Hi guysIt is well known, that, for some reason, women get more shoulder problems than men - specially around/after the age of 50 ... probably from lifting kids all the time & the laundry, shopping & other stuff ... (tho I never had kids, so can't blame that!)Over the last 25 years, I've had a procedure done on both my shoulders - the first being manipulation under a block anaesthetic for a severe frozen shoulder, where I couldn't lift my arm above shoulder height & couldn't put it behind my back at all! (It took 6 months of physio/exercises to get it back to normal range of movement.) The 2nd was Acromioplasty, 10 years later - keyhole surgery on the other arm for torn rotator cuff & bicep/frozen shoulder - which took well over a year to get normal range of movement back. At the time, my surgeon said I'd probably be back in 10 years for another procedure .....Fast forward another 5 years - This time last year I was diagnosed again with torn rotator cuff and frozen shoulder in the original arm (nearly 25 years since the 1st procedure - I was SO lucky it has lasted 'that long' without recurrence!) I tried to get hold of my original surgeon who did both procedures (who was BRILLIANT with shoulders) but sadly, he had retired early last year! :( I put it on the back burner ..... So ... Back to the drawing board ..... At the time, I had a good look at my cupboards to see what may be aggravating the shoulder - and sure enough - a couple of heavy items that I used every day (including my big jar of Vegemite!) - was further away & higher up than they needed to be! When removing them every morning for breakfast, it put an unusual angle on my left arm, aggravating the shoulder! So ... I rearranged everything in that cupboard, bringing the heavy bits to eye level & immediately to my left, instead of having to reach up & over to get them - so it was MUCH easier to get the heavy bits out - and VOILA! 12 months down the track, I have no pain in the shoulder at all!! YAY! I am hoping it stays this way!If you are having shoulder issues - check out the placement of stuff in ALL your cupboards (not just the kitchen) and make sure the stuff you use more often, is closer & either at eye level or lower, as picking things up is usually less aggravating to the shoulders than bringing them down from from a distance & higher up!take care

Trust me @Lesley777 - don't rush it!! You can 'undo' the good & make it harder to get a good recovery. I was diligent with my exercising & didn't over do it - and had (what my surgeon said) was a top 2% result. (ie 98% DIDN'T necessarily have a good. Some didn't do the exercises at all - and had restricted arm movement as a result. Others did too much, too early, resulting in damaging the 'repair'!My surgeon preferred me NOT to use a physio at all - but to do the exercise routine that he had provided me, at the rate suggested, at home.Getting full shoulder movement & rotation is the aim of the game.Common Setbacks During Shoulder Surgery RehabilitationHere’s a closer look at three of the most common reasons that people suffer a setback during their recovery after shoulder surgery, and how to avoid these problems.Too Much, Too Soon – One of the biggest pitfalls to a successful rehabilitation after shoulder surgery is trying to do too much, too soon after your surgery. In many instances, recovery from shoulder surgery is measured in months, not days, so you need to be patient with your rehabilitation and not try to rush back to overly physical activities too soon. The easiest way to do this is to stay within the recommendations and restrictions put forth by your doctor and physical therapists. They know how to help your body adjust to the trauma of surgery and protect structures as they heal. If you believe you’re ready for certain activities that aren’t yet cleared by your care team, run it by them first, otherwise you may damage your surgically-repaired shoulder while it’s in a vulnerable state.Not Taking PT Seriously – Physical therapy will be the technique that really helps you drive home recovery, and it helps to ward off setbacks, like range of motion limitations or the onset of scar tissue. Most people are willing to participate in physical therapy when they are with the PT in the clinic, but if you’re not doing your home-based exercises, it’s easy to suffer a setback or have a delayed or incomplete recovery. Make sure you are doing your exercises, even when nobody is watching, because that can be the difference in making a full recovery or having lingering shoulder discomfort.Improper Wound Care – An infection can also jeopardize the integrity of your surgically addressed shoulder, or it can lead to the need for another operation. You need to be mindful about how you clean the incision site and wash the area. Your doctor will give your specific instructions about how to clean your incision site. Typically this includes keeping the incision site dry, not directly scrubbing the area when showering, and not soaking the area in a bath until the wound has closed, but again, your shoulder surgeon will provide you with instructions specific to your procedure. Take wound care seriously, because an infection can have major consequences for your shoulder and your whole body.If you can keep these three tips in mind, and you can greatly reduce your risk of a setback following a shoulder surgery.

I have read all your shoulder experiences and comments with interest, as I have recently been including more strength based exercises in my 'routine', including lifting 2kg weights above my head. Maybe I should avoid this and include other exercises instead.

Oh I hear you @arpie. I had shoulder issues years ago but it is a sensitive area for sure. I like your cupboard idea. I am about to clean out my pantry so your post has been timely and has now given me a new direction to go with how I stack it after I clean it out. Cheers

I hope that you both get some relief, @Cath62 and @cranky_granny .... My surgeon told me that the shoulder is the most complex bit of 'moveable parts' of the whole body. There are at least three bones, nearly a dozen different muscles and many ligaments and tendons meet in the shoulder. The way that they are connected allows us to move our arms in just about any direction we want. The bones/tendons slide & glide over each other - and if one is compromised, the whole lot is compromised. And the weird thing is that I am STRONGLY a right handed person - yet it was my left arm that was frozen first - and almost happening again now! Weird!It involves the scapula as well! With the frozen shoulder, it is like having it totally 'shrink wrapped' - in front of the mirror, when I DID lift my arm to shoulder height out from the side of my body, my scapula moved out with it & I almost had a 'wing'! I knew then that no amount of physio/ultrasound/accupuncture would make no difference (which is what I was having for 6 months!) It only got worse. I could barely feed myself and couldn't wash my hair!The way I was grabbing the heavy stuff out (that was 'high & ahead of me and also on the left') reminded me of weight lifters picking up dumbbells and holding them out to the left & right at shoulder height & then going higher - it causes maximum stress to every bit of the shoulder!! Watch out for that sturdy step ladder too, @cranky_granny ... they can bite you in the bum too! ;) I pretty well avoid ladders now.I also concentrate hot water on my shoulder every morning in the shower - at the end, I turn the heat up as high as I can tolerate and concentrate it on my left shoulder (less so on my right, as it is going OK.)Have fun with cleaning out your pantry @Cath62 - that job is on my list, too! I am sure a lot of tins are 'out of date' too! :( take care ladies xx

Thanks @veenaga and welcome to the forum! Feel free to tell us your BC story so far in 'Newly Diagnosed' category. :) ...Yep, I'd had the cortisone injections into both my shoulders over the years prior to my procedures being carried out - but cortisone only relieves the symptoms - it doesn't 'fix the actual problem/injury' that caused the bursitis. And you are also limited in the number of cortisone shots that you can have in the one area. :( Sometimes, only allowed the one!Bursitis is a fluid filled sac that develops after an injury, to protect the surrounding area (usually between the bone & a tendon.) It can be drained (if done early in the piece) but if left too late (being regional, mine took time to get all the XRay/scans done that proved the bursitis was caused by an injury) then it can become thick like custard & then it can't be suctioned out by a needle (which happened to me.) :( If the inflammation doesn't go down after the cortisone shot, it is usually an indication that surgery may be required due to torn tendons, or actual impingement of the shoulder. The shoulder is pretty well the most complicated set of bones, tendons & muscles/ligaments in the entire body - and if just one of them is damaged, torn or chipped, it needs to be addressed fairly quickly - often with surgery - as otherwise it will just continue to get worse.If you find that your shoulder is restricting your arm movement (eg you can't do your bra up behind your back, or can't reach up & wash your hair ..... or can't lift your arm higher than horizontal - that is the time you need to see a shoulder specialist - usually a surgeon. take care

Does anyone have shoulder issues? Torn Rotator Cuff/Frozen Shoulder etc

cranky_granny
Member
8 months ago
@arpie great suggestions there
I have sturdy little step ladder only 2 steps which whenever things are above shoulder height. I have only developed the shoulder issues since they added the palbo to the AI (it enhances the effects of the Anastrozole) also increased the side effects. Physio did a good job getting better movement in the left shoulder and less pain. Now the right shoulder is ceasing up. So now I will have to work on it. The joys of it all.
Next will be the neck. I’m losing range of movement there as well. I refuse to put it all down to old age.
Cath62
Member
8 months ago
Oh I hear you @arpie. I had shoulder issues years ago but it is a sensitive area for sure. I like your cupboard idea. I am about to clean out my pantry so your post has been timely and has now given me a new direction to go with how I stack it after I clean it out. Cheers
arpie
Member
8 months ago
I hope that you both get some relief, @Cath62 and @cranky_granny .... My surgeon told me that the shoulder is the most complex bit of 'moveable parts' of the whole body. There are at least three bones, nearly a dozen different muscles and many ligaments and tendons meet in the shoulder. The way that they are connected allows us to move our arms in just about any direction we want. The bones/tendons slide & glide over each other - and if one is compromised, the whole lot is compromised. And the weird thing is that I am STRONGLY a right handed person - yet it was my left arm that was frozen first - and almost happening again now! Weird!

It involves the scapula as well! With the frozen shoulder, it is like having it totally 'shrink wrapped' - in front of the mirror, when I DID lift my arm to shoulder height out from the side of my body, my scapula moved out with it & I almost had a 'wing'! I knew then that no amount of physio/ultrasound/accupuncture would make no difference (which is what I was having for 6 months!) It only got worse. I could barely feed myself and couldn't wash my hair!

The way I was grabbing the heavy stuff out (that was 'high & ahead of me and also on the left') reminded me of weight lifters picking up dumbbells and holding them out to the left & right at shoulder height & then going higher - it causes maximum stress to every bit of the shoulder!!

Watch out for that sturdy step ladder too, @cranky_granny ... they can bite you in the bum too! ;) I pretty well avoid ladders now.

I also concentrate hot water on my shoulder every morning in the shower - at the end, I turn the heat up as high as I can tolerate and concentrate it on my left shoulder (less so on my right, as it is going OK.)

Have fun with cleaning out your pantry @Cath62 - that job is on my list, too! I am sure a lot of tins are 'out of date' too! :(

take care ladies xx
veenaga
Member
6 months ago
I have had problems with my right shoulder on and off over the years and found out I have bursitis. So yesterday I finally accepted a cortezon injection in the burser. Maybe that is what you had been experiencing all these years. No operation required.
arpie
Member
6 months ago
Thanks @veenaga and welcome to the forum! Feel free to tell us your BC story so far in 'Newly Diagnosed' category. :) ...

Yep, I'd had the cortisone injections into both my shoulders over the years prior to my procedures being carried out - but cortisone only relieves the symptoms - it doesn't 'fix the actual problem/injury' that caused the bursitis. And you are also limited in the number of cortisone shots that you can have in the one area. :( Sometimes, only allowed the one!

Bursitis is a fluid filled sac that develops after an injury, to protect the surrounding area (usually between the bone & a tendon.) It can be drained (if done early in the piece) but if left too late (being regional, mine took time to get all the XRay/scans done that proved the bursitis was caused by an injury) then it can become thick like custard & then it can't be suctioned out by a needle (which happened to me.) :( If the inflammation doesn't go down after the cortisone shot, it is usually an indication that surgery may be required due to torn tendons, or actual impingement of the shoulder.

The shoulder is pretty well the most complicated set of bones, tendons & muscles/ligaments in the entire body - and if just one of them is damaged, torn or chipped, it needs to be addressed fairly quickly - often with surgery - as otherwise it will just continue to get worse.

If you find that your shoulder is restricting your arm movement (eg you can't do your bra up behind your back, or can't reach up & wash your hair ..... or can't lift your arm higher than horizontal - that is the time you need to see a shoulder specialist - usually a surgeon.

take care
veenaga
Member
6 months ago
Ohhh sorry to know this.
Lesley777
Member
3 months ago
Thanks for those tips. I’m currently recovering from my second shoulder surgery (3 tendons detached) - different arm. I think I need to lower my washing line too (as well as looking at the cupboards). I have been baffled as to how I caused this injury then a friend suggested it could be the radiation treatment I had. Bingo! Looked it up and my friend was correct. (Google it). Wish I had known this, wouldn’t have changed much as I would still have had the treatment but perhaps instead of continuing my weight training I would have opted for more “gentle” exercise such as yoga.
arpie
Member
3 months ago
All mine happened WELL before my BC surgery/rads, @Lesley777 - so I know I can't blame that. Even now, with it raising its ugly head again (after the best part of 25 years since the first procedure) ....

I am pretty sure mine is more age related than BC, as the current one is the opposite side of my surgery/Rads ...... and my surgeon (who has sadly since retired) told me that it may come back after 10 years, too :( But I got over 20 from it, so can't really complain!

I hope you are recovering well after your surgery - it can take up to 12 months or so! Just make sure you do 'what they tell you' & DON'T rush it!

take care & all the best xx
Lesley777
Member
3 months ago
Thank you Arpie. Patience is a virtue I’m sadly lacking in when it comes to my recovery but I know I’ll get there. 😁
arpie
Member
3 months ago
Trust me @Lesley777 - don't rush it!! You can 'undo' the good & make it harder to get a good recovery. I was diligent with my exercising & didn't over do it - and had (what my surgeon said) was a top 2% result. (ie 98% DIDN'T necessarily have a good. Some didn't do the exercises at all - and had restricted arm movement as a result. Others did too much, too early, resulting in damaging the 'repair'!

My surgeon preferred me NOT to use a physio at all - but to do the exercise routine that he had provided me, at the rate suggested, at home.

Getting full shoulder movement & rotation is the aim of the game.

Common Setbacks During Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation
Here’s a closer look at three of the most common reasons that people suffer a setback during their recovery after shoulder surgery, and how to avoid these problems.
Too Much, Too Soon – One of the biggest pitfalls to a successful rehabilitation after shoulder surgery is trying to do too much, too soon after your surgery. In many instances, recovery from shoulder surgery is measured in months, not days, so you need to be patient with your rehabilitation and not try to rush back to overly physical activities too soon. The easiest way to do this is to stay within the recommendations and restrictions put forth by your doctor and physical therapists. They know how to help your body adjust to the trauma of surgery and protect structures as they heal. If you believe you’re ready for certain activities that aren’t yet cleared by your care team, run it by them first, otherwise you may damage your surgically-repaired shoulder while it’s in a vulnerable state.
Not Taking PT Seriously – Physical therapy will be the technique that really helps you drive home recovery, and it helps to ward off setbacks, like range of motion limitations or the onset of scar tissue. Most people are willing to participate in physical therapy when they are with the PT in the clinic, but if you’re not doing your home-based exercises, it’s easy to suffer a setback or have a delayed or incomplete recovery. Make sure you are doing your exercises, even when nobody is watching, because that can be the difference in making a full recovery or having lingering shoulder discomfort.
Improper Wound Care – An infection can also jeopardize the integrity of your surgically addressed shoulder, or it can lead to the need for another operation. You need to be mindful about how you clean the incision site and wash the area. Your doctor will give your specific instructions about how to clean your incision site. Typically this includes keeping the incision site dry, not directly scrubbing the area when showering, and not soaking the area in a bath until the wound has closed, but again, your shoulder surgeon will provide you with instructions specific to your procedure. Take wound care seriously, because an infection can have major consequences for your shoulder and your whole body.
If you can keep these three tips in mind, and you can greatly reduce your risk of a setback following a shoulder surgery.