Pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery

[Tom]

Pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery

The 20 of July my sister, 39 years old, went through an arthroscopy
surgery to repair a damaged sopraspinatus tendon.
She was told by the surgeons that "usually" you get ache for about
4 to 5 days.
12 days passed since the surgery and she has still lot of ache,
especially in the night, and sedative have little if not effect at all.

Surgeons keep saying that it's normal, but 12 days are more than
double the forecasted pain-time.
She is now afraid that this ache could be a symptom of something wrong,
although there are no other signs of problems.
What's, in your experience, a reasonable length to get completely rid
of ache?


Thanks Tom from sunny Italy

[Yann]

Hey Tom,

I would say that pain is very personal and we all have a different pain
threshold.
I am a nurse, I work in operating theatres, specialised in orthopaedics
and pain management, so I know what I'm talking about.
Shoulder surgery, arthroscopic or "open" is always painful because the
act itself needs mobilisation of the upper arm to explore the shoulder
joint. Traction and pressure on the different tendons and muscles
creates the post-op pain which could be eased with painkillers and
physiotherapy after surgery.
I wouldn't be afraid if pain is the only symptom after surgery, even 2
weeks later. If her surgeon isn't worried, there is no need to be
yourselves.
It is just that your sister's pain threshold is quite low.
I would recommend physiotherapy sessions as well as alternative pain
relief treatments (check with your physio the different options available)

Good luck.
Yann.

Post by Tom
Pain after arthroscopic shoulder surgery
The 20 of July my sister, 39 years old, went through an arthroscopy
surgery to repair a damaged sopraspinatus tendon.
She was told by the surgeons that "usually" you get ache for about
4 to 5 days.
12 days passed since the surgery and she has still lot of ache,
especially in the night, and sedative have little if not effect at all.
Surgeons keep saying that it's normal, but 12 days are more than
double the forecasted pain-time.
She is now afraid that this ache could be a symptom of something wrong,
although there are no other signs of problems.
What's, in your experience, a reasonable length to get completely rid
of ache?
Thanks Tom from sunny Italy