Posted 8/30/2015 8:36 PM (GMT 0)
I've been in your shoes. 3/4 thickness tear left shoulder in 1996 with arthroscopic surgery, open decompression same shoulder about 6 months later. Small tear in right shoulder 1999 with arthroscopic surgery, open decompression about 8 months later. Chronic impingement syndrome both shoulders. Was told no surgery could help with either shoulder's residual pain by a Worker's Comp surgeon and my own surgeon said the same thing.
Then, was hit by a truck and tore the labrum in the right shoulder 2 and 1/2 years ago and 3 months later, fell and had a 2nd/3rd degree separation of the right shoulder on top of it! No repair has been attempted.
Here's the problem...so much scar tissue and not enough healthy tissue to reconstruct the damage with. When I went for another MRI, with contrast, the needle almost broke off in the shoulder because of the amount of scar tissue there.
Now, in my experience I will tell you that the pain has lessened somewhat on a day to day basis, but if I 'overdo' it will flare mercilessly. I use a combination of anti inflamatories (dangerous long term), ice, occasionally I take Benadryl which is an anti histamine and I believe it helps reduce swelling, I still use my sling on really bad days and use lot's of pillows to help with positioning the arm. It's important not to let it hang or swing. Roll a hand towel and place it in the armpit. This helps keep the shoulder in an optimal 'resting' position. Prop the arm on a pillow, support the joint as much as possible. If you don't want to wear the sling, make sure you wear pants with pockets and keep that hand in the pocket. Slow and steady wins the race. It takes at least one year for a shoulder to 'heal' after surgery. Pushing too much too soon delays that.
I see a pain management specialist but don't usually have to use much pain medication (tramadol) by managing how and how much I use my arms. I was declared disabled (unable to gain substantial employment due to my extensive upper extremity injuries as well as my back and neck leading to depression) back in 2006 and have been receiving SSD ever since.
I've asked about having a complete shoulder replacement done and have been told it would not help me because of where my previous damage is.
No, I cannot do all that I used to do. Yes, I still have pain but it is not usually as bad as it used to be. I have an 85 lb pit bull as my Emotional Support Animal, I've painted my mobile home myself (only needing help moving the ladder) I garden, I swim (exersize in water is the best!) I'm still active in my community. My life is far from over!
If you haven't already, contact a Legal Aide Lawyer and apply for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Insurance (S.S.D. and S.S.I.) Even if you get an award, there is a 6 month 'hold' on benefits for SSD and the SSI fills that gap. (I am of course assuming you live in the U.S. but if you don't I'm sure you get the idea.)
I'm sorry you had to come look for us here in the forum, but I am glad we are here for you.