Shoulder replacement post-op period

Are you having a TSR or a RTS. I had reverse total shoulder in 2019. You can watch video of surgery on line. I watched it post surgery. I looked for a physical therapist and lucked out with a dr in physical therapy, all kinds of credentials to include dry needling. He had shoulder surgery and had rehabbed himself. Your physical therapist is as important as an excellent surgeon. I got some shirts from reboundwear.com that are awesome for shoulder replacement have zippers everywhere great to wear even with sling. Sleeping in a recliner is what I did for 6 weeks even though they wanted 8 weeks. It was my dominant arm as well. Couldn’t use it at all wasn’t even allowed to lift a pencil with it. I put an end table on each side recliner for meds etc. cryocuff machine was my go to for pain control. Pt started at 2 weeks ( I should have listened to my surgeon and done 8-12 weeks pt prior as they strengthen muscles that will need to take over for having no rotator cuff anymore) It took 3 1/2 months before I was able to drive, that’s not the case for everyone. I had to have someone give me a shower, wash my hair, dress me, etc. Everyone’s experience is different. Had it done in winter and I would go for daily walks in the house and outside. Bring a pillow in car, I felt every little bump. It took me many months before I could cut my food.
Positive attitude goes a long way I used capes outside since I couldn’t wear a winter coat.
I just used my left hand for reading wasn’t easy but worked. Kids got me something online ghost held my iPad and then used my non dominant hand. Hope this helps.

Has anyone had a shoulder replacement without any nerve block?

My experience was totally different. I am five months out from RSR on my dominant arm. I was given permission to ditch the sling after two weeks but chose to continue wearing it outside the house. I was allowed to use my fingers almost immediately, so was able to type on my tablet and use the arm in a limited way for eating, dressing, etc. after the first five days my pain was minimal. Yes, everyone is different and every surgeon has different guidelines, but many find it to be a fairly easy recovery. Good luck to you.

Tim: specific suggestions you asked for. Sleep in a recliner with a pillow under your shoulder for as long as you need to (for me it was about two weeks). I used a three tier rolling cart for my meds, ice etc. which worked well. A pillow on my lap was good for reading. I ate mainly finger food at first and someone did have to cut my food. My left hand coordination improved with practice. I definitely needed help with showering but had a waterproof bandage for the first few days over a “honeycomb” bandage, and thus was allowed to shower after the first five days. I also had adaptive shirts with snaps, but they were a pain to use. Oversized flannel shirts were better, and I wore oversized sweatpants which I was able to pull up and down with my left hand. Hope this helps.