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7 weeks post op shoulder reconstruction

Posted , 3 users are following.

grammie48
grammie48

Today was my 7 week post op visit.  First thing the surgeon did was stick his hand out to shake my hand.  I can't do that I said.  Yes you can was his reply..so I did.  He said to lose the sling, that's scary to me.  I thought I would be happy to lose it but it's like a crutch to me.  It's my idiot repellent...stay away from me.  I want to wrap myself in bubble wrap. Anyway he moved my arm all  the way up over my head. That surprised me.  I asked him where pain should or should  not be...he placed his over my shoulder and said..here. I guess I'm normal then, anywhere in the joint.  Anyone else have this apprehension losing the sling?  I never thought I'd be this wimpy about it, but  this is my 3rd surgery and I never ever want to do it again.  P.S.  I don't think I'll tell my PT my arm can be moved that far, he'll want to to do it.  ha ha

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • mia98887
    mia98887 grammie48

    Posted

     I will tell you this. Moving your arm above your head without dangling it or doing any stretching prior, was a dumb move. I don’t know who your surgeon is but he sounds like an idiot. Sorry for that. My doctor told me ( when my sling came off) specifically do not raise your arm at all he said you keep it here next to your body you dangle it that is all you don’t lift anything you don’t swing it you don’t do anything because lifting it can tear those anchors out. I’m 9 weeks in and I’m now just starting to lift my arms a little bit. And if somebody sticks their hand out to shake it I stick out my left hand. 

    However,  I was happy to take off that thing.. my arm wanted to go straight SO badly!!!

    You will

    Begin to sleep better without it as well!

    • grammie48
      grammie48 mia98887

      Posted

      I'm not allowed to lift my arm or swing it at all either.  The surgeon put one  hand on my shoulder and with the other he stretched it up.  He was feeling my shoulder joint as he did trying to  get an idea of my range of motion.  But for sure I am not supposed to do anything like that myself.   I don't have any anchors this time because of the type of surgery I had.  So that's not an issue.  I am happy to have it off, it's just a little scary.  I'm afraid someone will bump into me.  At this point I am leaving it off at home  and when I leave the house I put  it on.  I guess I will wean off it a little at a time  until I feel confident.  Also I got started back walking and I wear it when I do that because I feel like the joint is jiggling around and I  don't want that.  

  • scrapbooker56
    scrapbooker56 grammie48

    Posted

    I could not wait to lose the sling until I could. Then I was insecure about it. Keep it around and if you feel your arm needs a rest use if for an hour or so. I also slept with it at night until I it quit hurting as much. Use lots of pillows!
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