Hi Joe,
I had a fast recovery, I thought it was an easier process than my two TKR's , likely because there is no weight bearing involved. It will be 4 years this October and it still feels fine. I kept a few dictated notes on my cell phone in case I had to go through this again with the other shoulder (wished I had done that for my 2nd knee.) I noted my pain levels in the first few days were only at about 2 or 3 of 10, mostly a scratchy burning feel that responded well to icing. Quit tramadol on day three, only using acetominophen, ibuprofen and the aspirin combo recommended on my release instructions. I dislike the wooziness and constipation from the opioids, and pain level didn't warrant it. I did the pendulum swings, and elbow and finger exercises I was given at the hospital up to 5 times a day, 20 reps each direction and circles. I highly recommend a wrist-to-waist immobilizer instead of a traditional sling. By day 11, I was doing tasks by disconnecting the wrist velcro, like cooking fish and making salad. The elbow to waist velcro still keeps your upper arm rigid. Day 15 I went in for my first PT evaluation, staples out and X-ray, my shoulder arc movement was ahead of schedule. Was given a silly putty egg to play with for hand strength while watching TV etc. Quit wearing the sling at night by week 5, quit wearing it during the day at week 6. Started true PT exercises at home, including shoulder blades lifts and wall slides. Week 7, arm getting to near normal, can sleep on it, raise the balky recliner foot stick, should be able to drive - will ask at upcoming surgeon's re-check. Pretty normal use of the arm, but some pain during large awkward swings. (end of my notes)
I can't say if I had an abnormally quick recovery overall, but I think I could have gone on vacation at about two months post surgery, certainly by three moths with no problem. The only negative thing I have to say, is I believe I did get carpal tunnel problems from doing (too many?) wall slides at home. Your wrist is bent at an angle as you push a folded towel up smooth wall to increase overhead reach, with hard pressure on the wrist as you try to push higher. I'm scheduled for the nerve testing in July, and hopefully the simple surgery will take care of it.