“I am back to doing whatever I want.”
But two years ago, due to a torn rotator cuff, Gloria Lighthart could hardly do anything. “I was wearing my arm in a sling part of the time because it was so painful,” the 77-year-old said of the condition that affects the muscle group around the shoulder joint.
Lighthart first noticed issues in 2005, and by late 2012 it really began to hurt. Wanting to avoid surgery, she first tried prescribed exercises to help strengthen her rotator cuff and then eventually had two cortisone shots.
Shortly after the second cortisone injection, around July 2013, Lighthart said she injured her shoulder while reaching backward. After an MRI, she was referred to Dr. Richard Stanley, who performed the surgery within a week or two.
“At the time of my surgery I was retired and still very active with traveling and gardening,” Lighthart said. “A non-functioning rotator cuff was not going to work in my lifestyle.”
She said she could not be more pleased with the process and results. “Dr. Stanley explained exactly what he was going to do. He was very patient and thorough. There was minimal pain following surgery. He did tell me it was extensive surgery, so apparently, it wasn’t just a simple repair.”
Lighthart said Dr. Stanley was very reassuring during her post-surgery follow-up exams and that The Corvallis Clinic Physical Therapy department was excellent in guiding her through her rehabilitation. “I got great service from Dr. Stanley and The Corvallis Clinic.”
Pleased now with complete use of her right arm and shoulder, Lighthart recommends the following for those who want the same outcome after having similar surgery:
1. Find a surgeon that you trust and like and who is going to take the time to explain to you what is going to happen and then what did happen. Follow all post-op instructions.
2. Find a good physical therapist. Do exactly what they tell you and complete your physical therapy.
3. Buy or borrow a recliner for your comfort immediately following the surgery.
