SHOULDER REPLACEMENT -- number 2

[smokin joe]

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.
 

[Longbow58]

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

[smokin joe]

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.

[Ron LaClair]

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.

[Ray Lyon]

👍👍👍👍

[smokin joe]

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.

[Ron LaClair]

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  Now all I have to do is look at it untill the Doc says I can pull it 

[smokin joe]

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.

[smokin joe]

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.

[Ron LaClair]

That's great news Joe.   

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. 

[Longbow58]

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

[smokin joe]

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

[Biathlonman]

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.

[smokin joe]

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.

[smokin joe]

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.

[smokin joe]

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?

[Bob Morrison]

Tumeric helps me.

[smokin joe]

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?

[Sam McMichael]

joe, thanks for the update. I hope opening day finds you "picking the spot" on a big deer.

[Bob Morrison]

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.