INJURY LOG: SLAP repair, prehab / surgery / rehabilitation training log

Gutterpump

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INJURY LOG: SLAP repair, bicep tenodesis recovery log

Hi everyone, I hope some people will find this thread useful. I'm mainly creating this to keep myself motivated throughout my recovery from surgery.

After a lot of research and talking to other athletes that have been through the surgery, I'm now ready to get mine done fairly soon and will begin to log everything leading up to and including the rehabilitation process.

Here are the details:

SLAP tear on my left shoulder occurred in January during a MAX bench press attempt after being out of the gym for a month due to pneumonia.

I caught a lift off on the bench with my arms locked out, and the weight bounced. Did my 1RM fine. Felt OK. 2 days later I did a killer shoulder workout, and felt severe pain after heavy upright rows (taking these completely out of the routine now). Took 3 weeks off, returned feeling OK but again severe pain after the workout. Got an MRI w/contrast done, and I've got a SLAP tear, with the superior portion of my labrum torn away from the bone.

Surgery will be in around 2 weeks. Getting a traditional SLAP repair done.

Here is the current plan, which will obviously change as time goes on:

Keep going to the gym doing lower body work, but start training the opposite side of the injury (upper body) since this utilizes the opposite side for stability without causing further injury. Reason being - delay atrophy in injured area and aid the rehab/recovery process.

Here will be the routine for the time being, pre and post surgery:

MWF - fullbody, volume training only

(I used to train 5/3/1 w/'Periodization Bible' assistance work, combination of strength and hypertrophy focused training, pretty much a power building routine)

Monday

Squat w/safety bar (good morning bar that has the handles in front) - 2 sets of 10
GHR - 3 sets of 5-8
Split Squats - 2 sets of 8 (with dumbbells) - this will change while I'm in the sling, for obvious reasons (balance, lack of 2 free hands)

flat DB bench - 3 sets of 10 on the uninjured side
DB rows - 3 sets of 10 on uninjured side
standing DB press - 3 sets of 10 on uninjured side

GHR situps - unsure of reps/sets yet

Wednesday

Squat w/safety bar (good morning bar) - 2 sets of 10
GHR - 3 sets of 5-8
Split Squats - 2 sets of 8 (with dumbbells) - this will change while I'm in the sling, for obvious reasons (balance, lack of 2 free hands)

One arm kettle bell work - TBD

GHR situps - unsure of reps/sets yet

FRIDAY

Squat w/safety bar (good morning bar) - 2 sets of 10
GHR - 3 sets of 5-8
Split Squats - 2 sets of 8 (with dumbbells) - this will change while I'm in the sling, for obvious reasons (balance, lack of 2 free hands)

flat DB bench - 3 sets of 10 on the uninjured side
DB rows - 3 sets of 10 on uninjured side
standing DB press - 3 sets of 10 on uninjured side

GHR situps - unsure of reps/sets yet

SUNDAY

mobility work only (I will be doing some mobility work daily, but Sunday is a 1.5 hour dedicated time for mobility)

----------------------------------------------------------

The above training will be done before surgery is done, and also post surgery while in a sling. I'll likely begin training one week post surgery again. The sling comes off 4 weeks post surgery, and I will be adding in REHAB work for the repaired shoulder, while keeping the above routine active.

If anyone wants to add their 2 cents, has questions, or wants to join in, feel free! If not, feel free to read along and follow my progress. Mods, I thought the Exercise Science forum was a good place for a Rehab/Recovery log, but feel free to move this to the Training Logs forum if you think it'd be better there.
 

saderboy80

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I have had a slap and bankart repair surgery, and the second time a revision for both. Before both surgeries the tears were larger then 180deg. And as for my surgeon, physical therapist and regular doctor they all stated that besides rehab and walking the first 4wks post-op, you are not allowed any other exercise. I was not even able to do the stationary bike for quite some time. I would ask your surgeon for a specific timeline for lifting/exercise in general, as all surgeons have there preference to things.

My advice is dont take things to fast with the exercise....you'll regret it. And work your ass off in those therapy sessions and sometimes they will cut short the nnumber of sessions you need.
 
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Here is my reasoning for my plan, quoted from the person I've been consulting with:

i was not impressed by the referral so took it upon myself to find my preferred specialist, specifically a sports orthopedic surgeon, i settled for Dr Zvijac who happens to be head orthopedic surgeon for Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL). When i met with him it was like he was talking a different language to original doc. He told me i would be back playing golf in 12 weeks in addition to many other positive outcomes. After meeting with him i decided to have the surgery, i had to wait approx 4 weeks, during this time i completely shut it down (no golf/no gym).

Had surgery Nov 16th 2011, surgical notes say classic type 2 SLAP 11 to 1 o'clock in addition to small tearing of supraspinatus and debridement of frayed posterior labral tear. Post surgery i was scheduled to meet Dr. Zvijac 21st November, just 5 days after surgery. Stitches were removed and surprisingly he advised only to wear sling for comfort and when in busy public places, needless to say sling came off when i got home and never wore it again. He also advised that gym was good, work the good side and stationary bike is best for cardio. I was also given a PT prescription and advised to start immediately. My first PT session was 9 days after surgery, i remember the physiotherapist commenting "this prescription is aggressive", i was doing active assist immediately i.e. pulley, spider crawl and some isometrics. I had PT 3 times a week and on off days just followed what i was doing in PT at home or in gym. I never did more or less, just what i was cleared to do however i followed my PT schedule religiously and never took a day off.
My plan may change, depending on what my surgeon says, but overall it should remain the same. I am unsure if I will start my training again in the couple weeks prior to surgery though.
 
Gutterpump

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The surgery is tomorrow morning, so the log will begin tomorrow.

So far I have my oxycotin/tylenol blend RX for the first couple days post op, as well as a medical professional coming over to my place this evening to setup a cold compression device for use at home. I wasn't aware that I'd be receiving this as part of rehab, and it's fully covered by my insurance.
 

saderboy80

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The surgery is tomorrow morning, so the log will begin tomorrow.

So far I have my oxycotin/tylenol blend RX for the first couple days post op, as well as a medical professional coming over to my place this evening to setup a cold compression device for use at home. I wasn't aware that I'd be receiving this as part of rehab, and it's fully covered by my insurance.

Make sure you have someone changing the ice for yoou every 3hrs on those things. Makes a big difference in recovery time
 

houstontexas

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Just had my slap tear and impingement taken care of yesterday afternoon so I'm in my sling for 4wks now as well. Been eating like crap this whole week. Definitely need to get it together. Hope your surgery goes/went well.
 
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Make sure you have someone changing the ice for yoou every 3hrs on those things. Makes a big difference in recovery time

The machine I have does all the cooling itself and keeps it at a constant temp while also adding compression with air (it's all automated). It's all covered by insurance too!
 
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Just had my slap tear and impingement taken care of yesterday afternoon so I'm in my sling for 4wks now as well. Been eating like crap this whole week. Definitely need to get it together. Hope your surgery goes/went well.
Yeah I've been eating poorly the past few days after surgery as well. I just had the surgery on Friday. I'm sitting here at my desk now with the sling off and typing, and I'm also starting rehab. I thought it was quick to start so early in my first week but I guess my Dr doesn't think so.

Now that I'm not on pain meds, my diet, etc will come back to normal. I'll post a full report in a minute on how the surgery, etc went.
 
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So, surgery was a success on Friday. I went to the hospital in the morning and we started everything around 10am. By 10:30 I was getting my nerve block and being put under. That's the last thing I remember. I then woke up, asked what time it was and was told it was 4:45. Right then I knew the surgery was a bit longer than I'd expected, so I knew they must've done some extra work in there.

I went in thinking I had a bad SLAP tear and that my biceps tendon was healthy (according to the MRI done w/contrast). This was false.

My SLAP tear was not bad, and only required 1 anchor.

My biceps tendon WAS bad, and half of it was torn and retracted. They had to do a bicep tenodesis. My Dr showed me the photos of the procedure, and showed me how they drilled a hole through my arm bone and used a T anchor for my bicep tendon relocation, instead of just a hole and a screw. He said this is extremely strong. My bicep is very sensitive right now though..

They also saw fraying of my rotator cuff and so they did a debridement of it and cleaned it up.

Overall, the damage wasn't as bad as expected, even though we thought that biceps was healthy. My Dr thought it strange that the MRI didn't pickup the torn biceps tendon at all though.

-----------------------------

Day of surgery: Went home a couple hours after waking up. Had to keep taking full dose of percs every 4 hours for pain. Used the cold compression machine that my Dr hooked me up with. Couldn't sleep till 3am for some reason.

Day after surgery: Still very sore. Pain meds in use all day, but only 1/2 dose. Slept very well at night, kept myself slightly elevated using a ton of pillows and wore sling to bed.

2 days after surgery: No more pain meds, trying to get some movement in my arm after speaking with Dr. Passively moving elbow joint and shoulder joint to prevent / fight stiffness.

MONDAY the 2nd - my 3rd day post op: Had an appointment with Dr, he removed all the dressings and put bandaids over stitches. He did some flexibility movements with me overhead (I was shocked), while supporting the bicep. Bent elbow (while laying down), as he rotated my arm overhead. Also movement of my arm with external rotation while laying down. He then wrote a prescription for PT - 2 days a week of flexibility work with a therapist, while also prescribing work for home.
 
napalm

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Congrats on getting it fixed. My advice (drawn from 5 shoulder surgeries) is:

1. Work it early (meaning immediately after surgery)
2. Work it hard - within reason, the first few weeks of PT will just be ROM.
2. Work it often

Good luck, I'll be following along!
 
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thanks! today was my first day of PT since the surgery last friday. I'm a bit behind with it and my log because I made the stupid decision to not book any time off the week after surgery, besides the monday. I'm working from home off my laptop but by the time 5-6 rolls around, all I want to do is veg with my automated cryocuff and just blaze (I stopped the percs after 2.5 days).

PT was good today though. We just worked on ROM like you said.

- 10min or so of heat
- slight check/massage of supporting musculature around the injuries

- 90-100 degrees upwards with the pully's. Did about 16 of them holding at top for 5-8 seconds. Anterior delt was hurting/locking up a bit

- standing against wall, pull / pinch shoulders back so they're both touching the wall with my shoulder blades. this was fine

- massage of areas

- got some kinesio tape placed on my bicep to help it stop spasming during the day (from the tenodesis)

- ice for a while then left their office

I'm likely missing a few things we did as well, but he was mainly testing things for a while.

I think I'm doing well since I rarely use the sling around home now and always keep the arm moving a bit, squeezing my lacrosse ball or foam, and externally rotating my arm at the elbow about 30 degrees, and moving the elbow a lot. I don't have hand or elbow stiffness anymore and it looks like my injured shoulder isn't dropped down/sagging much anymore either. It was bad post surgery. I try to keep good posture / shoulders back and high enough while at my desk and it seems to have added the strength back there quickly
 
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Oh, a big shipment just came in today from Nutraplanet as well. I'll post up my new supplement protocol later or tomorrow. I haven't been one to supplement much for a whiiile now, but I've gotta say I went with a solid $200+ order for just a month's or so supply, so it's kind of excessive but I think it will all aid in recovery.
 

houstontexas

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My ortho has me in the sling most of the day mandatory and for 5wks total. No PT until the 5wks are up so everything latches on and heals nicely before PT. Funny how different surgeons follow diff routines. My friend at work said his had him doing PT 18hrs post op!!
 
Gutterpump

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Your PT is going to take much longer if you wait that long. You arm must feel really stiff! Damn!!

Well I also only had 1 anchor used for the SLAP, and an extra strong T anchor used for the bicep tenodesis. I thought they only used a screw but this thing goes right through the full bone and out the other side! Looks hardcore on the pics he showed me that he took with the scope!

Good luck with recovery dude. It sucks but it's only temporary!

In 5 weeks I (hopefully) plan to be squatting again using this bar:

http://elite-kinetics.com/tag/safety-sqaut/

safety-bar-3.jpg
 

houstontexas

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I looked at a bunch of diff sites and it seems to really depend on the exact injury and how it was fixed etc. More to it than just thinking all slap tears would be treated the same. I also had impingement with some bone spurring as well. Idk what role that plays. My arm was stiff, but I he did give me permission to loosen my sling and move my lower arm a little to use the mouse at work. I can also remove the sling for showers of course and he said I could do some small circles as my arm hangs to my side.
 
Gutterpump

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ahh that's good, so you are getting some movement in. If not, it can get rea; stiff real fast. You should also try ball/grip squeezes too, it helps the hand/forearm from locking up as well.
 
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Update - 2 weeks post surgery

Things are feeling good, not really feeling much pain and ROM is growing by the day. I find I need to stop myself from doing things with the operated arm. Opening doors, doing my hair, sex (me on top, weight bearing on both arms) etc, all unassisted and active movements - mostly feels fine while doing them but I'm told not to do this kind of stuff for a few weeks post op with the bad arm. The day after sex, I did feel more pain though, but I iced it away and it's fine. It seems a little strange though that I'm not experiencing much pain? I have not been using any pain meds since 3 days post op.

I'm taking about $300 a month worth of sups now geared towards inflammation and healing. Pics and details to come today, below this post. I think it's been helping a lot so far, but I wouldn't really know because I've never been through this before.

Diet is changing this weekend to Paleo/low carb. I've been gaining fat from being inactive, but also worried about not getting enough protein. This diet will not only fix those issues, but it's great for reducing inflammation in the body.

PT is going well, just doing passive ROM movements, pulley, doweling, etc. I can't really get my hand/arm behind my back at all, but overhead motion is doing REALLY well, I'm over 100 degrees already. Same with the outwards and up movement. Surprising the therapist. I need to work on behind the back and up (reaching towards shoulder blades) with the pulley though. I am going to start doing all my stretches twice per day after today. I think strength training starts in a week or two, but not sure yet. I will see my surgeon on Tuesday again to talk about it.
 
napalm

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Great to hear gutter. At this stage, I'd recommend not even trying to get your arm behind your back - it's still way too soon. That kind of internal rotation takes about a month to even two months. I had a full thickness supra and infra tears so the surgeon wouldn't let the pt do any of that for 16 weeks.

Sounds like your doing pretty well so far, just listen to what the pt says and don't push it.

And let the wife get in top fer christs sake :)
 
Gutterpump

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Great to hear gutter. At this stage, I'd recommend not even trying to get your arm behind your back - it's still way too soon. That kind of internal rotation takes about a month to even two months. I had a full thickness supra and infra tears so the surgeon wouldn't let the pt do any of that for 16 weeks.

Sounds like your doing pretty well so far, just listen to what the pt says and don't push it.

And let the wife get in top fer christs sake :)


True, but I like to change up positions lol. She started on top hehe. Also, I am happily unmarried atm :)

Things are overall feeling good enough that I will start to train legs/core again next week. Some people had told me that I won't even feel like training at all post op, but that feeling only lasted the first 4-5 days. I really want to get back in and train lower body asap. It's totally possible for me to work around the injury/repair at this stage.
 
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Sorry for the lack of updates, for some reason life got extra busy the past few weeks even though I've been trying to minimize everything so that I can rest more.

New girl (as posted earlier), she's actually someone I was dating last summer...we're trying it again slowly. We've worked through a couple things that had prevented us from taking things further back then. I'm never a fan of trying with an ex again, but seems worth it to try this time, but definitely taking it somewhat slow.

Been taking on new freelance design work on top of my regular job, and then all of a sudden I got slammed at work with 2 rush projects (I do video production / graphic and web design). Two big videos due this week, kinda crazy.. with a freelance project launching in a week and another starting. Talk about hectic.

So here's the physical therapy update, and supplement update I promised.

Therapy is going OK, doing passive ROM still. I stopped trying to get my arm behind my back for now. It brought a lot of pain when I was trying. I also pushed too far in a session last week. I was asked to do 10 reps of 3 different stretches. I must've done about 30-40 each, because it felt fine. I'm not sure if it was going overboard with reps, or the attempts at getting my arm back and even slightly bent upwards on my back, but I had pain since then till my last appointment (yesterday). I've decided to not try to get ahead of myself in the slightest anymore, I don't want to set my recovery back. I've read far too many stories recently from people in the same situation, and pushing a little too far in therapy setting them back 3-4 days to even a week.

Here's a new template I want to stick to. My Dr's PT prescription is far too minimal with his suggestions, so I am printing this and giving this to my therapist:

http://www.uwhealth.org/files/uwhealth/docs/sportsmed/SM_biceps_tenodesis.pdf

Training Update:

My physical therapist also told me it's fine for me to return to the gym to work legs and core. I am re-enabling my membership to my powerlifting specific gym where I train, and I will be starting to squat with the safety bar, lots of GHR work, split squats, and core work (maybe just GHR sit-ups for now). Feeling great that I have the go-ahead for this.

Ok so, time to go over my plethora of supplements.

Here's the current list:

Primordial Performance AndroHard
- DHT pro hormone which I not only need to boost my TRT (test doesn't convert to enough DHT for me), but DHT also seems to aid in cartilage repair, from studies I've read. Not as much as other hormones, but I'm trying to keep costs down atm and don't want to do anything like var or EQ right now...even though they raise collagen production by over 250-300%. My main reason is that I can't really train, so I feel they will be wasted in their overall effects. There are other things that will aid in recovery. I'm on TRT, so taking exogenous hormones is not an issue for me.

Primordial Performance AndroDrive
- just started this, trying to keep motivation and drive high

Primordial Performance Arginocarn
- mental benefits, plus more ( discontinued now though :( )

Strong, Faster, Healthier (SFH) brand Fish Oil
- by far one of the best and most potent liquids out there, plus it's chocolate flavored and sugar free
- lowers inflammation

Primaforce Elastamin
- Glucosamine, condroiten, MSM, yucca, etc

SAM-E
- works synergistically with Elastamin (or glucosamine sups), via transulfuration of glucosamine. I am taking 1600mg daily of active form. It's a very high dose and thus very expensive, but worth it

Primaforce Cissus
- the good stuff, 40% ketosterones, great for joints

Now's D-Flame
- natural COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitors
- lowers inflammation

Active-C 1000 W/Bioflavonoids
- 1gram vitamin C tab, with peperine, minerals and bioflavinoids for prolonged activity
- 4 per day, spaced out

Millennium Sports Technologies (MST) RPG
- aids in recovery and strength
- tastes amazing, gets me to drink far more water lol

Millennium Sports Technologies (MST) Somnidren GH (powder)
- increase night time GH pulse, and get better sleep
- provides necessary elements to support GH production, hoping it will potentiate the GHRP's below

Peptides
- I am starting CJC1295 w/dac as well as GHRP-6/Ipamorelin
- starting a run soon with TB-500

Of course I'm also using protein powders, mixed blends. Got some casein recently too which I'm going to start to use. I am also starting a low carb diet very soon (Paleo) to reduce inflammation and speed healing. I've gained 5 pounds of fat in the past month, so a low carb diet will help with this.
 
Axillist

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Oh, a big shipment just came in today from Nutraplanet as well. I'll post up my new supplement protocol later or tomorrow. I haven't been one to supplement much for a whiiile now, but I've gotta say I went with a solid $200+ order for just a month's or so supply, so it's kind of excessive but I think it will all aid in recovery.
What kind of supplements did you decide to go with Gutterpump? Glucosamine,MSM, Cissus?
 
Gutterpump

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Check above, I wrote out the whole list w/details :) a couple androgens, a load of sups and a few peptides
 
Axillist

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Sorry for the lack of updates, for some reason life got extra busy the past few weeks even though I've been trying to minimize everything so that I can rest more.

New girl (as posted earlier), she's actually someone I was dating last summer...we're trying it again slowly. We've worked through a couple things that had prevented us from taking things further back then. I'm never a fan of trying with an ex again, but seems worth it to try this time, but definitely taking it somewhat slow.

Been taking on new freelance design work on top of my regular job, and then all of a sudden I got slammed at work with 2 rush projects (I do video production / graphic and web design). Two big videos due this week, kinda crazy.. with a freelance project launching in a week and another starting. Talk about hectic.

So here's the physical therapy update, and supplement update I promised.

Therapy is going OK, doing passive ROM still. I stopped trying to get my arm behind my back for now. It brought a lot of pain when I was trying. I also pushed too far in a session last week. I was asked to do 10 reps of 3 different stretches. I must've done about 30-40 each, because it felt fine. I'm not sure if it was going overboard with reps, or the attempts at getting my arm back and even slightly bent upwards on my back, but I had pain since then till my last appointment (yesterday). I've decided to not try to get ahead of myself in the slightest anymore, I don't want to set my recovery back. I've read far too many stories recently from people in the same situation, and pushing a little too far in therapy setting them back 3-4 days to even a week.

Here's a new template I want to stick to. My Dr's PT prescription is far too minimal with his suggestions, so I am printing this and giving this to my therapist:

http://www.uwhealth.org/files/uwhealth/docs/sportsmed/SM_biceps_tenodesis.pdf

Training Update:

My physical therapist also told me it's fine for me to return to the gym to work legs and core. I am re-enabling my membership to my powerlifting specific gym where I train, and I will be starting to squat with the safety bar, lots of GHR work, split squats, and core work (maybe just GHR sit-ups for now). Feeling great that I have the go-ahead for this.

Ok so, time to go over my plethora of supplements.

Here's the current list:

Primordial Performance AndroHard
- DHT pro hormone which I not only need to boost my TRT (test doesn't convert to enough DHT for me), but DHT also seems to aid in cartilage repair, from studies I've read. Not as much as other hormones, but I'm trying to keep costs down atm and don't want to do anything like var or EQ right now...even though they raise collagen production by over 250-300%. My main reason is that I can't really train, so I feel they will be wasted in their overall effects. There are other things that will aid in recovery. I'm on TRT, so taking exogenous hormones is not an issue for me.

Primordial Performance AndroDrive
- just started this, trying to keep motivation and drive high

Primordial Performance Arginocarn
- mental benefits, plus more ( discontinued now though :( )

Strong, Faster, Healthier (SFH) brand Fish Oil
- by far one of the best and most potent liquids out there, plus it's chocolate flavored and sugar free
- lowers inflammation

Primaforce Elastamin
- Glucosamine, condroiten, MSM, yucca, etc

SAM-E
- works synergistically with Elastamin (or glucosamine sups), via transulfuration of glucosamine. I am taking 1600mg daily of active form. It's a very high dose and thus very expensive, but worth it

Primaforce Cissus
- the good stuff, 40% ketosterones, great for joints

Now's D-Flame
- natural COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitors
- lowers inflammation

Active-C 1000 W/Bioflavonoids
- 1gram vitamin C tab, with peperine, minerals and bioflavinoids for prolonged activity
- 4 per day, spaced out

Millennium Sports Technologies (MST) RPG
- aids in recovery and strength
- tastes amazing, gets me to drink far more water lol

Millennium Sports Technologies (MST) Somnidren GH (powder)
- increase night time GH pulse, and get better sleep
- provides necessary elements to support GH production, hoping it will potentiate the GHRP's below

Peptides
- I am starting CJC1295 w/dac as well as GHRP-6/Ipamorelin
- starting a run soon with TB-500

Of course I'm also using protein powders, mixed blends. Got some casein recently too which I'm going to start to use. I am also starting a low carb diet very soon (Paleo) to reduce inflammation and speed healing. I've gained 5 pounds of fat in the past month, so a low carb diet will help with this.
Great write up man! I'm following along! Joint Fixx is another good supplement you can find pretty cheap right now that also lowers inflammation.
 
Gutterpump

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Cheers bro, thanks! I am really looking forward to log TB-500. Will be starting soon.

Here is a good piece on TB-500:
http://melanotanhq.com/bodybuilding/tb-500-(thymosin-beta-4)/msg2189/

From what I've read, the first four weeks after surgery is when the cartilage and tissues are healing, after that, about 6 weeks for the cartilage to strengthen. I'm a little late to start some of these things as I'm mid-way through the 3rd week, but there will be definite advantages to using it through the recovery period.
 

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Interested in your experience with peptides in particular! Keep me posted!
 
Gutterpump

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3.5 Weeks post-op


Just saw my surgeon for my 2nd post-op appointment. Range of motion is great, he had my arm almost directly overhead with no pain. Was really impressed. I can't get my arm behind my back yet though. He said it's ok to be doing this, so I will catchup by doing my PT homework twice a day.

I decided to keep the prescribed cold compress machine for another 3 weeks. It seems to have done a world of good for me, since I was using it as much as possible in the early weeks. I'm told it's the main deciding factor on how fast recovery will be; how much you ice it in the first few weeks. I will keep up the icing after therapy (my ROM and isometric exercises) everyday. I am only seeing my physical therapist twice per week though, but also working from home daily. Twice per day is the optimal amount for PT work.

My TB-500 came in today and I'm really looking forward to starting it. 5mg once per week for 4 weeks then 2mg thereafter as maintenance. That's the plan. I will report back after my first shot.

I unfroze the account to my gym membership yesterday, and will be starting to workout again tomorrow. Squats, glute ham raises, and split squats. Ab work, and also possibly sled pull depending how I feel. Dr said I can start strength training the shoulder/arm with bands in a few weeks. I am currently starting isometric exercises, and working on active range of motion for PT.
 

houstontexas

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I was given a huge ice pack thing for my shoulder, but wasn't led to believe it was a big deal if I used it or not. I used it once and never again because it was a pain and didn't stay on well. My shoulder is feeling good though and I've been leaving it out of the sling when I'm at home and even a few times when I went out and about. It officially comes off Thursday and then I will be setting up my PT. Glad to hear everything is going well for your recovery man.
 
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Thanks, yeah it's going great. Sounds like you have a cryo-cuff. It is the best thing you can do right now, as it lowers inflammation so that less tissue damage occurs, and healing / recovery will be MUCH faster. I would definitely keep using it as much as possible. Find a way to keep it on, even velcro straps. The one I have wraps around my whole torso, so it doesn't move much at all.

From all the reading I've done, it is really necessary in the few weeks post-op, for lowering inflammation. Even if you aren't feeling pain or feeling like you need it, I would force myself to use it. I tried to use mine for ~8-10 hours per day. The good thing with mine is that the temp keeps constant, whereas the cryocuffs that use ice or that freeze, they continuously raise in temp till it's room temperature, so you're not getting the same effect as the machine. Maybe your Dr can prescribe the machine? It was fully covered for me, and someone came to set it up at my house (apartment).

How long has it been post-op for you now, how many weeks?

I also rarely use my sling anymore, just for protection when I'm in busy areas (subway, etc).
 

houstontexas

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I'm 2 days away from being 4wks post op. It seems a little late to start using the ice now to me, but what do I know. I just find sitting around with that stuff strapped to me so inconvenient and annoying. Maybe I'll ask him Thur morning if the ice is a big deal and if he thinks the ice machine is ideal. I would think if he used them much he would have just gotten me one from the beginning though. Who knows...
 
Gutterpump

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Yeah that's true, it's mainly useful in the beginning. It was super annoying having to use it, but I just played a lot of video games and watched a lot of TV. I managed to get through 2 seasons of Walking Dead, and the first season of Dexter, not to mention all 8 seasons of Trailer Park Boys (the finest Canadian export). I just sat there most of the first two weeks, glued to my couch with the cold compress machine. I wasn't taking any painkillers, so that made me want to use it more.
 

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Hell I was back to work after 3 days so I wasn't really at home to use the ice much anyways. I wish I could have just played games and watched tv lol.
 
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I was back to work after a few days as well. I mainly iced in the evenings, but I also iced at work with a cryocuff I bought. I am lucky that I also work from home 2-3 days per week too, so I likely did more than 8 hours per day total come to think of it. Working from home is new at my job the past year. Since my team has moved offices, they gave us laptops since there isn't enough physical office space, so we are cubical sharing. Can't complain about that!
 

houstontexas

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That's cool man. Well the work from home part, but not the cubicle sharing lol. I saw these 2 guys sharing 1 little bitty cubicle the other day at work and it was hilarious. It was just temporary, but it looked funny as hell. I mean they were side by side.
 
Axillist

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I enjoyed Walking Dead! Definitely helps the time pass! Gotta get that arm back for the zombie apocalypse! Don't forget Cardio Cardio Cardio! I love Zombieland too! Haha
 
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That's cool man. Well the work from home part, but not the cubicle sharing lol. I saw these 2 guys sharing 1 little bitty cubicle the other day at work and it was hilarious. It was just temporary, but it looked funny as hell. I mean they were side by side.
Yeah it's like that somedays when we have team meetings, when my cube mate and I are both in the office, but generally we have alternating days haha..I couldn't work with 2 people in one cube. We have a couple spares so if someone is in on an at home day, there's usually somewhere to sit so we don't have to buddy up. My team is almost all female though (marketing team) so buddying up is usually fine with me haha.
 
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I enjoyed Walking Dead! Definitely helps the time pass! Gotta get that arm back for the zombie apocalypse! Don't forget Cardio Cardio Cardio! I love Zombieland too! Haha
I can't wait for the next season.. I blew through those episodes too quick! Wondering what's waiting for them at the fort. Still have a lot of episodes of Dexter though, pretty good show too. Nice n twisted.
 
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I can't wait for the next season.. I blew through those episodes too quick! Wondering what's waiting for them at the fort. Still have a lot of episodes of Dexter though, pretty good show too. Nice n twisted.
I haven't watched Dexter yet but I have heard nothing but good things about it. I might check out Season 1 so I know what's going on.
 
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Definitely, you'll like it. It's a pretty interesting show and nicely twisted.

I took my first dose of TB-500 this morning. I read that high doses can cause flu-like feelings at first, so I only used half my 5MG vial this morning. Felt fine after. Going to dose the rest tomorrow or the next day. Plan is to use 5MG weekly for 4-6 weeks, then 2mg monthly after this for maintenance.

Today is my first day that I didn't wear my sling, but I took a car to work. I'll keep the sling for busy areas and subway only now.
 
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So I took the remainder of the 5MG of TB-500 last night, so ended up taking the total 5MG in one day. Nothing bad to report back, and I didn't heal overnight either lol. I still have fairly constant pain deep in the shoulder (likely from the anchor) or it could be my lateral delt, which is by far way overworked at the moment. Hopefully the TB-500 has a fairly quick effect on this, but I will start daily massage to the area as well. I also have an area on my bicep, just below the lateral delt, that has a hard ball in the muscle. That part doesn't hurt, but I'm trying to massage it out daily as well. Feels like a golf ball in there.
 
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4 Weeks Post-op - Friday April 26


My sling is now officially off and Friday was my first day back in the gym. It's a powerlifting specific gym and it's all familiar faces in there, so I spent some time catching up with people I haven't seen in a while before getting into my first workout in over 2 months.

4-5 sets of 8-10 bulgarian split squats, going deep and holding at bottom, keeping shin straight/vertical

I was just grabbing a 20 pound weight in my right hand. Surprised myself at my balance, usually I hate these but balance felt fine and I was able to get in most of my reps. I may have done more than 5 sets, can't remember since I was taking my time and chatting a lot. Didn't want to have an intense workout since it was my first day back.

4 set of 8-10 GHR's (Glute Ham Raises)

Just did bodyweight. Getting into position was awkward with one arm, but I did it.

Glutes n Hams are hurting today! Split squats always nail the glutes for me and so do GHR's. Next workout I will be getting out the safety bar and squatting. Goal is to squat, do GHR's and split squats twice a week, and heavy, eventually. Going to build up some big legs at least if I can't work upper body.

ROM is getting better daily. I can lift my arm directly overhead now and internal rotation is getting better now. Using the arm for day to day things. I had to take my dog to the emergency clinic for surgery on Saturday, for a blockage in his intestine. He's an american bulldog and chews threw anything. Really sucks, I can't give him any toys now. Hopefully will have him back tomorrow! But wow that was a test for my arm. I had to lift him in and out of the SUV on the way there, using both arms. It hurt a bit after but I iced it and today it feels fine.
 

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Good updates man. Glad to hear everything is going well. I had my first PT appt Friday and went and worked out legs afterwards as well. It was my first time being back in the gym too and boy did it feel good. Just being in the environment etc was cool to me. PT went well, but it's just PROM for the next 4 weeks. After that we begin strengthening etc. My PT made a comment that my doctor was going a little slower than normal as far as treatment goes, but she said it's up to him and how he thinks PT applies to my situation etc. I'm confident in him and the PT center as well so I'm sure it will all work out fine. Shoulder is feeling better everyday. Keep those updates coming bro b/c it is very beneficial to me reading about someone else going through this and we both had surgery at pretty much the same time. Be careful with that dog too lol. Hope he comes out of there better than ever.
 
Gutterpump

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Thanks man, I'll be picking him up this afternoon, he's doing well :)
 
Frank Reynolds

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What was your best lifts, in the big 3 prior to the injury?
 
Gutterpump

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My 1RM's:

Standing overhead strict BB Press: about 190
Deadlift: 475 (hip mobility is bad, not firing up hams during standard deadlift at all)
Squat: pretty ****ty around 300, hip mobility needs a LOT of work, not firing up the hams when I squat, something to focus on now
Bench: ~ 250

Since making the switch to more of a powerlifting program and gym last summer, I've noticed some pretty serious issues with my form and mobility. Mainly hip flexors that are cranked ultra tight, not allowing me to fire up my hams very much at all during the squat and deadlift. I have really bad hyper-lordosis. It's all quads, glutes and back for me when I do squats and deads, so I've been focusing on GHR's, posterior chain work and intense mobility work since January, but had to stop the mobility stuff after the injury.
 
Frank Reynolds

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Not bad!

Tight hips is an issue I have as well(MANY people have it).

I started training full time with a friend who is a PL as well, and am thinking of doing a meet maybe in the fall. I would like to come out east and do an APA meet and attempt to take the 198lb strict over head press record(pending it doesn't get smashed before then..lol)
 
Axillist

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Not bad lifts though Gutterpump! Not at all considering what you have been through!
 
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198lb is the current APA record for strict press? My coach is doing 225 for reps, but he's a freggin beast 260lbs @ about 5'8 or so. I'm not actually sure when/where he competes though, he's fairly new to our gym and I've been out for a while.

The last I tested my 1RM for strict press was last summer, and I got 181lbs, that's how I'm assuming my 1RM was about 190 in January, but I may be off a bit on that.
 

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