Dr. Bjerke performed surgery on my left shoulder on October 9th, 2024. I have been pleased with the results. My mobility and strength are improving every day; and I have not experienced any pain or soreness in my shoulder for quite some time.
There are four important factors in the success of my surgery:
- I had an excellent surgeon and team that performed the surgery
- I received a note in my post-surgery packet regarding a rental of cold compress machine. I did rent one and used it extensively for the first two to three weeks after surgery. This was very important in managing my pain. I did not have to use any prescribed pain medicine, just a heavy regiment of Advil and Tylenol.
- Dr. Bjerke referred me to Mike Dickey for physical therapy. He is very good! He knows how to rehabilitate a shoulder and knows the intricacies of what is going to happen in recovery each week. I was very faithful following his rehab exercises and it paid off.
- I had a great caregiver as my wife who has first-hand experience in rotator-cuff surgeries.
My activity level is improving. I am playing tennis three times a week, and I am not feeling any aftereffects in my shoulder. My workouts at the gym are going well. I am using light weights but also staying away from exercises that Dr. Bjerke and Mike Dickey recommended not doing. I am still doing my Mike Dickey rehab exercises faithfully. This was not a fun surgery. Recovery is long and I still feel like I am recovering. But I am glad I had it done and it is over. I made the right decision. Thank you to Dr. Bjerke being a great doctor and working with me through this multi-year shoulder experience.