For someone who enjoys relatively good health, I've had a lot of surgeries. And this month I will be going "under the knife" again, not quite six months after my hip joint replacement. This time, I will be undergoing a rotator cuff tear repair on my nondominant (left) shoulder.
The first question people ask is, "What did you do?" And how I wish I had a thrilling story to tell; one that climaxed with a dramatic injury necessitating surgery. Alas, my life is not that exciting. To illustrate just how NOT exciting my life is, here is how my doctor explained I came to have this rotator cuff tear:
"It's kind of like an old sock where, eventually, the worn-down area becomes a hole."
Old sock? Lovely.
The reality is, I've had tendonitis in my left shoulder for many years and, as my hip deteriorated--and I relied upon my upper body for balance and leverage--the pain (and the tear) have gotten worse.
Although considered "minor" when compared to hip joint replacement, I've been told that the recovery can be painful. One plus: we bought a new recliner, which is where I will be sleeping for awhile post-op.
Unlike a hip joint replacement, where the patient is urged to get up and move as soon as possible, a rotator cuff repair requires immobility to heal properly--and then physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.
"Follow doctor's orders," those who have had this procedure tell me. Otherwise, more surgery will inevitably follow.
Point taken. After this one, my goal is to stay out of the OR for a long time.
4 years ago
