{Shoulder Surgery Update}

{Shoulder Surgery Update}

By now, most of you all know that I had major shoulder surgery a week ago and I wanted to give everyone an update on what they found, fixed and how I am doing. I’ve also included some really helpful tips and tricks to help if you have to go through something similar, which I hope you don’t! It’s definitely been one of the toughest recoveries so far and I’m still only 6 days in!

First off, I’m not a big fan of pain medication at all. So when the nurse gave me the option to pass on the loopy drugs you take before entering the operating room, I declined. She explained to me the only reason they administer that drug is to reduce anxiety for patients who may be intimidated by the operating room. It was really cool to go in there with my wits about me and see everything and everyone that would be used to fix my busted shoulder! The first thing I noticed was how freezing cold it was, it was probably 30 degrees colder just in that room. There was about 7 people in there along with big bright lights directly over the stretcher I would be strapped into. I could easily see how some people would get freaked out by it all.

The anesthesiologist put on my breathing mask and after 2 deep breaths, I don’t remember a thing. The surgery itself took a little over 2 hours where they repaired the tears and tightened my shoulder in 3 places. Check out the video below where they added 1 of the 3 bone anchors that hold the sutures responsible for tightening my shoulder!

What to expect after having rotator, labrum tear and shoulder tightening surgeryI woke up in a recovery room and was still basically half asleep as they gave three pain pills and some apple juice I apparently requested! Once I was more lucid they rolled me into a private room where I met my mother and doctor to go over post op details. With our instructions in hand, my lovely mom drove me home and so began the recovery process.

The first two days seemed like a breeze, I was in pain but still able to walk around and eat normally. I don’t really remember either of those first days, but they seemed easier! It was only on the third day the surgery began to take a toll on me. I try not to overdue the pain medication and I was really started to feel the effects of what they had done inside my shoulder. I have been forced to wear a sling almost 24/7 and sleep sitting up. Once I’m in that position I really can’t move at all. I tried sleeping on my good arm on my side and that only caused more pain. It’s like being caught between a rock and a hard place. If I don’t take the pain medication, I can feel a constant ache in my shoulder with any movement sending sharpe pain throughout my body and if I take too much medication, I start to feel nauseous. But honestly the worst part so far, is that I’ve been confined to my bed and the couch for 7 days straight. I thought I’d enjoy this time of rest but it’s only made me want to get out and get stuff done!

Here’s a list of things I really miss doing on my own for the next 10 weeks!

  • Showering and washing my own hair
  • Tying my hair in a ponytail
  • Wearing anything other than a size XL button down or even putting on my own clothes
  • Drive
  • Type (so my husband is writing this post)
  • Even sleeping
  • No exercise and the list goes on but my drugged up mind can’t think of anything!

If you’re about to embark on a similar surgery then definitely check out some of the things that really helped me out during recovery. I’ve heard a lot of people mention they need shoulder surgery but have put it off (like I did). Yes, it’s not a breeze and the recovery process is long but here’s a few tips to make it as comfortable as possible.

  • You will need someone to take care of you AT LEAST the first few days.
  • Planning, prepping, and precooking a healthier meal plan since you’ll be unable to exercise
  • A wedge pillow or recliner so you can sleep (somewhat) comfortably
  • Invest in a Polar Care ice machine to reduce swelling (It’s been a lifesaver)
  • Comfortable oversized button down shirts are your best friend
  • Stay on top of your pain meds (even the Advil) to reduce swelling
  • Take it easy and get plenty of rest, don’t overexert yourself even if you feel fine

My post op appointment is next week and hopefully I’ll have some good news to share with you all!!

38 Comments

  1. January 20, 2017 / 5:13 pm

    Great read! It’s interesting to hear how the most mundane movements become so difficult! I hope your recovery gets easier!
    x Emily

  2. January 20, 2017 / 6:30 pm

    Girl I am so sorry!!! Surgery is hard. Especially on an appendage! I had foot surgery on both of my feet, one of the feet I had to do it twice! The biggest thing for me was learning to depend on others.

    xo, Lauryn
    Lauryncakes

  3. January 20, 2017 / 8:07 pm

    I think this is such a helpful post! It’s hard to know what to expect going into such a big procedure and so hard not to be able to do things on your own afterward. Best wishes for a easy and quick recovery!

    xx Nina
    http://www.theHSSfeed.com

  4. January 20, 2017 / 11:30 pm

    Get lots of rest girl. I hope its a very speedy recovery for you!! xo

  5. January 21, 2017 / 1:42 am

    Prayers for a quick recovery, love!

  6. January 21, 2017 / 4:42 am

    I am so glad to hear your surgery went well. I wish I lived closer to you so I could make you some yummy food! hehe I praying you make a quick recovery.

  7. January 21, 2017 / 4:09 pm

    wow!! What an experience. I hope you have a swift recovery and that it was worth it in the end. take care!

  8. Nataly
    January 22, 2017 / 8:55 pm

    Great tips here! I wish you a very speedy recovery! xo, Nataly

  9. Annabel Eguagie
    January 23, 2017 / 4:28 pm

    I wish you a speedy recovery….xoxo

  10. January 23, 2017 / 5:26 pm

    Girl, just lifted you up in prayer! Praying for a speedy recovery!

  11. Mary
    January 24, 2017 / 1:38 am

    Glad to hear it went well!! The most I’ve been confined is a few days to a recliner when I broke a rib while pregnant and that was terrible. I feel for ya girl!! Netflix is gonna be your best friend haha! Hope your recovery goes fast and smooth ❤

    – Mary
    http://www.missmarypowers.com

  12. January 24, 2017 / 4:02 am

    This is fascinating. I love that you’re sharing so much of your real life! My Dad has shoulder surgery this weekend, so he will be in the same boat as you! Wishing your a quick recovery!

  13. January 28, 2017 / 5:35 pm

    This sounds so annoying just not being able to do normal things. I’m cracking up thinking back to your IG story of Grayson learning to put your hair in a ponytail. So crazy how we don’t realize what simple things we take for granted every day. I’m hope you’re recovery is going well. Sending lots of positive vibes.

    • January 30, 2017 / 7:44 pm

      It’s so awful!! Just the basic stuff I can’t do is so annoying. I wont be able to put my hair up for another month!! My arm literally wont move!

  14. Shannon
    December 21, 2018 / 9:29 pm

    This has helped me so much 3 days post opp labrum tear.

    • December 23, 2018 / 8:17 pm

      I’m so glad! I hoped that these posts would help at least 1 person get through the struggle of this awful surgery!!

  15. Susanne
    August 27, 2019 / 2:28 am

    I hope post surgery you are doing well. I fractured 3 parts including top part of arm, shoulder, clavicle, but don’t need surgery at the moment. Breaks are so painful off the scale pain.
    Like yourself, I find showering, hair pulled back and no exercise so depilating on top of all the pain meds.
    I’m hoping no tears under the breaks.
    Knowing to hang arm with showering was a god sent. Literally you bend forward with sling on, I have collar and cuff to wash under arm.
    My instapot is my best friend as I don’t have anyone close to help with food.
    Good luck to everyone recovering from any injuries. They are all life changing.

  16. January 27, 2020 / 7:17 pm

    My mom is thinking about getting shoulder surgery because she injured herself a few weeks ago when playing tennis and she wants to get back to playing as soon as possible. It is good to know that you should make sure to get enough rest, and I will make sure that my mom is taking the time she needs to get better before going back to her normal routine. Also, I appreciate that you mention the importance of staying on top of your pain medication and I will share this tip with my mom as well.

  17. Bailey
    February 3, 2020 / 2:03 am

    I’m having the same surgery tomorrow morning and I’m a mess!

  18. Susan
    December 26, 2020 / 10:04 pm

    I’m so glad I saw your post! I’m having this same thing done in March of 2021! I’m not looking forward to it at all, but I’m so much pain I can’t do anything else anyways! And then down the road I will get to have the other shoulder done! I pray this new msg finds you healed and healthy!

    • January 12, 2021 / 3:38 pm

      Good luck!! Fingers crossed you have a successful surgery and a quick recovery!

  19. Tracey
    January 17, 2021 / 2:53 am

    Thanks for the video but I almost wish I hadn’t watched it. I am 3 1/2 weeks postop with multiple anchors and sutures. Now I know why it’s so painful.

  20. Paula
    February 19, 2021 / 12:04 am

    I am scheduled for a shoulder replacement vs repair. Do you have a recommendation on type of pillow to use. No way can sleep in a recliner. Thank you for any advice

    • April 14, 2021 / 3:52 pm

      Hi there! Sorry for the delay and if you’ve already had your surgery. I just used a wedge pillow that I got from Bed, Bath and Beyond!

  21. Allan
    April 1, 2021 / 11:27 pm

    Thanks for the video. When I had my shoulder replacement, recovery was slow. The weeks after surgery would have been impossible if I had to sleep in a recliner because I have a fused back. I was able to lay flat on a bed with my arm elevated and use a product that gave me the ability to get out of bed without using my arms. I was able to use my leg to sit up and get out of bed, check it out at vivehealth.com – lookup the FootAnchor (one word). It will make the first 3-6 weeks of sleep more relaxed.
    Good luck everyone!!!

  22. Susan Conley
    August 16, 2021 / 7:05 pm

    Hi, just read your post! I’m on my 3 week post op from Reverse shoulder replacement! Can I ask how long did you take pain meds? I feel like a drugy asking my Dr for more meds! I have cut them down to half the dose that I started on, but cannot do any less!

    • October 8, 2021 / 4:43 pm

      Hi! I am SO sorry for the delay on this. I wasn’t notified of a comment!
      I honestly didn’t take my pain meds because they stopped me up so bad. I would take maybe 1/4 of the pill and then take Aleve!

  23. Kathryn Corcoran
    December 13, 2021 / 1:50 pm

    Hi! I just found your post. I am having my rotator cuff repaired this week. Any tips on bras? Or maybe even tanks to wear?

  24. Tazh Wilding
    September 19, 2022 / 6:24 pm

    Can I ask you which shirts you used? I am about to have my first surgery every, being shoulder surgery, next month. I have been planning as much as I can but I don’t know what else to plan for. I type for my job, I’m nervous about it revering weird, if you don’t have a recliner, what else did you sit in during the day?

    Hope you’re doing well!!

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