Ability to function. After shoulder replacement while using a walker

Posted by vivian65 @vivian65, Mar 16, 2021

Been using a walker with an immovabled leg due to 5 surgeries on knee. If the docs where I live let me remove it I will have a month to prepare for shoulder surgery at Mayo. Is it possible to use a walker while dominant arm is in a sling.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

Welcome to Connect @vivian65, I had to read your post several times....5 surgeries.....oh my goodness, Vivian, we are a group of caring patients, providers, and caregivers trying every day to share our experiences with others walking down the same, or a similar trail.

That must be why you just landed in my lap today. I have had 5 surgeries but only on my shoulders and knee combined, That includes a reverse shoulder surgery. I am trying very hard to visualize you handling a walker when one arm is in an immobilizer. For me, that was about 6 weeks. Are you having a reverse? Will you have home care or be at a rehabilitation unit?

I'm sorry to ask all of these questions so just one more. Have you discussed your mobility issues with your Mayo team? What did they recommend?

I am not so sure I know what a walker with an immovable leg looks like. While you are drawing me a picture I will see who I can find with a similar situation. You might just be stuck with me......if my hunt doesn't turn up anyone right away.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

REPLY

I hope the first part of my reply reached you. I have not asked Mayo about any of it. I started with your group because I didn’t know where to begin asking questions

REPLY
@vivian65

I hope the first part of my reply reached you. I have not asked Mayo about any of it. I started with your group because I didn’t know where to begin asking questions

Jump to this post

@vivian65 I know that you are responding to @artscaping but I don't see the first part of your message here, unless you mean the discussion post question at the top?

I agree with @artscaping. You may wish to contact Mayo Clinic directly regarding preparation for surgery, specifically your surgeon's nurse(s). Only your provider can really give you that information because they know the nature and extent of your upcoming surgery. Do you know how to contact your provider's nurse?

Here is the phone number 507-284-2511. An operator should answer. You should only need your provider's name and department.

REPLY

I guess the explanation that was the first part disappeared into the void. But since I have your kind advice I will call them directly appreciate the phone number

REPLY

Having reverse shoulder replacement surgery in four weeks. What kind of rehab can I expect?

REPLY
@barocco

Having reverse shoulder replacement surgery in four weeks. What kind of rehab can I expect?

Jump to this post

Very little for the first 2 weeks, arm dangling...etc. Please read through this thread and see my note about requesting a nerve block from your anesthesiologist. It made the first week post surgery easy.

REPLY

I am getting a shoulder block. Is that what you are talking about? Thx for answering.
Joe

REPLY
@barocco

I am getting a shoulder block. Is that what you are talking about? Thx for answering.
Joe

Jump to this post

Yes... a shoulder nerve block. Had 2 shoulder surgeries last year and on the 2nd (a reverse replacement) Was able to make the block last 6 days. Took 2 pain killers the entire recovery, then Tylenol for a couple of weeks. Getting strength back now working with a trainer, but have almost complete range of motion. Good luck.

REPLY

Good words,How encouraging!

REPLY
@ltsally

Yes... a shoulder nerve block. Had 2 shoulder surgeries last year and on the 2nd (a reverse replacement) Was able to make the block last 6 days. Took 2 pain killers the entire recovery, then Tylenol for a couple of weeks. Getting strength back now working with a trainer, but have almost complete range of motion. Good luck.

Jump to this post

I sure do love reading this good news, and again, and again, and again. And I sure wish I had known about the shoulder nerve block. Thanks for sharing it........for others.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.