I was doing arm circles right after the surgery...but your dr. will work with you on that. Be sure to request a nerve block for pain.... It kept my pain level very low for 6 days...then just tylenol.

Good afternoon @yardsaler. And I am a 79-year-old woman who had very successful reverse shoulder replacement surgery a few years ago. You do not have to wait long to begin Physical Therapy. Arm circles are step #1......just gentle movement, no weight-bearing. I think your surgeon and/or members of his/her team will discuss your Physical Therapy program and you can have a pre-surgery meeting with the Physical Therapist.

I think I can assure you that your pain during recovery will dissipate with the use of an ice machine and appropriate medication. You may want a sleeping wedge of some kind to keep from rolling over on your shoulder. During the day you can use the immobilizer to keep your shoulder in a comfortable position. One of our members suggested wearing a t-shirt without putting your arms in the holes to keep the surgery arm close to your body during one of your "wild dreams".

It would be helpful to have a family member or best friend to help with showers and hairdos. If this shoulder is on your dominant side, you may need help with eating, dressing, and writing. I actually became quite decent at writing with my opposite hand even if no one else could read it.

Outdoor exercise, a walk around the block or down to the park is very important. Just doing languid meditation walks can be very supportive. After the sling was removed, I wore a vest and held on to the edge with the surgery hand to support the shoulder. My neighbor who was a physician thought that worked very well.

And driving......no....not until you no longer use a sling of any kind. I got a little anxious and hit the corner of the gas pump at the local station. OOPS! Actually, it is illegal in some areas.

Good luck to you....check in with me.....I am here for you. Be prepared to be pain-free even if you can't sign a check yet.

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

I had an RSP almost two years ago. I was surprised when I had no pain at all. I used the ice machine as ordered and rested for three weeks. At two weeks I got the sling taken off. I was given a list of exercises and at six weeks started PT. Now I have exercises to do daily. I am left-handed but I could still write and eat. I was lucky that my son-in-law sent my daughter and granddaughter home from Italy to help for the three weeks. Which left my other half the time to take care of the farm and cattle instead of me. I would say I still do not have a full range of motion. I can not reach under my right arm or behind my back. And if I do too much my shoulder aches a little. Every few months I see my surgeon and he gives me a shot in the shoulder. Also, my muscles are shrinking slowly away from my shoulder. But for the most part, I can do what I need to and also help with fencing, putting up hay, and work in my garden. Now I have to decide when to have the right shoulder done and if my daughter can come home to help. And she is on the other side of the states. As far as clothing I just wore a sweatshirt and put my sling on. To take a shower we wrapped my arm in a plastic bag and I had no problem eating or writing. I hope this gives you some idea of what to expect. Just be safe and stay well.