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Post by majorminor on Sept 28, 2023 8:04:41 GMT -5
Morning. Met with an orthopedic surgeon yesterday. He basically said he could operate next Tuesday and I shouldn't wait any longer than that if I'm gonna do it, but given my age, job, and general lifestyle he recommended not having surgery. I'm going to have some strength loss doing certain things but my function going forward without surgery would be fairly normal and I'll figure out how to do certain things differently vs. 6-8 weeks in a sling sleeping in a chair to go from 85% to 95% function doing those few tasks that are affected(like turning a screwdriver). So decision time.
Anybody been through this or know of someone who didn't have surgery to repair a ruptured bicep tendon at the elbow?
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Post by Marshall on Sept 28, 2023 8:13:10 GMT -5
I fell asleep in a chair yesterday. It was quite nice.
Nothing else to add. Best to you, Mountain Man.
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Post by AlanC on Sept 28, 2023 8:24:39 GMT -5
I have not been in that position and I don't have that real decision facing me. That said, my opinion as to what I would do if faced with those options is as follows: I would not have the surgery. There are many downsides to having someone cut on you (hospitals, insurance, co-pays, recovery, pain, being immobilized for a period of time, blah, blah, blah) all for a projected 10% increase (possibly a WAG). It doesn't seem like much of an upside. My $0.02.
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Post by Marty on Sept 28, 2023 8:26:24 GMT -5
Having had Polio as a toddler and less than 50% function in most of my right arm movements, one learns to adapt. Although since I've always had the problem you will notice it a lot more, but you will adapt.
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Post by majorminor on Sept 28, 2023 8:26:46 GMT -5
Yeah I know. Just curious. I'll be fine either way. Shopping for one of these:
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Post by John B on Sept 28, 2023 8:27:31 GMT -5
"given my age, job, and general lifestyle"
What does that mean? Are you too old? Do you not use your biceps much? Just wondering what factors into that decision.
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Post by Marty on Sept 28, 2023 8:27:58 GMT -5
I fell asleep in a chair yesterday. It was quite nice. Nothing else to add. Best to you, Mountain Man. Riley and I did that too.
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Post by majorminor on Sept 28, 2023 8:40:39 GMT -5
"given my age, job, and general lifestyle" What does that mean? Are you too old? Do you not use your biceps much? Just wondering what factors into that decision. Yes - if younger or you like to say....rock climb, or your job involves a lot of repetitive biceps use doing certain range of motion and duration tasks surgery more likely to be recommended(with this doc anyway) The docs probably can speak to this better than I can but a majority of the bicep muscle you use is not hooked to that tendon. Flexion strength - curling something to you - is an average of 15% strength loss if not repaired. Supination involves rotating your palm and the strength and endurance loss going forward will likely be greater - like 30%. The most common daily work task affected is say turning a screw driver. You can do it, but your are weaker, and get fatigued doing that task for longer periods. I tore this on Sept 8 and it's taken this long to wade thru the medical/insurance system. Other than being a little cautious when someone handed me a big box of apples, or fully extending my arm with weight on it, I can't say I notice it all that much in my day to day life. I don't particularly want to grab a 100lb door and move it around, but playing guitar, writing, typing, reaching up in to cupboard, eating, moving guitar amps are all OK. I haven't tried throwing a ball yet.
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Post by Cornflake on Sept 28, 2023 8:42:23 GMT -5
I don't have any relevant experience but I think I'd skip the surgery and make the necessary adjustments to your behavior. I agree with Alan about the disadvantages of surgery.
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Post by majorminor on Sept 28, 2023 8:45:49 GMT -5
I have not been in that position and I don't have that real decision facing me. That said, my opinion as to what I would do if faced with those options is as follows: I would not have the surgery. There are many downsides to having someone cut on you (hospitals, insurance, co-pays, recovery, pain, being immobilized for a period of time, blah, blah, blah) all for a projected 10% increase (possibly a WAG). It doesn't seem like much of an upside. My $0.02. Yeah that's how I'm currently processing things as well.
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Post by coachdoc on Sept 28, 2023 8:47:50 GMT -5
I’ve had patients who got away without the surgery and did just fine with PT. Others regretted not having the surgery. They tended younger and less inclined to vigorous PT.
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Post by Shannon on Sept 28, 2023 9:02:02 GMT -5
I've also had patients who opted not to have the surgery, and they've all adjusted.
Young athletic folks would be happier having the surgery done, at least in my observation.
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Post by Cosmic Wonder on Sept 28, 2023 9:27:31 GMT -5
Steve, I have nothing of substance to add, but I wish fir you Al, the best.
Mike
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Post by epaul on Sept 28, 2023 13:10:02 GMT -5
You are a mature, married man. Skip the surgery. You'll get by just fine.
Now, if you were young and single...
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Post by Marshall on Sept 28, 2023 14:05:11 GMT -5
"No more monkeys jumping on the bed !"
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Post by RickW on Sept 28, 2023 19:16:17 GMT -5
Yeah, having been through some physical aggravations — I’d not do it either. So many things can go wrong with surgery, on top of your other reasons, it doesn’t seem like a good risk/reward ratio. Healing takes so long as you get older as well.
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Post by david on Sept 28, 2023 19:33:44 GMT -5
Electric screwdrivers are up there with sliced bread, regardless of bicep tendon status
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Post by Rob Hanesworth on Sept 28, 2023 21:35:12 GMT -5
I made a list of the surgeries needed to correct the various flaws in my body. It was a long list. It would probably take 15 years to complete, allowing for recovery time between surgeries. I would be 91 then, but I would be a damn perfect 91.
The first surgery will be soon, the right knee replacement. I doubt I will get very far though the list.
😝
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Post by epaul on Sept 29, 2023 0:55:41 GMT -5
I'm getting my new right knee in mid-November.
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Post by howard lee on Sept 29, 2023 6:50:47 GMT -5
Electric screwdrivers are up there with sliced bread, regardless of bicep tendon status
Electric Screwdrivers was a great psychedelic band in the 1960s. I saw their New York debut when I was in my early teens. Fans were driven to see them.
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