I had-a reverse shoulder surgery one year and 3 months ago best thing I ever did!! I am 73 years old and have been an exercise instructor for many years plus rode horses. I have osteoarthritis and my left shoulder was bone on bone..
The surgery slowed me down a bit for pretty much 10 months.
I slept in my bed with lots of pillows for support. The chair was to hard for me to get out of I am 5-1 a shorty. Pain was not that bad for me. PT was the hardest. It’s slow go but it works..the hardest part was that dang sling. And taking a shower and drying off!!

Good evening Sandra. I am happy to see you responding and thinking. This is the right time for preparations both mental and physical.

Question #1......did I sleep in a bed? Yes I did. I learned to prop up pillows. I tool a large t-shirt or jean shirt and without putting my arms through the armholes wrapped it around me so that my "beautiful" mobilizer was tight to my body and protected my shoulder. Give it a try.

I also had my sweet Roxie (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) with me and she was very protective....leaning against me in just the right way. Don't think I am crazy but I also had my little (Maine Coon) kitten Jazzie who always had to be touching my head with a paw. How they knew I was needy is amazing.

What did I do physically and mentally? I had been through three years and two other surgeries which failed to fix the shoulder. So I was ready for the Reverse. My surgeon actually invited me to just come to his office and watch a video of the surgery with him so he could answer questions. I felt prepared and since he had been the surgeon for the rotator cuff and cadaver surgeries, I trusted him. He knew they wouldn't work but was catering to the insurance company because that was all they would approve in the beginning.

Best friends can really help and one of mine was with me all the way........arriving right after I got home with her suitcase and a smile. She saved the hug for later.

So......what is most important? Trust.........for your surgeon, the hospital, your PT, and lots of appreciation for all the support from friends, family, and even my customers.

My surgeon was very reassuring about pain control. I knew he was there for me when I woke up in my room that evening and he was sitting in a chair by my bed to make sure I was o.k. that first night. I remember that I didn't want to take Ambien and he understood. We settled on half a dose.

Fear and anxiety are unwelcome so......ask questions, seek answers and then have some very positive chats with yourself.

Lots of good thoughts coming your way from me and I am sure others. And remember Connect is here 24/7 whenever you need us.

May you be content and at peace tonight.
Chris

Also..... Please talk to your doctor about a nerve block catheter into your neck. It made the first 5 days of my recovery pretty much pain free. Feel free to ask for more info if needed...but two major surgeries (one a total reverse) used the nerve block catheter. Good luck. Sally