Torn bicep or ruptured bicep tendon - I am devastated!

I didn't know that! My PT did tell me if they casted my good arm for 3 weeks, I would be feeling quite similar.

Interesting in that my elbow (which wasn't operated on) is feeling the most pain / stiffness, and the PT confirmed that's due to immobilization.

rocket50: Thankfully, I have matured with age - 20 years ago, I'd be "gung ho" and be more likely to overdo it. Now, I am the opposite - so much so that the PT told me I could do more with the arm provided no resistance. Good news, but I will err on the side of caution

So far, this has been an amazing journey - I've learned a lot about myself and more about physiology that I didn't already know. I am confident in full recovery, and the 5 weeks since the operation have simply flew by. Essentially, I have "11 weeks" before the radial tuberosity (the point on the bone where the tendon was surgically re-attached) heals over the drilled hole / tendon / anchor. Even then, they say 6-9 months is considered "total recovery".

Have either of you worked on someone with a similar injury (I am assuming you are PT / OT)?

 

Pretty much what my surgeon recommended, but I had a soft cast for 1 week, and a hard cast for 2 weeks. Therapy started week 4.

My session last night really showed how far I've come in just a week. The PT I go to provides a revolving team - so on any night, there are 3-4 people working with you. The PT that stretched me was really surprised - told me I am doing great. I can totally extend the arm straight. To my chest - it's now consistently past 90 degrees (but stiff). Pronation / supination also doing well - certainly not full ROM, but definitely noticeable improvements.

I have the weekend to do my home exercises, then resume Monday.

 

So I am now 6 weeks post-op (!!!) and the therapy is going great. PT said yesterday that I have made phenomenal strides.

I can totally extend the arm, no issues. I tend to baby it and compensate with my shoulder, but it's straight. I can pronate well, supination still challenged, but close.

Flexion has been awesome - definitely not all the way, but I can touch the back of my head with the arm now. Some soreness in the wrist and shoulder, and every so often in the forearm where the radius / ulna meet.

Not sure what I would have done without therapy - it's taking time, but I progress is noticeable.

On another note - got the bill. over $11K, but my portion was $25!!! Granted, PT isn't cheap, but hell that's good coverage!!

 

Oh no, sorry - the SURGERY was $11K!

The PT isn't that much, but due to the recurring nature of it, it will end up costing me more out of pocket than the surgery (which was $25!).

PT won't be over for some time - I am only in my 3rd week. With my coverage, I pay $25 per visit, so it will get costly. Unfortunately, I have to go - if it weren't for PT, my ROM would be nil.

They killed me tonight - I am REALLY sore. They are starting to get very aggressive since I've been showing much more progress than normal. Sucks, but I prefer to be on the aggressive track.

 

Just surgery - anesthetology will be billed separate.

Curious to see how much of that bill will be covered....

 

7 weeks post op. Did my first resistance training yesterday with 1 lb. weights and bands.

Doesn't sound like much, but MAN does my arm hurt today!!! Still some trouble with the elbow and wrist, I am getting slightly impatient...PT and Doc say don't worry, I am right on target.

 

Robert - out of curiosity, how long did it take before you saw full range of motion? I am mildly concerned that I still can't touch my shoulder, although I AM seeing more and more gains, so that's good I suppose.

Shoulder obviously different, but the surgery (assuming you had rotator cuff) is very similar. I've been told rotator cuff is worse, but it's far more common.

 

My PT definitely pushes me - they are concerned about scar tissue too, so they want to make sure there's no loss of ROM as a result.

It's getting there!

 

Yes, agreed - that's why I have to massage the scar and move the arm around.

I am definitely a quirky guy - for example, I hate my spine being touched. Same goes for the pit of my elbow. Sure enough, that's where the scar is, and it feels WEIRD. But, I have to do it or I'll have issues.

One thing I am starting to notice is some dull pain in my elbow when sleeping - if my arm stays in one spot / position too long. I move it and it feels a little better, but it bugs me. It's partially due to sleeping on my back with my elbow down on the mattress. I am not used to that at all as I normally sleep on my stomach. I am sure the exercises aren't helping either

 

I am now 8 weeks PO, and still seeing progress week by week. The therapist said I am now at 90-95% ROM. Arm is really starting to feel more "normal", but the strength (obviously) isn't there yet.

Now using 2 lbs. barbells to do curls and tricep kick backs - I am happy that I can do some resistance training, although I am a little sore today!

 

Just an update - I am at 13 weeks and I've been formally discharged by my surgeon. I do still need rehab - mostly strength training, but I am good to go.

Strength training must be gradual, so no power lifting or returning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but I can lift weights a little more than I have been and I can return to normal duties otherwise.

Happy that I am at this point. Still have another few months until I am completely healed, but I am on the way!