TSR update. knees and hips can skip reading!

October 8, 2008

Let's see, I am now 13 days post op. I can lift my arm by myself out

to the side to 70 degrees (as allowed) and to 110 degrees flexion (was

told just to keep my arm by my side as I move it up). The OS when I

saw him Monday said " Oh, you are walking with your arm so natural! "

He said most people hold and protect their arm and won't let it swing

at this point. All those shrugs and shoulder circles I've been doing

have helped that.

Start PT next Monday, day 19, outpatient, 3 times a week for 4 weeks.

Am doing isometrics and as long as my elbow stays in, am allowed to

lift or push as much as 5 pound weights for the biceps and triceps.

I take one Lortab a day for the pain, usually in the evening after my

second exercise session, for muscle fatigue. I am still on a pain

regimen for my other shoulder but have reduced those meds and other

treatments as well.

Some really neat things I've noticed: I can sit up straight or when I

sit at the computer my shoulder doesn't pop and crunch any more. My

DENTURES (I have full upper and lower) fit better! That's because

before the surgery I was gritting my teeth and " bearing down " on the

pain so much it was actually causing mouth sores from the pressure.

I can now get a tee shirt on without pain, if I put the " new " arm in

first and pull the shirt over my head sideways. I am allowed to drive

and can now shift gears and turn the ignition WITHOUT PAIN. Before my

TSR I could not sleep at all on the opposite side because my shoulder

would drop and dislocate, now I can, for up to an hour, sleep on

either side! That is so exciting!

Before the TSR I was worried about things like pulling up pants and

hooking bras after the surgery. That was only an issue for 3 or 4

days or whenever I had the sling on.

I don't wear the sling at all now.

I did have one unexpected complication: developed pneumonia on the

10th day and went into the hospital for 2 and a half days. Some say

that is because of the anesthesia and immobility for the shoulder.

I'm not sure about that.

But I am home now from that and still glad to have it done! That's

saying a lot from the kid who waited forever and went into surgery

kickin' and screamin' in protest!

Y'all have a good day.

Annie Pal

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