So happy for you. Think many don’t post the positive things and gives people the sense it’s a horror surgery. Stay focused on all the good. I’m having that as well. It’s hard not doing things but stay safe and stay in a good head space.
Kelly Millard thank you! My recovery is going far better than I thought it would. Much better than I’ve heard from most others. I’m glad you’re having a good experience with your recovery as well. That’s awesome! My surgeon told me that he doesn’t get good results because of his skill, but because he has the best patients. People that are positive and work hard. Because I’m not having much pain and things are going so well, it makes me want to do more than I should. I have to constantly remind myself to just chill out and let the process happen. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to hearing more about your recovery.
Thank you for sharing. I have as well very tolerable pain in week 2. Still looking for the right position but close. The oxi was not needed. Hope I can do PT soon.
@Klaus-Dieter Spatz Fantastic news that your pain is under control! That's the biggest issue for the first few weeks. It took me a while to find the right position and it's not always the same every night. When I was able to find several different positions and interchange between them during the night, was the turning point for me.
Thanks for lots of important, usefull information. When did you start driving again? I have a EV-very easy to drive-car, so I wonder if it’s possible to drive again before the 8 weeks, that I’m told to wait after the surgery.
Hi Jens! You're most welcome. I'm glad the information was helpful. The limitation of driving is more about how comfortable you are driving with one arm only AND what your local laws allow or disallow. If your local laws allow driving with one arm without special equipment and you are confident you won't use your involved arm, even in the event of an emergency situation then you should be OK. Many people have an instinct to use both their arms in certain situations, without involving driving. The key for you is to be 100% sure you won't "react" and instinctively use that arm before it's ready. My involved shoulder was ready to drive at about the 16 week mark. I hope that helps. ua-cam.com/video/d1LriEZJndI/v-deo.html
Great sounds like you are doing well. I am Scott 60 years with a full think ness tear of my supraspinatus muscle. I di not have any kind of injury crazy. My shoulder pops and cracks with any kind of reaching up or out. I know at some point i will need the surgery but just very nervous right now. Thinking about getting a cortisone shot first to see if that helps for awhile.
@janparsons2590 Hey Scott! I tried many different types of treatments for well over 6 months. Some did help, but when I fell, that sealed my fate. I have had cortisone shots before as well. They are primarily meant to alleviate pain, but are only temporary. Cortisone shots can degrade the tissue, so I did not opt for any. I knew if I had surgery, the cortisone shot would not help the tissue quality. I encourage you to try physical therapy before undergoing surgery. It works for many people. Even with a full thickness tear. If it doesn't, you can always opt for surgery. I was nervous about getting surgery as well. It was no small decision. In fact, I was still thinking of backing out on the day of surgery. It's not perfect for everyone and its a long recovery. Ultimately, surgery was a good decision for me. My shoulder feels SO much better now.
@@livelongerlivestronger I have already done the PT but things are getting worse. I do have a appt next week with my Doctor to discus a cortisone shot and when to do the surgery. I am hoping for April that is why i am leaning towards a shot to help with the pain for a couple months. Thanks for all the info sir.
@@janparsons2590 I had my surgery in May, after the ski season. I avoided cortisone shots like the plague, but it may help you. It's definitely a lot easier than surgery recovery. Sending my positive vibes for you.
@@joehoffrage We are all so different, the best positions for you will come from experimentation. What worked for me is to take two BIG long pillows and place them on either side of me. My involved shoulder was my right side. I laid on my left side that was not operated on, gently making sure my arm did not move and remained directly on top of my right side. I pulled the pillow in front of me toward my body, so I could rest my right hand and forearm on the pillow. I basically created a shelf to rest my lower arm on so my right arm would not move at all and not compromise the repair. My sling was on the entire time of course. I also had a BIG pillow behind me that prevented me from rolling over in my sleep. I was wedged in! Eventually, I also discovered I could lay on my back with a little support from that pillow behind me on my arm. Just enough so my sling rested on my stomach and my elbow and upper arm was supported by that pillow. In that position, I had a pillow on my opposite side as well. The key was to sleep in "chunks". I would take several naps in that position, which were far more comfortable than the recliner. Once I got tired again, I went back to sleep. I was not able to sleep for long periods for a while after Day 1 when the anesthesia wore off. I had to experiment with what worked for me. I encourage you to do the same.
My ortho doesn't like shoulder slings with pillows. Prefers the regular sling. I've looked up the reasons why. But I'm wondering about sleep. If one with a pillow would be good for sleeping at least.
I personally liked having the abduction pad on my sling. I felt it put less stress on my shoulder and kept it in a better position, but that's just me. It was also better for sleep. 100% listen to your surgeon for your recovery as you have been. I'm sure you can still be successful without the abduction pad, even when you sleep. Experiment with different pillow sizes and positions. It took a lot of experimentation for me, but I finally found something that worked. You will too!
I am happy to tell you what worked for me at the very end. First know, we are all so different, what works for one person may not necessarily work for someone else. The best advice I can give is to experiment with different things to see what works best for your mom. It's normal to be uncomfortable after a shoulder surgery. Some things that have worked: A recliner, strategically placing several small pillows, a foam wedge (Amazon), big pillows. What worked best for me was to lay on my non-involved side with a BIG pillow propped behind me to prevent me from rolling over or for my arm to fall behind me and another BIG pillow that allowed me to rest my involved hand and a small portion of my arm. I basically wedged myself on my non-involved side between two big pillows and strategically used them to keep my arm comfortably resting in place. I eventually became uncomfortable in that spot since I laid there so long, so I rotated onto my back and used the pillow behind me to help prop up my arm. The key is to find the right size pillows and the most comfortable position for her arm, that does not comprise her shoulder. I hope that helps.
Oh, I was also fortunate to not experience much pain after shoulder surgery week one. I only used Tylenol and ice packs to keep the pains manageable. For sleeping I could not get comfortable in a recliner. I used a lot of soft pillows on the bed and slept on my back. Typically, I am a side sleeper and move around a lot from side to side so this was challenging to sleep on my back all night. The first night was tough sleeping, so I ended up taking two melatonin in the middle of the night, 10 mg. That seem to help and I’ve been doing the 10 mg dosage every night so far I’m currently starting week three in my recovery and have been fortunate to have very little pain. excited to start PT next week and hopefully get the sling off a few weeks after.
@Ruben Guerra I had the same issue. The first night I slept on the recliner and it was ok because of the anesthesia, but on the second night I just couldn't take it anymore. I figured out a way to sleep in bed and never looked back! Glad you are able to sleep on your bed as well. Many can't.
How difficult to put a shirt on? I’m going for the same surgery in few days. Although it’s my none dominant arm I’m still worried about almost everything 🙁.
@M3 it wasn't too bad at all, with the right technique. I made this video to help with the easiest way to put on a shirt. It's not an easy recovery, but if you stay positive and follow your healthcare team's recommendations, it should go well. Mine has so far! Best wishes to you on your surgery. Keep us updated on how you're doing. Here is the link to that video on how to put on a shirt with one arm. ua-cam.com/video/hfjeIKQ18IE/v-deo.html
@Alice Ndimu I'm so sorry to hear your pain is unbearable. My surgery has helped me considerably. I hope it will do the same for you. Keep us updated on your progress!
So happy for you. Think many don’t post the positive things and gives people the sense it’s a horror surgery. Stay focused on all the good. I’m having that as well. It’s hard not doing things but stay safe and stay in a good head space.
Kelly Millard thank you! My recovery is going far better than I thought it would. Much better than I’ve heard from most others. I’m glad you’re having a good experience with your recovery as well. That’s awesome!
My surgeon told me that he doesn’t get good results because of his skill, but because he has the best patients. People that are positive and work hard.
Because I’m not having much pain and things are going so well, it makes me want to do more than I should. I have to constantly remind myself to just chill out and let the process happen.
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to hearing more about your recovery.
Thank you for the videos. Very helpful and informative.
You're most welcome!
Thank you for sharing. I have as well very tolerable pain in week 2. Still looking for the right position but close. The oxi was not needed. Hope I can do PT soon.
@Klaus-Dieter Spatz Fantastic news that your pain is under control! That's the biggest issue for the first few weeks. It took me a while to find the right position and it's not always the same every night. When I was able to find several different positions and interchange between them during the night, was the turning point for me.
Thanks for lots of important, usefull information. When did you start driving again? I have a EV-very easy to drive-car, so I wonder if it’s possible to drive again before the 8 weeks, that I’m told to wait after the surgery.
Hi Jens! You're most welcome. I'm glad the information was helpful. The limitation of driving is more about how comfortable you are driving with one arm only AND what your local laws allow or disallow. If your local laws allow driving with one arm without special equipment and you are confident you won't use your involved arm, even in the event of an emergency situation then you should be OK. Many people have an instinct to use both their arms in certain situations, without involving driving. The key for you is to be 100% sure you won't "react" and instinctively use that arm before it's ready. My involved shoulder was ready to drive at about the 16 week mark. I hope that helps. ua-cam.com/video/d1LriEZJndI/v-deo.html
Thank you for the videos.
What type of rotator cuff repair did you actually have?
Great sounds like you are doing well. I am Scott 60 years with a full think ness tear of my supraspinatus muscle. I di not have any kind of injury crazy. My shoulder pops and cracks with any kind of reaching up or out. I know at some point i will need the surgery but just very nervous right now. Thinking about getting a cortisone shot first to see if that helps for awhile.
@janparsons2590 Hey Scott! I tried many different types of treatments for well over 6 months. Some did help, but when I fell, that sealed my fate. I have had cortisone shots before as well. They are primarily meant to alleviate pain, but are only temporary. Cortisone shots can degrade the tissue, so I did not opt for any. I knew if I had surgery, the cortisone shot would not help the tissue quality. I encourage you to try physical therapy before undergoing surgery. It works for many people. Even with a full thickness tear. If it doesn't, you can always opt for surgery. I was nervous about getting surgery as well. It was no small decision. In fact, I was still thinking of backing out on the day of surgery. It's not perfect for everyone and its a long recovery. Ultimately, surgery was a good decision for me. My shoulder feels SO much better now.
@@livelongerlivestronger I have already done the PT but things are getting worse. I do have a appt next week with my Doctor to discus a cortisone shot and when to do the surgery. I am hoping for April that is why i am leaning towards a shot to help with the pain for a couple months. Thanks for all the info sir.
@@janparsons2590 I had my surgery in May, after the ski season. I avoided cortisone shots like the plague, but it may help you. It's definitely a lot easier than surgery recovery. Sending my positive vibes for you.
Can you please explain the sleep position you experienced in bed that facilitated good sleep? Did you use a wedge? Etc…
@@joehoffrage We are all so different, the best positions for you will come from experimentation. What worked for me is to take two BIG long pillows and place them on either side of me. My involved shoulder was my right side. I laid on my left side that was not operated on, gently making sure my arm did not move and remained directly on top of my right side. I pulled the pillow in front of me toward my body, so I could rest my right hand and forearm on the pillow. I basically created a shelf to rest my lower arm on so my right arm would not move at all and not compromise the repair. My sling was on the entire time of course. I also had a BIG pillow behind me that prevented me from rolling over in my sleep. I was wedged in! Eventually, I also discovered I could lay on my back with a little support from that pillow behind me on my arm. Just enough so my sling rested on my stomach and my elbow and upper arm was supported by that pillow. In that position, I had a pillow on my opposite side as well. The key was to sleep in "chunks". I would take several naps in that position, which were far more comfortable than the recliner. Once I got tired again, I went back to sleep. I was not able to sleep for long periods for a while after Day 1 when the anesthesia wore off. I had to experiment with what worked for me. I encourage you to do the same.
My ortho doesn't like shoulder slings with pillows. Prefers the regular sling. I've looked up the reasons why. But I'm wondering about sleep. If one with a pillow would be good for sleeping at least.
I personally liked having the abduction pad on my sling. I felt it put less stress on my shoulder and kept it in a better position, but that's just me. It was also better for sleep. 100% listen to your surgeon for your recovery as you have been. I'm sure you can still be successful without the abduction pad, even when you sleep. Experiment with different pillow sizes and positions. It took a lot of experimentation for me, but I finally found something that worked. You will too!
Hello my mom just had shoulder surgery on Friday. She is having trouble sleeping can you give me tips on sleep positions you used that helped you ?
I am happy to tell you what worked for me at the very end. First know, we are all so different, what works for one person may not necessarily work for someone else. The best advice I can give is to experiment with different things to see what works best for your mom. It's normal to be uncomfortable after a shoulder surgery. Some things that have worked: A recliner, strategically placing several small pillows, a foam wedge (Amazon), big pillows. What worked best for me was to lay on my non-involved side with a BIG pillow propped behind me to prevent me from rolling over or for my arm to fall behind me and another BIG pillow that allowed me to rest my involved hand and a small portion of my arm. I basically wedged myself on my non-involved side between two big pillows and strategically used them to keep my arm comfortably resting in place. I eventually became uncomfortable in that spot since I laid there so long, so I rotated onto my back and used the pillow behind me to help prop up my arm. The key is to find the right size pillows and the most comfortable position for her arm, that does not comprise her shoulder. I hope that helps.
Oh, I was also fortunate to not experience much pain after shoulder surgery week one. I only used Tylenol and ice packs to keep the pains manageable. For sleeping I could not get comfortable in a recliner. I used a lot of soft pillows on the bed and slept on my back. Typically, I am a side sleeper and move around a lot from side to side so this was challenging to sleep on my back all night. The first night was tough sleeping, so I ended up taking two melatonin in the middle of the night, 10 mg. That seem to help and I’ve been doing the 10 mg dosage every night so far I’m currently starting week three in my recovery and have been fortunate to have very little pain. excited to start PT next week and hopefully get the sling off a few weeks after.
Hi I just had shoulder surgery on September 20 2021.i also bought a recyliner to sleep. but I couldn't sleep on it.i sleep better on my bed.
@Ruben Guerra I had the same issue. The first night I slept on the recliner and it was ok because of the anesthesia, but on the second night I just couldn't take it anymore. I figured out a way to sleep in bed and never looked back! Glad you are able to sleep on your bed as well. Many can't.
How difficult to put a shirt on? I’m going for the same surgery in few days. Although it’s my none dominant arm I’m still worried about almost everything 🙁.
@M3 it wasn't too bad at all, with the right technique. I made this video to help with the easiest way to put on a shirt. It's not an easy recovery, but if you stay positive and follow your healthcare team's recommendations, it should go well. Mine has so far! Best wishes to you on your surgery. Keep us updated on how you're doing. Here is the link to that video on how to put on a shirt with one arm.
ua-cam.com/video/hfjeIKQ18IE/v-deo.html
I’m on day 4…no pain pills today
2 days today from my surgery pain is unbearable sleepiness heaviness in that shoulder
@Alice Ndimu I'm so sorry to hear your pain is unbearable. My surgery has helped me considerably. I hope it will do the same for you. Keep us updated on your progress!
@@livelongerlivestronger thank so up at I was able to sleep a bit this just woke up now
@@alicendimu2038 good to hear! Good sleep is a lot more challenging to get so soon after surgery. The good news, it will improve over time.
@@livelongerlivestronger 🙏🙏
Need it soon and even the surgical nurse said the pain is excruciating. I have rectal surgery...she said its worse.