Kneeboard Surfing USA Community Forum

Just got the good news from my orthopod, Subscapularis tendon is not torn, it's split in two! LHB tendon complete medial dislocation, partial thickness tear of the supraspinatus.

That was the good news, until I have the MRI that is. Either way, once I have my opp. Can't drive a car for 4 months (Manual), no sport of any sort for at least six months.

Looks like I'll have to do work on my lower body, abs and my left upper body??

Anyone else been through what I'm about too? How did you manage to keep fit?

Bumps

At least when I ride my new board it will be well cured.

Bumps, I had rotator cuff reconstruct a few years back on the left shoulder and then last year had a the "scrape" on the other shoulder (where they take bit of the impingement off the crown of the shoulder to give you more free movement). Each rehabbed fantastically and am paddling as strong as ever, with no discomfort. I have been teaching Indoor cycling for a number of years, so for fitness post surgery, I just continued to do what I could on the stationary cycle front until I could put both hands on the bars.

My biggest problem was sleeping. I slept in a recliner chair for 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery cause I couldn't sleep flat in bed on by back with my arm in a sling. Good luck with it. I will say it is worth it to be able to surf multilple sessions, multiple days in row.

Thanks Cuz.

I had my shoulder completely rebuilt when I was 16 (24 years ago) by the surgeon for the 49ers.

It was a good 6 months of rehab till I was in the water or on the football field, but it has NEVER dislocated again. (Even though I've broken that collar-bone and separated that shoulder, in addition to many beating.)

Tell your Surgeon to really go for it... make it bullet proof... worry about regaining range of motion in rehab.
Worth the wait.
EQ

Yes, I got the good news yesterday on my November 08 injury.
Supraspinatus hanging onto the bone by a few threads. Surgery recommended.
Options given me were:
1) Pay $4000-5000 for the surgical procedure
2) Join private healthcare, wait the mandated 12 months, then have the procedure and have them pay whatever % (provided they don't exclude it as a pre-existing condition.
3) wait a couple of years in the public elective surgery queue.

I did some research today. Found that surgery is probably essential, but the longer the delay between the tear and the surgery, the more tenuous the connection between the tendon and the bone (because the tendon retracts over time. The more it has to be stretched back into place, the less complete the repair).

Also found that the elective queue median (when half patients have been treated) is 14 days at a hospital 2 hour's drive away and 88 days closer to home (to 300 days at favoured city hospitals).
Being a believer in supporting the public health system (that's why I pay taxes) and trusting the quality of care (based on the doctorate I did in emergency health care) I'm considering getting onto the elective list.

Any experiences or knowledge about problems with delaying surgery?

What experiences with the elective surgery system?

PS Hope you're back in the water Bumps. How'd it go?

Sorry to hear you got to get an op Red...

Pay for it and get it done straight away I wouldn't like to wait for the public system...

Hi Red,

Sorry to hear of your injury. Your reseach is spot on, get it fixed ASAP to avoid complications. The shoulder is such a complex and important joint and I appreciate your comments about Public healthcare. However, a recognised experienced shoulder specialist is the way to go. Do a search on the following site for some reccommendations in Melbourne. http://www.injuryupdate.com.au/forum/archive/index.php The forum on this site might give you some additional information you're seeking.

I've only just got back into paddling...its now 9 months since my op and I still get pain. I've been getting physio in Public Health for 5 months, still need another 2 months. I go every two weeks. I'll see my specialist in 4 weeks to get the all clear to get right back into kneeboarding.

The pain is tremendous, some ops are worse than others, mine was very extensive and required two re-attachments, rotator cuff and acromioplasty(very painful). Your recovery should be much quicker and hope they don't find additional damage when they open you up or scope you. If you've been active, or played extensive contact or throwing type sports throughout your life and are in your mid 40's plus (I'm 50) , the chances are high high that there are wear and tear issues.

My thoughts go out to you red. All the best.

Garry

Thanks for the feedback.
I'll look at options with private surgeons.
Regards
Red

good luck Red
... hope there is a solution for you

I know it used to be the case (not sure if it still is) but if you spent over a certain amount on medical expenses then you could claim ALL of the expenses back on your tax. I THINK limit used to be around $1500 per year. Spend $1499 and calaim nothing, spend $1501 and claim $1501. You still have to pay for it but getting it back on your tax may help..otherwise just sell your old flashies for a lot more
(DAMN@#! NO wait don't do that !!) either way hope your back in the water real soon..

Red,

Mate private is the only way to go as far as I would go!!!! Do not go public you will get a less experienced surgeon/butcher with less advanced techniques.

I have had 3 shoulder reco’s (2 left & 1 right) all via Key hole and each time the 2nd was on the left purely unlucky after coming back a little too early my fault.

Rod Dalziel was my surgeon and I would higher recommend him ,Rod will avoid surgery at all costs.



http://www.melbourneorthopaedics.com.au/


Key hole is less invasive and will require less rehab. I have been back in the water 6 months after mine. It is important that the surgeon understands what movement you want and what stresses you will be under surfing.

They also use titanium dissolvable anchors now and are almost bullet proof in holding tendons done to the bone. The slings that you use is important also during recovery, i.e. sling or pillow this will determine how your shoulder will sit in the joint and effect tension of the ligaments. Having tight ligament at the back of you should is useless if the front is loose. It is important to have even tension.

I can’t stress it enough get a good surgeon !!!!!! My partner is a nurse and has seen a lot of surgeons at work, nurses will tell you who to avoid trust me they see everything.

I would also highly recommend a pyshio that surfs it is important as they understand flexibility and strength required to surf.

It is tax deductible over $1500 also mentioned.


Good Luck

Travis

Red/Bumps
1) DON'T WAIT!
2) Get an experienced surgeon whom is competent in arthroscopy('keyhole' techn) Living in southern California, I had the luxurary of choosing between many experienced surgeons. Like EQ my surgeon is a "sports med" doctor for our local professiomal hockey team.
3) Be dedicated to your physical therapy. It's quite painful but is critical for successfuly returning to the water!

Having said all that. I had a partially torn roatator tendon, a torn labrum( the catillage cup of the scapula where the"ball" of the humerus fits in), and an acromioplasty of my right shoulder ( impingement of the rotator tendon). These injuries can only be accurately diagnosed with a MRI. This was done in 11-06. Then in 10-08 had the identical injury and surgery of my left shoulder! Both procedures were done via the arthroscope as out patient surgery; I was home the same day!
The procedure is painful, but the physical therapy was worse. The second time around was easier as I understood the process and therefore progressed more quickly.

REHAB: I met with a physical therapist that helped with range of motion an srtength exercises. Did this 3 times a week
2 months post-op I began paddling in the calm waters of a boat harbor. I gradually increased my distance and time. I paddled on my largest kneeboard as I wanted to mimic surfing. Once I could paddle for 30 minutes with an easy stroke without stopping, I tried to surf. My big worry was duck diving and being wrenched around in odd angles.
I began surfing 10wks post op on a small day. It was shocking how much extra power and torque it took to catch a wave compared to the easy loping stroke in the bay. It hurt but I just took it easy and surfed small days( which has been most of our shitty winter). In a short time I could surf full out. I still have stifness and soreness in my left shoulder. I expect to make a full recovery like my Rt shoulder. It took about a year for all the pain and stiffness to ressolve.


Realize no two surgical cases are the same there are so many intangibles. Most of us older farts whom paddled 3/4's of their life will have these same wear and tear shoulder problems. My feeling is if you want to keep active and surf HAVE THE SURGERY NOW!
Good Luck, Wayne

..

Red sorry to hear about the required op.

Consider sourcing a surgeon back in South Africa , a lot of brilliant guys here.
And a lot more affordable.

Regards
Terence

WOW, McKnee What you say regarding a public/ "socialized" healthcare systems is quite compelling. Here in the USA it's quite a hotly disputed topic. We have health insurance for those who can afford it. The more you pay the better the care.
Red, heed McKNee regarding the surgery. Maybe you can do the rehab with the public system as you usually have to wait a month for things to heal before starting physical therapy. This should be enough time to arrange for it?