Tore My Rotator Cuff and on Rituxan

Posted by pm56 @pm56, 19 hours ago

Awaiting orthopedic surgeon’s call, but MRI results are in, and I have complete tears of 2 of the 4 tendons of the shoulder. I did it shaking out a pair of wrinkled pants while doing laundry.

I did some research and based on the size of the tears and the fact that it’s two tendons, they are classified as “massive tears.” It would likely require a reverse shoulder replacement. It would be straightforward enough except that I got 2 loading doses of Ruxience about a month ago, I’m on Methotrexate, and take 12mg of Medrol every day.

From what I’m reading, there’s a concern of infection from B-depleting therapies like Ruxience/Rituxan, so elective surgeries would usually be put off until the 7th month optimally. Medrol is also a concern as it can prevent tendon from attaching to bone.

I can’t move my arm at all and it’s my dominant arm. Has anyone gone through this and been permitted to move forward with surgery without having to wait until the end of the cycle? I can’t imagine being in pain for another 5 months and unable to use my arm.

The timing was exceptionally bad. I was due to recertify 3 days later for driving as I’ve been homebound since November. Can’t seem to catch a break. 🙁

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manahajpir | @manahajpir | 14 hours ago

Hi, I had rotator cuff surgery to repair my tendon on April 21st after my fall on February 4th. With any surgery, there is a chance of infection. I received the 1st dose of my retuximab right before and the 2nd dose after my surgery. I’m also taking immune suppressants meds every day. It was complete tear and my dominant hand. There was no question for me if I should or should not do the surgery. It was a given for me. I couldn’t do anything with that arm. With the necrotizing Myopathy, it is harder for people like us to deal with the daily tasks. My suggestion is just follow the protocol for the surgery for minimizing the chance of infections. I’m in rehab for my arm with PT and it is long way to go. I hope everything goes well for you and you won’t have to deal with any complications. Also, talk to your surgeon about it.
Good luck my dear,

pm56 | @pm56 | 13 hours ago

In reply to @manahajpir "Hi, I had rotator cuff surgery to repair my tendon on April 21st after my fall..." + (show)

@manahajpir oh your surgeon was okay with doing it?!! I’m so happy to hear that.

Also excited to hear you’ve done well post-surgery. I have dermatomyositis and RA/psoriatic RA so I was upset thinking nobody would want to touch me (I also have a clot in the brain to complicate things further, so it’s still possible nobody may want to touch me anyway lol)

Thank you for taking the time to answer. I feel a bit more encouraged 😊

manahajpir | @manahajpir | 12 hours ago

Yes, your situation might be a little more complex due to the cloth in brain. The surgeon wanted the cardiologist clearance from me too before the surgery.
Good luck

pm56 | @pm56 | 10 hours ago

In reply to @manahajpir "Yes, your situation might be a little more complex due to the cloth in brain. The..." + (show)

@manahajpir thank you!!

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