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Frustrated with shoulder replacement
I am not sure if I should even post this. I have removed the medical facilities for obvious reasons. There is much more to this, but I have done my best to summarize.
Currently, I am facing challenges related to an unresolved injury in my left shoulder. I am a disabled veteran with a 100 percent disability rating, and I would greatly appreciate sound advice moving forward.
On March 13th, I underwent an anatomical shoulder replacement surgery, which received approval from the VA Community Care program. I was referred to xxx for the procedure and recovery process.
During my four-week follow-up appointment, I was scheduled to meet with my surgeon to assess my healing process. However, a mix-up occurred, resulting in my being seen by an incorrect physician. During this consultation, the physician manipulated my arm, which caused a tear in my subscapularis tendon. As a result, I was presented with the sole option of undergoing a second surgery—a reverse shoulder replacement procedure—which took place on July 31st.
I complied with all the surgeon's directives, including participating in physical therapy. Nevertheless, I became increasingly concerned during therapy due to my slow recovery and my inability to elevate my arm beyond 90 degrees. At a subsequent appointment with the surgeon's assistant, she voiced her concerns and ordered a series of tests; however, none successfully identified the underlying issue. She made an effort to have the surgeon evaluate my arm. Still, he hesitated to see me and ultimately communicated that there was nothing further he could do for my condition.
I revisited the Veterans Affairs (VA) facility and engaged in a consultation with the orthopedic department, which confirmed the persistence of an impingement resulting in pain. The physician advised initiating Community Care and recommended that I seek further treatment xxx. However, the Community Care Department declined my request, citing the existence of an active referral, xxx. I conveyed that xxx was no longer providing the necessary assistance. In response, they offered me two options: utilize secondary insurance or wait until March 2025, when the referral would expire. Note: I have no secondary insurance.
After multiple attempts, I contacted Patient Advocates and finally spoke with a representative. The representative indicated they would investigate the matter to seek a resolution. I want to clarify that there has been no communication for over a month.
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I also have had rss because of a fall and 3 fractures at 81 in April. I went to PT a few times then started to work out at the gym after two months and at home. The Pt said most important thing was using the puly at home and did that 3xs a day. I also did cardiac exercise 3xs a week . My doctor told me at 6 months check up I did the best
ever he saw in a patient. Its tough work and my shoulder will never be as great as it was before but I am greatful for what it is.
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3 Reactions@columbo, I am happy to read about your success in healing.
My shoulder, unfortunately, is not healed. I can't raise my arm beyond 90 degrees. It is excruciating and feels like my arm is at its limit. Inpingment?
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1 ReactionHello @rbrown70, you may find the following discussion worth looking through as well:
"Total Shoulder Replacement: Any success stories out there?"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shoulder-replacement/
@rbrown70, this sounds like a frustrating experience with getting caught in the loop of insurance. You mentioned there has been no movement for a month now, have you contacted them again to see where you are in the process to make sure things are at the very least moving forward?
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2 Reactions@JustinMcClanahan
Frustrating is an understatement. I wish it was an insurance issue. Its a policy/procedure issue. Being harmed by a doctor and causing another surgery is bad enough. Me having to jump through so many hoops and feel like no one listening is the frustrating part. I didn't cause this yet im having to fight.
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2 ReactionsI had RSR in July. I also cannot raise my arm more than 90-95 degrees. I may not ever be able to raise it more than that, but I will continue with my exercises. My surgeon does not want my PT to use pulleys. I have been doing other exercises. My chronic pain is gone. I used to be at a 10 almost every day, for some part of the day. I was never pain free. Since the surgery, I am mostly pain free, with moments of pain. This is a huge win for me! I am willing to settle for limited mobility, to be free of severe pain. Best of luck to you.
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3 ReactionsFrustrating is the operative word - if you have exhausted your appeals with the VA hospital system, sometimes your State office of Veterans Affairs can help break the log-jam.
Here is the list for every state:
https://veteran.com/state-veterans-affairs-office-directory/
They were able to help my cousin get placed in a care facility that met his needs as a dialysis patient after the VA said no.
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4 ReactionsI still have excruciating pain when raising my arm.
Deep throbbing ..
My PT has me doing pulleys
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2 ReactionsYoure Awesome
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1 ReactionI just had complex rotator cuff surgery in October, and my surgeon has a specific protocol for PT to follow - NO pulleys, and a lot of other limitations while it heals. I am glad he is conservative because I have had few real painful days or nights but I am progressing on schedule.
My PT has a rule - pain above 4 during therapy means you are doing the wrong exercise, doing the exercise wrong, or something is wrong in there and we consult the surgeon.
I have to retrain my brain, because 4 has been my constant "background" pain level on the shoulder for a couple years, I don't always notice when it fires off a higher level. Sometimes he sees strain on my face or my form gets bad and tells me to back off or stop.
Is your PT fully supervised, and your form watched carefully while you do your exercises so you know the right way to do them at home?
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2 Reactionsmy pt is supervised. Im on week 12. I have 2 sessions per week. The therapist agrees something is wrong. She says I should be so much further.
If I roller over wrong the pain wakes me up.
my surgery was in July.
I shouldn't still be on constant pain.. I feel as if something is wrong.
I am 54 and hope that the current limitation in my arm isn't permanent.
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2 Reactions