Wellness

[tototwo]

Anyone else here wait too long to get rotator cuff repair and then have to have shoulder reconstruction?  "Superior Capsular Reconstruction"

I'm curious about the recovery period.  I've been searching for a message board online concerning this topic and, so far, haven't found one.  Still looking..........  Is there anyone here who can discuss?

Thank you

[hopi]

Had it done on the 2 and 1/2 weeks ago.  Have to say it was virtually painless compared to my regular rotator cuff repair on my other shoulder 6 years ago.  Both mine were due caused to injury not wear and tear.  Like you my second one was not discovered until it was to late.   Therapy starts for me this Thursday. The whole process is about 6 weeks start to finish with 8 therapies after 2 weeks of simple exercises at home.  You will not be allowed to drive and excect some rough hair days.

It is a same day procedure and I was texting people that day. 

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[tototwo]

Thanks @hopi - My surgeon told me yesterday that my pain would be gone immediately.  Yay for that!  But he said my arm would be totally immobilized for 6 weeks and I would not be able to use my fingers for 2 weeks.  Typing on a keyboard is definitely out of the question!   I asked about showers  -- doc said I could wrap my cast/sling in a plastic bag to take a shower.  Did you?  My husband says he'll just run me thru the car wash about once a week to get the stink off.   Yahrightwhatever.....  

I assume washing my hair will be a real challenge and using a blow-dryer isn't going to happen.  How in the heck do you get dressed if your arm is immobilized?  Maybe this is a good excuse to live in my flannel jammies.

Happy your recovery is going well.  Any other tips and tricks?

[hopi]

@tototwo

Hope I haven't done any damage cause it's my right hand and use it all the time.  Nobody said a word to me about fingers.

I waited the full week before showering and secondary strips were on incision's, just sat on the edge of the tub and washed.  

My sister did was my hair in the sink- very large double and a spray.  It looks rough.

Recommending zip or button down tops and jams as you will not be allowed to lift arm. You dress very slow and have to drop arm into sleeve.

There is no cast and I take sling off ever 3 hours do their daily exercise.

[tototwo]

I appreciate your comments, @hopi -- glad to know I can take the sling off every few hours.  Doc's office called me yesterday to set up a pre-op appt so I'm making a list of questions to ask at that time.  I'm used to washing my hair every day in the shower - this is going to be quite an adjustment!   Maybe I should buy a poncho so I wouldn't have to worry about sleeves at all.

Happy healing to you!

[hopi]

@tototwo

Thank you.

The sling comes usually comes off in the shower.  It is the stiches that have to stay dry. Your balance will be off for a while and you will be on drugs.  You will need help.  Get the shower poncho so you have it.  Falls and steps are you biggest safety concern.   Be safe and that first week lay low.  

Take care.

[MoJoV]

@tototwo my husband had total shoulder replacement last August.  He's still going to therapy twice a week.  He had quite a bit of pain for 6 weeks or so.  He is doing pretty well and is really getting good range of motion back. I don't know if that's any help. Good luck!

[tototwo]

Thanks @MoJoV - even tho that's rather disheartening to hear.  My surgeon told me the pain I've been having would stop immediately after surgery.  He said my recovery would be pain-free, just uncomfortable because of the sling and all.  Now you tell me otherwise.... hmmm......

I'm making a list of questions to ask during my pre-op visit next week.  Glad to hear your hubby is doing well and getting his range of motion back.  Thanks again!

[riley1]

@tototwo - Had my surgery done in 2009 and I have full range of motion. However, those first 6-8 weeks after surgery were quite painful. I was in therapy for about 3 months. 

Make sure you do the exercises as often as they say and don't skip - even at home! Good Luck

[tototwo]

Good advice, @riley1.  I plan to follow doc's instructions on therapy, etc., to the letter so I can work in the yard and gardens by April...?  maybe?     I just want these next few months to be over so I can use my arm again.  Thank you!  Always happy to hear a success story!