SHOULDER REPLACEMENT -- number 2

[achigan]

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.

[larry f]

 I had my shoulder replacement December 5th and I just started shooing my bow.

[achigan]

Congrats Larry!
Reverse procedure?
What #age are you pulling?

[larry f]

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.

[achigan]

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.

[Wudstix]

Jim;
Glad you're doing well.
 

[achigan]

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.

[Wudstix]

That sounds promising.
 

[achigan]

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 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.

[Wudstix]

Good to hear you are progressing well.
 

[Roadkill]

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.   

[achigan]

[smokin joe]

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.

[achigan]

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.

[Wudstix]

Keep at it Jim.  You'll be there sooner than you think.
 

[achigan]

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.

[Wudstix]

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!


 

[smokin joe]

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.

[Wudstix]

Jim;
Glad to hear your recovery is going well.  Hope to be back in Indiana mid September, perhaps we can shoot.
 

[achigan]

Sounds like a plan!