I can't help but reach out with my left hand, instinctively, I keep re-injuring myself. For example my 5 year old fell up some stairs and I grabbed her with my left arm.

Reaching. Etc.

I am fiercely independent so I dunno how I am going to do this.

I know that he is going to dremel the bonespur, anchor the labral tear and maybe shorten my bicep muscle and whatever else needs doing.

I had a arthrogram to determine that something is up.

From the arthrogram report:

There is high signal cleft within the anterior labrum, which may
represent sublabral foramen versus a tear. There is mild fraying of the posterior and superior labrum. There is evidence of inferior glenohumeral ligament injury.

My surgeon was a team doctor for whatever football team is in Denver, so I am going to take that as a good thing.

I didn't get this injury from sports. I think it all started when I had a great dane who took off while I had the leash in my hand.

Its been a recurring injury. This latest time, I was painting over my head at night. Went to bed and when I was brushing my teeth in the morning, my arm snapped and dropped on its own.

I have the cd of the mri, I could post photos.

I have a large tattoo on my left shoulder and it was touching that Dr.Williams is trying to minimize damage. As of right now he is going in through the gargoyles nose.

My husband had a full slap tear...did it at the gym doing nothing out of the ordinary.
The labrum had come off completely. They initially tried PT and that made the pain much worse and there was no improvement...so he had the surgery. I have to say the recovery has been very slow and very discouraging. His surgery was at the end of May and he is still having a lot of pain. The surgeon says his recovery is not typical...so hopefully yours will be.

Based on my husband's experience, typing with your hand for any length of time for the first 3 weeks is probably out completely. My husband went back to work after 5 weeks but full days at the computer were still very tough. I recommend a situation where you can take a lot of breaks, especially in the beginning... The height of the table and chair makes an enormous difference too. You will need the perfect ergonomic set up.

Here is what my husband could not live without for his post-op:

1) The wedge pillow for sleeping and a thin soft pillow to go underneath his arm for a slight lift. Sleep is a little hard to come by initially but the main idea is to get comfortable.
2) The cold water machine was a god sent. He was reluctant to give back the machine after a month. After the cold water machine is gone...You will need several icepacks to rotate them as they get warm.
3) Percocet and Advil. The percocet was not quite doing the trick so we started give him Advil inbetween percocet doses...this seemed to really help help because it deals with the inflammation. I recommend the Liquid gels... they work more quickly and seem to be easier on the stomach.
4) After you have your stitches out, Arnica gel is helpful for the muscle soreness. Arnica is an herbal remedy that actually works... very helpful for bruising too. It is at some drug stores but you can definitely find it at somewhere like Whole Foods.
5) A good friend for the first week. The first week was really rough and rough to watch too.
6) Foot massages...don't know why this is helpful but I was afraid to touch the top half of my husband's body so I rubbed his feet and he says it did actually help.
7) Heating pad... once you get back to therapy you may want a heating pad. My husband likes heat in the morning and icepacks at night.

Good luck with your surgery.

Hi Rose, I just had a slap repair 7 days ago. I am left handed and of course the surgery was for my left shoulder. I am glad you are trying to get a recliner. I also was searching Craigs list and then discovered my brother had one. You can also ask friends and family. E-mail everyone close to you and let them know you are having surgery and would love some helping hands for meal prep and such for the next few weeks if you are the dinner maker. I hope the B-day party is away from home, so that you can sleep. Be sure to have someone with you on the first and second day at least. I was given percocet and after my nerve block wore off(12hrs post surgery) I was diligent about taking them every 4-5 hours for the first 3 days.
Thankfully I had my first night last night out of the recliner, and in bed with a wedge. I have discontinued pain meds so I am doing very well, but I started with and continue to take alot of natural remedies. Pre and post surgery I have been taking Arnica pellets under tongue get the strongest dose you can find.
Calendula and Ferrum phosphoricum are also good post-surgery.
I take and natural systemic enzyme formulation called Zymitol for inflamation and to minimize exogenous scar tissue from forming. Topricin is my choice for a topical homeopathic. The fewer things done to your shoulder the easier the recovery. I told my OS not to go wild and only fix what was a real problem. I wish I typed for a living, I am an independent Physical Therapist and have no disability coverage so as you might imagine getting back to work quickly is everything to me. Hope this helps. Keep us posted when you are able. Sharon

Leaving in 15 minutes for surgery! Found a recliner, it goes all the way back. Scared but hopeful.

Going to ask the anesthes. if he/she read the article in Time a few years ago about how red heads need more anesthesia.

Back later with full report and photos.

I feel like I am going in as educated as possible, I love this forum.

Rose

Hi Rose, hope your surgery went well, mine was 1 day ahead of yours, on 9/4. yesterday was rough, but am feeling better today and looking forward to a shower very soon. i may even try to get out for a walk, am feeling that strong (not to mention stir crazy). i slept in my reclining couch the first night, but then went to my bed last night, not a good back sleeper, don't have a wedge either. but pillows seemed to work just fine.
take care, sherri