hello, I haven't been on here for awhile as i've been having shoulder problems. It all started in june as a slight pain on top of my shoulder and radiated sometimes down my arm and especially through my trap area up into my neck. I continued to train some, only to have the pain worsen. It got so bad that i could hardly sleep, let alone train.

So..i see a ortho specialist...get xrays, he says everything looks fine just ac joint is inflamed. Get naproxen and cortisone and told to return to gym. I return and am fine for 3 weeks then back to the same pain as before.

I return to doc where i am given a MRI. Results were a problem at the end of my clavicle on ac joint. (not connected or its impinging it) He said i was most likely born like this and it just now got bad.. I wanted fixed and asked if i could continue to lift. His reponse was to take naproxen and only lift when it doesnt hurt. Other words, i was told to live with this..obviously he didnt care if i could continue my desire to lift.

So after this, i decided a second opinion would be wise. I scheduled an appt with a sports ortho specialist who is known to be the best in the area. Upon his first examination he knew what lifts would aggravate it, what movements of arm, and he pressed right on the point and i was in extreme pain.

He kept saying the prior doc messed up on me, and there was no reason i shouldnt have been fixed before. He said i am a candidate for the mumford procedure..basically he said he will go in orthoscopically and shave a little off the end of my clavicle. He said a sling for a few days, few stitches, and i can begin light lifting in 2 weeks with a good improvement within a month.

So, my question is...Has anyone ever had this done before. I've read some online and some people say they wish they havent had it done. In pain..etc.
I started back working out this week and im weak...pain is still there but seems to have improved (though it will improve with cessation of lifting).

My surgery is FEB 14, just getting nervous about what to expect, and i would like to hear from someone that has had this done. This has been a great setback for me and im just feeling depressed lately. Sorry for this being so long but that about sums up the whole store of what ive been through.

I had it done in Dec 2006. Best thing I ever did for my shoulder. i had such pain benching or doing simple things such as putting on any long sleeve shirt or jacket. i couldnt sleep cuz i would roll over on the shoulder and wake up in pain. the vicodin was only a bandaid.

They gave me anesthesia in the form of a neck block. The doc first gave me some other type of general anesthesia and then waited awhile. he felt around my neck and push hard in certain areas that caused involuntary movement in parts of my body. he found the one for my right arm and injected more anesthetics there.

my doc made 3 tiny incisions, one over each deltoid head. u cant even see them now! and re-sectioned some of my ac and cleared out some bursitis that we didnt know about. he took lots of pictures. i can post them up if u want (if they scan ok - only got hard copies). the pix also show arthritis developing inside my socket and there is no fix for that other than complete shoulder replacement. he ventured to guess with all my years of heavy benching that the other shoulder could be affected if i wasnt careful.

i went home that day in a sling and had to constantly keep ice on it. i had quite a bit of bloody drainage and had to sleep with my back up at least at 45 degrees. i had to shower around it. i was very sick from anesthesia (but thats just me - i dont do well with very narcotic pain meds either). they gave me oxycotin for pain but it was too strong and ended up getting vicodin again. it hurt alot at first and if i accidentally banged it, it would kill. within a few days the sling was off but i was still babying it. i was back to work in 7 days, still a little sore. in two weeks the stitches came out. i was free to do whatever i wanted as long as i could handle the pain. the neat thing with this surgery was nothing was being reattached like rotator cuff so i couldnt cause any damage. scar tissue would eventually fill in the hole and cushion my ac. in 4 weeks i was lifting very light 10-20% max. by 8 weeks i was at 50% (and no pain!!!!) doc said it was common to have soreness and/or pain for up 2 six months. he said due to my advanced recovery abilities from lifting was why i healed so quick. and at 12 weeks i was hammering away as heavy as i could go.

i now shy away from barbell bench of any kind (shoulder presses are fine). i mostly do dumbells and hammer for chest just to be safe.

questions??

 

[RearNaked]

great info bro! that is exactly what i was just told 4-6 months. i guess it all depends o the doc/surgeon/individual. only for myself is, i he told me i can't work, or maybe light duty. well fuck, i build roads, it's essential i use a jackhammer/shovel/pick and toss fucking 6" concrete rings in the ground every day, no work for me = no job basically. putting on clothes and showering and shit also fucked with you too huh? did you find if you completely stayed out of the gym, and basically did nothing you could find, that you could possibly live with it a little longer? i am finding that, i am scared to do the surgery. if i am really careful in how i move it and use it, i can now sleep better and feel like it's not there all of the fucking time. what about physical therapy? did they mention anything about it to you 8? thanks bro, i am also learning a lot from this post, more than my doc/people on the street. thanks!

 

[GUARDIAN]

great info bro! that is exactly what i was just told 4-6 months. i guess it all depends o the doc/surgeon/individual. only for myself is, i he told me i can't work, or maybe light duty. well fuck, i build roads, it's essential i use a jackhammer/shovel/pick and toss fucking 6" concrete rings in the ground every day, no work for me = no job basically. putting on clothes and showering and shit also fucked with you too huh? did you find if you completely stayed out of the gym, and basically did nothing you could find, that you could possibly live with it a little longer? i am finding that, i am scared to do the surgery. if i am really careful in how i move it and use it, i can now sleep better and feel like it's not there all of the fucking time. what about physical therapy? did they mention anything about it to you 8? thanks bro, i am also learning a lot from this post, more than my doc/people on the street. thanks!

i am/was fortunate 2 have a desk job. though the doc gave me restrictions he privately told me i could do what i want w/o risk.

i was away from the gym for a long time but i couldnt avoid the sleep issue. pt was offered but no guarantees were made that it would work since we were dealing with bone against bone. plus it would be a hassle. surgery offered me the quickest recovery & highest sucess rate. my insurance paid for all but $50.

 

[RearNaked]

Yes, I was told exactly the same thing about the PT. What he said was post-surgery I would have to do sweet fuck all, basically lounge around for 2-3 months, then get into PT for another 2-3 (seems awfully long) and I should then be able to continue on with normal everyday living. I wish I had not been so reluctant and looked for info or posted something along this line 2 months ago, at the end of the construction season. It is now too late for me, I could not get surgery now until end of march, with the season starting up again in a month after that, it sadly has to be a no for me. Work is very important right now, if I stick out this years season, next year I jump up to foreman. This means, I can do a lot of sitting in the truck/paperwork, and a lot less physical labor. Then get this dreaded surgery done, and move on with my life. Can you give me any info/advice on things I can possibly do or not do to make it easier on myself/the situation? Excercises/meds perhaps, anything really? I have figured out certain things on my own, but ANY more advice I can get from fellow fitness oriented bros, in sure would be highly beneficial! Thanks again my brotha!

 

[702daswoll1]

great info bro! that is exactly what i was just told 4-6 months. i guess it all depends o the doc/surgeon/individual. only for myself is, i he told me i can't work, or maybe light duty. well fuck, i build roads, it's essential i use a jackhammer/shovel/pick and toss fucking 6" concrete rings in the ground every day, no work for me = no job basically. putting on clothes and showering and shit also fucked with you too huh? did you find if you completely stayed out of the gym, and basically did nothing you could find, that you could possibly live with it a little longer? i am finding that, i am scared to do the surgery. if i am really careful in how i move it and use it, i can now sleep better and feel like it's not there all of the fucking time. what about physical therapy? did they mention anything about it to you 8? thanks bro, i am also learning a lot from this post, more than my doc/people on the street. thanks!

Hey bro maybe it is time to change ur avi seeing as Liddell beat the fuck out of Silva. Eh? Just fucking wit ya.

 

[Selfcentor]

Good Luck bro

 

[GUARDIAN]

Yes, I was told exactly the same thing about the PT. What he said was post-surgery I would have to do sweet fuck all, basically lounge around for 2-3 months, then get into PT for another 2-3 (seems awfully long) and I should then be able to continue on with normal everyday living. I wish I had not been so reluctant and looked for info or posted something along this line 2 months ago, at the end of the construction season. It is now too late for me, I could not get surgery now until end of march, with the season starting up again in a month after that, it sadly has to be a no for me. Work is very important right now, if I stick out this years season, next year I jump up to foreman. This means, I can do a lot of sitting in the truck/paperwork, and a lot less physical labor. Then get this dreaded surgery done, and move on with my life. Can you give me any info/advice on things I can possibly do or not do to make it easier on myself/the situation? Excercises/meds perhaps, anything really? I have figured out certain things on my own, but ANY more advice I can get from fellow fitness oriented bros, in sure would be highly beneficial! Thanks again my brotha!

vicodin helped as did avoid using the shouder & plenty of ice. u r probably a canidate for a cortisone shot. that may buy u a few weeks-months.

 

[RearNaked]

Actually, that shipped has sailed. I had a corti shot, worked great for about 3 months or so, went back for a second, doc informed me it may not work as well, and I really should get the shit scraped. He was right...second sho did absolutely nothing. I'm a little reluctant to try vic, isn't that the shit all the stars, well, Britney and shit are abusing...lol? Thanks for your help bro...I really appreciate it! K to you...if it works, I have 0 power, whatever that means...lol!

 

[Latamier]

This is my speciality bro, seeing as we perform this case practically on a daily basis. I have this problem as well also. when we operate on our patients, 95% of the time we do his arthroscopically and on an outpatient basis, meaning you come in have it done and go home the same day. Yes you will be in a sling for a couple of days. We really leave it up to our patients as to how long they will need the sling. Many go home and just toss it in the trash because it is more of a pain in the ass than anything else. As far as training goes you will be out of comission a couple weeks. I usually have my AC joint injected every 3 months or so if I start to have a flare up. Another thing you can do is get away from the bars when benching or doing military presses. Use dumbells instead and hold them so that your palms are facing each other. This suttle change really helps to take the stress and load off the shoulder joint. It also gives you a chance to strengthen your weaker side, which almost everybody has. Let me know if you have any other questions that I might be able to help you with. Good luck with whatever decision you make. Oh, and karma is appreciated.

 

[GUARDIAN]

This is my speciality bro, seeing as we perform this case practically on a daily basis. I have this problem as well also. when we operate on our patients, 95% of the time we do his arthroscopically and on an outpatient basis, meaning you come in have it done and go home the same day. Yes you will be in a sling for a couple of days. We really leave it up to our patients as to how long they will need the sling. Many go home and just toss it in the trash because it is more of a pain in the ass than anything else. As far as training goes you will be out of comission a couple weeks. I usually have my AC joint injected every 3 months or so if I start to have a flare up. Another thing you can do is get away from the bars when benching or doing military presses. Use dumbells instead and hold them so that your palms are facing each other. This suttle change really helps to take the stress and load off the shoulder joint. It also gives you a chance to strengthen your weaker side, which almost everybody has. Let me know if you have any other questions that I might be able to help you with. Good luck with whatever decision you make. Oh, and karma is appreciated.

karma whore.....lol

 

[RearNaked]

Deadly! Thanks for that info as well Lat! I already decided to exclude flat bench pressing from my routine once I can get back into the gym full time. Had no idea about the positioning change in the dumbell work! Great piece of advice! Tried to throw you some good k as well bro. Thanks a lot!

 

[Latamier]

I will be anxious to hear your thoughts on something as simple as hand position. I was sceptical at first too but, after I tried it I was amazed. Good luck!

 

[hulkie]

Wow, lots of good advice here. I don't think mine is as bad as some others. It seems to be getting better on its own slowly. It used to hurt real bad when sleeping and just general movement of the arm especially something like reaching across my body to put on seatbelt. I couldnt do any shoulder work, lateral raises just killed me. Yesterday i did some shoulders lightly and did all movements..front, presses, lateral raises etc. I still have pain there, but it seems to be getting better.

I'm scheduled for the surgery on feb 14. Is there any last minute recommendations maybe i could try before this to see if it will get any better? i will definately have to try the palm position on the presses. Like i said, its slowly getting better..i dont take anything for pain, but this has been ongoing for 6-7 months. I couldnt lift at all for awhile, i just keep thinking to get the surgery and hopefully be cured for good. I hate lifting 2 weeks and taking 2 off because of pain.

Would any rotator work or rear delt possibly help ? Thanks!

 

[RearNaked]

I'm looking for a site or a vid, anything really on some rotator excercises right now bro. If I find anything worthy, I'll be sure to post a link.

 

[GUARDIAN]

http://intl.elsevierhealth.com/e-books/pdf/1410.pdf

 

[slat1]

I used to have the same problem.
I had to avoid certain lifts for over a year.
After that I just took my time building with the weight and things worked out for me.
I did break my clavicle in a fight. I was told it was fine and worked out in pain for a week. Then the dr's called and told me it was broken.
It had to heal on its own.
No gym for a few months.
I just screwed up my other clavicle doing flyes after sleeping on it wrong.
God does it hurt. Its a numbing pain.
Best of luck!

 

[hulkie]

I used to have the same problem.
I had to avoid certain lifts for over a year.
After that I just took my time building with the weight and things worked out for me.
I did break my clavicle in a fight. I was told it was fine and worked out in pain for a week. Then the dr's called and told me it was broken.
It had to heal on its own.
No gym for a few months.
I just screwed up my other clavicle doing flyes after sleeping on it wrong.
God does it hurt. Its a numbing pain.
Best of luck!

After reading a post like this, it has me thinking twice about surgery now. As i've said before, 6 months ago i couldnt even sleep without pain and took naproxen and advil daily. As of recently, it seems to be more of just a nagging pain. I havent taken any pain meds for awhile. When i work out, the pain is still there for dumbell bench and some shoulder work, but its not too bad.
Maybe this will continue to get better without having surgery if i avoid barbell work from now on? I will keep going to the gym for the next month and see how it progresses..maybe i will decline on having surgery. Everything i read though says it wont really fully recover withough surgery, so who knows.

 

[Cutiebaby]

After reading a post like this, it has me thinking twice about surgery now. As i've said before, 6 months ago i couldnt even sleep without pain and took naproxen and advil daily. As of recently, it seems to be more of just a nagging pain. I havent taken any pain meds for awhile. When i work out, the pain is still there for dumbell bench and some shoulder work, but its not too bad.
Maybe this will continue to get better without having surgery if i avoid barbell work from now on? I will keep going to the gym for the next month and see how it progresses..maybe i will decline on having surgery. Everything i read though says it wont really fully recover withough surgery, so who knows.

This is really all on you, seeings how this is your body and your life. However, there are ups and there are downs with every single procedure out there. You need to sit down and make a list of all the pro's and con's of both non surgery and also surgery then really put some thought into it. Everyone is different so if I had the surgery I may recover with limited if any issues where as you may suffer. It really all depends here.
I am going to add my 2 cents here and say if i were you I would get the procedure. I do not really think that it will heal correctly without it, and you can end up with life long issues without it being done.
Whatever you decide best of luck to you!

 

[hulkie]

Well, i decided to go with the surgery. It went well...i had it done last Thursday. Clavicle shaved, tendon cleaned and a bone spur removed. I had the best dr. in the area do it. He said he did a great job after surgery.

I had the nerve block and general anasthesia. I was really nervous but it was over quick.

He said i may need some therapy. The following morning i went to physical therapy and had complete range of motion. They couldnt believe it..i went one more time to therapy then had dr. appointment on tuesday. He was amazed at how fast i was recovering. Didnt really know what to say, just said it was amazing. Complete range of motion without any pain.

I'm not taking any pain pills..no sling, no more therapy and he said just to start back to the gym doing extremely light and focusing on rotator cuff exercises. He said im at least a month ahead of where i should be.

Hopefully in two months ill be back to lifting same as before. I'm soo glad i got this done.

 

[jon1320]

Sup guys. I just had arthroscopic surgery to my right shoulder yesterday at Kaiser. In all everything went really smooth and I feel that I’ve made the right decision so far.
At my pre-op appt. a week ago they prescribed 2 5mg valium for me to take with 1 tsp. of water 30mins before my 11:00am check in. I felt no worries. After check in they started me up an iv in the pre-op room, where I spent 3hrs waiting for the surgeon to finish up a complicated surgery. The nurse was really kind and catered to my every need, except maybe one Time came to go in the op room so just before goin in, the nurse gave me a shoulder block (complete numbness of right shoulder and even in my face a little), which was [Lidacane]. They mobbed me over to the oproom where they asked me some basic questions, they administered me anesthesia.. and I was out like Enron! I woke up in the recovery room slowly regaining consciousness. They gave me fentanol for pain and then sent me home 45ish mins later.
Now at home I’ve been icing 20mins every 1-2 hours. And taking Percocet (5/325) once every 2 hours while awake, which is okay…. Might sneak another 1 in pretty soon . pain level is prob a 3 outta 10, so im just kickin’ it.

Good luck to orig poster.
Peace,
Jon

 

[buffut1]

Well, i decided to go with the surgery. It went well...i had it done last Thursday. Clavicle shaved, tendon cleaned and a bone spur removed. I had the best dr. in the area do it. He said he did a great job after surgery.

I had the nerve block and general anasthesia. I was really nervous but it was over quick.

He said i may need some therapy. The following morning i went to physical therapy and had complete range of motion. They couldnt believe it..i went one more time to therapy then had dr. appointment on tuesday. He was amazed at how fast i was recovering. Didnt really know what to say, just said it was amazing. Complete range of motion without any pain.

I'm not taking any pain pills..no sling, no more therapy and he said just to start back to the gym doing extremely light and focusing on rotator cuff exercises. He said im at least a month ahead of where i should be.

Hopefully in two months ill be back to lifting same as before. I'm soo glad i got this done.

WOW glad everything went so well!! be careful and don't overdo to quickly!!