Torn Rotator cuff

Thanks for all the reply's. This is our slow time with work and Karen will have about two weeks off to assist. That is why I am doing this now. I'm holding out hope that 5 weeks after surgery, we can still keep our vacation/anniversary week. Only tie will tell.

I too was faced with a dilemma of when to have rotator cuff surgery. Workman's comp wanted me to have the surgery in September, but that would have ruined our fall Utah RV trip. Decided to have it done in the dead of winter after giving the wife some snow plow driving lessons.

I had the rotator cuff repaired in mid January 2010. I agree with others here. The first week or so is pure hell. I've got a pretty high pain threshold, but I have to admit I was hitting the narcotics pretty hard the first week. Knee replacement was a walk in the park compared to the rotator cuff. Mine was a complete tear of the rotator as opposed to a partial.

The worst part was having to live with that darn restraint that holds your arm across the chest. It was especially bad at night because I'm a belly sleeper.

I'm healthy and vigorous and had an amazing physical therapist who was a friend based out of our health club. I too pushed as hard as I could. I had full range of motion in about 7-8 weeks. Full strength returned about four months with aggressive weight training.

I was driving one armed in about three weeks, but the doctor wouldn't release me to take the MH out until 10 weeks. It was the driving that was the issue, but all the lifting, tugging, pulling, etc. at sometimes awkward angles associated with RVing.

If I were you, I would wait until RVing season is over if you can live with the pain.

I have had both side ripped because of bicyle crashes. I never had the surgeries. However, I now participate regularly in Triathlon races. I agree with the Texan about vigorous exercises to the point of pain. I can now swim for an hour doing laps in the pool, and that is where I had the most pain. My condidtion is not perfect, but I do OK.

DON'T LET IT MAKE YOU GIVE UP. As Nietzche said, "That which does not kill me makes me stronger."

I haven't had this surgery but wife has and has to have it again. She did ok after about three weeks with minimal use but no way could she back an RV or fifth wheel in a spot that soon.

I think it's best to ask your doctor or therapist what they think. I had a few painful moments even a year after surgery if I didn't watch what I did. That was in 1998.

I agree with The Texan. All depends on how the therapy goes. I was able to go back to work in 8 weeks. Have had no problems in 10 years. Later this year and always next year for camping.

I've had the surgery 3 times and it is all dependent on YOU and how bad you want to get back to normal. I had an awesome therapist from Israel the 1st time and she told me to push myself to the point of pain, but NOT beyond that threshold. So, if I was assigned 10 reps, I did 15 or 20. Also, was very diligent in doing every exercise she assigned me. The doctor had said 4 months before I could return to full duty as a LEO, but I was released and back to duty in 10 weeks. As jimtoo said, the first 3-7 days will be the worst of your pain and wishing to die.

It seems the older I got, the less it hurt and the quicker it healed. The last time was last year and I was back to driving in less than a week and released by the doctor with no limits in only 6 weeks. BUT again, I was very diligent in working with the therapist and pushed the envelope of pain during therapy.

forthefunofit94 wrote:
It is David. Karen is learning to drive, but has yet to practice backing. Unfortunately, our site for most of the summer has a deep ditch across from it and trees on both sides. It is tricky for me. They are talking 6 weeks of doing nothing and 6 months of very limited movement. That's not me. Hoping I can do more than just sit.

While I'm not familiar with the campground mentioned I've had to deal with issues like that now and in the past and most parks we've stayed in will back in for you. Twice we've had to sign a release, just in case, but there were no issues.

wait till oct , if you can.

Already considered that. Not looking forward to this. And yes, I'm right handed. I am SO ready to go camping, BUMMER!