← Return to Success stories: Reverse shoulder replacement surgery

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@ltsally

After an unsuccessful surgery in May, last Friday, 10/9/20, I had total reverse should replacement. Went home the same day with a nerve block catheter in my neck. I've taken a meloxicam daily for pain and inflammation, but pretty much nothing else. The OT had me doing over 1200 repetitions of pendulums and arm movements a day.( If I did her maximum suggestion) .. I talked to the surgeon who agreed that seemed a bit much. Currently doing 120 reps, 40 0ther reps with hand/arm at 90 degrees 3 times a day so over 500, but it seems very doable. So far no pain, but I just shut off the catheter as it shouldn't stay in the body much longer. We will see what happens then. Currently I'm sleeping pretty well, icing often. An interesting side note, and one I expected.... my arm is now bout 2 inches longer than my left arm. Can't help but be useful for something..... 🙂 Anxious to get started on PT. Plan on wearing the brace pretty much 24/7 for 3 weeks. Hopefully I can take it off then, but we will see what X-rays and doctor say. If ANYONE is going in for any type of shoulder surgery, I highly recommend the nerve block catheter and can talk to anyone about it. I knew what to expect so asked the Doc for more topical and pain med before inserting the block. It really helped and 6 days post op, still almost pain free. Hard to care for yourself, but I happen to have won the lottery on husbands. He's taking great care of me. Let me know how you all are doing? Sally

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Replies to "After an unsuccessful surgery in May, last Friday, 10/9/20, I had total reverse should replacement. Went..."

sounds like you are doing all the right things, will follow along as I am near the edge of having the same done. wishing you a speedy recovery.....

HI there Sally, @itsally. Welcome home! It sounds like you had a successful experience. You sound very chipper and ready to start the rehab all over again. So....you grew 2 inches also. I don't know why they can't get it just a bit closer to reality so you don't have your elbow in someone's face when you eat an ice cream cone.

Here's some more good news.......you have probably gained 2 lbs. Just teasing! That's how much the apparatus weighs....or so my surgeon told me.

Tell me more about the nerve block. How is it attached? I had a nerve block device of some kind a couple of months ago when I had the tumor removed on my sternum.

And the only mothering I will do today is to suggest that you keep the ice going and take it easy on the exercises. Since you just had surgery a few months ago there will be some scar tissue and other areas that are still healing.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.