When can I sleep normally after total reverse shoulder replacement?

Posted by basslakegirl @basslakegirl, 6 hours ago

I am 14 weeks out from my surgery and doing very very well. My physiotherapist and surgeon are very pleased with my progress. My ROM is coming back nicely and I am working with both weights and resistance bands.
While the recliner we purchased after my initial injury has been a life-saver I really want to get back to sleeping in bed. I have started "practicing" doing that.
I can mimic the reclining position with appropriate use of pillows - I found that the wedge was giving me a very sore back - and can lay on my back for a couple of hours. I can lay on my non-affected side for an hour or more reasonably comfortably - again with multiple pillows used as props/supports. I can even lay on my surgical side for 20 - 30 minutes or so.
I'm prepared to be patient and realise that it will take time but I have two questions:
First - How long should I expect it to take before I can sleep "normally" again? Will I ever sleep normally again?
Second - When I do lie on my side - either side! - I find that my shoulders and neck are very sore afterwards. Why does lying on my non-affected shoulder - the side I've always slept on! - also cause soreness in that "good" shoulder?

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What does your surgical team say in response?

REPLY

They are on board with starting to lay on both sides - with appropriate support. Have not mentioned the discomfort to them yet as I've only just started "practicing" laying on my side. Plan to mention to physiotherapist later this week when I go for my next session.

REPLY
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