What's the typical treatment for dislocated shoulder?

@dsh33782
Yep, the the 24/7 sling brings back memories.one that I wish I could forget.
I’ve had more dislocations than I can count and wearing a sling was inconvenient but getting my shoulders back in place was agonizing, Primarily because they took so long to get them back in place. I remember my orthopedic doc put his heal under my arm and pushed with his heal while pulling my arm and another man put a cloth around my arm pulled sideways after loading me up with what seemed like every drug known to man.
But I consider myself lucky only having had 3 stabilization surgeries which consisted of bone taken from my hips and put in my shoulders which all soon broke lose from more falls due to seizures with more dislocations. I rarely get dislocations anymore but do get an occasional subluxation (partial dislocation.) Now they want to do bilateral replacement surgery. I’m going to avoid that as long as possible.Shoulder replacement surgeons have told me my pain will be lee some say more others say better range of motion some say less.
I hope you don't experience bone on bone and arthritis but it may be your new reality. I read people under 20 have a redislocation rate of greater than 9️⃣0️⃣% but as you age the dislocation rates decrease.
Although with newer surgical techniques I wouldn't be surprised if that risk has diminished. I hope so.
What was your experience like?
Good luck,
Jake

Jake, thanks for reply. I fell this past Sunday and went directly to ER and they tried to reposition my left arm while I was on morphine drip and awake but they had no luck. Then they put me under and it was wonderful to wake up with it all done in 5 minutes. But now the pain in arm and a day later the pain in ribs. Wed I got in to see Orthropedic specialiist who took more xrays and said no fractures but I need to stay in sling 24/7 for 3 more weeks before reevaluation. I was only getting about 3-4 hours sleep in bed but they suggested I try recliner and I did get a few more hours of sleep last night. I'm 76 and had no idea this could happen and hope it never does again.

Wonder if these tips might help for sleeping?

Good morning Don, @dsh33782. Oh my.......I am so sorry for your injury. You are lucky to get your dislocation done in 5 minutes. You also wonder if surgery will be needed. In my case, when I stepped off a platform and fell down the mountain, I had a bit of a rough time with the first two surgeries. My Orthopedic surgeon finally got approval for a reverse shoulder replacement.

Here is the good news.....no pain at all. Here is the not-so-good news.....it is a cranky shoulder sometimes and isn't easily motivated to lift anything. So I am now ambidextrous. The cranky one tires easily so chooses to just hang there. I am 79 and I hope it never happens again just like you. Let me know if you have other questions.......my experiences moved to the left shoulder when I fell down the stairs. That was surgically repaired also. I feel fortunate that I have no pain. I can always find someone to help me do the dishes.

May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm,
Chris

Those are great tips, John. You can also get a wedge pillow and fix it like a lounge chair. Keep the immobilizer on and rest it across your waist. Hard to explain...maybe I can find a photo.
Chris

When a rolled pillow doesn't work, we often resort to foam blocks - we have a variety of shapes & sizes around - from previous immobilizers mostly. The advantage of the foam blocks is that once in a useful, comfortable position, they do no compress or shift, so provide consistent support. If you find pillows won't work for you, ask to be seen by the PT and have them fashion a wedge or two for you.
Sue

Chris
Thanks for feedback. Did you have to wear sling for 3 weeks 24/7? Did you have trouble sleeping and any suggestions? I'm quiting the meds today as the pain has subsided.after 4 days, we am starting to walk some again. I was walking 5 miles a day.

Well done. Your pain is subsiding and you are walking. You are going to feel better and be enthusiastic about your returning stamina. I only have a couple of suggestions.....take it easy....work up to where you used be with your walking,

Yes, I think it was for 3 weeks or so for the immobilizer. I also had a purple cast for the broken bones in my elbow. Customers in my gallery were concerned and wanted to makes sure no one bumped into me.

Please note @sueinmn’s comments one post up about foam blocks to use in making your own wedges.

May you have joy today and little bit of warm sunshine.
Chris

Thanks for all the feedback. I still have 2 weeks before I see ortho again and hopefully start PT. I still don't get enough sleep. 5 hrs 40 min last night according to Fitbit. We are walking twice a day for total of 5 miles. I take Tylonal PM and melatonin at night. Fortunitely no pain.

It was back on April 18 that I dislocated my left shoulder in a fall. Today I have my last scheduled PT session. I have most of my range of mostion back but it still hurts to push or pull at the limits, and I have end up with additional PT to get maximum range of motion and less pain. But the biggest complaint I have is that my arm aches at night, and I'm not getting my usual 6-7 hours sleep. It started out at about 4 and is now just over 5 and i end up taking 2 tylanol most nights. I'd like to know how common this is and any suggestions. We are back walking 5 miles a day at YMCA gym.