Total shoulder replacement one month later

Posted by tfarizona @tfarizona, Dec 23, 2022

Good day and merry Christmas to all.
About 10 years ago I was diagnosed with right shoulder arthritis, and a shoulder replacement was recommended by a surgeon at Mayo Arizona. I delayed replacement until the end of November, 2022 when the discomfort and reduced range of motion propelled me ahead. I had TSR with a nerve block. I was advised prior to the administration of the block on my neck that there was a slight chance of some eye issues and lung filling problems on the surgery side after the block. I was told that they would wear off after surgery.
I was released to my home 5.5 hours after arrival at the hospital. Everyone was very professional and I only had some minor issues. My sling was put on incorrectly prior to my release, and I had some discomfort in my right eye and slight difficulty completely filling my right lung. The anesthesiologist advised that the lung filling issue would resolve, and it did. She also said that the eye discomfort might have been caused by the nerve block, or that I may have rubbed my eye excessively after surgery causing a scratched cornea. In the event that it was the result of a scratched cornea which is common, she prescribed an antibiotic cream to use for two days. The eye problem resolved two days later.
The surgeon and several other medical professionals told me that the block would wear off in about 12 hours. I was provided a prescription for oxycodone 5 mg. and advised to begin using it for pain as I began to feel the effects of the block wearing off that evening. While the block was active, I had zero pain or discomfort. Unfortunately Mayo is not equipped or inclined to administer a block that lasts for more than 12 hours. I began to take the Oxycodone at about 10 PM as I began to feel some pain. It helped reduce the pain and I took the medication through the following day and then discontinued. I did not like the way that the medication made me feel and the pain was minimal, more of an aching. I continued to take Tylenol and Advil and they helped. I became very constipated as a result of taking the Oxycodone four times. The constipation lasted for three or four days and actually was more of an issue than the discomfort of the shoulder. The six or eight hour period after the nerve block wore off was the only time that I can say that I was in pain. If I were to have surgery on the other shoulder I would consider skipping the Oxycodone or treat the constipation more aggressively sooner.
I purchased a recliner prior to surgery. I slept in it for about a week and it helped. I also purchased an ice machine and used that for a week and it helped. Neither are required, but are nice tools to assist in the recovery. I have been sleeping in a bed for the last three weeks. I am a side sleeper and I have been unable to sleep on the surgical or non surgical side. I have slept on my back with my head propped up. It is uncomfortable and has been difficult. Sooner or later your body gets the sleep that it needs.
I began Physical therapy three days after surgery. The first three weeks were more of a massage and loosening of the shoulder area.
After three weeks I had x-rays and visited with the doctor. Healing of the shoulder and the incision was going well, and I graduated into more active physical therapy.
I am pleased by the progress of my recovery, and the lack of significant pain throughout. I look forward to full use of my shoulder with no pain or discomfort.
If anyone on this site has any questions I would be happy to answer them regarding my surgery and recovery.

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I am having a shoulder replacement in Feb. the surgeon told me the nerve block would last about 3 days. Were you on prednisone at the time of your surgery. How did that go? I wish you total healing. Thank you for sharing your experience. How old are you?

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Thank you, tfarizona, for your thorough feedback on the beginning of your TSR journey. It is very helpful. I have rTSR scheduled for Jan. 12, and while confident in my surgical team, am anxious a bit about living alone and recovering. You progressed nicely and I look forward to doing the same. Best wishes for your continued good health. Please keep us posted.

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@queenie2030

I am having a shoulder replacement in Feb. the surgeon told me the nerve block would last about 3 days. Were you on prednisone at the time of your surgery. How did that go? I wish you total healing. Thank you for sharing your experience. How old are you?

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Hi, I am 73 and was not on prednisone. I think that the longer nerve block might be great but might have side effects associated with it.

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@loreleiks

Thank you, tfarizona, for your thorough feedback on the beginning of your TSR journey. It is very helpful. I have rTSR scheduled for Jan. 12, and while confident in my surgical team, am anxious a bit about living alone and recovering. You progressed nicely and I look forward to doing the same. Best wishes for your continued good health. Please keep us posted.

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Hi Loreleiks, I suggest having some help for the first seven to ten days.Dressing, showering food preparation and driving to PT. Plan on not sleeping well.

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@queenie2030

I am having a shoulder replacement in Feb. the surgeon told me the nerve block would last about 3 days. Were you on prednisone at the time of your surgery. How did that go? I wish you total healing. Thank you for sharing your experience. How old are you?

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I had a reverse shoulder replacement in October and had a nerve block for 3 days. The first 12 hours after the surgery I got also additional pain medication. I never had severe pain after that or after the nerve block ended. I just took 2 Tylenol before going to sleep. I slept and are sleeping in the recliner. It is more comfortable than the bed for me.
I am doing PT and I can now do most of the things myself. I can raise my arm half way.
Hope this info helps.

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@tfarizona

Hi, I am 73 and was not on prednisone. I think that the longer nerve block might be great but might have side effects associated with it.

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Thank you for your info. Glad you are doing well. I am 76 and on prednisone which carries additional risks.

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@frenelle

I had a reverse shoulder replacement in October and had a nerve block for 3 days. The first 12 hours after the surgery I got also additional pain medication. I never had severe pain after that or after the nerve block ended. I just took 2 Tylenol before going to sleep. I slept and are sleeping in the recliner. It is more comfortable than the bed for me.
I am doing PT and I can now do most of the things myself. I can raise my arm half way.
Hope this info helps.

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Thank you for your reply. All the info helps me prepare. I am glad to hear your rehab is going well.

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Thank you for your comments. I had my right shoulder replaced in April of this year. The block did not get my eye, but did get a bit of my lung. They had warned me ahead of time. I could not breath deeply until the block wore off (it seemed like it took 2-3 days). The breathing issue and sleeping in the sling made sleeping difficult and anxiety- ridden. Like you, I am a side sleeper and mentally wanted to roll to a side but that sure wasn’t gonna work. I slept in a bed with a head that raises. I got a script for Ativan for bedtime and that helped me get thru the two-ish rough sleep weeks. I was freed from the sling after my 2-week follow-up. JOY. I had little pain and did take opioids regularly most of the first day, but most of the time two Tylenol and two ibuprofen every 4 hours worked. I felt like the opioids made me more anxious. I took Prilosec for my stomach once a day because of so much ibuprofen. PT doesn’t start with my surgeon until six weeks out. He told me that I could drive when I could drive (he knew that I was off of opioids) so took short trips in about three weeks.
3 1/2 weeks ago, on 12/1, I had my other shoulder done. Almost passed on the pain block this time because of the lung issue before, but my wise anesthesiologist said I really did want to have it, w/o pressuring me. It was fine this time. A little more pain. Same-ish routine. I would tell others that you do get better usually, healing more each day. I’m even sleeping on my non-surgical side some. PT fun to begin soon, and daily exercises!
Some day let’s write about airport fun with joint replacements!

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I forgot to say that both of my shoulder replacements were reverse.

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One more CORRECTION: I took Pepcid daily for my stomach NOT Prilosec.

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