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When can I sleep normally after total reverse shoulder replacement?
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?
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1 ReactionThey 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.
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2 ReactionsI would encourage your physical therapists to help you and the surgical team. Both. I was sleeping on the affected shoulder, with some twinges at 12 weeks. It was 6 months before I was comfortable on that shoulder all night.
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3 ReactionsAs I had my 4.replacement 2 months ago, this is my experience ( 2 reverse shoulders, 1 knee and now right hip replacement):
In general until you sleep comfortably through the night, I needed one year each.
With my shoulders I really enjoy a good pillow, thicker and more sturdy than others, tuck it in my neck area between mattress and shoulder, I am a side sleeper.
Other than that I iced a lot over day ( ice machine)
and constantly exercise…
Good luck for you 😉
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2 Reactions@rainerhans
By fourteen weeks out, I think it's pretty much up to the individual to try to find what is comfortable for them. I'm a side sleeper, used a bed wedge for the first couple of weeks because I hated sleeping in the confinement of a recliner. Used pillows alongside my back to keep me pushed more towards my non-surgical side onto the wedge so I could be at least some degrees up and off being flat on my back, I can't fall asleep being on my back. I also prefer a flat pillow, so using the raised wedge was not to my liking, but I tolerated it for about 3 weeks before going back to only bed pillows. I slept best with my hand and arm resting down over my thigh, so I disconnected my wrist strap from my immobilizer, which only left the elbow strap to keep my shoulder immobile. Since I am a quiet sleeper, this was no problem. It does take a long time to get back to normal sleeping habits, even when there is no pain involved.
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2 ReactionsThanks. Glad to know what the timelines look like - and additional ideas besides what I've already tried and/or am using - even though I know every individual healing path is unique to oneself.
Critical for me is re-scheduling a colonoscopy that was delayed on account of my shoulder surgery - a colonoscopy that I was having due to symptoms. I just need to be able to lay on my injured side for 15-30 minutes - and yes I know I'll be "out"... it's what condition my shoulder is in after the procedure that is the issue. I guess the wait continues for a bit yet.
You are doing really well. I left the recliner and got back into bed at 3 months, with props. I am 8 months out and can lie on the surgery side for 1/2 an hour only. I lie on my back a lot with a roll under my knees for lower back comfort, try that if you haven't already.