You don't see a lot of people posting how well they are doing!! That's why every now and then I like to check in and hopefully post something that can help somebody out. I'm almost 7 months out of a SLAP repair and capsulorrhaphy. I swear I have had the easiest recovery ever. I was off pain meds the night of surgery and had almost full ROM by about 5 weeks. I have had very little pain and only a couple very minor bumps in the road. So there is hope out there!!! I am 100% glad that I went through with the surgery. I had very little pain before surgery too, and an inconclusive MRI, so I was hesitant about having surgery. But it was the best decision ever. Feel free to read my blog to see my experience and ask any questions you have!!!

Becky

Hi - I'm only 12 days post-op, but so far I really can't complain. I had a SLAP 2 repair, biceps tendonesis, and acromioplasty (sp?). I didn't have the block before surgery because I'm allergic to lidocaine, and I hate pain pills and asked for the "lightest" thing that would work. My Dr told me to take the pain med (Darvocet) for the first 24 hours on schedule whether I felt like I needed it or not, so I did. On the 2nd morning I got my first shower and changed clothes and took another pill, but other than that, I haven't needed anything. I do take Celebrex, again as per Dr's orders, 1/day for the first 3 weeks. I started PT last week, and yes, I'm sore, but it's really not that bad. I'm a triathlete, so maybe I'm just used to having something aching all the time Also, I did 3 months of PT earlier this year for another injury, and 6 months for this injury trying to avoid surgery, so maybe it helps that I knew what to expect. I go to PT, do everything my Dr and PT tell me, go out for long walks and just started riding an exercise bike - basically, I'm taking control of the things I can, praying about the things I can't control, and I have faith in my Dr and PT and the healing process.

My biggest problem is getting any quality sleep -I've learned after some experimentation to make my perfect little "nest" in my recliner (quite an elaborate production!), but my sons are out of school and are night owls, the dogs' toenails click on the hardwood floors, my husband talks to me when he's getting ready for work at 5:30 am, etc. If I'd thought about it beforehand, I would have rearranged my bedroom to make room for the recliner, but now it just seems like too much work (we have a waterbed), and I hope to be able to get back into my "real" bed in another week or so.

Like some of the other posters, I debated about the surgery, but I missed most of the 2008 Tri season and know that this is the only way I can get back at least most of what I lost. A few years ago, I was fat and out of shape, and being fit is so much more fun! I didn't do my first race until I was 45 (I'm 48 now), but I absolutely love this sport and don't want to miss any more.

Best of luck with your surgery and recovery!!

Diane

I wanted to say thanks for your posts, Diane and Becky! Diane, I especially love how you put that you are taking control of the things you can, praying about the things you can't and trusting your PT and OS for your healing process.

I think it is SO easy to get lost in the pain, and forget that there are SOME things you CAN control. I know that is where I have been for a couple of weeks. Lost in the pain and frustration of not knowing what is going on!

So, thanks for the reminder that, even in the midst of such frustration over the relapses of pain and new injuries, that there are SOME things we CAN control! And, we ALWAYS have a choice in how we respond to our circumstances...

Blessings on you as you recover,
Tammy

I am very similar to Becky.

I have no regrets about getting this done. I am now 7 weeks post-op. I update my thread weekly, showing my progress with PT.

Hey! I am only 3 weeks postop but I can tell you what I've experienced so far. Off pain meds day 2, out of sling day 15, back in my own bed day 17 (with a few extra pillows), back to gym in cycle class day 19 (wearing sling for class), back to kickboxing class day 21 (again wearing sling -- amusing for everyone -- I should sell tickets). Why did I decide to have the surgery? I was due to test for my black belt in karate this December and my arm had gotten so bad that I couldn't do any of the kata correctly, let alone pump out the 100 pushups and 75 tricep dips required for the test. I decided that I needed to take care of the problem now, while I was (in my OS's words) "young and healthy" (47 is young?). It hasn't been quite as much fun as a cruise to Bermuda, but I have not regretted it at all. Don't know what you were doing to "earn" your injury, but if it's something you are passionate about and want to do for the rest of your life it will put the surgery and recovery time in perspective. Think of it as a tune-up!

thanks everyone for the posts! i think that we need more success stories on this site! i actually stopped visiting the forum before my surgery because i would get rattled from all of the horror stories. i am now 6 days post op and doing fine. i am off most of the pain meds (and have been since the 3rd day)and am just sticking to the celebrex. mostly i am tired and a little frustrated by my limitations. that said, at least now i am empowered that i am on a path to recovery. i tried for 8 months to rehab my shoulder and had been getting nowhere. i earned my injury training for a fitness competition and it was driving me crazy watching all of the activities that i love from the side lines. i know that i have a long journey ahead of me but i can't wait to be back to the gym and that is what i am focusing on!

lets keep sharing the positives!