So after avoiding surgery for 10 years it looks like it'll be happening later in the year.
Waiting to see the consultant, but has anyone had the above?
What's recovery time like etc.?
Also been offered the surgery at my local NHS Hospital or the local Private Hospital under the NHS with the same consultant surgeon due to shorter waiting times - any reason not to do this?
Thanks
The private hospital will have less emergency cover out of hours but better hotel services
Ask your surgeon which site has the best infection control?
And as per TJ NHS better facilities if stuff goes pearshaped. Ianad but if extension is towards sternum I would expect higher risk ( was told repair of sternoclavicular dislocation was high risk procedure).
Good luck!
Yes I had distal clavicle excision surgery performed arthroscopically around 17 years ago. I was very painful for the first couple of months after the surgery and sleeping was difficult because of this. It took around 6 months to recover but probably around 2 years for me to be able to sleep on the affected side pain-free. The first 2 weeks post-op were the worst as I could feel and hear the bone ends clunking together when I moved it and it was really sore - I was on high dose of paracetamol, diclofenac and tramadol. I also had an interscaline nerve block for the surgery and had an On-Q PainBuster for the first few days to use if the pain got really bad. It is pretty good now though, there is only a slight reduction in range of motion compared to the other side and it's pretty much pain free.
@neiladams thanks for the reply - greatly appreciated.
How long until you could drive etc.?
Thanks again.
It was around 2 weeks before I could drive, mostly because I had to wait until I was off the Tramadol. I was in a sling for a few days post-op. Started basic passive range of motion exercises within a few days of having the surgery and I would recommend really following the post-op physiotherapy / exercise rehabilitation programme as much as your pain allows as this reduces the recovery time and gives a better outcome. The main issue I had was trying to get comfortable enough to sleep and I think this is quite common. I found lying on my back with a pillow supporting my affected arm was the comfiest way.
Thanks again @neiladams 👍
Next question how long before you were back on the bike?
Thanks again.
X-rays and scans on 29th and Consultant on 2nd - so will also see what they have to say.
