Hey Zach! I'm sorry to hear you require shoulder surgery, but am glad my video has given you hope. I made 31 videos through my recovery process that may even give you more hope. First, watch this shoulder surgery prep video. It has a ton of information, hopefully not too late to help you: ua-cam.com/video/_ir4_uy9MU8/v-deo.htmlsi=0gPg1DdmQ9WeoN-Q. Below is a link to the full playlist of 31 videos in order created: ua-cam.com/play/PLQSf5JL3jJjSHFX3dxy1_j9Hxyv-jKAoo.html&si=my_b6641pVa5j_-U Hope that helps and best wishes to you!
Thank you for chronicling your journey as I, too, am staring down the throat of this surgery - the thought of which was unnerving until watching your documentary.
You are most welcome. I created 31 total videos covering the first 5 months of recovery with a lot of detail. Hopefully those will also make things easier and less unnerving. It's a long journey, but totally doable! Best of wishes with your journey.
My nerve block only lasted 2 days as well, but it was super helpful. I’m glad the shower sling tip helped. I made 30 more videos on this channel with information on recovery of needed. Best wishes!
Thanks for all the reminders & tips I'm going in for a re do this month. I fell 1 yr after my first repair. Was totally bummed. One tip you can do is use an umbrella ☔ plastic sheath cover you find at like a hospital or store. Worked great to slip arm in to for shower 🚿 just had to tape it a bit 👍
I’m having rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder on Thursday (4 days from now) and have been watching all the videos about recovery and tips that I can find. (Your videos have been quite helpful and are much appreciated!) I’ve done all the prep I can with helpful gadgets and looser shirts, sweatpants, etc. to make dressing myself easier, ice packs, buttoning device, pretty much anything that will make my recovery easier. I’m lucky it’s my non-dominant arm getting surgery!
Gail, I'm glad to hear the videos have been helpful. You are most welcome! It sounds like have already watched my "How to Prepare for Shoulder Surgery" video as well. ua-cam.com/video/_ir4_uy9MU8/v-deo.html Preparing in advance is definitely going to help. The things you are doing already are great! I highly recommend having someone to help you the first week. I was fortunate enough to have someone the entire time. It really helped with those passive range of motion movements our healthcare providers want us to do. I literally could not have done it alone. Doing all the passive range of motion movements really helped my mobility, which is key to recovery. I'm glad it's your non-dominant arm. That will make a bit easier. Best wishes to your surgery and recovery!
I bought a jumbo electric recliner a few months ago and have been sleeping in it to get use to getting in and out. I live alone and after having bilateral knee replacements 18 months ago my shoulder decompression, rotator cuff repair and bicep tendon repair will be a walk in the park.
This is great that you have a wife that can help you. Unfortunately I live alone and I will not have anyone here to help me except for maybe the first couple of days so I’m a little bit more disadvantage.
It is definitely helpful to have someone to help you with recovery. It would be harder, but I know it can be done without assistance. Having someone for even a couple of days will help. I’m guessing if you reach out for help, you will get it. Best wishes on your recovery.
I had to learn to use my non dominant hand. It wasn’t the same experience, but you will learn to make it work. I highly recommend getting a bidet with a good dryer. That makes it much easier.
You are most welcome. I’m glad to hear that. I put up 30 other videos on the channel. Hopefully those will help you through your recovery. If you have any questions, let me know.
I'm on day 8 from rotator cuff surgery. The pain is mild, more of an aching feeling that comes and goes. Have you encountered muscle contractions? My muscles will contract when im dozing in and out of sleep. Glad your doing good.
@EVILDEAD1983@@ I had achiness also, starting about Day 5. I believe I labeled that video a different kind of pain. I attribute my pain to being immobile. What you're experiencing is normal. Sometimes I would have my shoulder/arm "JOLT" like you describe. I spoke with my healthcare team about this. I was told if the pain doesn't last more than a few minutes, all is well. Those jolts are super normal as well. They do dissipate as you progress. I'm glad to hear you are doing well also!
@@livelongerlivestronger My shoulder aches only when I try to move it. Like you said I think it’s just from being in a sling 24/7. I do pendulums 5x a day and elbow flexion. I keep my sling on though because I’ve had an instance were I almost tripped and my reflex was to put my arm out. Luckily my arm is strapped down with the sling.
@@livelongerlivestronger Did you do shoulder shrugs within the first 2 weeks? I tried doing a shoulder shrug and it wasn’t a good feeling. Not painful but not great.
@@EVILDEAD-rr9do Those are some good movements to do. I did them as well. I had to be super careful not to react and use that arm. It takes some getting used to, but now I guard it well. You will too!
@@EVILDEAD-rr9do yes, I sure did...among several things my surgeon asked me to do starting on Day 2. Check this video out. I show the home PT I was doing for the first 6 weeks. ua-cam.com/video/rBN7el9LoLM/v-deo.html
What sleeping position in bed did you find most comfortable? I’m on Day 7 after rotator cuff surgery and I cannot get comfortable either in recliner or bed. Aching has started now in my non-affected shoulder and neck. Thank you for your excellent, informative videos 🌺
I had to experiment a lot to find the right position. For me, the first position I found was lying on my left (non-involved) side with my right (involved) arm resting on my right side. I used a very large pillow in front of me to help support my right arm and another very large pillow behind me to support my elbow. Another position was lying on my back with my right involved arm supported by a medium sized pillow so it was in a comfortable and safe position. I'm a side sleeper, but I was so tired I got sleep in that position as my "alternate" position to the first described. This allowed me to not be stuck in the same position all night. I had to experiment with different shape and sizes of pillows. I did that by having a pillow that I could add or remove filling from. During the first week I had to have someone help me get my arm into different positions for the experiments. I made sure to be VERY careful. While sleep is important, keeping my arm in a safe position was paramount. Fortunately, I found a way to do both. Safely experiment with different shapes, sizes, and locations of pillows. Some have found smaller pillows to work well, others larger. Here is a link to all 31 videos for your convenience. I'm glad the video helped. I think you will find as the videos progress, they become even more helpful. ua-cam.com/play/PLQSf5JL3jJjSHFX3dxy1_j9Hxyv-jKAoo.html
I consider my day of surgery Day 0 because that's the day it all started. Day 1 was 24 hours after surgery, Day 2 was 48 hours after surgery. So yes, 48 hours after surgery my wife assisted me taking a shower. It was nerve-wracking, but with the mesh shower sling and my wife's assistance, I was able to take a shower and it felt great! I'm glad the videos have helped you. Here is a play list of all 31 in succession for your convenience: ua-cam.com/play/PLQSf5JL3jJjSHFX3dxy1_j9Hxyv-jKAoo.html&si=ssFsyEtFXLqzJXOQ. I highly recommend watching the shoulder prep video first if your surgery is soon. I go into a lot of details, some of which may be helpful for you. Here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/_ir4_uy9MU8/v-deo.htmlsi=4crwbChLo1c-Zhpa. Best wishes!
I am 100% fully recovered. It's not quite the same as before, but in most ways it's better. I have the same strength now with no pain, which is a huge win.
Lying on my good side with a large pillow in front of me I could rest my arm on without moving it away from my body. Another large pillow behind me to prevent my arm from moving and falling off the back if I accidentally rolled. I also slept on my back with a pillow to support my arm in a comfortable position. It's all about building your own nest and finding what works best for you.
My surgery was yesterday 0900. Went good. However. This morning SEVERE PAIN. Have never felt pain like this. Pain meds, Tylenol, Breg Ice … not helping. I can’t continue at this pain level 🥴
I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing severe pain. Please contact your surgeon immediately. Sometimes they can prescribe different pain meds that are more effective for you or help in some other way.
@@livelongerlivestronger that was indeed what they did. Oxycodon, did not work! I was about to head to the ER. Instead they called out Hydrocodon & tremorol. In tandem, after 2 doses each, around 0200 the pain levels became bearable. Today I got 2 naps in. Pain levels moderate. Thanks for you VLOG. I’ve watched just about everyone!
Agreed. If you need opioids for pain control, definitely take them. For me, I don’t like the feeling of opioids, and they slow down my digestive process significantly. Through all the strategies I employed, fortunately I was able to avoid having to use them at all.
Im having this surgery tomorrow and after watching alot of other videos am very nervous. You have given me some hope.
Hey Zach! I'm sorry to hear you require shoulder surgery, but am glad my video has given you hope. I made 31 videos through my recovery process that may even give you more hope. First, watch this shoulder surgery prep video. It has a ton of information, hopefully not too late to help you: ua-cam.com/video/_ir4_uy9MU8/v-deo.htmlsi=0gPg1DdmQ9WeoN-Q. Below is a link to the full playlist of 31 videos in order created: ua-cam.com/play/PLQSf5JL3jJjSHFX3dxy1_j9Hxyv-jKAoo.html&si=my_b6641pVa5j_-U
Hope that helps and best wishes to you!
Thank you for chronicling your journey as I, too, am staring down the throat of this surgery - the thought of which was unnerving until watching your documentary.
You are most welcome. I created 31 total videos covering the first 5 months of recovery with a lot of detail. Hopefully those will also make things easier and less unnerving. It's a long journey, but totally doable! Best of wishes with your journey.
Great video
I’m on day 2, nerve block is starting to wear off. I ordered the shower sling after watching your video. Great Pro Tip!
My nerve block only lasted 2 days as well, but it was super helpful. I’m glad the shower sling tip helped. I made 30 more videos on this channel with information on recovery of needed. Best wishes!
Thanks for all the reminders & tips
I'm going in for a re do this month. I fell 1 yr after my first repair. Was totally bummed. One tip you can do is use an umbrella ☔ plastic sheath cover you find at like a hospital or store. Worked great to slip arm in to for shower 🚿 just had to tape it a bit 👍
You’re most welcome! Thanks for sharing your tip and best wishes with your upcoming repair.
I’m having rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder on Thursday (4 days from now) and have been watching all the videos about recovery and tips that I can find. (Your videos have been quite helpful and are much appreciated!) I’ve done all the prep I can with helpful gadgets and looser shirts, sweatpants, etc. to make dressing myself easier, ice packs, buttoning device, pretty much anything that will make my recovery easier. I’m lucky it’s my non-dominant arm getting surgery!
Gail, I'm glad to hear the videos have been helpful. You are most welcome! It sounds like have already watched my "How to Prepare for Shoulder Surgery" video as well. ua-cam.com/video/_ir4_uy9MU8/v-deo.html
Preparing in advance is definitely going to help. The things you are doing already are great! I highly recommend having someone to help you the first week. I was fortunate enough to have someone the entire time. It really helped with those passive range of motion movements our healthcare providers want us to do. I literally could not have done it alone. Doing all the passive range of motion movements really helped my mobility, which is key to recovery. I'm glad it's your non-dominant arm. That will make a bit easier. Best wishes to your surgery and recovery!
Hows your recovery? Im going for superior capsular reconstruction surgery in 10 days.
@@ViknesonSankunny my recovery went beautifully - I’m at 98% back to normal!
I bought a jumbo electric recliner a few months ago and have been sleeping in it to get use to getting in and out.
I live alone and after having bilateral knee replacements 18 months ago my shoulder decompression, rotator cuff repair and bicep tendon repair will be a walk in the park.
Wow! You are one tough individual. Kudos! Best wishes on your recovery.
This is great that you have a wife that can help you. Unfortunately I live alone and I will not have anyone here to help me except for maybe the first couple of days so I’m a little bit more disadvantage.
It is definitely helpful to have someone to help you with recovery. It would be harder, but I know it can be done without assistance. Having someone for even a couple of days will help. I’m guessing if you reach out for help, you will get it. Best wishes on your recovery.
great Job!! hope all is well with you. thank you so much for making these videos very helpfull.
Thank you! I'm glad the information helped.
I see it's the right arm ..... my concern is how does a person wipe their butt after while in a sling?
I had to learn to use my non dominant hand. It wasn’t the same experience, but you will learn to make it work. I highly recommend getting a bidet with a good dryer. That makes it much easier.
I use a handheld bidet and a gripper that holds the TP. Then I use a Cottonelle with the gripper. Amazon has both items.
@@pamcosgrove5022 Right on! Whatever works for you is always the best solution.
Thank you for this helped me out a lot
You are most welcome. I’m glad to hear that. I put up 30 other videos on the channel. Hopefully those will help you through your recovery. If you have any questions, let me know.
I'm on day 8 from rotator cuff surgery. The pain is mild, more of an aching feeling that comes and goes. Have you encountered muscle contractions? My muscles will contract when im dozing in and out of sleep. Glad your doing good.
@EVILDEAD1983@@ I had achiness also, starting about Day 5. I believe I labeled that video a different kind of pain. I attribute my pain to being immobile. What you're experiencing is normal. Sometimes I would have my shoulder/arm "JOLT" like you describe. I spoke with my healthcare team about this. I was told if the pain doesn't last more than a few minutes, all is well. Those jolts are super normal as well. They do dissipate as you progress. I'm glad to hear you are doing well also!
@@livelongerlivestronger My shoulder aches only when I try to move it. Like you said I think it’s just from being in a sling 24/7. I do pendulums 5x a day and elbow flexion. I keep my sling on though because I’ve had an instance were I almost tripped and my reflex was to put my arm out. Luckily my arm is strapped down with the sling.
@@livelongerlivestronger Did you do shoulder shrugs within the first 2 weeks? I tried doing a shoulder shrug and it wasn’t a good feeling. Not painful but not great.
@@EVILDEAD-rr9do Those are some good movements to do. I did them as well. I had to be super careful not to react and use that arm. It takes some getting used to, but now I guard it well. You will too!
@@EVILDEAD-rr9do yes, I sure did...among several things my surgeon asked me to do starting on Day 2. Check this video out. I show the home PT I was doing for the first 6 weeks.
ua-cam.com/video/rBN7el9LoLM/v-deo.html
What sleeping position in bed did you find most comfortable? I’m on Day 7 after rotator cuff surgery and I cannot get comfortable either in recliner or bed. Aching has started now in my non-affected shoulder and neck.
Thank you for your excellent, informative videos 🌺
I had to experiment a lot to find the right position. For me, the first position I found was lying on my left (non-involved) side with my right (involved) arm resting on my right side. I used a very large pillow in front of me to help support my right arm and another very large pillow behind me to support my elbow. Another position was lying on my back with my right involved arm supported by a medium sized pillow so it was in a comfortable and safe position. I'm a side sleeper, but I was so tired I got sleep in that position as my "alternate" position to the first described. This allowed me to not be stuck in the same position all night. I had to experiment with different shape and sizes of pillows. I did that by having a pillow that I could add or remove filling from. During the first week I had to have someone help me get my arm into different positions for the experiments. I made sure to be VERY careful. While sleep is important, keeping my arm in a safe position was paramount. Fortunately, I found a way to do both. Safely experiment with different shapes, sizes, and locations of pillows. Some have found smaller pillows to work well, others larger. Here is a link to all 31 videos for your convenience. I'm glad the video helped. I think you will find as the videos progress, they become even more helpful.
ua-cam.com/play/PLQSf5JL3jJjSHFX3dxy1_j9Hxyv-jKAoo.html
@@livelongerlivestronger
I really appreciate this, thank you so much 😊
@@genomeara6922you are most welcome!
Were you able to take a shower on the second day? I have surgery in a month, and your videos have helped me prepare. Thank you 🙂
I consider my day of surgery Day 0 because that's the day it all started. Day 1 was 24 hours after surgery, Day 2 was 48 hours after surgery. So yes, 48 hours after surgery my wife assisted me taking a shower. It was nerve-wracking, but with the mesh shower sling and my wife's assistance, I was able to take a shower and it felt great! I'm glad the videos have helped you. Here is a play list of all 31 in succession for your convenience: ua-cam.com/play/PLQSf5JL3jJjSHFX3dxy1_j9Hxyv-jKAoo.html&si=ssFsyEtFXLqzJXOQ. I highly recommend watching the shoulder prep video first if your surgery is soon. I go into a lot of details, some of which may be helpful for you. Here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/_ir4_uy9MU8/v-deo.htmlsi=4crwbChLo1c-Zhpa. Best wishes!
Hi, may i know hows your shoulder performance now? Fully recovered?
I am 100% fully recovered. It's not quite the same as before, but in most ways it's better. I have the same strength now with no pain, which is a huge win.
Did you have any chest pain or soreness after surgery?
I had lots of soreness, which is normal. I did not have chest pain.
@@livelongerlivestronger soreness in chest correct? That’s what I’m feeling now. Not really pain. But more like the day after a chest workout
That can be normal as well depending on the procedures you had done. If it’s not pain, you should be good.
What was the position? Thanks
Lying on my good side with a large pillow in front of me I could rest my arm on without moving it away from my body. Another large pillow behind me to prevent my arm from moving and falling off the back if I accidentally rolled. I also slept on my back with a pillow to support my arm in a comfortable position. It's all about building your own nest and finding what works best for you.
My surgery was yesterday 0900. Went good. However. This morning SEVERE PAIN. Have never felt pain like this. Pain meds, Tylenol, Breg Ice … not helping. I can’t continue at this pain level 🥴
I’m sorry to hear you’re experiencing severe pain. Please contact your surgeon immediately. Sometimes they can prescribe different pain meds that are more effective for you or help in some other way.
@@livelongerlivestronger that was indeed what they did. Oxycodon, did not work!
I was about to head to the ER.
Instead they called out Hydrocodon & tremorol. In tandem, after 2 doses each, around 0200 the pain levels became bearable.
Today I got 2 naps in. Pain levels moderate.
Thanks for you VLOG. I’ve watched just about everyone!
Why were you so hesitant to take opioids? I have had no reservations because there are no badges awarded for pain tolerance.
Agreed. If you need opioids for pain control, definitely take them. For me, I don’t like the feeling of opioids, and they slow down my digestive process significantly. Through all the strategies I employed, fortunately I was able to avoid having to use them at all.