Total Shoulder replacement...

I had a total replacement on my left shoulder (I'm left handed) in 2016. I had it done just before retiring from the Army, due to my rank I was a higher priority for medical stuff. If I would have waited I would have went to the bottom of the list with the VA. I was told that waiting has it's drawbacks too. Harder recovery due to muscle atrophy, and even more loss of movement of the joint as time goes on. I'm careful with what I do physically. I was told to not lift more than 10 lbs, do you know how hard that is? I pretty much violate that every day. I'm pretty pleased with my results but there are limits, I can't do much for overhead work. my flexibility is equal to or better than before the replacement. I can now sleep, and sleep on my left side, before the replacement I had not slept on my left for years. I can't throw a ball overhand, but I was not able to throw over hand for about 5 years before the replacement either. I can shoot 1 round of trap easy by the middle of a second round I'm pretty much feeling it and my shooting reflects it. In hunting situations I dont feel recoil, but after about 10 rounds while sighting in a 30-06, I could feel the pain in my shoulder.
I'm glad I had it done when I did
 
Went to Rocky Mountain Surgical center last Thursday @ 6am, was away and back home and on the couch icing by noon.

So far so good, lots of ice:), should have stock in the local ice company.

Have my first post op check up next Tuesday morning, hope to get cleared to start with PT.
 
dogz said:
Went to Rocky Mountain Surgical center last Thursday @ 6am, was away and back home and on the couch icing by noon.

So far so good, lots of ice:), should have stock in the local ice company.

Have my first post op check up next Tuesday morning, hope to get cleared to start with PT.
Click to expand...
Dogz
Take it easy, when you get to PT don't over do it but continue the exercise and you will be feeling better every day.
God Bless and a Healthy Speedy recovery
Len & Jill
 
If you do not have one of these, see if you can get it prescribed. I've had 2 shoulder surgeries in 2 years and this machine made huge difference in recovery. Reduced swelling, improves circulation, eliminated pain meds for most part for me, reduces amount of ice needed, adds pressure if you need it. The benefits changed how I look at surgeries going forward. Even if not prescribed, I would buy it outright for the benefits in recovery.

www.breg.com

Polar Care® Kodiak® – Breg, Inc.

The Polar Care Kodiak Cold Therapy System is the most convenient and versatile offering in Breg's Polar Care line. Its easy to use, compact design makes it great for clinic, hospital, and home use. With the addition of a little ice and water, your patients will enjoy 6-8 hours of effortless cold...
www.breg.com www.breg.com

BTW, if on Medicare, it might be covered. It was for me after I found the correct coding that the med office did not know about.

Dogz, PM if you need more info or talk.
 
Thanks Yote and Muddy for sure I'm a listening

I do have one of those machines, bought it last week as it was $125 to rent it or $250 to buy and I have a total left knee operation coming in June so it made good sense to just buy it:) I do like the bugger but it is a bit tough to get just right on my shoulder.
 
Muddyboots said:
If you do not have one of these, see if you can get it prescribed. I've had 2 shoulder surgeries in 2 years and this machine made huge difference in recovery. Reduced swelling, improves circulation, eliminated pain meds for most part for me, reduces amount of ice needed, adds pressure if you need it. The benefits changed how I look at surgeries going forward. Even if not prescribed, I would buy it outright for the benefits in recovery.

www.breg.com

Polar Care® Kodiak® – Breg, Inc.

The Polar Care Kodiak Cold Therapy System is the most convenient and versatile offering in Breg's Polar Care line. Its easy to use, compact design makes it great for clinic, hospital, and home use. With the addition of a little ice and water, your patients will enjoy 6-8 hours of effortless cold...
www.breg.com www.breg.com

BTW, if on Medicare, it might be covered. It was for me after I found the correct coding that the med office did not know about.

Dogz, PM if you need more info or talk.
Click to expand...
Muddy's right!
Definitely use this ice machine a lot-it will help. I had several of them. They gave me one for each surgery (4) shoulder and one Total knee.
Dogz Also contact me if you need any support been there several times. Hope you heal fast brother!
Len
 
Dogz, thank you for the update. Looking forward to hear how the therapy goes and full use.

I will be 70 this year. Had both knees replaced, my surgeon highly recommends that should schedule either shoulder for replacement then followed by the other.

The 10 pound limit bothers me, my NM competition rifles are all over 10 pounds. The lathe chucks are all way over 10 pounds. I am not about to give up competition shooting nor give up changing chucks in my lathes...maybe my doctor's caution about 10 pounds is not that realistic.

Wishing you the best days ahead as you go through the sessions with you Pain and Torture Specialist.
 
Coyote Shadow Tracker said:
Muddy's right!
Definitely use this ice machine a lot-it will help. I had several of them. They gave me one for each surgery (4) shoulder and one Total knee.
Dogz Also contact me if you need any support been there several times. Hope you heal fast brother!
Len
Click to expand...
Prayers for quick and complete healing . I've been putting off shoulder replacement for over 20 yrs . I don't want the down time , I do ranch work but it's starting too take it's toll .Keep us informed and may God Bless you with quick recovery.
 

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