Torn ligament in shoulder - how long to heal?

[sevendwarves]

I fell over on Wednesday morning and really hurt my shoulder. I can't lift my arm sideways higher than a 45 degree angle. I didn't go to A&E until Thursday as we were moving on Wednesday and I just assumed it wasn't anything serious.

Anyway, I had an x-ray on Thursday and they said the two bones look further apart than they should be so they are assuming I've torn the ligament connecting them and just told me to take strong painkillers.

It took 3 days before I could put on my bra without help, I can't hang washing out on the line, washing my hair is difficult and I'm wearing the only cardigan I own (which is horrible) because putting a jumper on is too difficult and painful. I should also add that DS is 2.8 so not lifting anything and taking it easy aren't really options.

Has anyone else experienced this and do you have any idea how long it will take to heal?

Quite a few weeks I think. Are you taking anything for the pain?

I'm just taking high-strength ibuprofen. They just gave me a support to wear and said take it easy, but obviously being a sahm with a 2.8yo it isn't that easy!

Oh god, I feel for you. I love it when the dr says "rest", "take it easy" & "don't overdo it"....

I had a riding accident and seriously hurt my shoulder and was given 2 paracetamol and told to go away. Long story, but had to have 2 ops and 8 years on it still ain't right.

However, it was more than ligament damage so I'm not saying it will be the same for you! Soft tissue injuries can take a long time so don't panic if it doesn't get better in a few days. Do keep on at them if it's painful - is the ibuprofen enough for you? If not, go back and ask for something stronger, and don't be fobbed off.

Once it heals you may find it beneficial to go for a therapeutic massage to ease any stiffness - I live for mine!

I know it's hard, but do be careful once it becomes less painful not to over do it.

Thanks frosty.

They gave me an appointment at the trauma clinic on 3 March and said if its better by then just to cancel it, I'm not overly convinced they took me seriously! The painkillers don't seem to be making much difference tbh, I've been trying to pick DS up using one side more than the other and now (inevitably) my back hurts as well!