6 Months after Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

Hello! It's been 6 months since my rotator cuff repair surgery and I wanted to update you on how I'm doing! I'll talk about my pinched nerve, range of motion, strength, going back to work, and getting back to regular life. If you're going through shoulder surgery, you won't want to miss this!
Check out my Rotator Cuff Repair playlist where you can get tips and follow along my journey from when I had surgery until now!

[@renegadetherapist5664]

Just had mine on May 17, 2023, so not a full month yet. I appreciate your videos, watching your journey. They tell you it's a long haul but it doesn't hit fully until you are dealing with it. Because it's so new, watching you move your arm makes me cringe! LOL But also it helps because I know I will get there too. It is also my dominant right arm, so it's been difficult. Still in the sling, can't get comfortable at night, etc. I got a cold-water machine, and it is wonderful!! The worst part for me is the mental adjustments, not driving, etc. I describe it as I feel like my life had the brakes slammed on it. Just wanted to thank you for the videos, wanted to say you are inspiring for those of us who are experiencing the same thing!!

[@DarciaDarcy]

Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad these videos can encourage others to just keep going! Best wishes to you as you recover.

[@crowsmith1]

Thanks, for your video, I am 10 weeks, can't wait to get to 6 months. your video, is encouraging

[@DarciaDarcy]

You’re welcome! 10 weeks is really coming along! I hope you will heal fast. Thanks for the comment, and I’m glad you liked my video.

[@katep3781]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your giving me hope and helping me be patient with myself and the recovery process. So glad you're doing well!

[@DarciaDarcy]

Thank you so much! Best wishes on your recovery!

[@renegadetherapist5664]

Patient with myself......I like that you said that, the worst part for me! I've always had a hard time asking for help, not anymore LOL But not driving, etc. is so hard.

[@K9WATCHER]

Chiropractors are the best medicine out there!! All natural!!❤❤👍

[@kennygraves3582]

Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone on an island….what U shared is very similar or exact to what I’m experiencing 6 months out. It’s one thing to hear what to expect from doctors relative to healing, but listening to one who has endured the healing, rehabilitation, and continued healing is priceless!!🙏🏾. Thank U so much for marking ur plight!!👍🏽

[@DarciaDarcy]

You are welcome. I hope you have a full and complete recovery! Thanks for watching!

[@renegadetherapist5664]

Mine is less than a month, so this helps me too. They tell you it's long but you don't realize how long until you are in it. I'm getting there!! Thanks, we are not alone.

[@jasminebernard-straker4901]

Thank you for this video. I am also a nurse. I will have rotator cuff, repair of a large slap tear, bicep repair of my right shoulder. Nervous about the recovery but staying faithful and positive. I appreciate the tips from your previous video. Continue to feel better.

[@DarciaDarcy]

Wow, that’s a lot to fix. But the limitations will be about the same for even one of those tears. Might as well go through it and fix them all. ☺️ Best wishes to you! The recovery seems long when you’re in it, but those months are short once you’re on the other side. Thanks for your comment!

[@CarlyG18]

Hi, Great videos, One thing I did was after I finally got to the range of motion pulley and rope machine at the therapy place. I made one at home and did extra work on it being careful to start slowly each time, working my way up to max motion height at the time . Pretty soon I had full range, but it took time and again start slowly and it will get your movement better with the extra stretching you get. And when you finlly get to the dumbells, you'll see that 3lbs feels like a ton..

[@DarciaDarcy]

Great observations! Thanks!

[@brendabrinkerhoff1363]

I got a pully system at Walmart too cuz its good to do every day right

[@sharonglowa4432]

Thank you I’m deciding right now to have surgery I’m dreading it Shoulder surgery

[@hotrodder5034]

You are looking good and Congratulations! I am 6 months post op rotator cuff surgery but I cannot go back to work untill I am 100% at MGM Grand Casino Detroit. I no longer go to rehabilitation but I am going to the gym 3 to 4 times a week. I do a lot of walking and some excerises I learned from my therapist. I also take my vitamins which I think helps the healing process move forward. L-Arginine,D3 and Zinc. Going back to see my doc Oct 6th and I am hoping he releases me to go back to work at my new position doing maintenance at the casino.

[@DarciaDarcy]

Thank you! I hope you are back to working soon!

[@hotrodder5034]

@@DarciaDarcy Yes me too!

[@birkei]

Hey Darcia! Thanks for the video and motivation 🙏🏽 I'm almost 6 months ago did mye shoulder surgery and I'm much better now. I had so much pain, but now much better. And I'm doing some light exercises too and I feel I'm getting the strength back too✌🏽 Thanks again 🙏🏽 Greetings from Norway ☺️

[@iselaritter668]

I had a rotator cuff on May 23. I doing fine and I started going Physical therapy on 5th week. I doing good on exercises and improving each time. I going twice a week and have good Physical therapist. My surgeon is very difficult to talk to. I am bowler and enjoy very much. My doctor did excellent job on my shoulder and recovery good. First met doctor I asked him if will bowl again on my arm. He told me most likely not. I came home crying. My first visit with doctor my, I mentioned if can bowl with my left arm with using a brace on right surgical arm. He gave me hard time and a able not able to bowl. I also with lighter 12 pound ball. He did not want to talk about it. What he should told me is wait a little while a least for 5 six months. I cry when got home. My oldest daughter to asked the physical therapist about the situation bowling. He has worked with patients who are bowlers. I told physical therapist if I cann bowl on my six months on my left arm. Then in a year on my right arm. I then I came happy. With my next visit I will not mention bowling. I done some research on people who o ate bowlers had shoulder surgery and return to bowling.

[@CarlyG18]

I had cuff surgery a while ago, aside from how good the surgery went, The most importannt thing to do is get a good place for therapy, I lucked out and found a place that cares. Recovery is a series of ups and downs. But when I got pain, I slowed down to let it heal up and then went back on the range of movement and the exercises. It is very odd and scary how after 6 weeks in a sling, the therapist must move your arm for you and not very far at all for weeks. and then you finally start range of motion and then after weeks of that rubber bands and then finally 3 lb weight. What I'm saying is start slow and don't do anything drastic . Expect setbacks and be extra careful. Darcia's experience is kind of normal and as you can tell . it takes time and lots of care.

[@DarciaDarcy]

Thanks for the comment! ☺️

[@CarlyG18]

@@DarciaDarcy One thing about me, I was 70 years old when I had the cuff done. And I had the right side done, But my left side had also been injured a few times over the years also and not had surgery to repair it. But while doing therapy on the repaired right side, The left has become stronger and now in much better shape because I exercised both arms evenly. So even being an elder , if you work at it, it can happen, If you work smart and careful. It's been about 16 months since surgery. Having a good attitude like Darcia and a willingness to make things on you as easy as you can goes a long ways. Rehab is one of the most important things you will ever do, at least it was for me.

[@DarciaDarcy]

Love this insight!

[@jackbabson8998]

I started PT already at day 11 post OP. 6 weeks seems like a long time for not moving your arm. I guess each surgeon is different on how they approach rehab.

[@DarciaDarcy]

You’re right, 6 weeks IS a long time. I started PT prior to 6 weeks post op, but I didn’t move my arm outside of direct supervision of the PT. They may have been more conservative because my arm is a revision, not a 1st time year. Best wishes to you as you recover!

[@lakinajackson4990]

This video was very encouraging. I'm having my surgery soon. Thank You!😀

[@meryldieterich6857]

Thanks for putting out this update! I’m 12 weeks out & glad to know I’m not alone in still having a ways to go. I also have a pinched nerve in C6 & C7 so I’ll try working on my posture to see if that helps

[@DarciaDarcy]

I’m glad this was helpful! Pinched nerves aren’t quick fixed for sure, and mine fires up all the time but posture has helped it not be in a flared up state constantly. Keep going! I know I’ve seen a lot of videos where people seem to feel better after rotator cuff surgery SO soon! So my journey is for the rest of us! ☺️

[@brendabrinkerhoff1363]

I had a pinched nerve too. Docs says it might be from the nerve block.

[@stephaniefuller262]

I'll be starting massage therapy today. Continually dealing with tightness, and I'm currently at 6 months. My surgeon doesn't seem to be worried l, but she was disappointed at my last follow-up.

[@DarciaDarcy]

Thanks for the comment! My shoulder loosened up more after 6 months but I did a lot of PT and massage therapy. Hopefully you will have the same experience!

[@danielsmokstad5082]

Thanks for your videos, I'm 5 weeks out from Full Thickness tear. Just started physical therapy yesterday. Your videos have really helped me get through this. Tore mine loading luggage onto shuttle bus at the airport heading to my sons wedding. It didn't stop me from going to his wedding though.

[@DarciaDarcy]

I’m so glad these videos have helped! That is my goal! Best wishes as you recover. Also, take it easy in PT and go slow. ☺️

[@danielsmokstad5082]

@@DarciaDarcy I will, it's definitely a life altering event. Thanks for replying sweetie.

[@larako7958]

You look great!! Thanks for the video

[@underratednerd8259]

Thank you for the encouraging and informative video's.

[@DarciaDarcy]

Thank you for watching!

[@CarlyG18]

So Darcy how are you doing? I guess it's been about 8 months + for you now. I did get a few twinges lately trying to do lifting and moving things, But i stopped quick and rested it over night and it never really hurt, luckily!

[@timmothymotley2746]

Hello, I ran across your video titled “pinched nerve…what!” on KZbin, and I’m experiencing EXACTLY what you described. My right hand and fingers are swollen, can’t even make a fist, and the pain is unreal! Do you have any advice on how to get relief? Or how did you get relief? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[@DarciaDarcy]

I’m really sorry to hear that. I used neck traction to help decompress my nerves and would do that several times a day. I would also not use the arm as much as possible when it was flaring really bad. After enough time passed, and I used other treatments like massage therapy and chiropractor, my hand has gotten much better. My hand still hurts, but it is nothing like it was before. It is no longer swollen, discolored, or affects my normal day-to-day routine. Best wishes to you, it’s so hard to be in this place.

[@DarciaDarcy]

I forgot to add, one thing that has consistently helped me when I feel like my nerve is flaring up again is to use a TENS unit. I got one from Hidow and it has been very very helpful to me.

[@TishaGreenidge]

I may have to do surgery soon. Not rotator cuff though... suspected labral tear, and my shoulder keeps dislocating. Your videos have been helpful since they provide a woman’s perspective on what to expect. Do you mind if I ask when you were able to wear a bra, and what kind would you recommend based on your experience? Also, is it a kind of surgery where I would be able to get around if a I live alone, or should I consider moving in with family at that time? Thanks!

[@DarciaDarcy]

Hi there! I had a labrum repair my first time around. I also had a rotator cuff repair so maybe my advice isn’t really specific to you, but the rotator cuff and the labrum are similar in function to the shoulder, just in different locations. It’s my understanding that the limitations will be similar to each other. If you end up healing much faster than that’s just a bonus! I think you could recover alone, but I would plan to have someone there with you for the first few days. I only wore a sleep bra in the beginning because I was able to pull it up over my hips. Nothing over my head or nothing fastening. I couldn’t have done that for the first several weeks. Best wishes to you!!!

[@TishaGreenidge]

@@DarciaDarcy thank you! Appreciate it!

[@DarciaDarcy]

You’re welcome.

[@lisadimercurio9473]

@@DarciaDarcy if you can find a bra that fastens in the front it’s much easier

[@DarciaDarcy]

I’m glad you found that it worked for you!

[@brendabrinkerhoff1363]

Did you have a manipulation surgery at some point since your surgery? I type a lot at work and could only take a week off work and so I've had to progress fast. My doctor was wanting me to have a mobilization surgery at 3 months. That was 2 weeks ago. I'm able to do everything in this video except I have better flexion across and behind my body. But my doctor is just not happy. Itll be 4 months July 24th and I'm at 172 mobility out of 180. I had nerve issues to because of the SLAP2 repair to my labrum. I had that and a full partial supraspinatus rotator cuff tear, bersectomy, SAD, and bicep tenectomy. I hope to get your feedback from my own KZbin videos.

[@veroprescott3677]

Congratulations on your progress. How long did you have to wait before you can drive.

[@DarciaDarcy]

I waited about 4 weeks. I didn’t drive much even then until I got out of my sling.

[@dianaperez8230]

Hi I had my shoulder surgery 8 weeks ago my elbow hurts bad

[@DarciaDarcy]

I’d ask your physical therapist to work with it. It can seize up from lack of mobility when your arm is in its sling. You can also ask about massage therapy because that helps some situations.

[@mrwoody6634]

Hi not sure if you mentioned it but what symptoms was you having before you went for surgery and how bad was the pain day to day.

[@DarciaDarcy]

Those are good questions and not quickly answered, unfortunately. I’ll get a video made that addresses that. Hope you’re subscribed so you won’t miss it when it’s available! Thanks for watching

[@mrwoody6634]

@@DarciaDarcy thank you subscrubed to earlier

[@DarciaDarcy]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@CarlyG18]

Before surgery my arm had been in pain and because I tried to keep working , it got to the point of my arm having very limited comfortable range of motion and was pretty much useless to do simple things like turning a screw driver or pulling on a wrench. When I showered my arm would move better with more motion, due to the warm water.

[@mrwoody6634]

@@CarlyG18 thanks for the reply can i ask how long was it hurting from the day you injured it or how long was you having pain before you decided to go get it checked.

[@reneekeeney5804]

Super nervous to have my surgery!

[@DarciaDarcy]

Are you able to think of what exactly you are most nervous about? That was helpful to me because a few of the items I could plan for. It’s definitely scary to have surgery though! I wish you the best as you go through it and begin your recovery! Thank you for watching!

[@jackbabson8998]

Hi Darcy! Thank you for your videos, You have been a life saver! I am 2 weeks post op and have a question that one seems to talk about. THE STINK! I am showering everyday now and using deodorant but the smell coming from my armpit is disgusting! Luckily I can only really smell it when my sling is off and I an doing my exercises or showering. Did you (or anyone else) have this issue? What can I do? It evens smells bad after showering! Help!

[@DarciaDarcy]

That’s such a real thing! It’s frustrating and embarrassing, but it helped if I used rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball/pad and wiped my underarm after my shower. The extra stinky bacteria will be killed by the rubbing alcohol. Then let it completely air dry so there’s no moisture buildup. Hopefully that will help.

[@jackbabson8998]

@@DarciaDarcy I will try that today! Thank you!

[@greenra1000]

I used Gold Bond Powder under my arm and it helped alot

[@judymelahn3915]

How are you doing now? I am going through this nerve stuff. 😏

[@DarciaDarcy]

I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better and that your nerves heal. I am good most of the time now. Sometimes my nerve kicks up though. But it ebbs and flows.

[@richardduplantis2186]

I’m 7 weeks out . It gets frustrating.

[@meryldieterich6857]

I know it’s hard but try not to get frustrated. I’m at 12 weeks & although it’s better I’m now where near back to normal. Sleeping is still really hard & I’m sooo stiff & in pain every morning. But at least now I can do almost everything myself. Give yourself time. You’re still very early in recovery

[@DarciaDarcy]

It’s really frustrating! It’s going to something you’ll get through! Don’t do too much and risk re-injury though. It’s definitely something to take week by week and not day by day as far as expectations. Give yourself grace and know we are all in it together and have been there. Best wishes for a quick and total recovery!

[@DarciaDarcy]

That’s great. Keep going!

[@vinnygognitti8858]

My god she's beautiful wow what a beauty and body 🔥🔥🔥🔥 I want to kiss away her pain 🥰