Revisiting my upcoming Rotator Cuff Surgery.

[DawnCt1]

Well next Wednesday is the day. I have bought my new recliner. Silly me, I bought a lazy boy with the handle on the right! I can get in and out of it in a semi reclined position however, so I didn't totally blow it. I need to get the bra that fastens in the front and I will wear DH's shirts since tee shirts aren't going to be easy. The surgical center called today and told me that they will more than likely leave a "pain buster" cylinder in the wound that I can pull out after two days. It will have 48 hours worth of Marcaine that will release automatically. Someone on the DIS mentioned a scaline block. I asked about that and she said that it depends on the anesthesiologist and that normally patients are awake when the block is started. I definately want to be asleep. (needle phobia) She also said that a lot of people do not like the sensation of not being able to move their arm. Considering that I will be in an immobilizer, that might not bother me so much. I have phisohex so I can scrub the area pre op, the night before and day of surgery. In fact, I think I might start that early. Four days preop I have to give up my Vioxx, (I have one dose left) and any other NSAID and ASA. That should be an interesting four days. If I am not sleeping now, I will soon be a zombie. Is there anything I am forgetting?? Suggestions welcomed. I don't like to be immobile, I don't like to stay home and I don't like to sit and do nothing.

 

[YourMajesty]

Well next Wednesday is the day. I have bought my new recliner. Silly me, I bought a lazy boy with the handle on the right! I can get in and out of it in a semi reclined position however, so I didn't totally blow it. I need to get the bra that fastens in the front and I will wear DH's shirts since tee shirts aren't going to be easy. The surgical center called today and told me that they will more than likely leave a "pain buster" cylinder in the wound that I can pull out after two days. It will have 48 hours worth of Marcaine that will release automatically. Someone on the DIS mentioned a scaline block. I asked about that and she said that it depends on the anesthesiologist and that normally patients are awake when the block is started. I definately want to be asleep. (needle phobia) She also said that a lot of people do not like the sensation of not being able to move their arm. Considering that I will be in an immobilizer, that might not bother me so much. I have phisohex so I can scrub the area pre op, the night before and day of surgery. In fact, I think I might start that early. Four days preop I have to give up my Vioxx, (I have one dose left) and any other NSAID and ASA. That should be an interesting four days. If I am not sleeping now, I will soon be a zombie. Is there anything I am forgetting?? Suggestions welcomed. I don't like to be immobile, I don't like to stay home and I don't like to sit and do nothing.

No suggestions but I will be following your story. I've had an MRI on my shoulder and go back to the Dr next week. Can you get on the computer? Hope everything goes well and you have a great recovery.

 

[DISUNC]

Best of Luck with your surgery! I hope you have a speedy painless recovery!

Will you have a 'subsitute" posting for you? These Boards will not be the same while you are away!

 

[Nala56]

Dawn, Good luck with your surgery, I hope your recovery will be quick and painless. My father in law will soon have this surgery, he has no idea how long his recup will be and we aren't telling him!

Hope you won't be off the dis boards too long, I always enjoy your posts.

 

[Keli]

Good Luck with your surgery and recovery. I don't have any suggestions though to help you through the recovery period though except drugs, lol. Take enough drugs and you'll forget you don't like to be immobile, stay home, or sit still

 

[jfulcer]

Think of the opportunities - I found the DIS while recovering from Neck surgery. Of course, it will be a lot harder for you to type, but I was up and about in a couple weeks.

It was extremely boring but remember - you need to really do what the doctors tell you to do - they know what is best for recovery. Think of it as a chance for some forced relaxation.

Hey, you can turn on the TLC during the day! It's two episodes of Dating story, two episodes of Wedding story and then two episodes of Baby story alllllll day long. Don't ask me how i know that schedule.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Oh, I just saw this!
I guess it is tomorrow?

Maybe your DH will get you one of those voice activated thingies for your computer so you can dictate and it will type for you! Then you won't get bored!

I hope it all goes well and the pain is not too bad.

 

[DawnCt1]

Oh, I just saw this!
I guess it is tomorrow?

Maybe your DH will get you one of those voice activated thingies for your computer so you can dictate and it will type for you! Then you won't get bored!

I hope it all goes well and the pain is not too bad.

Oh my goodness! It is tomorrow and I have been trying to convince myself all day how much better I feel! I am really dreading this. I went shopping today for some last minute stuff, was all set to cook dinner and said to heck with it and DH and I went out to dinner. I wasn't even that hungry so I brought half of it home. I am having it at a surgical center and I don't know the address. I guess I better look it up. I have to be there at 11 am. I am NPO after midnight and the only jewelry I can take off is my necklace. My rings won't come off without a lot of effort that I don't intend to make. I can't wear make up but I don't leave the house without it. This should be fun!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Good Luck tomorrow! I had rotator cuff surgery when I was 16. It was no fun. Back then I was in the hospital for 5 days. I have no recommendations other than take the pain meds.

 

[poohandwendy]

Good luck with your surgery tommorow Dawn. Hoping everything is textbook perfect and you have a smooth recovery!

 

[transparant]

Good Luck Dawn! Speedy recovery!!!!!

 

[DawnCt1]

Thanks everyone.

 

[4nana]

Awww, good luck Dawn . Have been there with DH few yrs back, so know what you are facing. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and complete recovery. Sounds like you have a good team of drs, w/pre meds and even a pain buster cylinder (DH was not offered these) so that will be of much help in the next few days ahead.

 

[DawnCt1]

I am leaving in an hour. Yuck. I am so dreading this that it isn't even funny anymore. I hate going to sleep but I would hate staying awake. See ya tomorrow....maybe.

 

[j's m]

Good luck today. My mom had it done in her 70's and she made it seem like it was no big deal.

I have damaged mine over the years, finally bad enough to have frozen shoulder, went to therapy, etc and when it still didn't heal, the doctor finally ordered MRI and it was torn. But I chickened out of the surgery, and now its pretty much healed on its own.

Be brave, it can't be that bad. But just think down the road, it will be way better than it is now.

 

[Christine]

Good luck Dawn. I will be wishing the best for you! As soon as you can, get on the DIS and hack out some words for us!