Standard Shoulder Replacement surgery on Friday March 3

[Joy0987]

I am scheduled for a right total shoulder replacement in eight days. I think it will be standard unless my ortho changes it to reverse after viewing my CT scan. I have had pain in this shoulder for twelve years. It is now bone on bone and has gotten progressively worse in the last year, the last month, and even this week. Obviously I waited too long to have it replaced. I know now!! My left shoiulder is worse on the x-ray, but the right one is the painful one, Driving has been hard as I have to use my left arm to adjust the rear view mirror and to shift gears. Getting dressed is torture; I cannot lift my arm straight in front of me; I can no longer stir pancake batter. I cannot reach my arm out far enough to wash my hand under the faucet.

I have had six joint surgeries from 2006-2018-knee and hip replacements and revisions. While joint replacements are not new to me, a shoulder replacement will be a new experience. I have been reading about shoulder replacement on the internet and joined here today because I love forums with information from people who have been there.

I appreciate any pre- and post-surgery suggestions. I have a polar ice machine, ice packs, and a shower chair
How important is a wedge for the bed. Will pillows work? Or do I need to sleep in a recliner? Thanks in advance for your suggestions and support.

 

[djklaugh]

@Joy0987 Welcome to BoneSmart! Please give us the date of your surgery and we will create a signature for you. If you want your other joint surgeries in the signature please also include those dates. Yes. do read any thread here in the shoulder section to see how others have managed.

For pre op preparation it sounds like you have things well organized. If you haven't done so, you might stock up on easy to fix meals. Will you have someone with you during your recovery time? While that is not strictly necessary, it does help to have someone near by or at least friends/family/neighbors who can and will check in with you every day.

Sleep ... sigh that is almost always a problem with any joint replacement. You don't have to have a special pillow or wedge though that can help. You might try now to see what arrangement of pillows will support that arm the best. Some folks do find sleeping in a recliner to be very comfortable. As your surgeon may have told you, you will have the arm in a sling with a padded bolster to hold the arm at a particular angle. Usually one wears that for 3-6 weeks but that can vary from person to person. Those slings are not uncomfortable though they are awkward (been there, done that!). You can take the sling off to shower, dress, and do some gentle "swing the arm" exercises which will be given to you before you leave the hospital.

Since your poor shoulder has been deteriorating for such a long period of time you will probably need quite a bit of physical therapy to get all the muscles back to working as they are supposed to. Do take it slow and easy ... for me PT did not even start until I was about 4-5 weeks post surgery. I saw my PT gals every 2 weeks to stretch out my benefits and did the exercises they gave me diligently between visits. For me that worked very well .... though it did take about 6 months to get the worst arm (right) back to full functionality.

And do ask any other questions you might have. We do love to help!

 

[Joy0987]

Previous surgeries
2006 LTKR
2008 RTKR
2008 RTHR
2009 LTK Revision
2010 RTH Revision
2018 Left Hip freacture and LTHR

Surgery plan changed today from standard replacement to Right reverse shouder replacement. The doctor called today to discuss surgery after reviewing my CT Scan. He said the reverse shoullder replacement recovery tends to be faster then standard replacement,,

My husband will be here to prepare meals, drive, and provide any assistance I need during recovery. I can't imagine doing this alone. I already find driving almost impossible and dressing is torturous at best. I will be doing all of my own PT at home with simple exercises for 6 to 12 weeks and then may go to PT if needed. I have an awesome doctor who is a complex elbow and shoulder surgeon. And my body is compklex for sure as you can tell by my previoius surgeries. ;))

 

[Joy0987]

this forum does not appear to be very active. I am familiar with forums where many people respond to each post.

 

[Jaycey]

@Joy0987 Did you not see the response from Deb above? This forum is quite busy and we do try and respond to every post. But with the sheer volume of communication here it is sometimes a challenge.

Sounds like you have everything very organised for your recovery. Ice is your friend!

Sleeping arrangements are very individual. If you do have a recliner it may be more comfortable in the early days. Pillows will also work. It's all about finding what works for you!

All the best on Friday!

 

[leonberg]

Good luck tomorrow!