Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: smokin joe on March 11, 2018, 02:29:00 PM
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Tomorrow morning I will go to the hospital to have another shoulder replacement. I had my right shoulder replaced in November of 2016. Tomorrow I will have my left shoulder replaced. I shoot right handed.
My left shoulder has the same problems that my right one did: severe osteoarthritis, complete erosion of the cartilage on the bearing surfaces, and bone-on-bone grinding. The shoulder is completely worn out and pretty useless at this point, so replacement is the best course of action
My right shoulder replacement turned out to be a blessing and I was shooting within about 3 months after the surgery. But my left shoulder was not too far behind in wearing out.
I am going to chronicle the process here as I did with my right shoulder replacement. I suspect that things might progress a bit differently with a bow-hand shoulder versus a string-hand shoulder -- and time will tell.
I hope that writing about my experience and about how I return to trad archery and bowhunting will help inform others who might face shoulder replacement in the future.
Wish me luck. By this time tomorrow I will have another new titanium and polymer shoulder joint.
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Best of luck with this in addition to the prayers sent.
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G'luck with it Joe, I'll be reading along.
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Good luck and I will be praying for a full and speedy recovery.
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Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
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Best of luck. I will be following this.
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have a Marine buddy (retired due to many issues) that had both and he loves to hunt and fish and does well with them...he's had both shoulders and both hips... got messed up in a prison riot he was guarding at Gitmo years back...
You'll do fine... you know the ropes and how to push thru the pain and God is with you, if you but keep the faith and let His will be done! :)
:pray:
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Say it ain't so, Joe! Nobody should have to endure that twice. Prayers sent. I had my doubts that you might be a bit overly optimistic the first go round...but if you can get through the string shoulder I'd think the bow shoulder would be easier. Then again, what do I know...I'm just a three arthroscopy, panty-waisted whiner...you are my hero (and the only one who'd I take being called that off of, lol)
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Praying for a speedy recovery.
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Joe....thanks for letting us know...your play by play of rehab was great before for other archers that have to have this done....I expect this will be another installment but rehab based on the other shoulder which should help those that have this shoulder done as well.
You are a tuff cookie....I'll be in touch!!!
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Good luck with your surgery and recovery Joe.
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I hope this surgery will be as successful as the first one. Good luck!
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Good luck Joe and best wishes for a quick recovery!
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The surgeon said that the operation went well and that he expects my recovery to be pretty much textbook.
I had a heck of a time for the first few hours after the surgery getting pain relief. after my release from the hospital on Tuesday, i had another "off the charts" pain episode. I am now taking Delaudid, a pretty powerful pain killer. With a little luck I can be on something less powerful by next week.
I have started the first level of exercises -- things like opening and closing my hand. Very simple, but very important, or so I have been told.
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Joe:::May you have a speedy recovery :archer2:
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I will be interested to see how rehab goes for you-- I had my left (bow arm) shoulder replaced in 2014 and still have not gotten my strength back to where it was. I continue to work hard on it, and see some progress at this point.....
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Good luck! Had rotator cuff 8 weeks ago and am being told it may be 6 months before I can shoot again!!??? I will be following this! Susan I ended up getting a heavier bow and popped my rotator! I should have listened to you!!!
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Best of luck to you Joe .... wishing you the best results and a smooth recovery
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In the category of "it's never easy" is this little story.
Before the surgery, the doctors let me know that one of the standard protocols would not be available to me. In nearly all cases a nerve block is used in addition to the general anesthetic so that the pain is already under control before the patient wakes up. It is a set up of a steady drip pump of one of the caine drugs - lidocaine, novocaine, etc. -- that numbs the entire shoulder area for a day or so after the surgery.
Unfortunately for me, I am deathly allergic to the entire family of local anesthetics -- so they can't use that plan with me. The use would cause an emergency situation called anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly situation. They told me that they would start me on some delaudid as soon as I get to the recovery room. I have had delaudid before and it is a pretty effective pain killer.
So I wake up in the recovery room and I was in real agony. I had no pain killers on board.
Here is what happened... There is a nationwide shortage of delaudid caused be the recent hurricane in Puerto Rico. Due to that shortage, the hospital staff is not allowed to inject the drug into the patient's IV anymore -- it can only be administered through a patient-controlled pump, and I had to be awake enough to be aware of the fact that I had to push the control button.
Once I was awake enough to push the button, it became clear that the pump was defective and was not administering doses. So there ensued a panic-driven search for a new pump to hook up so that I could get some pain medication. That took a while.
I was in the recovery room for over an hour before there was any pain control. It wasn't a fun-filled experience. That was not how it was planned to go, but just how things worked out. My recovery room nurse refused to leave my side and I could hear her barking orders at people as she tried to speed things up and get me some pain control. She was a true angel of mercy.
I have found my allergy to local anesthetics inconvenient in the past, but this time it created a pretty big mess -- certainly not as big as anaphylactic shock (what happens to me if I get local anesthetics) -- but big enough.
I am now restricted to home and doing small pendulum exercises 6 times a day......
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:scared: having been thru 3 rotator cuff surgeries, I can sympathize with you. Best of luck with the rehab.
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Condition update. Six days post surgery.
There is swelling in my arm, but it is not too significant. I can move my elbow joint fairly well. I can do some passive movement of the shoulder joint, but I cannot make the muscles that control the shoulder fire yet. I believe that the ability to move those muscles at will, even slightly, started coming back with my other shoulder replacement at about the 25 day mark.
Pain control is working much better now. I am using oxycodone during the day and the more-powerful delaudid at night.
Per doctor's instructions, The surgical dressing came off today and the incision area got a good cleaning and re-dressing.
So far, so good. There is still a long way to go, but the worst is in the past.
(https://i.imgur.com/AkySP1xl.jpg)
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Nice and clean. No redness. Congrats on the progress.
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Lookin' good. :wavey: I had the nerve block for mine-- creepy, but it worked well. Pain was minimal, handled mostly by OTC meds after the first 3 days. You're on the road to recovery!
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I have had my two week follow up appointment. The staples that closed the surgical incision have been removed, and I have started the first level of physical therapy. The physical therapy is all passive motion stuff, in other words using my other hand to move my arm without any involvement of the muscles in the arm that had the surgery. So far so good.
(https://i.imgur.com/55uoHbC.jpg)
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From the photo of the x-ray you can see the metal part of the new joint. The plastic part does not show up on the x-ray. Everything is in place and as it should be. It will take another month for the implant to become solidly attached through bone ingrowth. Rehab to good working strength is 4-6 months. Hope to be ready by the time deer season gets here in September.
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Glad you made into our new camp!!!
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Me too. The new version looks great.
Now, on the subject of bowhunting...
I am determined to make it back to being able to shoot a hunting weight trad bow -- now with two artificial shoulders. It is going to be a long haul, but if determination has anything to do with it I will make it.
I will post here as my post-op progress continues so that others who face a shoulder replacement have a timeline based on a real experience.
My previous shoulder replacement was my string hand side. This new one is my bow hand side. I presume the progress will be different -- pulling vs pushing -- but that will become clear as time passes.
It is one heck of an adventure.
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Time for another update. I am now one month post surgery. For those of you just tuning in, this is my second shoulder joint replacement. This time it is my left shoulder. I shoot right handed.
Physical therapy is tough, painful and beneficial. I am slowly getting some motion in the shoulder joint and increasing the passive range of motion. The indication of progress, for me, is that I can now put my hand on the steering wheel of my car and drive two-handed -- not easy, but possible.
As I recall from the replacement of my other shoulder joint, the most amazing gains in range of motion, strength and usefulness of the joint happened between the 4th and 12th week of post surgery time.
I am looking forward to a couple of good months coming up. I hope to be shooting by week 12 -- maybe a bit before.
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Joe,
Great to hear of your progress, and thank you very much for posting.
13 years ago I had my first shoulder surgery during which they discovered I had less than 10% remaining cartilage as well as a torn labrum. Further evaluation revealed the same cartilage condition in my other shoulder. Prognosis at that time: two shoulder replacements in the next 5-7 years. Three surgeries and three years later I sold all my bows and went cold turkey on archery.
Today I live in discomfort and frequently lose sleep to shoulder pain. But, strength is decent and I have almost full range of motion. I'm sure you're completely familiar with the tradeoffs. I look forward to following your progress, and will use it as a meaningful data point for my own situation.
The rest of the story is that I just didn't 'take' to rifle hunting. I'll take delivery of a new longbow in a week or two and plan to hunt elk and deer this fall. I'm like a kid waiting for Christmas! And, although I won't be able to shoot 100+ arrows a day like I used to, I'm hoping that with the right practice my shoulders will hold up and I'll be ready when the leaves turn.
Best wishes for a fast and full recovery,
Dave
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Time for another update. I am six weeks post-replacement and things are going very well.
The range of motion, both active and passive, is improving rapidly now. I can raise my arm above horizontal and with help it will go completely overhead.
The joint is stable and solid, and I am regaining rotator cuff strength and mobility with light stretch cord exercises.
The next two phases are strengthening phases -- first light for a few weeks and then heavier to permit everyday strength needs.
I am pretty optimistic at this point.
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Great to hear Joe. Keep on keeping on. :clapper:
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Good deal Joe,I'm getting my right shoulder done June 5. Glad I seen your thread as I did not know totally what to expect.I am right handed also so this is my draw shoulder. I do expect to be hunting this fall and appreciate your updates. I have the same condition as you did with the arty and need it replaced. Good luck
Thanks, John
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John,
If you search "shoulder replacement" you will find the thread I posted about my right shoulder replacement -- my draw shoulder. The thread runs from the day before the surgery all the way through my successful return to shooting a bow. I wish you luck with your shoulder, and please feel free to contact me if you have questions or need encouragement.
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Thanks Joe I will check that thread out and I'm sure I may have some questions about post surgery and shooting.
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Glad to hear you are coming along Joe! Thanks for all the updates!
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It's update time.
I saw my orthopedic surgeon today for an examination. I am now just short of 8 weeks post surgery. The doctor said I am a bit ahead of schedule in terms of range of motion. He also told me that the initial period of fixation of the artificial shoulder to the bones is going well, but that there is still a level of vulnerability for at least another month. So, I should still be careful not to try to go too quickly or do too much.
He said he is pretty confident that I will be able to shoot a bow before the fall, and that I should keep up with the physical therapy and light strengthening. A higher level of strengthening can start at around the 12 week mark.
I can now hold my bow arm (left arm with the newest shoulder) up as if I am holding a bow. I'll start holding it in that position with a 1 pound weight in the next week or two. It is all such tiny, baby steps at first -- but the long-term success depends on being patient and doing as I am instructed.
I'll update again next week.
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Joe,
Glad to hear you continue to do well with your shoulder recovery. Your "can do" attitude is definitely the right thing to have and will help you to a successful recovery!
Keep up the good work,
BowMike
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Thanks, everyone, for the encouragement. It really helps keep my spirits up.
I am learning that there is a difference between a shoulder replacement of the string side, my right shoulder, and the bow-hand side, my left shoulder. Apparently it takes a lot longer for the healing to take place for a pushing motion than a pulling motion -- so my left shoulder (the one just replaced) will take a couple of months longer to get to where I can shoot than it did the other side. This is due to the fact that a tendon has to be cut and then sewed back together during the replacement and that has to do with the pushing motion.
Nevertheless, I am encouraged that the surgeon believes that I will be able to handle a bow by the time deer season opens. I have a good friend who generously lets me hunt deer on his property, and I see coyotes there too. And, I am seeing bobcats on the trail cameras. So the hunting is good.
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You know, in the right states there is a natural pain remedy that is more successful and much safer than those heroin based painkillers. ;)
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:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
LOL.... Are you talking about that "Whacky Tabaky" they have in Colorado?
In all seriousness, I have been off of pain killers for a month now. And I am lucky in that the opioid-based pain killers like oxycodone that I was prescribed don't effect my brain, they just kill pain. I know people who get so messed up on pain killers that they shouldn't take them at all.
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Joe glad to hear you’re doing well. Got a month until I get mine done and your confidence and attitude are helping me prepare for my procedure. I won’t be using that opioid base killer for long just can’t stand the way it makes me feel. I too am confident I’ll be hunting this fall and your comment on your draw shoulder versus your bow shoulder helped me. Thanks
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John:
My advice for the next month until your surgery is to get the muscles around your shoulder as strong and flexible as possible -- don't worry about the joint, it's already bad. You will heal faster if the muscles are strong and flexible as possible going into the surgery. The other thing is that you will not be able to sleep comfortably in a bed for about 3 weeks or so after the surgery. So, set up your favorite easy chair with pillows and blankets and an ottoman for your legs. Use lots of ice on the shoulder after you get home. If you have any questions or you just need encouragement as you go through this, just let me know. I would be happy to help.
Joe
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Thank you Joe for posting the progress of your surgery. My friend Tim Cosgrove of Kustom King had his shoulder replaced 11 weeks ago and I've been keeping in touch with him on his recovery. Reason being I'm scheduled for replacement of my bow arm shoulder near the end of June.
After years of shooting heavy weight bows I've come to the point where it's time to do something and I think total replacement is my best option. At 82 years old some might say it's time to hang it up but a traditional bow has been a huge part of my life since I was 5 years old so giving it up at this point of my life is not even on the list, :nono:
I have the best surgeon in my area and shoulders are his specialty. I've explained to him that my goal is to keep shooting my bow and he told me a new shoulder would make that possible. :archer2:
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Ron, just do it. My wife has to have this done to her right shoulder. Your stepping thru it has been beneficial for her. She dis not like the looks of that scar. Thanks, Joe
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Skip:
After about a year the scar will all but disappear. The scar on my right shoulder from my other replacement is just a very thin line. It is visible but just barely. I think that the modern way of closing after surgery, with surgical staples, leads to a very small and tight scar within a year or so.
Joe
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Ron,
This shoulder replacement is my bow hand side -- I had my string hand side shoulder replaced a year and a half ago. I will keep posting updates so you have something of a time line and you know what to expect.
Just yesterday the physical therapy department cleared me to move on to more advanced weight-bearing exercises. The weights are pretty light -- like a 15 pound machine bench press (that is nothing, but it is difficult right now) -- but the expectation is that with daily workouts I will progress quickly to good functional strength. I'll be shooting well by deer season.
Above all, Ron, try your best to be as strong as possible and as flexible as possible going into the surgery. And be patient with the physical therapy afterward -- it progresses slowly for the first two months. Strength and movement will come back with time and effort. Remember, it is a very major surgery and you have to follow the doctor's orders about physical therapy and healing.
If you need any insights or encouragement, feel free to contact me.
Joe
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Been there done that Joe, I had both knees replaced some years ago so I know the importance of therapy for good recovery.
My wife has to have this done to her right shoulder. Your stepping thru it has been beneficial for her. She does not like the looks of that scar.
Skip, tell your wife I said I think scars are sexy... :biglaugh:
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Ron:
I have had one hip, one knee and both shoulders replaced. The hip is the easiest recovery (if anything about joint replacement can be called easy) and the shoulder the most difficult and the knee somewhere in between. If you have had both knees done successfully, you have a pretty fair idea of what the work of the shoulder rehab will be like.
My mantra through physical therapy for the shoulder replacements has been "Do the work, get the result." and it has served me well -- and kept me doing the exercises.
Joe
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Thanks Joe,been doing some weights to strengthen. Sounds gross with crunching and cracking but doesn’t hurt to bad. Thanks for the tips they will help me for sure.
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Hey Joe, it's been almost a week since your last post and two months tomorrow since your surgery, any progress to report. My buddy Tim said he was pulling a 20# bow 11 weeks post surgery of his replacement on his bow arm side.
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So, here is my 2 month post-surgery report.
I am now working on strengthening exercises for my physical therapy. Everything feels solid and stable, and remarkably weak. I am not surprised by the weakness -- the doctor explained the extent of the tissue trauma that is part of the surgery. I have a whole bunch of strengthening exercises that I do with stretch cords, pretty much working my shoulder joint from all angles.
I can now simulate pulling a bow with a 15 pound stretch band, and I can do it pretty comfortably for a few sets of ten reps. Next I will move up to 20 pounds for a while and then 25, and so forth. I think that I might be able to shoot a 30 pound target bow before too long -- that's the lightest real bow I have access to.
Just like with the other shoulder, I have been told to stay under 45-50 pounds pull weight. I have a handful of high-performance, souped-up bows in that weight range, and with 10-12 GPP arrows and razor sharp broadheads I won't be shy about shooting game.
The shoulder is still stiff and sore in some places, and stretching is still an important part of the recovery process. I still use ice too, and it kills minor pain and relieves soreness.
I am very confident I will be ready for the deer woods by fall. I wonder if us "bionic men" with artificial shoulders should try to organize a Trad Gang group hunt for old guys with new shoulders.
:bigsmyl:
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Thanks for the report Joe, sounds like you're coming along. My surgery is scheduled for June 19th which will be here before ya know it.
This joint replacement thing seems to go with our ageing process. I wrote a poem a while back that might be appropriate
We Was Mountainmen
I remember when we was mountainmen
seems like it wern't long ago
We was Bullhide tough and we played real rough
there wern't a man that we couldn't throw
When we drawed down on a deer our eyes was clear
an that critter was soon on a pole
We Mountainmen,... you'd a thought back then
that we would ever grow old
We shoot light bows now, bad shoulders ya know
so we stalk our game an we get real near
we hone them arraws till they shave hair
an we still manage to kill us some deer
We still rendezvous an we still count coup
but it ain't like it use ta be
Our joints is worn an it's hard ta run
when ya got a titanium knee
Then there's them pipes, ya just never know
if they're in the shape they should be
So the Doc he say's, Son I think it's time
ya got a colonoscopy
Can't sleep no more on the cold hard ground
since we got that new plastic hip
use ta drink a whole jug round the fire at night
now it's just a few little sips
The day will come...not far down the road
when they'll wanna put us in a home
They'll say we're too old ta be out in the cold
too old ta hunt on our own
When they come ta take me to that old folks home
on some cold dark rainy night
They'll sure be surprised when this old Coon say's
"BOYS, THAT'LL BE AFTER THE FIGHT!"
But if they win, an I'm put in
to that fearsom lonely place
to swaller pills cuz I got the chills
mongst wrinkles on my face,
Then remember me, ya all that's still free,
an hold to the mountain creed
To never rest, but fight yer best
Til the old coon is finely freed
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That's some great writing, Ron. It reminds me a little bit of the work of Robert Service. Thanks for adding the poem to the thread.
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Thanks Joe. Here's another one that I wrote some time ago. I gave a copy to the Doctor that replaced my last knee and as far as I know it still hangs in his office
:FORWARD: by Ron LaClair
The years go by and before you know it
your youth is gone and now you show it
Youthful shine and unwrinkled skin
will never be your look again
Color is going from your hair
as white and gray take over there
Your knees no longer let you run
wind in your face that joy is done
Physical strength of your early years
is waning, waning, replaced by fears
Fear of losing what once was you
fear of not doing what you once could do
Do not believe that all is lost
this look you have you've paid the cost
Those lines and wrinkles on your skin
are maps of battles fought hard to win
The drawn tired look, the sighs of strain
They are evidence of suffered pain
Wear this look as a badge of life
It shows you've gone through trail and strife
Experience,... the price is high
and you'll keep paying until you die
but just set your sights on goals ahead
and don't look back but FORWARD instead
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It looks like you are making good progress. I hope it continues. Good luck.
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Sounds like like the shoulder is coming along great Joe. Mine gets done June 5. More great poems Ron thanks always enjoy them.
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Wishing you a speedy recovery Joe. I'm a year and a day post replacement of my left (bow arm) shoulder. It feels great, I'm generally getting stronger and have been shooting a hunting weight bow for a few months now. If you survived that recovery room ordeal you got what it takes, you'll be ready for deer season. Best of luck.
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Thanks Ron, good stuff
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Thanks for the encouragement.
As of today, I am 10 weeks post surgery. With my first shoulder replacement (my string arm side) I was able to shoot a hunting-weight bow at the 10-week mark. The bow-hand side is absolutely a slower recovery process than the draw-hand side.
My left shoulder, the bow-hand side, is a slower recovery due to the fact that tendons in the front of the shoulder have to be severed and then stitched back together during the surgery. Since the front of the shoulder is involved in pushing the bow away during the draw, it makes sense that the recovery process would take longer.
At this point I can simulate shooting a 20 pound bow with a stretch cord for three sets of ten reps. So I don't think I am too far from being able to start shooting a 30-pound bow -- maybe a week or two. Then I will work my way up at the gym with dumbbell presses, while I keep shooting 30 pounds, until I can handle my hunting bows.
At this point I have no appreciable soreness from the shoulder workouts, and I am making steady but slow strength gains.
All of my future hunting bow shooting will be between 40 and 50 pounds. I have three high-performance bows that are all coincidentally 43# at 29" and I am pretty confident that with razor sharp broad heads and well-tuned arrows I will be able to kill deer, hogs, coyotes and other critters I am likely to hunt.
I wish all of you who are destined for shoulder replacement the very best good fortune. Be patient with your recovery, it happens in its own time.
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So we have a June 5 (John) and a June 19 (Ron) coming up. Any others out there scheduled for shoulder replacement?
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Thanks Mr Bok. The fact that you were shooting a hunting weight bow months before the one-year mark is terrific news -- and very encouraging. I have a place that I hunt that has terrific whitetail movement in October, and I hope to be shooting naturally and confidently by then.
:pray:
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Joe, sounds like you are doing well and on schedule. You know how it goes, keep working hard and you'll get there. Remember keep stretching, that's important, strength will come next. Soon your muscles will be happy to be working again.
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Congrats on the progress, Joe!
I missed seeing you this past week.
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I am now 12 weeks post-surgery. I had my left shoulder replaced on March 12. Those of you who have been following this thread know that this is my second shoulder replacement -- this time on my bow-arm side.
The good news is that today I finally managed to shoot a real bow. The bow is a 30-pound Bear Polar target bow from the early 1960s. I took a VERY cautious first two shots that were to test for pain and/or dislocation or any other indication of problems or damage. Then I managed to take a bunch of shots and hit consistent bullseyes at about 15 yards. This is a very encouraging development. I think I can now shoot with the 30 pound Polar on a daily basis to build strength and stamina in the new shoulder, and to get my form to where it should be.
It has been a long and tough road getting to this point -- with rehab exercises every day. The road ahead is still fairly long, but I think I will be shooting a hunting bow in a month or two.
My goal is to be able to shoot my hunting bow again with two artificial shoulders -- and to do so with comfort and accuracy. Once I can do that I will go hunting.
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Great to hear, Joe!
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Fantastic progress!
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:thumbsup:
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Joe you give me hope and encouragement. Had mine done yesterday and all went well and I’m on the road to recovery. Glad to hear your great progress I will be in touch . Thanks
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John: The first few days after surgery are not fun, but be confident that from now on each day will be better than the one before. You are about three months away from feeling great, and 4-6 months away from shooting a hunting-weight bow. Hang in there.
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Here is the three-and-a-half month post surgery update...
My shoulder feels comfortable most of the time. There is still some discomfort below and around the AC arch, and the top of my deltoid muscle is almost always sore.
Rehab exercises continue and I am making small strength gains. The rate of recovery has slowed down, which is to be expected. I can shoot a 30-pound bow easily and comfortably, and I can now get my 43# hunting bow a few inches from full draw.
The shoulder is still tight and a bit uncomfortable when my arm is above horizontal.
I do a bunch of shoulder rehab exercises each day, mostly with a variety and/or combination of exercise bands and dumbbells that range from 5 pounds to 55 pounds. At the gym, the upper back and rear shoulder exercises are back at 50% to 75% of normal pre-shoulder-decline weight, while the front shoulder exercises lag far behind due to the continued healing of the front of the rotator cuff where it was severed and sewn back together during the surgery.
Hunting in the fall still looks realistic, but it depends on how much the strength progress slows.
I wish this were going faster, but I realize it takes time and my body will heal at its own rate.
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Good deal Joe keep up the good work. I’m one week post surgery and doing well.
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A question just to ease my curiosity, please. Once you finish rehab and regain strength, etc., will there be any "mechanical" issues with the replaced shoulders, or do they flex just like they originally did? I'm glad that you are continuing to improve.
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Sam:
Since the replacements are metal and plastic, they do not have the extremes of range of motion of original human anatomy. However, they are pretty good -- and far better than a weakened, arthritic, diseased, and deteriorated pre-surgery shoulder.
There are precautions that need to be followed after the replacement. The danger of damaging the implant is always present, and premature wearing out of the implant is something to be avoided. So, it is best to avoid things like heavy bench presses, heavy recoiling rifles, punching a heavy bag, throwing a fastball, etc. -- Simply being as strong as possible without large shock loads or overloading the plastic glenoid cup too much is the order of the day.
Before the surgery, my shoulder joint was so worn out that I could not do much, so the after-implant precautions are still better than before the surgery -- but not as good as my shoulders were 20 years ago when I was a bit of a fitness beast.
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John: As you know, the worst is over for you. Follow doctor's orders and get plenty of rest.
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Glad your coming along Joe!
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I'm only a few days away, next Tuesday the 19th. I'll be checking into a Rehab Center for a week or two after.
When I tell people I'm getting a total shoulder replacement they say, "OH NO!"....is it too late to back out? :biglaugh:
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Good luck Ron. The day you go in will be my 2 week post op date mine is doing fine just stiff as hang. PT gave me pendulum exercises to start. My check up is June 22 hopefully we do some stretching. I never really had pain just no ROM which was expected. Starting to get bored but have to fight the urge to do more than what they gave me. Sorry no backing out now!!!! 😂 Again good luck!🍀
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Good luck Ron. I’ll be looking forward to an update from you after your surgery.
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Tomorrow,... :o :scared:
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Saying a prayer for you Ron. Keep the faith brother.
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Good luck on your surgery Ron.
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Good luck tomorrow. Keep us posted
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I was talking to a person today that had a shoulder replacement a year ago and they said to be sure and get a cooling unit that fits over the shoulder and circulates cold water to help with the pain. Any one know what that's called?
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Ron: It is called an Ice Man machine, and it is terrific. You will probably wake up in the recovery room with one already on your shoulder and working, because they are now pretty much standard procedure. Basically it is a pad that fits around your shoulder that has channels built into it in which ice water is circulated. There is a receptacle that holds ice and water, a pump, a tube that leads to the pad, and the shoulder pad. You can use it all the time, basically 24 hours a day. It cools the shoulder very well without the risk of over cooling you would have with ice bags. It really helps with pain.
Good luck tomorrow. Let me hear how you are doing whenever you can.
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Good luck today Ron!!!! 🙏🙏. Does the surgeon use a Shrew blade??
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On Monday I will be 15 weeks post surgery. That's just over 100 days. My shoulder still gets very sore, and I apply ice on most days. I have exercised each and every day since the surgery. At first it was several times a day and just pendulum swings, later passive motion, then intentional movement, and recently strength work. The strength work has been limited to once a day per doctor's orders.
Well, this morning I picked up my smoothest hunting-weight bow. It is a 62 inch Centaur Chimera, 43# at 29" -- and here is the result of one, and only one, shot. I will continue to take one shot per day for a few weeks, and then move up to multiple shots. Being careful to not over do things is important at this point in the recovery.
Hard to see due to the black on black, but the shot hit in the black at 4 o'clock about an inch from dead center.
Ron and John: You can do this. It is hard and often painful, but you can get it done.
(https://i.imgur.com/9Sq94aH.jpg)
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That’s what I’m talking about right there Joe. 3:10pm today got my follow up appointment with my surgeon. I’m lucky as he is an aggressive Dr. and hope he gets me doing some kind of assisted movement exercise. Doing what pt gave me to do so far. Happy to see you getting one shot a day in. Keep it going buddy! Thanks John
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:clapper: Gear to hear Joe. That surgery had to be brutal. I have had both of my shoulders operated on , not replaced. And the recovery was " not fun ". Keep up the good work.
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I have now moved on to taking multiple shots with a hunting weight bow (43# at 29" souped-up Centaur - a pretty fast bow). I have taken a dozen shots so far this morning, not all at once. I take a shot or two, sit down drink some coffee, repeat, etc.
So far so good. I am finding it hard to concentrate on subsequent shots when I take more than one at a time. I suspect that sustained concentration will return with more time.
I have pretty good strength and comfort in taking the shots. I still have a long way to go, but I am very thankful for how things have been so far.
I still do rehab exercises and apply ice every day, and I expect to be doing that for a long time.
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Are you still using the "Ice Buddy" on your shoulder?
My first night home last night in my own bed was great' I slept like a baby. Hospitals and rehab centers don't spend a lot of money on beds, just a bit better than sleeping on the floor. I havent had anything for pain for two days and no ice on the shoulder for a week.
Thanks Joe for all of your advice and running account on this thread, it's been very helpful in knowing what to expect. :notworthy:
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Ron:
I used the ice machine for about two weeks. Now I use ice packs, they are colder and faster, so I am done icing in about 15-20 minutes. The cold from the ice forces new blood and nutrients into the tissues, and that's important for both the healing and strengthening phases of the process.
It sounds like your experience has been very good so far. I was in a pretty fair amount of pain for a couple of weeks after the surgery, and the first week was a very "impressive" pain level. And, I could not lie down in a bed for two weeks due to the way being in a bed increased the pain level. I had to sleep in an easy chair.
From your description, it sounds like you are going to be ahead of my schedule, and that is great.
Do they have you doing any passive range of motion exercises yet?
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Rehab had me doing hanging arm swings. I think when I see the Surgeon on Monday he might have me doing somthing else
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Keep up with your rehab. The hogs will be waiting for you at the Paradise this spring...tippit
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Will do, Jeff. Really looking forward to it.
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How long after surgery before you could drive?
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I had to drive at two weeks, but it was strictly one-handed. At 4 weeks I could raise my hand enough to put it on the steering wheel, but I would say that I was still driving one-handed for a while because I really could not apply any strength with my surgery-side arm.
I had to go back to work at three weeks, so driving one-handed was necessary to get to work.
Yes, I know I am old enough to retire (and then some) but I am still m making good money so I am delaying retirement a little bit longer.
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Sounds like we’re getting along pretty good guys I also was driving one handed and now can help on the lower part of the steering wheel. Unfortunately I can’t return to work until my surgeon lifts my restrictions because I’m lifting up to 30lbs numerous times a day. Did get 2 trail cameras hung this morning which felt good for my mental part of this journey. Good luck guys,John
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X-ray taken today at the doctors office
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/rons-xray.jpg)
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Ron: Your x-ray shows that the shoulder device you have is a "reverse total shoulder" in which the ball is now where the socket used to be and vice versa. Mine is the "standard total shoulder" with the ball on the top of the arm bone and the plastic socket attached to the scapula. It is going to be interesting to compare your recovery to mine based on the use of two different surgical implants. Maybe your recovery will be faster, or perhaps you will be stronger when fully recovered. No matter what, it will be an interesting comparison.
Do your exercises as ordered. I wish you well and hope to get updates as you progress.
My update is that now I am shooting a handful of arrows every day with no discomfort, just a bit of fatigue. I'll start tuning some new hunting arrows this month.
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My buddy Tim told me the same thing. the surgeon didn't explain what he was going to do or why, ticks me off, it's my body and I should have been told my options.
Anyway, 14 days post surgery and I drove my truck today. No sling with my hand resting on the wheel. After several stops I ended up at Wall-Mart to get some groceries. Put the sling on later to give the arm a rest. A good day I'm thinkin. :goldtooth:
Check this out
http://www.bone-joint.net/reverse_total_shoulder_replacement.php?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjMj34q-E3AIVhLXACh1IwwksEAAYASAAEgLiMPD_BwE
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It sounds like you are doing great, Ron. I wouldn't worry about what kind of implant is in there, the important thing is getting good function again.
I have started getting "deep tissue massage" in my shoulder to deal with remaining adhesions, breaking up internal scar tissue, and helping the function of tendons. It is a type of therapy that was recommended by a weight lifter who had to have shoulder replacement. It is done once every two weeks or so for a couple of months. I think it is going to do me a lot of good and I really recommend it at about the 14 to 16 week post-surgery time frame. The therapist worked on both shoulders and my upper back and chest. There were some non-shoulder muscles that were cramped up because they were compensating for the shoulder. Getting them working properly is part of the recovery.
I'm working on the tune of a new hunting-weight arrow to use in the fall. It's just under 12 grains per pound, and the results so far are promising. I am excited that I will be able to hunt again.
:archer: :archer: :archer:
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Glad everything is well Ron. I agree your surgeon should’ve explained your options as mine told me that my rotator cuff was in good shape so he was going to perform an anatomical procedure not a reverse. Yesterday was 4 weeks post surgery and moving a little more each day.
Start my therapy tomorrow looking forward to some more movement. Sounding good Joe glad to hear your getting a few more shots in. Really helps to hear your progress.
I’m staying optimistic in starting a draw trainer my buddy gave me as soon as my therapist gives me the green light. Good luck, John
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Today I shot my first 3-D round in about a year at Carolina Traditional Archers. I shot with 3 other gentlemen who were good company and excellent archers. I had a few shots that did not hit where I intended, but I did not miss any target completely. Mostly I shot well with a lot of the shots hitting where I aimed in what I considered the best anatomical kill area. My shoulder was sore and fatigued when I was done, but I think this was a good step in the recovery process.
Still, it is all one step at a time, and I am looking forward to deer season.
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That's great Joe, what weight bow were you shooting?
Yesterday I drove 65 miles to a family reunion, had a great dinner at an outdoor pavilion, and after visiting with a lot of folks I drove back home. The shoulder is feeling great and I'm able to do a lot of things now that I couldn't do before....like tie my shoes.
Today is day 20 post surgery. I'm doing stretching exercises several times a day and my range of motion is increasing.
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👍👍👍👍
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Wow, Ron -- it sounds like you are really doing great. I know what you mean about discovering that things that were impossible with the worn out shoulder are now possible. Great feeling isn't it!
I am still a little sore from the 3-D shoot, but it is muscle soreness from taking a lot of shots in one day. I am certain that I will build some stamina in the shoulder muscles as I continue the strengthening phase.
I am shooting 43# at 29" in a hybrid R/D longbow. Before the first shoulder replacement I was advised by a physical therapist that if I wanted the shoulder replacement to last and not wear out prematurely that staying"well under 50 pounds" would be advisable. As I understand it, the issue is not going to be what I can handle in terms of strength -- rather it is what can the plastic/steel implant in the artificial shoulder handle in terms of pressure.
Since my bow hunting is for deer and coyotes (here in NC) and black bears (Canada next spring). I am really confident that I will be lethal enough to get the job done. I pretty much think that hunting moose, elk, etc are not in my future with a light bow - but that's OK. I am thankful for what I can do now that my recovery has some momentum.
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Good luck with your bow shooting, I'm sure your strength will increase as you continue to shoot.
At the last Traditional Archery Expo in Kalamazoo I shot Bear Archery's new K-4 Static bow. I really liked the way it felt and shot. I talked to Neil at the booth and told him I really liked it and ask him if it could be gotten in LH 35#. Last week I got an email from Neil asking for my shipping address. A few days later UPS dropped off a long box that contained a LH 35#@ 28" K-4 Static Bear bow. It was a great surprise :jumper: Now all I have to do is look at it untill the Doc says I can pull it :archer:
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Well, Ron, it sounds like you have something to give you a high level of rehab exercise motivation -- a new bow that just needs to be shot.
I think it is really cool that Bear Archery is bringing back some of their most iconic bows.
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I saw the surgeon for my 4-month check up. He told me that I am doing great and that I am ahead of schedule. He told me that I should continue stretching and strengthening and to increase what I am doing on an incremental basis.
He expects to release me from post-op treatment in two months.
It all sounded like pretty good news to me.
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That's great news Joe. :clapper:
You have been an inspiration to the rest of us that were planning or recently gone through the shoulder replacement procedure. The running account of your progress that you have posted has let us know what to expect and for that we thank you. :archer:
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Diddo what Ron said Joe. I switched my pt to a different therapist and he is awesome. He worked me hard today as the other therapist was much to passive for me. Mark is a great guy and understands thoroughly what my goals are. I told him how you are helping us with your experience. Can’t thank you enough and I should be on track to loose an arrow in about 2 weeks. Mark agreed with that 100%. Thanks John
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Ron and John:
Chronicling my experience for others to learn from was the goal of my shoulder-replacement thread. That you have learned and profited from my story is terrific. I intend to keep posting periodic progress reports until the doctor releases me from treatment. Then Trad gang members can search shoulder replacement and find out what to expect.
Joe
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I appreciate the updates. I'm going in for a little labrum repair next week and you all have helped me immensely prepare myself for the process.
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I know someone who had to have a labrum repair. It was not an easy recovery in terms of time and physical therapy, but the outcome was excellent.
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Time for another update.
I will be 20 weeks post surgery tomorrow. I am now shooting a hunting bow several days a week. Accuracy is returning, and I am confident that I will be ready for deer season in the fall.
I have been working very hard at the gym on strengthening. The front of my shoulder where the incision site is located still gets very sore at times.
I am getting "deep tissue massage" for my shoulder every two weeks for a while. This is to break up adhesions and to recondition the muscles and tendons. I really recommend this. Around here deep tissue massage costs $70 and hour, and I see it as an investment in getting things working properly in my shoulder. If you have any shoulder issues and you decide to give deep tissue massage or sports massage a try you will find it worth the expense.
I am still seeing incremental improvements in strength, comfort, and flexibility. There is still a lot of work to do, and some improvement left to make.
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Well, now I am dealing with a little bit of a setback.
I have been taking anti-inflamatory medication (Arthrotec, a medication in the NSAID class) for my arthritis for a couple of decades, and it has served me well. My last routine blood test showed that I have compromised kidney function, probably due to the anti-inflammatory medication. Well my doctor has taken me off of the medication and replaced it with a combination of Tylenol and tramadol -- basically two pain medications. Now I have no anti-inflammatory in my system.
The result is that I am miserable. My shoulders hurt like the dickens -- not to mention my spine and every other arthritic joint.
I can still pull my bow, but not as well or comfortably as I had been doing a month ago when there was something in my system to fight off the inflammation.
So, I am asking for help and advice. Does anyone out there know of anything that fights joint inflammation and does not cause kidney damage? Maybe diet, herbal, something?
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Tumeric helps me.
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Thanks, Bob. I looked it up and got some turmeric capsules at the drug store. How much do you take per day? And how long do you have to take it before you can feel the effects?
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joe, thanks for the update. I hope opening day finds you "picking the spot" on a big deer.
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Joe, I take 1500 mg. Tumeric with 10mg bioperine (Black Pepper) Important for absorbtion. I get it at Amazon. I switched to this from 2 Aleve, I get the same relief with the Tumeric.
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Can't imaging getting a replacement.had the surgery in 2003 on right shoulder from being throwed thru a door and ending up under a computer shelf slipping in stripper.all tendons reattached on right shoulder.good luck bud.
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Bob: Thanks for the information. Do you take that once per day or twice, etc.? I have ordered some 1500 mg. turmeric with 10 mg of pepper on Amazon. In doing some on-line research it seems that it is a pretty good anti-inflammatory.
Sam: I have good deer activity near my tree stands this year, and the season opens in a week here in NC. I have seen a couple of big, healthy does hanging around -- maybe I'll have fresh backstops on the grill soon. The bucks are already getting kind of secretive and (if my ears aren't deceiving me) some light antler pushing has started, so maybe I can get a crack at one of them early, before they start really moving around in October and November.
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Joe, I'm sorry to hear about your problem, I hope the stuff that Bob suggested will help.
As for me I'm doing good, I saw my doctor on Aug 1st for my 6 week check. He said I was doing good. I ask him when I could start pulling on a bow and riding my Harley, he said he wanted me to make sure everything knit to my new implant before I did anything. I'm due to see him again on Sept 12th for my 12 week so I hope he gives me the go ahead to start pulling some light weight.
Box call 68...."being throwed through a door"...I'd like to hear the rest of that story. :saywhat:
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Great to hear you are still doing so well Ron. It's only a matter of time now, so be patient.
And, that "throwed thru a door" story has got to be good.
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Well, I have been taking turmeric for a few days now. I am thinking it might turn out to be a good thing. I can tell that the inflammation has subsided a bit. I think I might be in a tree stand hunting deer in a week or two. A big THANK YOU to Bob Morrison for suggesting the use of turmeric, and the addition of black pepper to facilitate its absorption. I shot a few arrows this morning and was much more comfortable than a week ago -- not great yet, but noticeably improved.
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I saw the orthopedic surgeon again yesterday.
I have been experiencing an increase in shoulder pain over the last month or so. New x-rays were taken and I had a physical exam of the shoulder. The finding is that I have developed tendinitis in the rotator cuff tendons and in the tendon of the long head of the biceps.
My shoulder implant is in perfect position and condition, and there is no indication that anything is torn or damaged, but there is a lot of painful inflammation.
The doctor explained to me that the rotator cuff tendon group gets pretty badly traumatized by the replacement surgery, and that the immobilization of shoulder during recovery is hard on the tendons as well. He said that it really takes the tendons a year to 18 months to recover, and that they are easily irritated and inflamed before they are fully recovered. The tendon recovery is the last phase of the recovery process.
So, in my increased level of activity, bow shooting and otherwise, I have managed to get the tendons surrounding my shoulder very inflamed. The treatment for that is rest, ice, a prescription anti-inflammatory gel that is applied to my shoulder twice a day, and some gentle stretching.
I will shut down my shooting regimen for a couple of weeks and follow the rest of the doctor's directions. Then, for the next year or so I will shoot a lot less than I normally would like to shoot. I need to shoot enough to stay strong, but less than it would take to start getting things inflamed again.
I want to get some venison in October and then hunt the big boys in November, if possible. To do that I will need to follow doctor's orders and get rid of this inflammation.
This goes into the "live-and-learn" file. This is how I feel: :knothead:
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Joe sounds like you have been shooting plenty and can make a good shot. Only need one or two shots in October and one or two November. Maybe you can talk your doc into a shot in your shoiulder if you promise to be real good and not shoot too much. Good luck.
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Keep at it Joe. Tomorrow I'm 7 weeks out from a laburm repair. At this point I have almost no strength or range of motion, but the PT says thats normal and we will get after it hard this week. I'll see how bad that hurts in the morning. Shoulder surgery is no joke!
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I'm sorry to hear of your problem Joe, as they say, time is the great healer.
I have an appointment this afternoon with my doctor for my 12 week check. I pulled a bow for the first time yesterday, about 30# it didn't hurt too bad but I'm weak as a cat from not shooting for so long.
We'll see what the doc says later today. :dunno:
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Ron: It sure sounds like you are right on schedule. I'll be interested to hear what your doc has to say. Be sure to learn from my foolishness and don't get tendinitis.
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Bob: Of course you are right. I only need a shot or two in October and one at a Big Boy Buck in November. And I have worked so much on my first-shot accuracy that I am pretty confident. My challenge is to get enough time off from work to be in the woods at the right time.
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Brad: Shoulder surgery is not for weaklings or whiners. At seven weeks out, you probably could be hunting before the end of the season.
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Hope you heal well Joe. My shoulder is coming along steady trying not to over do it. Just started shooting my lighter hunting weight bow 42# at my draw and it was tough but will get better. 14 weeks post surgery still doing pt 2 times a week and went back to work 8/13/18 and that has been going well. Just went to the Shade Mountain shoot last weekend and put 70+ shots out of my 38# bow. I'm confident that I will be ready to hunt in a few weeks. My surgeon said he is very happy with my progress that I'm ahead of schedule at my 12 week post op appointment. Thanks for all your advise these past few months. John
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And yes Joe I agree' these shoulder surgery's are no joke. I had grade 3 A/C separation surgery in the mid 80's and this replacement surgery is slower and tougher........although I was in my 30's then! :biglaugh:
Good luck to all.
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John: How is your recovery process going? Give us all an update.
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Joe,everything seems to going well.Still have some muscle tightness,but very little soreness only when I shoot to much.
Some range of motion is good and some I'm still working on hard, like touching the middle of my back and reaching across in front of my body.
But they are coming slow but sure.
My surgeon and pt guy are extremely happy with my recovery.
I will continue therapy twice a week until 9/28/18 then we will evaluate where I'm at. I do home therapy with bands, a pulley system and weights on some off days.
Had a real good shooting session last evening with total concentration on the first shot and that went well. I go
back to see my surgeon the second week of October for a follow up.
I'm very confident I'll be hunting this coming season mostly from the ground for this year.Got lots of vacation time in October/November. :archer: Probably with my 42# bow for now. Have a great day, John
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It sounds like you are right on track, John. Be sure you don't rush things along. I think I got this bout with tendinitis because I was feeling so good I got overconfident and did too much too soon. As the doctor predicted, the tendinitis is slowly going away and I think I can hit the deer woods the first week in October -- "Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise."
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After seeing my surgeon for my 12 week post surgery check he said everything looked good. A buddy gave me a LH 1959 Grizzly 29#@ 28". I started shooting a few arrows with it and it felt good to see arrows fly again.
I didn't feel any soreness or pain the next day so I'm going to keep working with it....but slowly and not a lot of shooting.
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Good deal Ron glad to hear your doing well. I found if I limited my shooting I recovered well. It’s hard to pull the reigns but it is best. Slow and steady. Good luck. John
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John: You are correct. I developed this tendinitis because I was doing too much. :banghead: :banghead:
The doctor told me it could take up to a year and a half for the tendons to get back to normal after a shoulder replacement. So, I am going to be very careful for the next year at least.
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Joe, I was also told it will take a year or more for things to heal up. I slowly feel things moving but I keep that thought in mind and aim my full recovery for next summer. Hope your well. :archer2:
John
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I was up to a buddy's cabin this last weekend near Fremont mi.. A neat place that's a mile off the road and has been in his family for almost 100 years. We hunted squirrels with our flintlocks and I got to play with my new Bear K-4 static recurve that is 35#@ 28" I can handle the weight fine and I'm sure it will kill a deer.
My TOTAL shoulder replacement was on June 19th so I think I'm doing pretty good. :jumper:..... :archer2:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/k4-full-draw-2.jpg)
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Ron,
That is really great news. It sounds like you had a great time -- flintlock squirrel hunting and shooting bows in a comfy cabin in a beautiful place -- what could be better than a weekend like that!
Your recovery is going real well it seems. And, I think you are right that an accurate shot with 35# will kill a deer as dead as a heavy bow -- dead is dead, after all. It is so great that the shoulder replacement has kept you in the game and that you are shooting a bow -- and a flintlock too.
Heavy bows and youth go together. After we have a few years and miles on our old bodies, we have to be a bit more crafty and smart about how we use our old (and newly replaced) joints.
My bout with tendinitis is beginning to resolve itself. I am going to be hunting deer (and coyotes if one happens along) this coming weekend. I am seeing a lot of signs of deer movement, and I have seen some very big, old does that would fill the freezer pretty well. I'll hunt for venison in October and the bucks in November.
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Rather than start a new Shoulder Replacement thread, I thought I’d just add to Smokin Joe’s.
I go under the knife for a total reverse shoulder replacement tomorrow(same procedure Ron had done). It’s my fourth shoulder operation, the other three being repairs. I’ve just re-read this whole thread and a couple things stood out. The Ice cuff is no longer covered by insurance( at least mine). In the mandatory pre-op meetings we were told a bag of frozen peas or corn would work as a replacement.
Another thing is the bowel protocol. The opiate based pain killers really bind me up, so I paid particular attention here. Metamucil or other stool softener, lots of veggies to keep things moving along. Too loose for a week or so is much more preferable for me.
My surgeon if very cautious, I’ll have a lifetime 20# weight restriction on my left arm now. I was particular in asking about lifting weight vs draw weight and he said to keep it under 40 pounds draw weight. :readit:
In a pillowed sling for 6 weeks except for showers and PT.
Like Joe I’m miserable, having to stop my NSAID meds last Thursday. I’ll be trying the Tumeric for my arthritis.
A loving wife and good friends make the future brighter than it might otherwise be.
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I wish you well.
Frozen peas and corn make good ice packs. Since you will be icing a lot, get two packs so one can be getting refrozen while you use the other -- and remember to throw them out after you are all healed up. I wouldn't want to eat anything that has been thawed and refrozen dozens of times.
In my opinion, your surgeon is being very cautious and conservative. That is wise. You will probably be able to use a 40 to 45 pound bow once you have healed and regained strength. After a shoulder replacement you can get quite strong, but be sure to limit pressing movements to 45 pounds and under. The plastic part of the new shoulder needs to be protected from too much stress from pressing movements.
You are correct about opioids and your bowels. I took over-the-counter stool softeners and fiber and the combination worked well. I also had standard laxatives on hand just in case.
Be patient. It will take a long time to recover. At first your shoulder won't want to move...that is normal. Just be patient and follow your recovery instructions. I found that I have needed to continue to work on strength exercises several times a week, and I suspect that I will need to do that for the rest of my life. It is a small price to pay for having shoulders that work.
Let me know if you need further experienced advice, information, or just a pep talk.
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I had my second reverse shoulder replacement 8 weeks ago. My first was done 4 years ago. This time they used a small pain pump inserted into my neck to supply a novacaine type pain relief. This is to help reduce the need for opiod pain relief. I only took two narcotic pain killers after arriving home after an overnight stay in hospital. We have a Bregg ice machine but never used it and only used ice packs. You’ll probably be sent home with the gel type ice packs. Pre surgery I was able to shoot from both sides shooting 45# lefty and 40# righty. I did work into a 55# but have backed off in weight. It took me 5 months to get back to 45# after first surgery. I had both knees replaced as well and feel the reverse shoulder replacement is a much easier. Good luck with your surgery!
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I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay with my bows I have now. Both pull #43, a Widow PL and a Thunderchild. I’m one of the Grumpy Old Archers here in west-central Indiana. We’ve recently started building our own laminated bows, Coal Creek Creations. There are forms for longbow, recurve, r-d and hybrid. The guys will either make me one or have one roughed in for me to finish off as best I can. I figure #25 to start with.
Joe, thanks for the offer of help.
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All I can say is WOW!
I had shoulder surgery two years ago. Two torn tendons and rotator cuff overhaul w cadaver graft. After surgery my Doc said I wouldn't be shooting a bow again right handed. I shot lefty w a mouth tab while waiting for surgery, which took almost a year. Took a month to get good.
After surgery I shot lefty still using a mouth tab. I had an Awesome physio therapist. While I may have been able to shoot righty I didn't chance it until the new year. I've been steadily improving and getting muscle back. I'm at 43# now but hope to be close to 50# by this fall.
If it doesn't work out for you. Seriously try lefty and a mouth tab. It's deadly! Look up Jeff Fabry on YouTube.
PM me if you need any help.
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I have had both shoulders replaced. the rehab goes slower with the bow holding arm. You will do fine but follow your therapy religiously and be patient.
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Guys, your experiences plus what I’ve read and heard from others plus my past surgeries show me that we are all separate cases. It’s not like replacing the ball joints on a ‘98 Jeep where it’s all pretty much ch the same from vehicle to vehicle. My oldest brother had both his shoulders reverse-replaced but the doc didn’t say anything about a weight limit, just let the atrophy that had occurred limit what he did(he’s 80).
This time around it started with tossing small branches onto a brush pile, inch and a half around and 7-8 feet long. Just a little sharp pain. Many “little sharp pains” later and here I am.
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Good luck with your surgery. Listen to the doctors, you’ll be up in no time. Prayers sent
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We'll keep you in our prayers.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Nerve block is mostly worn off now. It is quite noticeable. Any slight movement brings a reminder to not do that. OxyContin every 4 and ice 20 on, 20 off keeps the pain dull and in the background. PT will contact today and I’ll prolly go in 2x weekly and do the rest here.Wild game dinner is the 16th, I hope to make it!
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Did they put a pain catheter in your neck? Keep icing for pain control. My doc very conservative with PT. I’m 8 weeks out and only doing 3 exercises 3 times a day that activate your different deltoid muscles. Good luck and keep us informed on your recovery!
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No catheter jr.
I’ll find out pt regimen Tuesday
My doc is pretty conservative re: weight limits going forward.
It’ll be up to the pt folks as to how fast the flexibility and strengthening go.
The only way out is through
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You got this!!!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Be patient, and do what you are told to do. The physical therapy will seem terribly conservative but there are excellent reasons for that. Things need to heal and the prosthesis needs to be secure. The physical therapists have knowledge and experience with replacement rehab. Do what they tell you to do and you will be fine.
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:thumbsup:
Once again, thanks guys.
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Right shoulder total replacement 2017 draw arm. Now facing left arm same thing. At 73 not looking forward to it. I am going to try COOL LIEF procedure, anyone hear of it??
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SS Snuffer, I have not heard of the coollief procedure. The doc said 70% of shoulder replacements are now reverse replacements. In my opinion it is a easy recovery. Range of motion will be less than conventional. Good luck with your procedure.
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I’ve not heard of it either.
In the reading I’ve done, the range of motion estimates are about 150 degrees vs the standard 180.
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Just looked up the COOL LIEF. It seems to be for pain relief as opposed to repairing things that are broken. Both my infraspinasus and supraspinatus suffered full thickness tears with retraction of the muscles. Both muscle had atrophied to the point there was nothing to sew into/through to draw things back together.
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My other 3 shoulder surgeries have looked at least this bad 3 days in.
I can’t staples or stitches, so maybe something new? :dunno:
1st pt is Tuesday, more then.
Photo is 90 de :dunno:grees out
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Good luck with the shoulder... I had my shoulder replaced on Dec. 5th 2023. I am doing my rehab, and making progress but its moving along slow but steady I guess. It was a reverse shoulder operation and I had very little pain after surgery which surprised me. I was able to string my bow the other day and I am hoping to shoot soon.
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Jim... The bandage you see is supposed to help with infections, it has some silver in it. I had one on my recent replacement, its water proof also.
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Hey Larry
I’ve read where a lot more of the tsr surgeries are reverse now a days. It’s supposed to give the surgeon and patient more options/better results.
Re: the bandage. That’s is what I was told, full immersion showers and all! How things have changed.
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Had. My 1st pt session this ayem
All went well, he said I was ahead of schedule.
I had more literal”hands on” time today than for any of my previous surgeries.
I got3 simple poisoning exercises, no strengthening yet.
Really encouraged.
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Smokin Joe, Did you tag your deer that 2018 season? And what about the seasons since?
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Best of Luck with the surgery and recovery.
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Christopher O -- Deer season here has been spotty for me. I have had too many things on my plate that seem to always fall in deer season, including freelance jobs, and a busted up knee that needed two surgeries. That kept me away from deer hunting for a the last few years. It has been my good fortune that I have been able to get away the last three years for the Laredo Tusk Roundup. That has worked out well and I have brought meat home.
I am headed to Canada for bear in May, so that will be good.
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Ouch. Sure hope that I don't need a replacement anytime soon. Heal up.
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Listen to Dr. and do PT, you'll be back shooting soon.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Christopher O -- Deer season here has been spotty for me. I have had too many things on my plate that seem to always fall in deer season, including freelance jobs, and a busted up knee that needed two surgeries. That kept me away from deer hunting for a the last few years. It has been my good fortune that I have been able to get away the last three years for the Laredo Tusk Roundup. That has worked out well and I have brought meat home.
I am headed to Canada for bear in May, so that will be good.
Good to hear. This thread caught my attention as my second brother had shoulder reconstruction surgery (rotator cuff) on December 1st, my first sister on December 7th and my oldest brother the reverse replacement on January 30th. Reading through your posts last night from 2018 on through were enlightening and encouraging to know if they put in the effort they will be miles ahead of where they have been.
And I am glad to know that you have been successful in bowhunting since the bulk of this thread was written. Thanks for the update.
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Just got back from Oklahoma last night visiting some friends. I discovered a sports supplement for joints and tendon rejuvenation while there. Its amazing stuff. I took it twice while down there and instantly I have no pain in my shoulder since. Brought some home and just getting ready to hit the weights again.
I probably can't say what brand, but has collagen in there.
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2week checkup today. All goes well.
The bone is knitting into the prosthetic as designed and I’ll be in the sling another month with a 1 pound weight restriction, up from nothing heavier than an iPhone.
Range of motion, forward and up will be 150degrees +\- when all healed. The most I’ll be able to do behind me is reach my near side back pocket and the back of my head.
My infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscle will continue to atrophy, leaving a divot where they were.
The deltoid has to be retrained to do the work formerly done by the rotator cuff.
Since the joint is the bow arm joint, it will be in compression during the draw cycle and strength won’t be a problem.
Down to half(.5 mg) an oxycodone/4hours and I’ll hopefully be done in a couple days.
More when I have more to report.
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Wishing you a complete and speedy recovery Joe.
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Keep at in Jim and let us know how it's going.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Good luck. Your surgery was much more involved than mine.
https://youtu.be/vKguNrtV0i0?feature=shared
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It is GREAT to see that others are getting something positive out of my shoulder replacement adventures.
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It is GREAT to see that others are getting something positive out of my shoulder replacement adventures.
yup, your post is much more detailed and eloquent than anything I had planned, thus my idea to just continue yours Joe.
Two things that have stood out to me are the poor quality of the sling/pillow. The shoulder strap was worthless, with the protective pad constantly slipping around and down. I jury rigged a shoulder strap from a carryon duffle and it work great. The other was the lack of staples holding the incision together. I found out yesterday the suturing was done subcutaneously with dissolving thread then a waterproof-silver nitride impregnated tape put over that. It stays on for 3 weeks then I just take it off here at home.
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3weeks out now
I removed the bandage after stewing in my own juice since the surgery. No infection at all and surprisingly, none of the itching that usually goes along with the healing process.
OT says I’m 2 weeks ahead of schedule as far as range of motion is concerned. He gave me new exercises to go along with the ones already in place.
I got blindsided a bit when all the old arthritis pains came back after quitting the oxycodone. I’d not limped up the stairs or shuffled my feet to get started since the surgery. If my mental faculties hadn’t taken such a hit while taking it, I’d be really bummed. I’ll spend the full 6 weeks in the sling, but I do take it off for long periods while sitting around, and “forget” to put it back on for a trip to the kitchen or bathroom.
I fixed supper last night for us(fried rice) with little trouble and no pain.
I continue to be well pleased with it all.
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I had my shoulder replacement December 5th and I just started shooing my bow.
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Congrats Larry!
Reverse procedure?
What #age are you pulling?
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It's the reverse procedure on my none string hand, I have been shooting 35 for a few days and may try 43 this weekend. I have been working with bans and stretching exercises too. I need to have my left one done too, waiting until after bow season this fall. I turn 71 next week ...the time flys.
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Short update
I’m at 5 weeks now and feeling great. Most of the time, at home, I’m out of my sling
But being careful. My OT cut my visits back to once a week in order to save covered visits for the strengthening part of rehab which starts next Wednesday.
Worst part right now is sleeping on my back. Right side has bone spurs, left side a new shoulder. Range of motion says no belly sleeping, so back it is. I’m hoping to make a 25-30# bow with help from Coal Creek Bows to work my way back up to 40ish.
More later.
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Jim;
Glad you're doing well.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Thanks, Mike.
This experience is quite different from the three previous repairs. Nowhere near the pain, either in intensity or duration. I flushed the last couple pain pills and never looked back.
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That sounds promising.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Not a lot to report. Nearly 7 weeks out now and I’m healing up a bit ahead of schedule. Saw the surgeon yesterday and he has kept the 1# weight restriction in place :banghead: I’m back to doing chores around the home, cooking and cleaning(my bride still puts in 40 a week at work while I’m retired).
Stretching exercises indicate my range of motion won’t be affected much, should still have my full 28” draw length when all is said and done. PT tomorrow and once a week until insurance runs out. More later.
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Good to hear you are progressing well.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Well, use this valuable down time to build some more classes. One of the many great events we had this year. Next year, I’ll get a shot at something other than this poor cactus.
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It sounds like you are progressing very well. Keep up with the exercises and you will be back to top condition in no time. Do keep using ice, it helps reduce any inflammation you will have from the exercises.
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Thanks Joe. Ice is my friend, I’ve pretty much worn the printing off the bag of peas I use to ice down after a workout session.
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Keep at it Jim. You'll be there sooner than you think.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire: :thumbsup:
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Sorry for the absence.
I see my surgeon next Wednesday and hope to be cut free then.
I’m virtually pain free now and have a twinge of pain if I move too fast in the wrong direction. Think knocking over something on the table counter that might fall the floor, then lunging for it with the arm in question. It’s the muscles that surround the shoulder that hurt 3/10 not the bones that hold the new joint in place.
I started with a #20 bow and moved up to a #27 after a week. Just yesterday at about 11 weeks I got a pretty little Striker bow from a friend to continue to strengthen. Today I shot 20-24 shafts and quit. No pain at all, just could feel the muscles had done enough.
I can reach my back pocket, but not my middle-back belt loop. I buzzcut my own hair with just a little difficulty due to range of motion issues. I can lift one pound weight up to a shelf just above head height 15 times, but still struggle with a two pound weight. I’ve been fishing( spinning gear) a couple times but have to yet try my fly rod.
I can use the zero turn mower ok but after 45 minutes or so I know the shoulder is getting tired.
Thanks for reading.
I hope this helps.
Feel free to ask anything.
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Jim asked me to post this, he is having trouble getting on PowWow.(oops, he beat me to it}
My question; How are you doing with rehab.
Just fine Mike, I'd post more but I can't get the PowWow to open?!
One more PT session then I see the surgeon and i think I'll be cut loose. I can reach my back pocket, but not my middle-back belt loop as far as range of motion. In stretching I've got nearly 170 degrees overhead. I just was loaned a Striker bow from one of the grumpy Old Archers, 35#@28 and can get off 20 shots before I start feeling it. Close Versace Bear Shoot is this Saturday with 50 targets and lots of walking. I'm really looking forward to it. If you have a way to perhaps copy/paste this to the thread I'd appreciate it!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Excellent news. Now everything is about strengthening. The idea is to build muscle around the shoulder joint to stabilize and protect it. I have a series of exercises that I do at the YMCA gym several times a week. It is basically everything except bench presses, pushups, and overhead presses. This takes a lot of time but the benefits are amazing.
Keep up the good work and you will keep your new shoulder healthy.
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Jim;
Glad to hear your recovery is going well. Hope to be back in Indiana mid September, perhaps we can shoot.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Sounds like a plan!
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Cut loose!
I saw the surgeon yesterday and said the X-rays look great. From here on out it’s strengthening exercises and keeping up with my range of motion stretches.
He said I can paddle a kayak in another month and some patients take up to nine months to get to their strength potential.
I’ll see him a year post op for more films.
Thanks for tagging along, feel free to ask any questions.
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Sounds wonderful!!!
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Excellent news.
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How'd things go at Cloverdale?
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Whoever they put in charge of the weather needs a raise :bigsmyl:
Camp Sereno was well attended and Mike earned the Grumpy Old Archers plaque this year.
Personally my shooting left a lot to be desired, still in a strengthening mode.
I haven’t seen numbers yet, but several folk said they thought attendance was well up over previous years.
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I've never been, they started that after I left the area.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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Ah.
I’m a relative newcomer to trad archery and Cloverdale.
My understanding is, it was once THE place to be in early June. Since then ETAR, Comptons, as well as other Gatherings and now Tannehill offer other , closer-to-home shoots.
I hope other, more seasoned trad shooter can give a more accurate, first hand account of Cloverdale.
Several of the guys I’ve fallen in with have well over 30 years of allegiance there. Always the second weekend in June.
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Jim;
Plan to get back to IN for the shot some year, they started up after I Left in 1985. I'd love shooting it. How is your rehab coming along? My shoulder is shooting a 60# Mossejaw Razorback right now.
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
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It’s 6 months since my second reverse shoulder replacement. At 3.5 months I was shooting 30# and have progressed to mid forties shooting lefty and righty. This week I shot my 48# recurve a few dozen times. My right shoulder was replaced and it’s still a bit uncomfortable shooting left handed. Much less pain when pulling than stabilizing the bow arm. Physical therapy for another month or so just to keep getting stronger. The bow arm side takes a bit more time than string side.