Im 42 and had shoulder pain after hurting it on the boxing pads approximately 5 years ago. I had physio, and 2 cortisone injections which temporarily worked and got rid of the pain, but 3 injections is the recommended limit as they can make the tendon brittle and liable to snap. So after the second injection pain relief wore off, the consultant told me I require surgery, and more than likely a bone shave. He said I could opt for an MRI scan but at the end of the day am still going to require surgery. I put it off for approx 4 years until 30th June 2015.
Before the op he strength tested me and said it is more than likely just a bone shave to be performed, and I will be in a sling for 1 - 2 days. He said there is only a 10% chance of a torn tendon, but I was sure I had torn something as the pain lately was horrendous and couldn't get any relief in bed on an evening, even though I was taking pain killers constantly.
He shaved the bone and to his surprise said he also found a 1.5 cm tare in my supraspinatus tendon which is the main tendon coming from your neck and anchors to the bone where the bicep is. So this was repaired, and Ive now been in the sling for nearly 5 weeks. 6 weeks in this sling is the requirement after this type of op. Cant drive, can't lift anything with the right arm, but doing the physio that they have given me religiously. NO pain to speak of after the operation, which the physiotherapist was very surprised at, and she also couldn't believe I had stopped taking pain killers 2 days after the op. I am totally pain free at the moment, but it hurts slightly when I do the exercises. Have been told by people who have had the same operation, that the pain is really bad after the 6 week mark when you take the sling off and start proper physio, but Im looking forward to it. The work the surgeon done in my shoulder has worked so far, as Im out of pain now, and can't wait to get back on the golf course and back to work, but have another 7 weeks off work.
I just thought I would share this story as I have been looking for similar stories my self on the lead up to my operation, and enjoy reading similar stories and triumphs. I will update this as I go.
