Six month update
Had my six months appointment with Edwards.
After a series of movement and strength checks, he stated that my subscapularis tendon is completely healed……I can return to normal activities (exercises),. Any that I want. No restrictions.
He stated I am doing excellent!!! Also, my range of motion and strength will only increase over the next six months. I have restarted sessions with my trainer and he was very impressed with my current range of motion……especially compared to where I was pre-procedure.
Scheduled to return in six months…….x-rays and measurements at that time. My age and recovery progress are part of a study Edwards is doing for which I committed.
I will say, of my other joint replacement recoveries (knees and hip)…..this has been the most discomfort-free. Did not say pain-free intentionally……..no real pain. Did not take any narcotic pain medication after leaving the hospital.
While basically pain-free…..it has also been the most inconvenient recovery. The weight restrictions were difficult to work with.......limits on my level of exercise and normal activities.. Six months versus several weeks for total recovery.
My first two weeks of physical therapy were performed in a pool. After going through physical therapy for both knees and a hip…….believe that was definitely a “plus” in my successful recovery process.
Another plus……my physical therapist was very experienced in joint replacement rehab (30+ years), and instrumental in my successful recovery. She was constantly "pulling the reins" to prevent me from being overly aggressive in my therapy. Slowly increased the intensity level of rehab.
In all seriousness…….
The most difficult part of my entire journey……..the requirement to be patient with the recovery process; the 1 hour to 1 ½ hour one-way drive to the Fondren Orthopedic Hospital where Edwards practices (depending on traffic) and wearing that “damn” sling (fortunately only had to have for one week).
Lastly…..
Last October I met with my long-time family sports medicine orthopedist……have know him for almost forty years. Over the years he has seen my entire family……wife, daughters, son-in-laws, grandkids, mom. I wanted to get his input on my situation. He basically pleaded with me to have a shoulder replacement. We have played golf together over the years and he assured me that I would definitely be able to swing a golf club again after the procedure.
His endorsement was the deciding factor in my decision to have the procedure.
I went to see him again two weeks ago.......to thank him for his role in my journey. However, I was worried that he might be upset that I did not use the doctor in his practice for my procedure (one of the doctors I interviewed). He told me he had been following my rehab progress through the physical therapy notes......used his physical therapy facility. He endorsed my decision and said that he had known Edwards for a long time and considered him to be one of best......referred patients to Edwards until he added a "shoulder specialist" to his practice.
I told him that he owed me $3,500……the cost of buying new technology golf clubs to replace my old clubs. He “winked” at my wife and said…..”send me the bill”!!!!!!
Steve
Klein, Tx
United States
