Good afternoon @elainepow1. And I think this is still within the Welcome period so please let me tell you that I am glad to see you on Connect. One reason is that I am also a reverse shoulder replacement patient. My first one was 10 years ago and it appears that I will soon need to have the other one done.

I want to make sure that I have interpreted your words accurately. You have not slept in weeks. It has been about 7 weeks since your surgery. Do you mean you cannot sleep because of a high level of pain? That would certainly be frightening. You need sleep and rest to heal. And yet.... 7 weeks is not a long time to recover from this major surgery. Have you been taking the Tylenol as requested? Since Tylenol is a frequent post-surgery OTC medication for pain during recovery, I am wondering why it hasn't worked for you.

And secondly, I am wondering if you have started PT? Usually, you start with shoulder swirls, gently, gently. And the other follow-up that really helps is an ICE Machine, used as frequently as needed. Were you able to secure and use some form of ice therapy?

Are you living alone Elaine? I remember how meaningful it was to have my friend GiGi stop by every day or so to check on me. She is an RN and was quite helpful.....especially with reminders for good post-surgery care.

And I have a couple more questions.......are you wearing an immobilizer during the day and night? I know they can be cumbersome and yet.......for the protection of your shoulder, they work well. Sometimes at night.....you need to create a special sleeping arrangement with a wedge, a t-shirt put on without using the armholes to keep your arm against your body, or just sitting/leaning back in a recliner.

I hope you will get some answers this week from your surgeon. Would you please let me know the results of your visit. I am not a medical provider just a caring mentor who has been there. When you respond on Connect.....many, many people benefit from your experience.

I look forward to your response and to knowing the MRI findings.

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

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