Hey all,

First poster here and I would like to first say thank you to everyone that contributes to this site. I have been reading a lot of stories since finding my way here yesterday, and am very grateful/relieved that such a site exists.

I'm an athletic 30 year-old and have had a very loose left-shoulder joint for as long as I can remember. I could always easily pull my arm out of my socket and never thought much of it until last December when I was working out. I started having shoulder pain whenever I was using the bench press or doing any sort of fly exercises. After a few weeks the pain became unbearable whenever I was doing those specific exercises with any amount of weight. I knew something was wrong but pretty much ignored it and stopped going to the gym altogether.

A few months ago I figured it was time to go see a professional since my symptoms were not getting any better. The pain was never unbearable, but it was always sharp whenever I lifted/moved in a certain way. My OS put me on a 6-week PT regimen that had no beneficial results (total waste of $800).

3 weeks ago I had an MRI that came back inconclusive. My doc was fairly certain that I had a SLAP lesion and gave me the choice of going back for a contrast-MRI, or simply going ahead with the exploratory scope/repair. I chose to go ahead with the surgery because I know SOMETHING is wrong, but I thought that this was a fairly routine procedure. After reading some of your stories, I'm beginning to question what I've gotten myself into . I'm assuming that I don't have a very severe tear...but then again, is it common to have a severe tear without much pain in everyday mobility (mine really only hurts with weight/pressure)?

Am I being naive thinking that my recovery will be a whole lot easier than what I'm reading on this site?

Well I think the one thing you need to keep in mind is that everyone is a bit different and a lot will depend on what needs to be done.

I had a SLAP repair done this past Friday plus I think a repair for bursitis, I did not see my doctor after surgery and he was in surgery today when I was in the office to get the dressing changed on the incisions. I did have an MRI with the contrast but my doctor told me in my preop that the MRI does not always show the real story things could be better or worse, your doctor will not know all the details until he does the scope.

I have read a lot of experiences on this site as well prior to surgery some good and some not so good. They really helped me to mentally prepare for the surgery. And I really really wish the best for those that are having a difficult time with there recovery.

My doctor had me moving the shoulder day of surgery, I can now move it up about half way to shoulder hight with minimal pain. Don't get me wrong I have let out some screams from pain when I moved it first 2 days but each time it gets a little less painful.

I must say that I had a fair amount of anxiety for the surgery, and in recovery I was told that going into surgery I told my doctor that I changed my mind I don't want the surgery, don't remember telling him that.

From what I have been told and have researched, if you have a SLAP tear surgery is the only real option to fix it. But if you have questions you may want to talk to your doctor and get the MRI with the contrast, it may help to easy you mind.

Thanks for the quick reply, it's nice to know I'm not the only one on edge You seem to be in fairly good spirits for having just come out of surgery, so at the least that's a comfort!

I really have no plans on canceling my surgery for another MRI since it's the only real way to get a proper diagnosis, I'm actually pretty excited to get it over with after all this time. I just wish I knew what was ahead of me. When I had my acl repaired I knew before hand what to expect, and it's just a bit unnerving to go into surgery not knowing what the outcome will be...hate to say it but I guess it's best to just assume the worst and that a repair is a repair.

Thanks again for the info and good luck with a speedy recovery. I'll keep you all updated as things progress.

-Axel

Yes I think a lot of the anxiety was not knowing what to really expect after surgery. But if you have not read it already read the post in general discussion "Ashely's top 10 tips", I found many of the tips very useful. Also for me being single (also sound advise if you have a family) I did what you suggested, planned for the worst and hoped for the best because what will really happen will be some where in the middle.

Sleeping will be the trick post surgery if it not an issue already, it was for me pre-surgery. Many have suggested it and I am doing it now myself, if you have a recliner plan to make that you home for a while after surgery. Others have suggested a bed wedge pillow, I purchased one as well but could not fall asleep on it pre-surgery and have not tried it yet post surgery. But I will try the wedge pillow later in the week since I don't really want to spend several weeks sleeping in the recliner.

Best wishes for your surgery,
Matt