Guest guest Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 My husband with CMT has much shoulder pain from the torn rotator cuffs, but the doctor said there isn't enough muscle to operate. Elinor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 Rosemary, I had surgery Summer 2008 for rotator cuff tears. The surgeon was wonderful, the best, I had it on an outpatient basis, the anesthelogist took the time to call me two days before and we talked about my reactions to anesthesia, and he took the time to look up info on anesthetics and CMT. My rotator cuff tears were due to general age related wear and tear, not CMT. It was on my right shoulder (I am right handed) while my shoulder was bandaged for a day and 1/2, and I slept sitting up for awhile, I had full use of my lower arms and hands, and my left arm and hand did extra duty. I had chopped vegetables and made meals before surgery so I'd have less to do. Most importantly to regaining complete shoulder strength, I had 4 months of physical therapy, and being honest here, the first few weeks of PT were painful, as Rob had to crank/force my shoulder in some moves. Once that was over I had certain exercises to do both at home and in the gym. In PT I learned that the shoulder is the most used joint and that's why I had the tears, small as they were. But they required surgery or my shoulder would get worse. I had a full recovery without any complications and was off pain meds in 6 weeks, using ice for the duration of recovery. Gretchen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 Hi Rosemary I have a torn rotator cuff. I went through about 3 months 3x week of PT and no longer have any pain. It has been over a year since I stopped PT. I have exercises I can do at home but honestly have not done so. What PT was able to do for me was strengthen the stronger muscles around the tear to alleviate the pulling and pain associated with the tear. I am not sure but do not think it would be CMT related for you.. I tore mine when I fell down some stairs. I do not have CMT but my son does so I thought I would tell you my story. I do not need surgery at this point which I am thrilled with. Lori Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 Hi Rosemary - It was the Orlando support group that had the doctor in to speak about shoulder related injuries in CMT patients. What the doctor explained to us was that any person with a disability that requires them to use their arms to move a wheelchair, or use a walker or cane or to push to get up from a chair - repetitive movements are more prone to having shoulder and rotator cuff injuries. It's not because of the CMT it's because of the overuse of the shoulders. Whether or not you will need surgery will depend on if you really have a tear in the rotator cuff and how severe it is.You will need to see an orthopedist to get the diagnosis. It usually requires an MRI. If you don't have a tear, this doctor did say that physical therapy does help, but again you will have to find a PT that knows about CMT and how to deal with it. Oddly enough, I wound up going to see the doc about 2 weeks after he spoke at our meeting...I would have sworn my cuff was torn and it wasn't. It turned out that I had bone spurs and I got a cortisone shot and did some aquatic therapy and am good to go. Good luck with your research! > > Hi Everyone, > I saw in the CMTA newsletter that a support group had a Doctor speak to them about torn rotator cuffs. Well, I've had shoulder pain for quite a while and it's getting worse. I mentioned the support group to my neurologist and he said that is probably what is wrong with my shoulder. > Does anyone know if this a common problem in CMT patients and what has been recommended? I sure don't want surgery because my CMT gets worse every time I have had surgery. The neuro gave me some excercises and said I could see a surgeon but I haven't taken it any farther yet. I would appreciate your imput. > Rosemary > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 Thanks Gretchen and Lori. I probably will call the surgeon. One problem is my daughter is getting married Sept. 5th so I sure can't have surgery now. I appreciate the information and the encouragement. I know it's not going to get better by itself. Rosemary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2009 Report Share Posted July 25, 2009 Lipitor.........gave me bad shoulders if you are on any meds check them out big time Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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