Checked into Baptist Hospital at 0700. They had me strip and get into one of those impossible hospital gowns, the ones that tie in the back. They always have at least one tie that can't be reached from the front.
After I was gowned and resting comfortably under those neat sets that bow warm air, a nurse came in and asked me all kinds of questions, making sure that I was me and that they really were going to replace my right shoulder. She started an IV. When she had finished, the anesthesiologist dropped by to visit and make sure I wasn't allergic to any medicines.
He told me that he was going to start at the neck and numb my whole shoulder. He fiddled around with my neck for a little while and that's the last thing I remember.
Fran was in the room when I awoke. The nurse came in and asked if I was hurting anywhere. I wasn't. Dinner was served. My first try at eating totally left handed was not altogether successful, but I did manage to spill food on the tray, now on me. Hospital food was tastier than I remembered.
Sometime later, I woke up again and got a shot that stopped the pain and put me to sleep.
23 September 2015
Woke up feeling rested. A cheerful aid served breakfast. Again discovered that I am not ambidextrous. I was surprised to find I had no pain from the surgery.
An outlandish sling had been attached. It not only keeps my arm at the "proper" angle, but holds it out from my side. It isn't uncomfortable, but a bit challenging to manipulate, especially for certain bodily functions.
The surgeon (Dr. Gilliam) dropped in to have a look. The incision is very neat and the staples make it look like he installed a zipper in the shoulder.
I slept most of the day. Fran stayed until before dark.
24 September 2015
After another restful night without pain, I woke up and felt ready to head for home. Fran arrived as the staff was doing what they had to in order for me to be discharged.
We arrived home about noon and I went to bed and slept.
25 - 30 September
Recovery is gentle and not over quick. Had my beginning physical therapy sessions.
My therapist, Ellen is amazing. She moves my arm for me with no pain whatsoever. She gave me some "homework", exercises to do at home. They are basically isometric to strengthen the muscles without moving a great deal. They too are painless, and supposed to be. If it hurts, I'm doing it wrong.
1 October 2015
Had my first outing to see another doctor. He inquired about my surgery and it turns out that he and Dr. Gilliam were in the same class in medical school. Small world.
2 October
I loaned Ellen my copy of the City Watch trilogy by Sir Terry Pratchett. I hope she finds it as good and funny as I have.
The therapy is coming fine and I am already able to move my right hand above the shoulder without any discomfort. I have been taking the precaution of taking a pain pill about an hour before the therapy sessions.
So far, I have not needed to take the pills often, mainly at therapy sessions and sometimes before bed. My memory of the surgery 15 years ago when a bone spur tore up the right shoulder is of a lot of pain that persisted for over a month. I think the difference is that this time, the incision was smooth and controlled as opposed to the tearing and rip caused by the bone spur.
9 October
I can no longer sleep the whole night in bed. The sling pressures my arm and I have to spend a couple of hours sleeping in a chair... with kitty accompaniment (of course). Bandit sleeps on the bench next to my chair. She isn't a lap cat, but she's also only seven months old.
12 October
Another outing, this time for the eye doctor. He was pleased to see no diabetic problems with my eyes. Not surprising is that my vision has not changed from last year.
The drops to dilate my eyes made everything blurry on the way home. By the time we reached chez moi I was ready for a nap. I have not been competing with the kitties for napping awards, but have been sleeping more than usual during the day.
Smokey still bullies Bandit and occasionally chases her under the bed or jumps her for biting until she cries "uncle."
14 October
Ellen is on vacation for two weeks. I am now seeing Sydney. She too is gentle and very supportive. I will get a photo of her too.
My night sleeping is much more restless and I have been taking more pain pills than last week. On the other hand, I was able to wash my hair with both hands this morning.
I have been walking in the afternoons, putting in a mile or two each day. I am also working on making the walks progressively longer to build up my stamina.
17 October
Had to take more pain pills last night than any previous. On the other hand, I slept very well and only had to use the chair once. I did not use the sling at all last night.
I only used the sling today when we went out.
The discomfort seems to start about evening. I wonder if that is because I am working the arm too hard during the day or just the perversity of things.
Conversation between Fran and one of her friends highlighted the changes the surgery had made. She remarked that she had to do all the driving and that we spent half our lives either in physical therapy or waiting on doctors. Also she has to do all the cooking (which I did myself with enjoyment.) She also assured her friend that she had not killed me yet,; for which I thanked her audibly.
One troubling thing: the fingers of my right hand continue to be numb or tingle from time to time. I wonder if it is nerve compression from having the arm crooked in the sling.
18 October
Took a long walk today with the sling on. Since my shoulder hurt, I also wore the sling for my afternoon nap. Wow, that was a two hour kip. I'll wear the sling again tonight, until it gets uncomfortable again.
19 October
Another PT session. This one wore me out. Sydney is very nice and gentle as she moves my arm the way it needs to go. While the sessions are not painful, they are work.
It is getting better, but the sessions tire me out more. Hopefully, that is because I am doing more work at them. I am slowly getting rid of the sling, but have to wear it when I have overstressed the shoulder.
And that is it for this post.
