Help Needed

Mgrisham

I had a mastectomy with tram flap on the right followed by 5 years of tamoxifen . That was 2001. All was good until 2015. In June 2015 I had a mastectomy with lat reconstruction on left. I started getting stiff shoulder in July and went for 8 weeks of pt. now my shoulder does not move. Ortho and plastics said my rotator cuff was damaged in surgery. The doctors wants to do more surgery. Has anyone had a recovery without surgery and howdid you do. Thanks for any help.

I_Spy

Sorry you are going through this. I don't know the specifics of what was damaged during your surgery -- was the rotator cuff torn or severed or...? But even if I did know, it probably wouldn't mean I'd know anything about the treatment for it. I can tell you that I've had tons of orthopedic problems -- vertebral discs, shoulder injuries, knee problems -- that have been resolved and maintained with gentle hatha yoga. I don't know if that would help you in your situation or not. I would google: "alternative treatments for _____" and fill in the blank for your exact diagnosis. An orthopedic surgeon wanted to do surgery on my low back and I was like NO WAY. I've handled it through yoga and chiropractic (you have to find a good chiro though, there are a lot of bad ones). My chiro says "Motion is lotion" for joints and tendons and muscles, and I've found that to be very true. Good luck to you!

Meadow

Mg, a frozen shoulder is common for BC patients. I wonder if they mean it was actually damaged by being in a restrricted position for so long during surgery, or if it is indeed frozen. I had this happen. I had fallen in the snow during treatment (I am clumsy not in snow and treatment) and lost mobility of my sholder. I mean it was declared "non functional". I went to physical therapy through our local hospital and it was amazing! My Pt was able to restore full range of motion through several weeks of therapy. Has the Ortho suggested you try physical therapy? did he declare surgery as the only option? Surgeons like to cut.. my ortho said this to me...but he also has seen great things accomplished by PT. So he refers to them first. Ask for a referral today! Cannot hurt to try and good luck keep us posted.

Mgrisham

I went for 2nd opinion today. I have completed 8 weeks of physical therapy. The ortho said I was in stage 2 of frozen shoulder and it would take 42 weeks to recover. He gave me some exercises and told me to come at stage 3. I was so depressed with this news and the thought of another surgery. I guess this is not a quick Fix. Plastics said my shoulder was injuri during surgery turning me from back to front while I was asleep. Thanks for your thoughts.

marijen

Frozen shoulder is a risk of radiation I think.

Meadow

Yes there are the stages, I remember that now... the shoulder will "thaw" and then your therapy will be even more effective. Try to be patient with yourself and your healing...I think you will get there and without surgery. Hang in there!