I should also add I have full range of motion, am beginning to play tennis again, and am starting with a trainer for strength in my arm Monday. Don't skip the PT. It is crucial.
CatTanzer (love the name cat dancer), what are you most worried about with the meds for breakthrough pain? Are you worried about the pain? Or that the meds won't work? Or how to take them effectively? Other?
CatTanzer (love the name cat dancer), what are you most worried about with the meds for breakthrough pain? Are you worried about the pain? Or that the meds won't work? Or how to take them effectively? Other?
@cattanzer Good evening. I don't see your worries listed in response to the request from @colleenyoung. I thought that I could share some of my experiences and memories of a reverse shoulder replacement.
First......when I was taken to the surgery arena, my surgeon took the time to introduce everyone in the room and explained their role. It was almost like a party and I was the special guest. They did not talk around me but included me. That, in itself, was comforting.
Later that evening, both my surgeon and anesthesiologist came to my room. They wanted to make sure I wasn't having any problems. Ambien was on the med list and I told them I couldn't handle it. My surgeon decided to try Dilaudid which worked very well. It is an older and very strong pain med. The anesthesiologist was happy I had no allergic reactions that he had to manage.
And another
surprise. My surgeon had brought some of my favorite wine and left it for me to enjoy with a meal.
My recovery continued to be pretty comfortable. I was home in three days and out to dinner in five days. My PT was very supportive and had me riding the stationary bike to get back in shape.
I had a home check nurse who came by to take a look at my progress and change bandaging every day for a week. That worked well. My main issue was that I couldn't drive until the immobilizer was removed.
I had my puppy Roxie and plenty of visitors. May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
I should also add I have full range of motion, am beginning to play tennis again, and am starting with a trainer for strength in my arm Monday. Don't skip the PT. It is crucial.
@cattanzer Good evening. I don't see your worries listed in response to the request from @colleenyoung. I thought that I could share some of my experiences and memories of a reverse shoulder replacement.
First......when I was taken to the surgery arena, my surgeon took the time to introduce everyone in the room and explained their role. It was almost like a party and I was the special guest. They did not talk around me but included me. That, in itself, was comforting.
Later that evening, both my surgeon and anesthesiologist came to my room. They wanted to make sure I wasn't having any problems. Ambien was on the med list and I told them I couldn't handle it. My surgeon decided to try Dilaudid which worked very well. It is an older and very strong pain med. The anesthesiologist was happy I had no allergic reactions that he had to manage.
And another
surprise. My surgeon had brought some of my favorite wine and left it for me to enjoy with a meal.
My recovery continued to be pretty comfortable. I was home in three days and out to dinner in five days. My PT was very supportive and had me riding the stationary bike to get back in shape.
I had a home check nurse who came by to take a look at my progress and change bandaging every day for a week. That worked well. My main issue was that I couldn't drive until the immobilizer was removed.
I had my puppy Roxie and plenty of visitors. May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Make SURE you get a nerve catheter for pain as anesthetic. I had reverse replacement in October and the nerve catheter stayed in for 6 days...meaning no need for other pain meds. You just need help removing it...You wear a plastic round thing around your neck filled with the nerve block meds. You control how little or how much you use. I used very little so it would last longer. I'm 68. Let me know if you need more information.
CatTanzer (love the name cat dancer), what are you most worried about with the meds for breakthrough pain? Are you worried about the pain? Or that the meds won't work? Or how to take them effectively? Other?
It is so good to recognize what you are afraid of. This will help you to prepare and build a plan. Here are a couple of my initial suggestions:
- Talk to you doctor or nurse about taking pain medications.
- Tell them your concerns.
- Ask about managing pain BEFORE it happens. It is easier and better to manage pain before it hurts.
- Contact a neighbor or friend to be on standby. Have their phone number on speed dial. Prepare a schedule for them to check on you.
Hello, I just saw your posting re issue wearing bras. They sell on line bras that have the hooks in the front, you would put it on just the same way you would a blouse. You can purchase them on line. I used them when I had breast cancer surgery. Go on line and in the browser type bras to wear that close in the front. That way you don’t have to STEP INTO IT. That way you don’t take the chance of falling. Irish823
Totally understand your fear of pain and drugs. Can you also go home with an ice machine? You wear a cape type of thing over your shoulder and the machine runs ice water (you load the machine with ice and water) through the pad to ice your shoulder. Even on your own you can cover your shoulder with the pad. Or order a large gel ice pad from Amazon that you keep in the freezer and use throughout the day. Between that and having the nerve block catheter I took only two heavy duty pain killers post surgery. Didn't need them. However if I had needed them it is better to stay on top of the pain for the short time you need the meds. Used tylenol after the catheter came out. Let us know if you've questions. Sally
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I should also add I have full range of motion, am beginning to play tennis again, and am starting with a trainer for strength in my arm Monday. Don't skip the PT. It is crucial.
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2 ReactionsCatTanzer (love the name cat dancer), what are you most worried about with the meds for breakthrough pain? Are you worried about the pain? Or that the meds won't work? Or how to take them effectively? Other?
@cattanzer Good evening. I don't see your worries listed in response to the request from @colleenyoung. I thought that I could share some of my experiences and memories of a reverse shoulder replacement.
First......when I was taken to the surgery arena, my surgeon took the time to introduce everyone in the room and explained their role. It was almost like a party and I was the special guest. They did not talk around me but included me. That, in itself, was comforting.
Later that evening, both my surgeon and anesthesiologist came to my room. They wanted to make sure I wasn't having any problems. Ambien was on the med list and I told them I couldn't handle it. My surgeon decided to try Dilaudid which worked very well. It is an older and very strong pain med. The anesthesiologist was happy I had no allergic reactions that he had to manage.
And another
surprise. My surgeon had brought some of my favorite wine and left it for me to enjoy with a meal.
My recovery continued to be pretty comfortable. I was home in three days and out to dinner in five days. My PT was very supportive and had me riding the stationary bike to get back in shape.
I had a home check nurse who came by to take a look at my progress and change bandaging every day for a week. That worked well. My main issue was that I couldn't drive until the immobilizer was removed.
I had my puppy Roxie and plenty of visitors. May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris
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2 ReactionsHow nice to read that you are beginning to play tennis again. You have had quite the journey.
Chris
Someone not totally traumatized. Nice to hear. Thank you.
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1 ReactionNew to me. I will ask. Many thanks.
I am scared of everything. Mostly because of pain and such strong drugs and living alone. I am scared of the unknown.
It is so good to recognize what you are afraid of. This will help you to prepare and build a plan. Here are a couple of my initial suggestions:
- Talk to you doctor or nurse about taking pain medications.
- Tell them your concerns.
- Ask about managing pain BEFORE it happens. It is easier and better to manage pain before it hurts.
- Contact a neighbor or friend to be on standby. Have their phone number on speed dial. Prepare a schedule for them to check on you.
Any other thoughts to help prepare?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello, I just saw your posting re issue wearing bras. They sell on line bras that have the hooks in the front, you would put it on just the same way you would a blouse. You can purchase them on line. I used them when I had breast cancer surgery. Go on line and in the browser type bras to wear that close in the front. That way you don’t have to STEP INTO IT. That way you don’t take the chance of falling. Irish823
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionTotally understand your fear of pain and drugs. Can you also go home with an ice machine? You wear a cape type of thing over your shoulder and the machine runs ice water (you load the machine with ice and water) through the pad to ice your shoulder. Even on your own you can cover your shoulder with the pad. Or order a large gel ice pad from Amazon that you keep in the freezer and use throughout the day. Between that and having the nerve block catheter I took only two heavy duty pain killers post surgery. Didn't need them. However if I had needed them it is better to stay on top of the pain for the short time you need the meds. Used tylenol after the catheter came out. Let us know if you've questions. Sally