View Full Version : Surgery Tuesday
Damn the ortho docs move fast. Just seen them Thursday and already got a surgery Tuesday.
On the 20th I was at work and we were hanging a piece of switch gear. The can weighed about 150lbs. We were trying to be safe. Using a chain hoist to lift. As we were lowering it the can came to rest on a pipe. I being on the ground yelled hold on it's on a pipe. I guess I wasn't heard very well because he slacked up the chain hoist some more. I pull it off the pipe and the whole weight instantly dropped. I felt 2 quick pops down by the elbow and it was some pretty damn impressive pain. I was going to go to the ER right then but the pain started to go away so I stayed and worked.
Later that night it still was kind of hurting and when I took a shower I thought holy fuck that doesn't look right. My bicep looked farther up my arm then the other arm. Went to the ER and doc figured I tore the tendon and referred me to ortho. Xray and MRI confirmed.
So as I understand they are going to cut me open reach up and pull the tendon back down and reattach. Looks like light duty for a long time.
OtterbatHellcat
12-03-2017, 18:00
Damn!! Sorry you're going through that ordeal.
I tore the sheath on my bicep tendon a while back and they just cut the tendon....instead of fixing it. Said the chances of healing success from surgery were not highly likely.
Getting ambidextrous quick is gonna help ya.
Bailey Guns
12-03-2017, 18:10
That sucks, man. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.
kidicarus13
12-03-2017, 18:12
Worker's comp is better than the bills coming from your bank account.
gnihcraes
12-03-2017, 18:12
Best wishes. Hopefully we can get some snow and you can just chill. (no going out and shoveling etc.)
GilpinGuy
12-03-2017, 18:32
Good luck with the surgery. Spend your down time with family and relax.
Ouch! Wish you the best in your recovery! Don't overdo it and follow the instructions for PT.
Ouch! That hurts just to read about it. Hope you get patched together as good as new. Make them give you some good pain meds. Don't worry, be happy. Take time to heal.
Distal bicep tendon rupture? I did that in 2013 . . . sucked. Do you know what kind of repair is being done (endobutton or suture anchor)? The reason they move fast is that the tendon starts to retract and scar pretty much from the get-go, so they like to get in and repair ASAP to get the best outcome.
This site has a ton of good info on the injury, recovery and rehab. Let me know if you have any questions and I can try to answer.
http://tendonsurgeryinfo.com/distalbiceps/index.php
Distal bicep tendon rupture? I did that in 2013 . . . sucked. Do you know what kind of repair is being done (endobutton or suture anchor)? The reason they move fast is that the tendon starts to retract and scar pretty much from the get-go, so they like to get in and repair ASAP to get the best outcome.
This site has a ton of good info on the injury, recovery and rehab. Let me know if you have any questions and I can try to answer.
http://tendonsurgeryinfo.com/distalbiceps/index.php
They said the button surgery
SideShow Bob
12-03-2017, 19:11
Tough luck man, wishing you a speedy recovery.
Take it easy, and if we finally get any snow, let the minions do the shoveling.
They said the button surgery
OK . . . that's the most common and has the "fastest" initial recovery (has the highest immediate strength of repair) and allows a bit less conservative rehab vs suture anchor, which is what I had done so mine was a bit slower and more conservative. But yeah, you'll pretty much be limited to not much of anything the first month post-op and will probably be in a ROM brace that will gradually get extended. Probably limited to not much heavier than a cup of coffee or a bit more when that comes off and gradual rehab and lifting after that.
Definitiely get into the PT and follow their instructions. It's kind of a slow, frustrating recovery and expect several months of taking it steady. Once you get going on the rehab it comes back pretty fast. Probably 6 - 12 months to get back to unrestricted activity (like 100% back to normal for strength and lifting/stress).
Mine after the injury (popped in jujitsu)
https://i.imgur.com/vXnAqyy.jpg
Post-cast-removal atrophy on the left . . . rehab progress by Jan.
https://i.imgur.com/ssLTSUG.jpg
OK . . . that's the most common and has the "fastest" initial recovery (has the highest immediate strength of repair) and allows a bit less conservative rehab vs suture anchor, which is what I had done so mine was a bit slower and more conservative. But yeah, you'll pretty much be limited to not much of anything the first month post-op and will probably be in a ROM brace that will gradually get extended. Probably limited to not much heavier than a cup of coffee or a bit more when that comes off and gradual rehab and lifting after that.
Definitiely get into the PT and follow their instructions. It's kind of a slow, frustrating recovery and expect several months of taking it steady. Once you get going on the rehab it comes back pretty fast. Probably 6 - 12 months to get back to unrestricted activity (like 100% back to normal for strength and lifting/stress).
Will I be able to drive? Raising my son on my own so it's a must.
Will I be able to drive? Raising my son on my own so it's a must.
Which arm was it and was it your dominant arm? Do you drive an automatic or a stick?
I tore my right . . . dominat arm. So I became left-handed overnight and that was tough because I do a ton of computer work. Had to figure out how to use a mouse left-handed and type one-handed (pretty much) one-handed til my cast came off. Although I did figure out how to hold a pencil upside down with the right hand and could type with the eraser, LOL. You won't have a cast most likely--maybe a temporary brace/splint/bandage for a week or two and then a brace I would guess. So you will have a little more mobility than I did--which is good.
Driving one handed wasn't a huge problem for me because I have an automatic and drove left handed. Once I got the car started I could manage to shift into gears left handed with a little practice. Wasn't easy but I drove myself around a few days after the surgery with the temporary brace on and then to/from my appointment to get the cast on.
The big thing post op is avoiding sudden impacts and weight bearing that stresses the repair site while the tendon is healing back to the tuberosity. Re-rutures are far more rare with the endobutton but you have to be really protective of it for that first couple months.
Which arm was it and was it your dominant arm? Do you drive an automatic or a stick?
I tore my right . . . dominat arm. So I became left-handed overnight and that was tough because I do a ton of computer work. Had to figure out how to use a mouse left-handed and type one-handed (pretty much) one-handed til my cast came off. Although I did figure out how to hold a pencil upside down with the right hand and could type with the eraser, LOL. You won't have a cast most likely--maybe a temporary brace/splint/bandage for a week or two and then a brace I would guess. So you will have a little more mobility than I did--which is good.
Driving one handed wasn't a huge problem for me because I have an automatic and drove left handed. Once I got the car started I could manage to shift into gears left handed with a little practice. Wasn't easy but I drove myself around a few days after the surgery with the temporary brace on and then to/from my appointment to get the cast on.
The big thing post op is avoiding sudden impacts and weight bearing that stresses the repair site while the tendon is healing back to the tuberosity. Re-rutures are far more rare with the endobutton but you have to be really protective of it for that first couple months.
Thankfully it is my left arm and I am right handed. My truck is an automatic so it shouldn't be to big of an issue.
Thankfully it is my left arm and I am right handed. My truck is an automatic so it shouldn't be to big of an issue.
You'll be fine driving, then. And you'll be SO glad it wasn't your right arm.
OtterbatHellcat
12-03-2017, 20:08
Yep.
Crash course Wrong hand for everything is really awkward real fast.
Been there Sparky God Bless for a quick recovery. I suggest as soon as they give you the go ahead to start moving it, its goning to be painful but everything you can do to help the healing and flexibility of it the better off you'll be longterm.
Been there Sparky God Bless for a quick recovery. I suggest as soon as they give you the go ahead to start moving it, its goning to be painful but everything you can do to help the healing and flexibility of it the better off you'll be longterm.
Thanks
cableguy11
12-03-2017, 21:24
Button surgery 2007 if I remember correctly. I am going to have to learn to take smaller pictures..new phone!
https://i.imgur.com/TKSvXP5.jpg
Good luck to ya man! That hurts just reading about it.
Wow, that sucks, Hope everything goes well and you mend properly.
Fentonite
12-04-2017, 02:55
Good luck! I thought for sure this was gonna be about your knee...
Good luck! I thought for sure this was gonna be about your knee...
I wish. Those are still a mess as well
StagLefty
12-04-2017, 08:30
Good Luck on rehab and take your time healing !
UncleDave
12-04-2017, 08:42
A buddy of mine had that surgery 8 years ago or so. Caught a falling plank from a scaffold and popped the tendon. They basically screwed the tendon back to the bone. He has made a full recovery.
Damn! Sorry to hear that. I know your pain- I got hurt during training back in Oct, and have a partially torn ligament in my left hand. I'm on light duty til at least Jan. Hope you heal up well and get back at, but take your time, let it heal properly so it doesn't become an issue later. My dad tore his bicep tendon years ago and he got back to 100% after they re-attached it.
Surgery went well. OMG when I woke up I was in the worst pain I ever felt. They stabbed my neck to give me a nerve blocker and a big dose of dilaudid. I actually only had to use the pain killers a couple days and I am off them completely. I did sleep in my recliner for a few days because I couldn't get comfortable in bed. Going back to Ortho on the 18th and will hopefully get this cast removed. Physical therapy to start after the new year.
Great-Kazoo
12-10-2017, 09:31
Surgery went well. OMG when I woke up I was in the worst pain I ever felt. They stabbed my neck to give me a nerve blocker and a big dose of dilaudid. I actually only had to use the pain killers a couple days and I am off them completely. I did sleep in my recliner for a few days because I couldn't get comfortable in bed. Going back to Ortho on the 18th and will hopefully get this cast removed. Physical therapy to start after the new year.
PT will be a major help, good to hear your use of meds is minimal and feeling better.
Glad it went well. The big thing once you get out of casts & braces (I'd imagine a ROM brace is probably coming next but sometimes they don't do that with the endobutton) is getting the range of motion & flexibility back in the elbow and wrist. They'll be stiff as heck and then you have to carefully work towards getting that DBP stretched back out again since it retracts from the injury and the lack of use. Expect some loss of grip strength as well to work through and be prepared for some atrophy in the upper arm and forearm--it goes away fast when you don't use it, but yours should be far less than mine was.
That link I posted has a lot of info on rehab and exercises once you are cleared . . . gives you a good idea what to expect.
Glad to hear you're bouncing back. When you do start PT, just remember to do what they ask without the urge of pushing yourself to do more. This is one of those situations where more isn't 'better'. Once you're healed, then you can kick it up a notch.
pickenup
12-11-2017, 00:33
^^^What he said^^^
PT is important.
Glad to hear you're bouncing back. When you do start PT, just remember to do what they ask without the urge of pushing yourself to do more. This is one of those situations where more isn't 'better'. Once you're healed, then you can kick it up a notch.
This is VERY true with a DBT rupture and repair. It needs to heal up in the immediate term and it really is one of those things where pushing yourself can be more than just counterproductive--it can lead to a lot of complications and even re-injury. That's one of the hardest things to get your head around with this surgery--that it's a marathon and requires patience. Don't lift more than your surgeon clears you for and don't push harder than your PT advises/teaches.
Once you are past that PT phase and are released to do your own lifting/rehab, you'll get some general guidance on how to do that and how to ratchet it up. There is some "no pain, no gain" involved there as it will almost certainly be uncomfortable in spots and you do have to push through it. But you have to do it smartly, slowly, and it small bites. I remember going over to a lady at the gym when she was putting away a 20 pound curl bar and asking if she was done with it. She kind of laughed thinking I was kidding or picking up on her. I said, no . . . I am serious . . . I'm rehabbing a bicep rupture . . . and I proceeded to grit my teeth and sweat bullets doing reps with it.
It's a slow, painful, frustrating slog . . . but the nice thing is that you see small improvements every day and you'll feel much more back to normal in a few months.
This is VERY true with a DBT rupture and repair. It needs to heal up in the immediate term and it really is one of those things where pushing yourself can be more than just counterproductive--it can lead to a lot of complications and even re-injury. That's one of the hardest things to get your head around with this surgery--that it's a marathon and requires patience. Don't lift more than your surgeon clears you for and don't push harder than your PT advises/teaches.
Once you are past that PT phase and are released to do your own lifting/rehab, you'll get some general guidance on how to do that and how to ratchet it up. There is some "no pain, no gain" involved there as it will almost certainly be uncomfortable in spots and you do have to push through it. But you have to do it smartly, slowly, and it small bites. I remember going over to a lady at the gym when she was putting away a 20 pound curl bar and asking if she was done with it. She kind of laughed thinking I was kidding or picking up on her. I said, no . . . I am serious . . . I'm rehabbing a bicep rupture . . . and I proceeded to grit my teeth and sweat bullets doing reps with it.
It's a slow, painful, frustrating slog . . . but the nice thing is that you see small improvements every day and you'll feel much more back to normal in a few months.
I'm already struggling with not using the arm. Old habits I guess.
DNA tests have shown that most present day physical therapist have direct historical ties to angry Catholic Nuns and 15th century Spanish Inquisition 'investigators'.
PT can be rough but you can do it. Stick with it and fill us in on the progress. Best of luck and thoughts your way.
OtterbatHellcat
12-11-2017, 19:12
Yeah, it's a bitch, but you can do normal stuff...like "wiping", sooner than you would think. Buttoning pants and tying shoes....all that is a pain in the ass early on.
Hold hope, you'll be using your arm soon, just wait it out and do what they tell ya to do.
I'm already struggling with not using the arm. Old habits I guess.
Wait til you drop something or someone else does and you reach for it really quick with the repaired arm. That'll wake you up in the morning. Pretty much everyone I know who had the injury did that at least once.
:D
OtterbatHellcat
12-11-2017, 19:29
I did it....getting a pot to make spaghetti. The pot began to fall when I was grabbing it out of the cabinet, wrong arm "save grab attempt".
I think I went back to the couch and cried a little bit, and wondered if I had messed up all the work that was done.
Sparky......DON'T DO THAT!
I know a guy, Harold the Hook, that has a false arm. He's was in residential construction management with a major homebuilder. One of a kind guy, really good. Anyone remember him?
Anyway, he had the typical shoulder strap setup and ended up tearing something in his GOOD shoulder that needed surgery.
Talk about a compassionate wife!
I did it....getting a pot to make spaghetti. The pot began to fall when I was grabbing it out of the cabinet, wrong arm "save grab attempt".
I think I went back to the couch and cried a little bit, and wondered if I had messed up all the work that was done.
Sparky......DON'T DO THAT!
Yeah, I had more than one of those kinds of things. That jolt that runs up your arm is a real treat.
I was pretty sure I re-ruptured mine at one point. We had an emergency with our german shepherd and had to get him to the vet ASAP. He was about 70 pounds at the time and he wouldn't/couldn't jump in the back of my Xterra. Was a little panicked and I didn't really think about it and I picked him up. His weight shifted and there was a POP that I felt right at the repair site and it hurt like hell--my wife even heard it from 6 feet away. This was probably when I was supposed to be limited to picking up less than 20 lbs. The arm felt weird/painful and I said some choice words and drove to the vet.
By the time we got to the vet, the arm felt a little better and felt pretty normal the next day. I went to see the surgeon convinced I jacked it up and he examined it and said I was fine and had ripped up a bunch of scar tissue. Whew.
OtterbatHellcat
12-11-2017, 19:46
Besides the pain, I do remember hearing a noise too, I really did think I wrecked the repair at that time.
Don't use the bad arm to pull the truck door closed.
Don't use the bad arm to pull the truck door closed.
Yeah . . . that's probably a bad idea.
:D
Yeah . . . that's probably a bad idea.
:D
oh it's not a good idea at all.
Please tell me this cast is coming off tomorrow
Please tell me this cast is coming off tomorrow
Here's hoping they take it off.
If they do, expect your wrist and elbow to be pretty stiff/sore. I had my cast on for a month, so yours won't be as bad as mine was. I'm guessing that they may put you in a ROM brace, but I don't think that's universally true . . . failry common from the people I know that had the endobutton done, though. Regardless, I would uess the surgeon will give you restriction on lifting and what you can do as far as ROM work ahead of PT. The usual instruction that first month post-op is "don't lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee". They'll probably also want you to get going on PT within the next couple weeks.
I had bought some grip trainers for my rehab to get my wrist and forearms strengthened again and I probably still have them around. If you need something like that, let me know and I can see if I can find them and you can borrow them. I might also still have a pulley contraption I made for overhead stretching/extension of the arm.
Here's hoping they take it off.
If they do, expect your wrist and elbow to be pretty stiff/sore. I had my cast on for a month, so yours won't be as bad as mine was. I'm guessing that they may put you in a ROM brace, but I don't think that's universally true . . . failry common from the people I know that had the endobutton done, though. Regardless, I would uess the surgeon will give you restriction on lifting and what you can do as far as ROM work ahead of PT. The usual instruction that first month post-op is "don't lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee". They'll probably also want you to get going on PT within the next couple weeks.
I had bought some grip trainers for my rehab to get my wrist and forearms strengthened again and I probably still have them around. If you need something like that, let me know and I can see if I can find them and you can borrow them. I might also still have a pulley contraption I made for overhead stretching/extension of the arm.
My understanding from the doc pre surgery was cast for a couple weeks then brace. No more than 3lbs at first gradually increasing. PT starts January 5th.
Cast is off and brace on. Starting pt thursday for range of motion. No weight for 6 weeks. This helpless feeling sucks. Brakes are starting to grind and I may have to pay someone to do a job I normally would do myself.
Cast is off and brace on. Starting pt thursday for range of motion. No weight for 6 weeks. This helpless feeling sucks. Brakes are starting to grind and I may have to pay someone to do a job I normally would do myself.
Just wait 'til you get older. [Coffee]
Cast is off and brace on. Starting pt thursday for range of motion. No weight for 6 weeks. This helpless feeling sucks. Brakes are starting to grind and I may have to pay someone to do a job I normally would do myself.
Sounds about right. They are pretty cautious that first 6 - 8 weeks post op. Hopefully your elbow/wrist isn't as stiff as mine were. I would take breaks every couple hours from work and would spend time trying to get my arm back to full extension by stretching. I started with kneeling on the floor with my upper arm on my desk and letting gravity drop the hand down a millimeter at a time. Worked my way up to using a 2 lb weight held in hy hand that would putting more tension on it and would let that stretch a little farther each time. Eventually with a few "reps" after a few weeks it would go full extenstion pretty good.
For the wrist I would watch tv with a hammer in the bad had and would let the weight of the hammer head slowly put pressure to supinate the hand to stretch it out and then go back the other direction. Man . . . that hurt and cracked like crazy going back the other way til it loosened up.
Sleeping with the brace on sucks. Don't tell the doc but I sometimes end up taking it off halfway through the night. lol. Started PT doing some small range of motion exercises. Just trying right now to get full range of motion for the next month then small weight exercises. Doc is pretty serious when he says this isn't a no pain no gain thing. Take it easy and slow.
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