Anyone had a shoulder (AC joint) operation?

duggan

duggan

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Bit of a long shot I know, but I had an AC joint reconstruction after a fall, I know its early days but I wondered if any other riders have had the same and how it felt when riding afterwards?
I'm feeling that my 'bad' shoulder isn't where I want it, it kind of sits back and I feel my shoulders are not level. Obviously I can't ask the consultant, he was so un horsey he struggled with the details of the accident!!
It doesn't matter, if you know what I mean. I'm happy to adapt if need be, but I just thought, having read all the encouragement people have given after hip replacements and the like, that it was worth asking. I'm just curious as to whether it'll improve, or thats what i'm stuck with now.
 
It's probably totally unrelated but, my OH had a screw put through his collar bone to his shoulder, and had a further operation to remove the screw. For a long time, he felt like you, restricted and uneven. With time and physio his shoulder strengthend and freed up. Just do as you are told by the consultant and physio, and you should come through well, try not to over do it and get plenty of rest! xx
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I had the operation on Wednesday. Am in a lot of discomfort but had struggled with bad pain for so long I think this is better as I know the end is now in sight. Had various shoulder bones shaved (over 2cm off in all) and debrided (spurs removed) so they fit back together again, and ligaments etc all tied back together. So a totally re-engineered shoulder. Took 3 1/2hours. Am going to keep to all the rules and hope to be able to ride in 12 weeks and compete in about 16 weeks if all goes well. Would be interested to hear about other people's experiences too as I have heard such mixed recuperation periods, although I think that is because a 'shoulder' op isn't the same for all.
 
I had my elbow reconstructed and a 'new part' put in 3 months ago, I can imagine the pain you are in and while it wont seem like it at the moment it does get better. I also tore all the ligaments in my shoulder they missed this injury at first and wasnt noticed until I was allowed to stop using a sling

I am riding again now, competing and driving, my arm is 30 degrees off being able to be totally straight have been told may get another 10 degrees straighter but will never be totally straight again.

I had physio twice a week and while it was very painful it was so worth it to get the use of the arm back. My physio gave me excercises to do at home and I followed these religously. I still do them now and am having more physio starting in February. I had to learn to write again and typically it would be the right arm I fell on as I right handed!

I was all for getting on a horse asap but reality was a bit different as had no strength in the whole arm so was a gradual thing...I was at a show 2 months after my accident. Only thing I cant do is drive my lorry as its a big 17t lorry ...after an hour or so the arm aches driving it but have been told as the strength comes back this pain will go.
 
I'm impressed at how much movement i have already, 3 weeks after the op. They've stuck a screw in, and a ligament, and shaved the bones to fit too.
Have to say phoenix, I have no idea how long it took, I was on another planet for 24 hours afterwards!! But i agree its easier to take when you feel things are being fixed.
Physio has started and is more aggressive than i was expected but from what i'm hearing it'll be for the good. Thank you for your replies.
 
I work for a shoulder surgeon. The muscles and tendons will be a bit loose around the op site for a while up to 3 months. Following surgery, your muscles and tendons will be weak.

Follow the advice of your consultant and the physio very closely and eventually everything will go back to normal.
 
Hi! Sorry to hear you've had to go through this. My hubby had it done about 4 years ago following two rotator cuff repairs. Sorry to say even now he has reduced movement compared to the other side and suffers from clicking or cracking too. He followed all advice and physio (and my orders!!) but still feels like it is in the 'wrong place', and when you look at him you can see a difference in height between the two shoulders. He also managed to snap one of the anchors but found afterwards he had a little more movement and his surgeon said the others should take the strain ok, so it sounds like it might depend a little on who put you back together as to the degree of restriction you feel.

However, that said, everyone is different and heals differently so good luck!!!! Is very important not to rush the recovery, you have many years of riding ahead of you, so where's the harm in taking the time to make sure it heals right? My hubby doesn't like resting or taking advice hence the TWO rotator cuff repairs!

He did as he was told with the AC joint...!!!!!!!!!
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6 years ago I had my collar bone displaced by 3 cm and trashed most of the ligaments. Was told I would have been better off breaking my collar bone. It took a long while to heal and lots of physio. I am still weaker on that side and in winter my collar bone aches. I would take it nice and easy and do exactly what the specialist/physio says.
 
Remember to drink plenty - joints and cartilage work best when proplerly hydrated

I have rotator cuff issues and will be going for surgery in the new year - so not looking forward to it.

Get well soon, and don't try to do too much too soon!.
 
Hi. All I can say is please be really careful. I disruptured my AC Joint some years ago and stupidly rode wearing a sling! I didnt have the op and still have a weird looking lump on my shoulder. Weirdly enough my Uncle has the same. Go careful!
 
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