rotator cuff surgery,anyone?

[lesterpaul]

well, I had my rc surgery last friday on my left shoulder(my picking hand shoulder).....
anyone else experienced this?Would love to hear about your experience
-my rehab is going swell...had a severely torn cuff and they took out part of my shoulder bone (it had developed a big knot since I separated back in jr high...)Amazingly, I played guitar for the first time today- :roll:
-they allowed me to try because my arm is already in sort of a "rotated out" position-check this out....It doesnt hurt to play , but it feels like I haven't played in a year-scary...my timing is off between my hands...my picking hand, which has been immobilized,feels like its my weak hand now...its only been 5 days...damn, can't imagine what its like for some of you who have had far worse injuries...but I'm coming back,baby!!!
-I also have to hold the neck at a slightly different angle, and that really screws the pooch...
anyway, if anyone has had a similar surgery, please share

 

[talltxguy]

Yep, had one of those as well. I could not even raise my arm before the surgery. I was able to play guitar a few weeks after, but I was also on a lot of pain medication. I wasn't in a band, nor did I have any obligations; so I was able to baby things along. I did go through a physical rehab program, which I think helped immensely.

Six years after the surgery, I will still experience slight pain if I'm tensing up while playing fast. Hate to sound like Mr. Optimist, but that surgery has taught me to relax while playing.

I had a good lifting schedule going for a few years before the surgery. Afterwards, my days of lifting heavy weights are done. Even six years later, I cannot lift for mass or strength. It's gotta be low weight with mid to high reps, which I despise. I just haven't built up the motivation to get back into the weight room. Oh well, enough of the pity trip. Hope you feel better, dude. And do your rehab!

 

[lesterpaul]

thanks-rehab is going great, and that sounds a lot like what I have been expecting
-same here with the weights...when I was young, no one knew the dangers of the classic "behind the head" military press...couple that with playing linebacker in college(back before the spread offense made football more "finesse"), and something had to give...!

-I will be making a trip to Austin,Tx in early June...right before my other shoulder surgery...maybe you can direct me on where to go vs. where to avoid!

 

[talltxguy]

You and I have a couple of things in common. 8) I too am a teacher of children during the day. (I was reading the new posts and saw where you teach AP History. I teach language arts.) Lots of layoffs in Texas this spring. I am fortunate though, as I finally received a contract yesterday.

Interesting you mention the behind the head press. I was taught that too - in high school - and just couldn't make big gains. A few years later while lifting in an army gym in Kuwait, I bumped into an army powerlifter who showed me a different approach to the military press. He told me to take the bar down to my eyes and not any farther - basically until your triceps are parallel to the ground. And wouldn't you know it, I eventually got to where could military press my weight and then some. But yeah, that ain't happening again. :lol:

So far as Austin goes, I'm not the one to ask about the music scene. I actually live about an hour north of Austin and just haven't had the time or opportunity to take it in. Ned, one of our moderators, is from Austin and can help you. If you get a chance, visit Musicmakers as they always have a bunch of Mesas in the back room - which has a door that can be shut.

 

[lesterpaul]

thanks guys-will do on the head's up
I hope to be playing again in a week or two...my doc is real encouraged with my recovery
-watch those spurs,george-mine started out that way-still have to do my other shoulder this summer-torn biceps tendon is a beeeotch as well!
tall tx...you teach as well?you would think guys like us would be "too cool for school"! :lol:

 

[jay]

Hey Cav-didnt know you had surgery hope everything is goin good. Have to get together at Joey's again soon when your up to it. Hang in there brother.

 

[lesterpaul]

thanks,jenx-yessir, we have a couple of new amps to check out, I believe...I have a few days off april 11 and 12....maaaaybeee one of those days-I can just sit there and enjoy the tone for sure

 

[RR]

So you attempting "Peter Townsend" windmill strums during a gig is out of the question? :lol:

 

[lesterpaul]

ha!funny you mention that...my doctor plays piano and a little guitar-he told me today I couldn't hurt it unless I went townsend!!Hell, I couldn't come close to doin' that on a good day...in my 20's....sober, or drunk!

 

[swbo101]

Too bad Chad Pennington doesn't subscribe to this board.

 

[lesterpaul]

Too bad Chad Pennington doesn't subscribe to this board.

he's had a few,hasn't he?
I'm back playing again....ain't no step for a high stepper like me ..can't use the whole trickbag,but not bad for 2 weeks..(whew!)

 

[MesaGod666]

I also had rotator cuff surgery at 23 (college baseball injury...had to completely reattach the ligaments...long story). No fun and no joke. Surgery went great...rehab sucked. Couldn't do a normal workout routine or lift weights for a very long time (4 years). My arm has finally recovered enough to get back where I was 4 years ago. I was able to play guitar about 2-3 months after surgery.

 

[lesterpaul]

ouch-sounds like you tore the whole enchilada(labrium,cartilage,cuff,etc...)they used dissolvable screws in mine/said it would quicken recovery time as compared to a few yrs ago
played acoustic gig sat night, and as long as I didnt try to tap harmonics on fretboard,etc, I was ok
...but I felt like I was 80, because I had to have help strappin' the Martin on
good luck on your complete recovery