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Posted 11/15/2013 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone, i am new to this, saw the page on google and though i would give it ago.

I am f 34, last week I had open surgery Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression and removal of a load of calcium, had my bone shaved and muscle cut, this was a week ago and i am in soooo much pain, i knew the surgery would be bad but this is awful!

Has anyone under gone a similar operation?
worst part is having the sling on an extreme pain in my elbow, is this due to the sling or the operation, i did have slight pain before the op in the elbow, but its bad, hurts with the sling on an worse when it is off.
whats the general healing time?

if anyone can help?
Posted 11/15/2013 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Bella,

Welcome to the Chronic Pain forum. I'm sorry you are suffering from so much post-operative pain :(

I haven't had that type of surgery.... so I can't speak to that.... but I have had a ton of surgeries - and all that I can is that you've just been through a pretty traumatizing surgery.......and are only 1 week post-op..... so I would still give yourself lots of time to heal.

I think when we have chronic pain - and then add any surgical procedure on top of it - it can make everything flare.

Do you have meds to help w/ pain control?? Have you called the surgeon to let them know your pain levels? When do you have your first post-op appointment?

Have you been icing it? Elevating it when you are in bed/resting?

--Tina
Posted 11/15/2013 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
Here's a couple of things I found online that discusses the surgery, things to do after surgery and so forth. Of course, we aren't doctors.... and you might want to check any/all of this w/ your doctor.... but it might give you some additional information.

southshoreorthopedics.com/downloads/Sub-Acromial_Decompression.pdf

www.iskinstitute.com/kc/shoulder/impingement_syndrome/t2.html

Take care.... and, again welcome! I hope that the post-op pain quickly diminishes quickly and that the surgery was a success.

--Tina
Posted 11/15/2013 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Tina,

Thank you so much for your reply :)

one hand typing is not fun haha!

I am taking endone and oxycontin for the pain, a slow release and short one, the drugs are pretty awful but without them i do not know where i would be.

im using ice, that helps. i was given a certificate from the hospital for 2 weeks off work, my work need me back tomorrow really is not fair, they have none else that can work (im a travel agent)

they said i will be ok, i dont need to use my left arm, its not that tho its the pain i m in, the drugs im on.

not going to be fun.

i have had lots of surgery, pins and plate in right wrist but that was nothing like the pain im getting now.

next app is 26 nov, feel like a baby to call and say im in pain.

what chronic pain do u have? xx
Posted 11/15/2013 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
Bella,

Welcome to HW CP, glad you joined us here.

Good luck in your recovery from your surgery, hope it goes well, and that the pain will abate over time.

David
Posted 11/15/2013 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Bella,

Don't feel like a baby :) Sometimes increased pain like that means something's wrong, infection, etc.

Wow - I can't believe you have to return to work tomorrow - I'm so sorry! Like you said, it's not just the use of your arm, but the meds - and just feeling awful in general.

If the high pain levels continue, please make sure you call and let the doctor know....

I have lots of health/pain issues, unfortunately. My pain issues are pretty much head to toe, lol (funny but true!).... I have fibromyalgia, back issues, migraines, carpal tunnel syndrom, joint/nerve pain, etc. And that's just the pain. I also have Dysautonomia/POTS, hypothyroidism, severe anemia, depression and on the list goes. All that said - I've learned to live with it all and have learned to adapt for the most part. I still have rough days/weeks... but I still try to find the joy in each day. I also laugh a WHOLE lot :).... (otherwise, I'd probably cry, haha)....

Again, welcome aboard.... and take care of yourself!!

--Tina
Posted 11/15/2013 8:44 AM (GMT 0)
I'm so sorry!
I had MAJOR open surgery on my right shoulder(fun when your right handed), 6 inch incision, did more things than "I've ever seen"(most Dr's say). I've had over 10 or so surgeries since 2003 and that shoulder was the worst pain. I did stay inpatient 2 days with IV meds so that helped a bit. It lasted several weeks. I will say at least they are giving you the 2 pain medications(I know when it hurts it doesn't seem to mater!). I went home on 7.5 Oxycodone and it was horrible. It gets better. In time, therapy, etc but I would not over do it as that leads to more pain and problems. Do what your suppose to, what your not suppose to, and take it easy.
I wish I had better advice for you.
Just know your not alone.
Ice on the elbow part if the sling is thin enough maybe?
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