Shooter Shoulder Surgery Recovery – Part 1

I battled shoulder pain for several years. Physical therapy helped and a cortisone shot eliminated discomfort for a few months but when I started noticing how much I was compensating by using my trap and back muscles to overcome pain and lack of mobility, I knew I needed to get checked out further with an MRI.

Whether it’s an injury at the gym, during a home improvement project, or a matter of wear and tear, shoulder injuries aren’t uncommon. 

Each year, approximately 200,000 Americans require shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff and an additional 400,000 have surgery for related tendonitis or partial tears.”

Source

Even with these stats and considering the countless number of draws I’ve done throughout my lifetime, I was surprised to learn I had a rotator cuff tear in my right shoulder. My discomfort was endurable and my shoulder was workable. Everyone I know who had a rotator cuff issue dealt with significant pain and limitations. That wasn’t me, and yet my diagnosis called for surgery. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you have some shoulder pain. Take it seriously. Go to your doctor, and if prescribed, get physical therapy. Rest, strengthen, and do what you can to avoid surgery. If you’re anticipating or have been scheduled for surgery, here are things that have helped me prepare and recover.

Before Surgery

After my diagnosis, I only had a couple of weeks to prep for my surgery on December 22. That meant getting things ready for both work and home. I spent time on the range taking photos and filming, planning meals for the family, wrapping gifts for the holidays, researching surgery/recovery, and getting the house ready for one-handed life. It was intense and frenetic. I didn’t sleep very well. Though it’s tempting to go full out to get as much done as possible, I recommend that you make rest and good sleep a priority before surgery. 

Some resources suggest using your non-surgery hand, especially if getting surgery on your strong side, and modifying your sleeping position leading up to surgery. Though that makes sense, I didn’t. I wanted to get the best sleep I could. Anticipating several weeks in a sling, I also chose to use my right hand as much as possible. I’m now 3 weeks post-op and I’m happy with these decisions because sleep is so important for healing and it’s alarming how much flexibility and strength I lost with inactivity. I went into non-dominant hand life cold turkey. It was annoying, but I am amazed at how fast I acclimated to using my left hand.

Leading up to the procedure I scoured the internet for insight and advice on how to prepare and recover. There are a number of things I found useful, many of which I already had at home. I’ll link to the items I’ve purchased throughout this post and in a list below.

Please note that links to Amazon are affiliate links and that I am an Amazon associate.
You may be able to find these or similar items at local stores or other places online for less. 

The “Bed” Set Up

Fortunately, I have a very comfy oversized recliner that we relocated to the room we call our library just off the main floor bedrooms and close to a bathroom. It’s an open room with no doors or furniture to navigate. We chose this area because I didn’t want to be shut in a bedroom for recovery. I also appreciate easy access to the kitchen and living room. 

The only downside to the recliner is that the lever to raise the footrest is on the right side. With my right shoulder immobilized, I rely on my husband and children to lower and raise me up. I cover the recliner with a twin sheet and have several pillows on hand to not only prop up my arm but also to force me to remain as still as possible. In addition to not particularly enjoying semi-upright sleep, it is hard on my neck. After trying a neck pillow and a very squishy down pillow, I broke down and bought a cushioned cervical neck collar that I wear on some nights. The post-shoulder pain is enough not to have to add neck pain or stiffness. I also have several blankets in reach so that I can layer for when I am feeling hot or cold. 

If you don’t have a recliner, a fellow shooter friend and Team Federal teammate, Krystal Dunn, suggested a Zero Gravity Chair. Not only is it a less expensive option, but you can also use it as a lawn chair after you have healed. Unlike a recliner, it’s easy to move around. There are even options with cushions for added comfort. I haven’t used this type of chair, but if you go this route, check out wide or XL versions so as not to interfere with the sling.

Another bed option is an orthopedic wedge pillow set. You can add these cushions to a bed or couch. Here’s a link to options available on Amazon. These pillow sets seem to suit back sleepers and those who don’t move around a lot in their sleep best. As a side and stomach sleeper, I worried I would shift too much and risk injuring my shoulder. 

Next to my bed/chair, I have a very tall TV tray for water, medication, tissues, and a place for my phone, a book, and my computer. Directly under it is a trash bin. I also set up a power strip so that I could plug in chargers and my cold therapy machine all in one place and within easy reach.

The Procedure

It started with the insertion of the IV. My pre-op nurse used lidocaine first. Between giving blood and lab tests over the years, needles don’t bother me. If you have a problem with injections, be sure to let your pre-op team know. 

I underwent both arthroscopic and open shoulder surgery.  Though my surgeon did an amazing job of making the smallest incisions possible. Between the reattachment, removal of bursitis, grinding, and cauterization, it’s a major surgery.

I also received a nerve block, common for shoulder and hand surgeries. The anesthesiologist used ultrasound to locate the nerves and inject numbing medicine above my clavicle. The procedure began with a very strong and focused pinch at the injection site but much like Novocain at the dentist’s office, it started to work quickly. It wasn’t long before I could barely lift my hand.

Before and after the nerve block, I received medicine to “take the edge off.” It made me sleepy and I remember shifting my face mask so that it covered my eyes from the bright lights. The next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. As I understand it, some patients are awake as they head into the operating room. I was out like a light long before that.

For the procedure, I was intubated with a tube placed down my throat. During the arthroscopic portion, I received 3 incisions for the scopes and water. Pumping water into the site allows the surgeon to inspect the area and insert the tools of their trade for grinding, drilling, and cauterizing. For the open surgery and drilling the anchors to reattach my tendon, they made a 2-inch incision. All my incisions were glued shut.

Pain & Discomfort

I won’t sugarcoat it, the pain from my surgery is significant. After watching an arthroscopic surgery on Youtube, it’s easy to see why. I’m the type of person who wants as much information as possible so that I can prepare. For others, ignorance is bliss. If you’re like me, I found this video of a real surgery to be very educational. 

Aside from obvious shoulder pain, I’ve experienced other discomforts. Immediately after waking up, I felt the need to cough and my throat was irritated from the intubation. If intubated, I recommend having throat lozenges on hand until the discomfort dissipates. I sucked on cough drops as needed for 3-4 days.

The nerve block typically lasts for 12-16 hours after surgery and my surgeon advised me to stay ahead of the pain with prescribed narcotics. I started taking this medication when I got home and set the alarm on my phone for the intervals as directed. If you opt for pain medications, many can cause dry mouth or digestive issues. I drank water and tea and sucked on more lozenges to help with the dry mouth. I also used stool softeners while on the medications. 

Strong pain medications can be addictive. For the first few days, I opted for higher frequency. For example, if the recommended dosage was 4-6 hours, in the beginning, I took medication at the 4-hour mark. After that, I stretched out the dosage as much as possible starting at 5 hours, then 6. Eventually, I stopped taking prescription medication during the day altogether. Now I take over-the-counter acetaminophen only before working with the physical therapist and at night to help me get better sleep. Everyone handles pain differently but it’s very important to understand the risks of narcotic pain medications. Use as directed, or less if you can.

With all the water pumped into my shoulder, I was swollen for days. The fingers on my right hand were numb and purple. Lightly massaging the arm, armpit and lats helped. 3 weeks post-op, I still have soreness from extra fluid in my triceps and lat muscles. My trap and upper back muscles are also very tight from the sling. I use a back massager to help relieve the tension and I rub my arm often.

Passive PT began immediately after I got home. My husband raised my arm to encourage circulation and I did pendulum exercises several times a day. The hardest part for me is relaxing. It’s natural for the muscles to tense in anticipation of movement or potential pain. Tensing up just makes things worse and it’s something I have to actively think about during PT. 

I have a love-hate relationship with my sling. I can’t wait to get out of it but rush to get back into it after PT. In just a couple of days after my surgery, the edges of the sling where it touches my wrist and the inside of my arm were bothersome. I place a hand towel inside the sling, folding it over at the elbow portion for extra padding but leaving enough length to go over my wrist where the edge of the sling rubs.

The hospital gave me an ice pack for the ride home, but instead of keeping up with ice in the freezer, I opted to purchase a cold therapy machine. I am told that some hospitals rent these machines. The device is essentially a mini cooler with tubes and a motor. Ice-cold water is pumped from the cooler into insulated tubes and up to a shoulder-specific cuff. Instead of ice, I use frozen bottles of water in the cooler making changing out the ice easier and faster. It’s not an inexpensive machine but it comes with a remote that allows you to ice the shoulder at intervals. To me, it’s worth every penny. If a cold therapy machine like this isn’t an option for you, they do make shoulder-specific ice packs that you can place in your freezer.

Distractions really help with discomfort and pain. With my surgery scheduled right before Christmas, I was actually grateful for the timing. It’s hard to be miserable with the excitement of Christmas. My husband was able to take time off and though we watched a lot of shows and movies, it was helpful to be around my family. Whether it’s ebooks, tv, or board games, look for ways to help keep your mind off the pain.

The List

I’m a list maker and I found it very useful leading up to surgery to make a list of things to do and to buy. Here are the items I’ve mentioned above and other things I found to be useful. Links below are Amazon links and I have a complete list here.

• Pump soap, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner & lotion – look for pump options in your favorite brands of these hygiene products or purchase pumps and fill accordingly to make them easier to use one-handed.
• Baby wipes – I use these to help feel clean, freshen up and wash my face.
• Bidet – After the toilet paper crisis of 2020, we added bidets to nearly all of our toilets. It takes a little getting used to, but a bidet helps you get cleaner and makes it easier for one-handed bathroom experiences.
• Handheld shower head – Taking a shower can be challenging and a handheld nozzle is useful. Instead of installing one in our shower, we already had a hose attachment for washing the dogs. It’s easy on and off and something I already owned. 
• Long loofah brush – I bought this to help me reach in the shower with one hand.
• Space heater – With my surgery in the winter and because everything now takes at least 3-4 times the amount of time it normally takes, a space heater in the bathroom makes washing and dressing much more comfortable.  
• Hand towels – for hot spots created by the sling
• Neck pillow or cervical collar – useful if you have neck pain from semi-upright sleeping
• Clothing – I bought many sizes too big button-up shirts and zip-up hoodies that are easy to put on without disturbing my arm. I also purchased some specific post-surgery shirts with snaps for when I go out for doctor appointments and physical therapy. I have a women’s long-sleeve option and a men’s short-sleeve. I prefer the long-sleeve because it is easier to get on and provides a barrier between the sling and my skin. It makes it easy for examinations and it is more flattering than the enormous clothing. For women, open-front, racerback zip-up bras keep straps off the shoulder and incision areas. Finally, loose joggers and sweatpants are now my go-to’s. Anything tight or with buttons or zippers is much too difficult to manage. 
• Shoes – Crocs or other easy-to-slip-on shoes make getting dressed for outside much easier. We also have a long shoehorn that helps too.
• Headbands – For those with longer hair, putting your hair up or keeping it out of your face can be a challenge if you don’t have someone who can help you. I bought a pack of headbands I can put on with one hand to keep my hair back and they look cute too.
• Stool softener – useful after taking some pain medications.
• Throat lozenges – to help with post-intubation discomfort and dry mouth caused by some meds.
• Waterproof dressings – These may or may not be useful depending on the type of surgery and whether you have stitches or surgical glue. Ask your care team about post-surgery wound care.
• Straws – I bought these so that I could sip hot tea and broth easier the first few days after surgery. 
• Ice – As mentioned above, I love my cold therapy machine to help with swelling, pain, and inflammation. I fill mine with frozen bottles of water but some people purchase small ice machines to replenish ice. There are also shoulder-specific ice packs for the freezer as a cheaper option. 
• Charging Station – I bought a surge-protected power strip with a long cord to the wall outlet. This allows me to plug in chargers and my cold therapy machine close and convenient to my recliner. I also have longer charging cords for my phone to account for reach.
• Bed – As mentioned above, if you have a comfortable recliner, consider adding a cover or top sheet. If not, you may wish to consider a Zero Gravity Chair or an orthopedic wedge pillow set. 
• Trigger point massager – This one-handed massager is something I have owned for several years. It’s very useful for loosening up knots in my back caused by the sling and I can use it one-handed.
• Batteries – purchase and replace batteries in the remote and any other device you may wish to use during recovery in advance especially if you won’t have someone nearby to help
• Food – Some people are able to prep entire meals and freeze them in advance. At the very least stock up on simple, healthy snacks. Consider placing them in easy-to-open containers or resealable bags that you can manage with one hand. 
• Recumbent bike – In researching recovery, I purchased an inexpensive recumbent bike as a way to keep moving and encourage blood flow without taking the risk of falling. There are also under-desk options, some of which are more affordable. It’s important to follow medical instructions on when you can get back to exercise and appropriate activities. 
• Shoulder pulleys – Easy to slip over a door, I use these in physical therapy and it’s useful to have a set at home to help with mobility and stretching.
• Electronic toothbrush – If your operation is on your strong side, then an electronic toothbrush can make things much easier. I’ve used one for years and love it. There are high-end versions as well as low-cost options that run on disposable batteries.
• Flossers – Using regular tooth floss was not an option for me. These flossers help me maintain dental health during the long recovery.

Here’s a link to Shoulder Surgery Recovery Part 2.