Preparing for shoulder surgery 18-months PCS
 

When I had my accident, I knew I'd damaged my shoulder but thought I could just live with it. (I had surgery on the other shoulder ~6 years ago, and it was a tough recovery that I didn't want to go through again.) I did 5-6 months of ortho PT for my neck and shoulder, then was transferred to a neuro/vestibular PT for another 6 mo after my concussion was diagnosed.

At the 1-year point, I guess I was ready to know what I was dealing with and had an MRI that showed a torn labrum. I did some more PT and continue to work with a PT privately. I finally saw a surgeon a few weeks ago because I'm accepting that it's not going to get any better on its own.

My main motivation is that I still haven't given up on returning to triathlon, hopefully long-course distances. But with the head injury issues I'm not sure that even if my body is fixed that my head will let me go along with my plan (or maybe I should say my wishes). I've been having trouble with my heart rate climbing when I exercise - at this point I can jog 3-4 slow miles before I'm "maxed out." I don't know how much better this will get.

I think I'll still benefit in terms of day-to-day living, like being able to do house- and yard-work, sleep, or carry groceries, without shoulder pain. My neck is slowly improving, which will also help. I've analyzed and talked this out with my PT, and I think that if I don't go for it, I'll regret it.

So... sorry for the long post, but writing it out helps me organize my thoughts. Any suggestions for getting the best possible outcome with the fewest side effects from surgery? I had sinus surgery a few months ago and was extremely dizzy the first day and then had a pretty nasty headache for a few weeks. I've been following most of the suggestions in the vitamin thread, trying to eat healthy, and getting a moderate amount of exercise.

I'm starting to feel a sense of peace about my decision but would still love to hear from anyone who wants to share tips, experiences, faith, or prayers!

I can only relate my recent ear surgery experience where I didn't have the general anesthesia, just what they call the "twilight" anesthesia.

I've felt very nauseous and dizzy right after, but that was expected since they were messing with my inner ear. Pretty much slept for two days after that coming off of the drugs I guess.
Had a hard time standing up as I've felt like I'm going to pass out with some tunnel vision coming in. Basically for two or three days I would only get up to go to the bathroom and eat, and spent most of the time in a recliner.

I had should surgery post concussion. Be careful while on narcotics. I have vestibular damage, and I was black and blue from walking into things, extreme nausea.

Be prepared for difficulties, however, not everyone is the same. This was just my experience