rotator cuff surgery and sewing?
 

I'm having rotator cuff surgery next week and was told recovery is 6 weeks in a sling. It's my right one and yes, I'm very right handed. Total recovery in 4-6 months. Besides being nervous about the surgery in general, I am so worried about what am I going to do during the first couple weeks???? I always have sewing, quilting, cross stitching or knitting etc. going on. I will read but I can only do that for so long. I can't sit without anything to keep my hands busy. Does anyone know of a good hand sewing project that I can set up in anticipation of my recovery? Thanks for any ideas :)

Had mine done a year ago. You won't want to do much involving that arm for a couple of weeks. Books, computer, ipad

Thank you I was kinda afraid of that but it's better to know what to expect. I've never been injured before so I don't know what to expect.

Recovery time really depends on your age and how active you are and you your pain tolerance. Your doctor will want you to rest for some time, but he will also want you to use your arm to avoid developing a frozen shoulder. Physical therapy is very necessary and even though you won't feel much like sewing - maybe some hand sewing, embroidery or crochet or knitting.

I bought a few counted cross stitch ornaments to work on when I needed something to do that I could finish fairly quickly. And I have been hand sewing a tumbling blocks quilt for years - all head sewn, with the diamonds. It travels well.

I handled Workers' Compensation claims for 35 years, and one thing I would tell my injured workers instead of having the doctor tell you what you can't do, ask him/her what you can do. That is not to say to over do anything - follow Dr's orders but ask what you can do and don't focus on what you can't do. As you recover you will be able to do more and more.

Good luck with your recovery and will say a special prayer for you. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.

Cyn, I had the surgery 1 1/2 yr. ago, but on my left side. It's amazing how much you use your shoulder. I wore the sling about 2 weeks; after that, only when I was in a crowd of people (mainly so they wouldn't bump me). I didn't need pain meds after the 2nd day. The only time I hurt was during physical therapy--take some ibuprofen before you go the first few times. Make sure you do the exercises at home. You may think you'll never have your range of motion again, but at the 6 month mark, I got mine back--seems like it was all at once.
You should be able to cross-stitch or crochet after a week or two. Knitting might be more difficult because of moving your shoulder to yarn over. Maybe some puzzle books, make some yo-yo's, --you probably won't be down as long as you think. Good luck with the recuperation!

It also depends on exactly what they do. Rotator cuff very complicated joint. They cut out a pc of bone on mine. I think that was my big issue.still hurts to touch. I have full motion which I didn't expect, and didn't have to go for therapy. I worked it as pain allowed and when I went for follow up dr was pleased. My MIL had surgery and not nearly the pain I had. I hope yours is good. Whatever you do, follow dr orders and don't overdo. Good luck, my prayers are with you.

When your doctor and therapist allows why not try a wall hanging, only instead of sewing, do it all with glue? You can precut everything ahead of time or buy a kit. Good time to make a seasonal one out of felt , so that raw seams are no problem. Maybe give it to your therapist when you're finished if it isn't the type of thing you usually like.

I was scheduled to have rotater cuff surgery on the 29th we had a blizzard so I cancelled it I have had surgery on that shoulder 7 years ago and did forget how long it takes to recover. I am not real young so it will take a little longer time will tell. Good luck on your surgery and listen to the doctors and therapists

Thank you so much for the helpful advise and kind words. I'm going to pull out my english paper piecing and have that ready along with nook, magazines and books. The tv is full of old movies since I don't watch tv except sewing/quilting/crafts shows which always makes my creative juices flow! I will follow dr and p. therapist orders! I'm 53 and very healthy /active person. I do feel sorry for dogs and cats because they will have to find somewhere else to sleep for a while! Thanks again for the help and God Bless You All!

For the best possible outcome, please follow the physio/dr instructions on what to do. I agree with "quiltingcandy" who says to ask what you can do vs what you can't do. Keeping as active as possible within the allowed limits will give the best possible outcome.
Pain meds before physio are great and necessary, but please do not use the meds to allow you to do what you know you shouldn't. Not saying you would, just a precaution from someone who has seen many a person overdo things because they wanted to do something, or show they could "push through" and paid a price.
The success in the end will be determined by how closely you follow your limitations/exercises/physio with influence from your personal health/healing.
Overdoing it in the beginning may lead to a less than ideal outcome. And no guarantees that a repeat surgery will be successful.
Good luck, and I hope you will be back to your regular quilting soon!!!

Having had 3 rotor cuff repairs on my right side I learned how to use my fingers to do what my hand use to do! Good luck on your surgery!

Thanks for the advice! I'm doing what I've been told. I do leave off the sling now a lot but I am VERY careful not to overdo my right arm. I finally start pt in another week. It's been two weeks since my surgery. The doc fixed a dime size hole in the rotator cuff and a bone spur. For the most part everything is good except I'm going crazy without my usual active creative activities to keep me entertained. I'm bored. But there's no use getting worked up cause that's what injuries do for you.

Agree with sylvia. Have had 2 this year due to fall. 3 all together. Have reached a junction where not progessing. Can do a little sewing but no free motion or hand work. Even lifting is to hard. Listen to dr. ask pt when and what you are able to do. Good luck.