I got some bad news yesterday. I have tears in two tendons on my rotator cuff (MRI confirmed). My doctor refered me to an orthopedic surgean but my appointment isn't until December 5th.
Has anyone here had this type of surgury? I'd like to know what to expect.
How long did you have to miss work?
How long before you felt normal again after the surgery?
Did you recover 100%?
How long before you could shoot your bow again?
Are there any alternatives to surgery? I haven't heard many good things about shoulder surgery.

My wife had rotator cuff surgery a few years ago due to a work accident , she's still recovering from it . Her case was more extreme than what yours sounds like . Your recovery should be no more than a few weeks to a couple of months of babying that shoulder and allowing it to heal . Arthroscopic surgery can work wonders these days , but only if you allow it to do it's job . I wouldn't count on doing any more bow hunting this year if you expect to fully recover .

I had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in March of 2004. Believe it or not, I tore the shoulder up playing high school football some 45 years ago. Most of the doctors I consulted prior to this one told me to put up with the pain. This one is a miracle worker. He told me that I would never pull a compound bow again, but what the heck does he know? Just in case, I got the crossbow permit.

I did the rehab religiously, and babied the shoulder when it should be babied, and within six months I was back to shooting high powered rifles and shotguns with a Past recoil pad. It took a year before I felt like trying a compound bow. I lowered the draw weight to a bit less than fifty pounds and had little trouble pulling it. After a few months, I returned the bow weight to its normal 60 pounds peak draw weight and haven't looked back.

Don't be concerned. Orthopaedic surgeons can do wonders today as opposed to what they were able to do twenty years ago. Do check out your surgeon and find out what others say about him, particularly nurses. Nurses know who is the best doctor in a field. If you were close to me, I would highly recommend Dr. Anthony Bruno in Chambersburg, PA. He is my miracle worker. He also repaired torn cartilage in my right knee this past September, and I am now climbing mountains again. Life is good again.

I messed up my right shoulder diving on the "concrete" that Creighton University calls turf on their baseball field back in '95. Had arthoscopic surgery that Fall and it took me a while to recover. Actually, I get some stiffness and soreness on those cold, damp days, but workable. Rest it, then stick to your rehab and get ready for '06.

Good luck to ya!

I injured my shoulder 5 years ago. I actually tore the Coracobrachialis muscle from the shoulder and it was sitting 3 inches lower in my bicep. I was still able to shoot my compound and went through the 03-04 season. I had surgery in Jan of 04. The doctor had to re-attach the ligament to Humorous bone. After the surgery, I was in a sling for 6 weeks. My arm was strapped pretty tight to my side and it hurt like hell when I tried to move it. Then I started PT for 4 months. I was shooting my firearms by late summer and my bow by early fall.

My advice to you is to find the best surgeon you can. Then ask them which Physical Therapist he/she reccommends. Follow their instructions and don't try to do something before they say you can. Work hard at the PT and you should be good as new before you know it. I can shoot all of my guns without pain. My big bores are .338 Win Mag, .45-70 and 12 gauge slug gun. Also my 209x50 ML. My bow is set for 67# and I can pull it back without any problems.

PS-If you need a permit for a crossbow, get it now even if you don't use it. I got mine just in case.

The only advise I can give you is Pt worked for me without surgery, however depending on the extent of your injury surgery may be the only option. I would highly recommend for you to use a sports medicine doctor, if your insurance allows.

Doug.

Sorry to hear about the shoulder and wish you a full recovery but it is going to take time.

Bowfanatic,

Sorry to hear about your shoulder problems. Of all the injuries I sustained I never hurt my shoulders. (other than slight seperations) I can tell you though to be positive and don't skip your PT. You are young enough to bounce back from this with no problems. Just make sure you get a good doctor. Some are really talented when it comes to operations. You owe it to yourself to pick a skilled surgen. This will go a long way with recovery. I had both of my knees scoped within one month of each other this year (Aug & Sept) and I feel great now.

Good luck to you and if you need anything just ask.

Thanks for the replies/encouragement guys!

I will definately be seeking at least a 2nd opinion on surgery and finding the best surgean around. I already have a pretty good physical therapist and she's a cutie too.