You will know when/if you need surgery. However, keep in mind that the repair may become more difficult as time goes by. You can probably find tears in the shoulders of many older people if you went looking for them. As you already noted, the issues are pain and can you do what you want to do.
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Originally Posted by PPLEPEU
I too have rotator cuff issues that became more acute this winter. I saw two doctors, one here in The Villages and one in Tampa.
The Villages ortho was Dr. Krizmanich -- a recent addition to the Villages Health network. He practices out of the specialty center behind the Brownwood Publix. He came here from Fort Wayne, IN. Not certain if he retired from his practice there (he's about that age), or if he just wanted a change of pace. Seemed very competent and straightforward.
The Tampa ortho was Dr. Mark Frankle. He was highly recommended by several friends here in The Villages. He's practiced for 33 years and has glowing reviews on Vitals.
FWIW, I could no longer sleep and had lost significant use of my right arm by the time I saw Dr. Krizmanich last fall. After a review of X-Rays/MRI, he recommended Physical Therapy before a follow-up visit.
The PT alleviated 80% of the blinding pain and helped me regain about 50% of the lost range of motion. Excellent work on which I followed up with a home exercise program.
I saw Dr. Frankle to obtain a 2nd opinion after several friends recommended I do so. To me, it seemed like he was a true specialist, seeing hundreds of people with shoulder/knee issues.
Both doctors now say the next steps are up to me -- shoulder surgery decisions are all about quality of life issues. For now, I'll keep exercising and wait.
BTW, I had BC/BS insurance and both doctors were in-network.
Good luck with your treatment!
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