Originally posted by: rudder
I had a full tear in my right shoulder... twice. It would have never healed on its own so I had to have surgery to repair several tears both times.
The surgery is not bad... I went to
The shoulder doc
He has a twenty minute procedure normally. My tears were more numerous so it tool a little longer. But don't plan on doing anything significant for 6-12 months afterwards. You will not be able to drive for at least 3 weeks after so be prepared for that. Also have a nice recliner you can sleep in. It will be some time before you can lay on your back.
Other than that.. make sure you stick with your physical therapy and when the doc says keep that arm immobile... do it.
Lortab will be your trusty companion. Make sure the doc is a good one and tapers you off.
btw... my last surgery was in January and it still hurts.
EDIT: and one more thing... see an good orthopaedic surgeon... not just a general surgeon. My sister and law had a rotator cuff repair done and now has a 3 inch scar on her shuolder. I've got 4 small spots even after two surgeries and it is hard to see the scars. She may have seen an orthopaedic surgeon... but he did not know what he was doing.