The bruising and swelling go all the way down my right arm to my fingers! The underside of my right breast is also black and heavy with fluid. My hand and arm swelling started reducing slowly after about 8 days. This might be peculiar to me and how my body works at the age of 62!
If you look at the photo there is definitely a difference in the anatomy of my operated shoulder. The new one is higher and a more smooth shape. Whether it changes when the swelling has gone I don’t know. I shall put up another photo when I’ve had the dressing off at the end of this week. I’m assuming it will look much tidier when the blood under the dressing has been cleaned up!
To talk about pain briefly, I’d like to say that I find I’m getting a lot of neck stiffness and pain, as well as both shoulders. It has spells when it’s quite intense, then it gradually eases and other times when I hardly notice it at all. If you experience similar use your own advised pain management and rest your arm. The problem I am now having is being a rheumatoid and not being allowed to inject my Benepali. I will have now been off it for a month today so all my joints are becoming sore. I know my surgeon said I could restart it 2 weeks after surgery but I’m going to last till next Monday when I’ve been for physio at the hospital If it wasn’t for the threat of contracting Covid-19 I would’ve restarted my Benepali (bio meds) today because, normally, I wouldn't want my body to cope with a flare as well as healing. I've decided my biggest risk is Covid!
Another thing, which might be peculiar to me is, I’m getting nightly headaches which go with the neck stiffness and pain. I do experience a lot of headaches across my forehead anyway because of arthritis in my neck but this is on top of what’s normal for me and seems to be all over my skull. In saying that it has been better the last couple of nights, in fact today is the best day so far in the comfort of my shoulder.
Clothing tips which made my life easier:
• A kind friend lent me her poncho which is great for going outdoors as there are no sleeves and it can also be worn on top of pyjamas for warmth.
• In hospital and at home, button up pyjama tops or loose fitting shirts/blouses.
• For warmth, cardigans or zip fronted tops with wider or giving sleeves to allow for swelling.
• Elasticated trouser bottoms which are easy to push down/pull up for toileting.
• And the best thing I’ve done since getting home is not bothering with knickers! I honestly found it hard enough with trousers and toiletting one handed so why struggle with 2 lots of clothing ......as long as you’re comfortable and don’t mind being a bit of a hussy!
The other thing I do whilst not being allowed to lift a kettle is use a plastic jug for water and boil up in the microwave for hot drinks.
Later I shall talk about my progress.
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LindaLegs
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I used elastic vest tops instead of a bra. I could not stand the strap over my shoulder.
A month on my arm looked normal and cut was healing well so don’t worry about bruises and swelling it goes away quickly. Take care and get tea/coffee made in a vacuum flask too so you only need to use kettle half as much💐
The flask is a good idea, thank you 😊 I’m not bothering trying a bra yet as my shape is hidden in big winter jumpers plus we’re in lockdown so not going out. But another good suggestion, thanks Green 😘
My doc also said to make a little cocoon for myself on the settee with pillows so my back muscles were not under pressure. When I stood up you could still see my shape! Also extra pillow under arm with sling on to ease muscles in my neck. When finished you will feel amazing 🤩
I am finding your story fascinating as shoulders have been my big problem for the last couple of years. Please keep posting. I hope your recovery continues well.
Thanks Achyknitter 😊 My feelings are that if my account helps just one person then it is worth doing 😊
Re: knitting (your name implies you do) I was given the use of my thumb back after surgery a few years ago, so after a gap of 30+ years I can knit again, albeit plainly. Since my shoulder op I have managed to sew up a jumper and am knitting a new one for me in lovely rainbow wool. It gets a little easier every time I do it 😀 If you have your shoulders replaced knitting becomes more comfortable 🥳 Love, Legs x
Hello Legs, your account of this is very encouraging.
About a year after developing RA, I visited my local wool shop with a friend and, while she chose her wool, discovered that they had several people with RA who swore that knitting helped their hands. It is one of the few pieces of advice that has actually worked for me. However, if I knit for too long these days my shoulders can occasionally feel uncomfortable. As this is one of my main interests, I am concerned that I might have to stop, so learning that your operation has helped is very encouraging. Thank, Achyknitter
So glad you are recovering well. I had my left shoulder done last July and his made a huge difference. I do still have bruising down my arm which doesn’t seem to be moving but it’s fine. Your suggestions for clothing are perfect, I wish I had read it before my op! It was very much trial and error. Keep well and remember to do your exercises when they are allowed as it does make a huge difference, I still do mine over a year later.
Hi Dippyd09, that’s a long time to have bruising 🤔 maybe it’s melanin staining. When I had my knees replaced there were patches of darker skin and I was told by a doctor this is what it was. I am being a good girl re exercises, Mr Legs helps me with achieving maximum range 😊 Glad you’re new shoulder has worked out so well. Thanks for replying Love, Legs x
I am now making progress at last. I shan’t talk about timelines because that leaves it open to comparison and there’s no need for that because we all progress at our own speed.
When I felt the time was right for me I decided to wean myself off using the sling during the day. The first day I had it the sling off for a period during the morning and then had it taken off again in the afternoon to be put back on in the evening. The following day I had the sling on up till lunchtime and then had it off for the rest of the day. Then on the subsequent day I stopped wearing it except for bedtime. I will sleep in my sling for the six weeks, as instructed.
The reason I wanted to stop wearing the sling during the day is that I move my operated arm doing little things, sometimes supported by my other arm, others not. I’m hoping using it for small things will become more natural the more I do it. In time I’m hoping the small movements will help to make the bigger movements easier.
Without the sling the arm is like a pendulum hanging from the body and is very heavy. Because my elbow is permanently bent I think makes it slightly easier for me because it’s in a sling-like position all the time. If your arm is straight then it will seem all the heavier.
In addition to my physio-set exercises I added this one of my own. When I’m standing, I have to concentrate hard, I lift my arm away from the body as far as I’m able (which is not far at all) and then hold it whilst I count to 5 before allowing it to gently lower. I do this 5 times and am always glad when it’s over because my arm hurts and trembles! I’m sure this holding it against gravity will help to strengthen the muscles. I shall tell the physio at my coming appointment about this and see what he says.
I can now lift my arm from my lap and touch the underside of the table, I still have to think about it but I don’t have to work up to it anymore. If I grit my teeth I can even put my arm from my lap on top of the table but I can’t lift it above yet.
I did lift it onto my desk and wrote 4 words on a piece of paper and this has been my biggest achievement yet. This has told me that it will be alright in the end and I know I will be able to paint again. If I can do this now with all the bruising and swelling then I know I will be able to use my arm as I used to. This time though it will be smooth, quiet and without pain.
The next installment will be the last and as a new thread with the same title, just Part 3 as I'd like to put up another photo.
Hi Linda. I think this has been such a good post. I don't have this problem but to those who do I would imagine it to be such a help, especially to those who are about to undergo surgery. x
Hi, LindaLegs, thanks for your comprehensive account of your reverse shoulder replacement. Your RA history and mine are very similar and I’m now in the position of needing this op. I’d be really interested to read part 3 of the shoulder report if you wrote one but I can’t find it on here. Another question is how are you doing now and have you got much movement back?
A flask of hot drink made by someone else is very helpful too! I also introduced a stool in the shower because I felt off kilter after my shoulder op as if I was too heavy on one side!Very important to do your exercises too. I had my op 18 months ago. So a final xray this month then signed off. Best decision I have taken no pain at all now in that shoulder. Need other one done!
Good luck to you and if you want to chat feel free🌈
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