Not too bad! Days 1 and 2 Post Rotator Cuff Surgery

[@MsRVC1]

I had surgery on 8/26. I had a nerve block that controls pain for at least 24 hours plus . I was sent home with an ice machine, ibuprofen 800mg, oxycodone 5mg and Zofran 4mg for nausea. I took 1 ibuprofen when I got home ,an oxy around midnight to help me sleep in the recliner. I am 36 hours post op,and have had no pain, just a little achy. I have been hooked up to the ice machine since I got home. No nausea but my mouth has been extremely dry which I am told is a side effect of the anesthesia. I have taken 1 ibuprofen just to get ahead of the pain as the nerve block wears off. I feel pretty good

[@LisaMonique]

That is awesome. I hope it is still going well!

[@shannonamurray1048]

I'm getting ready for this rotator cuff surgery on this month, the 27th. I have watched a ton of these videos because I was worried about the pain and how I would manage, but, these videos really do help me. I have been trying to set my bathroom up with tub mats with scrubbing bristles and, that have suction, so I can wash my back and easily bathe myself. I have also set my bed up with a ton of pillows, but, I may still get the recliner. I got to have both shoulders done, around three months apart from each other, around May, I'm getting my right side done ( my dominant side) this is going to be hard, because I'm right hand dominant. I'm figuring out ways to do this. God will make a way 😮

[@LisaMonique]

If you have both done you just really need to make sure you baby that first arm when the second one is done. At least another three months. You will feel like it’s good but it’s still like a scab, you can still re-injure it. Best of luck and wishing you a speedy recovery 💕

[@kathyillig3689]

😊😊😊

[@hajnamcgrath8056]

I’m getting my right shoulder ( dominant) done in two weeks. If you could suggest any tips I should definitely get I would appreciate it. I’m mainly worried about sleeping as I can’t sleep on my back. Thank you so much for your videos. It put me to ease. ❤

[@robyn874]

You’ve had a time of it but have handled it really well by following Dr’s orders. Your helping & reassuring many others by telling your story. I hope your progress continues ❤😊

[@debfor2299]

Had my rotator cuff and bicep tear surgery 5 days ago. The icing machine is a lifesaver. I stayed on the pain meds for a couple of days and after that I went to Tylenol and ibuprofen for another day or two and then stopped it. Pain ha 9:54 s been minimal. You are so right about all of the Velcro between the sling and the icing machine. It was so much easier to leave on bc I iced 10 minutes on and 10 off for the first 3 days. I couldn't unlock the tubes by myself so I just pulled the timer connection out and used my handy dandy Tommy Bahama beach cart to wheel me and the apparatus around to the kitchen, bathroom and just to get up and walk. It also helped with my stability since I was on pain meds and my husband didn't have to get up during the night since I could maneuver myself. Do whatever you have to do to get through it. I also used shoulder surgery shirts the first few days. They snap all across the shoulders and down the sides which made it so much easier to get on and off, especially right after the surgery.

[@susanlester1]

My 79 yo mom had this about 6 weeks ago. She is doing great! Good luck to you!

[@LisaMonique]

That is awesome!💕

[@hothoops1j]

Glad she is recovering well! That’s a lot of pain!

[@sybilroberts8171]

Just watched this & you saved my life today - 8 days post op & my ice shoulder sling is so uncomfortable & this is going to help me so much ❤

[@LenaSheppard]

Wow, I'm thankful it all seemed to go well for you. I'm glad that you're recovering quickly. I appreciate you being here for us !

[@birdasu4876]

I am day one post surgery and was looking for advice and information about recovery. Well, you are adorable and relaxed and it helps me just to listen to you share your journey. I feel like I am going through this with a friend who understands. My pain meds are probably making me a little emo 🤭 but I want to say thank you and I’m glad I found your channel! Now, off to my recliner and pillows. 🤪

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck with your recovery. Every day things should get a little better, much better than the constant pain and everything getting worse prior to surgery😊

[@joegutierrez2659]

I'm 4 days out from Rotator Cuff Surgery and yes the pain is manageable but still pretty strong. I'm taking Hydrocodone twice a day. Was not able to sleep for 3 days straight but am now sleeping 2 hours a night the last 2 days. Great video!

[@LisaMonique]

The ice machine REALLY dulls the pain!!

[@tjbjjtkd]

Had mine done a month ago, February 5. Once the nerve block had worn off, the pain was went from 0 to 10. I wasn't a fan of the Oxycotin and Trimodal so I took the Ibuprofen and used the cold shoulder strap. The cold strap helped me ALOT! Sleeping was a struggle for me. Thanks for sharing!

[@LisaMonique]

The cold strap is the best. Unfortunately, a good night's sleep was elusive for about 5 weeks for me...not painful but I couldn't get comfortable.

[@mattcheney6727]

So glad I found your vids! I'm on Day 1 of my rotator so cuff surgery, 26hr mark. Had the nerve block, too, and still have no control, just finger tingling. It's the wierdest feeling. I guess I'll get concerned about that at the 48hr mark. Anyway, very helpful watching your journey!

[@katrinabailey2715]

Do you still have the tingling and weirdest of you hand and fingers after the block wore off? I'm still having that icky feeling, it's just made a month.

[@Ashbyee]

I had this surgery July 22. This was the most painful thing I have ever been through. Gosh. Hope you have a smooth recovery.

[@LisaMonique]

Oh no, I think I’m just one of the fortunate ones that the pain was not too bad. I either see videos with very little pain or the worst pain ever it’s like there’s no middle ground.

[@risecooper4765]

Agreed! I am so surprised that you had so little pain Lisa. I was in excruciating pain for the first 2 weeks with burning from my underarm to my forearm. Unable to sleep more than 2 hours at a time. At 6 weeks I still have pain and must sleep in a recliner. I am usually not a wimp and am a PT at a rehabilitation facility and worked while experiencing low back pain. I had full thickness tear of my supraspinatus and infraspinatus.

[@tiasrealitychitchat4163]

I had my surgery on the 26th of June. My nerve block wore off the evening of the day of surgery. The first two days were brutal in regards to pain. The surgeon shaved some of my shoulder bone due to calcification. I’m going into week 3 icing a lot along with meds still painful but getting better.

[@PlantGranny]

@@tiasrealitychitchat4163 my nerve block just wore off I am in so much pain! I am searching for any tips on positioning my arm to help with pain

[@glennschroeder5140]

I had the exact same surgery April 20th only difference is don’t have frozen shoulder. I’m 59. It’s just nice listening to your recovery way ahead of mine to know what to possibly expect .

[@katrinabailey2715]

What is a frozen shoulder, I had the surgery 3-29-24?

[@nappy29terr51]

How is your recovery I'm having surgery on June 5 and I'm very nervous ​@@katrinabailey2715

[@marlenekerrmarlene1259]

glad your recovering, never did my shoulders that I was suppose to but did do a hip which is a lot easier I think than shoulders

[@Trumpsterfire101]

Have mine coming up this coming Friday. They will be doing several procedures at the same time. I am pretty worried about the pain even with my pretty high tolerance. Sadly pain meds don’t really work for me and I don’t wish to take a bunch more in hopes to alleviate the pain. We shall see how it goes. I too am 57 and will have the surgery on my dominant side. Luckily I am pretty much ambidextrous. Leading up to this surgery and practicing around the house with a sling I am finding that I am a bit more left leaning than I really noticed before. I have a recliner but the exit while wearing the sling is less than graceful and I foresee an issue with that post op. Oh well, should be balls of fun. Here we go! Thanx for the vids. I may document my own journey to recovery.

[@LisaMonique]

I had a motorized recliner but it was so slow putting up and lowering the leg rest that I just schooched off the end. Not very graceful but it worked!

[@davidacer4291]

I had RC and bicep surgery last week. That pain went from 0-10 when the nerve block wore off. Ibuprofen is a lifesaver.

[@LisaMonique]

Agree!! Much better than the narcotics for me.

[@debbiehuff3015]

How much ibuprofen?

[@jamesgroover4643]

The nerve block was a trip! I had small tears on my bicep and rotator cuff. Luckily pain has been minimal, but my hand swelled up about seven hours after surgery. I could not feel it at all. Very strange feeling. Luckily it wore off 🤞

[@thewolfhunter]

How much Ibuprofen ​@@LisaMonique

[@hamsack981]

Depends on your doctor they'll give you anywhere between 300 to 600 milligrams ​@@thewolfhunter

[@jennifergrody]

Just found your channel today. I’ll be having rotator cuff surgery in the future. I enjoy watching videos to prepare me!

[@aba4231]

Wish you good luck ❤

[@bruceb2413]

I had rotator cuff surgery 9 days ago at TOA in Murfreesboro. Your videos were very helpful in preparing. In looking at KZbin videos you were in the minority in not having a lot of pain so I wasn't sure what to expect. The nerve block didn't totally wear off for 36 hours by which time I started pain medicine. I never really had much pain but I had been having quite a bit of pain before surgery so I guess it is relative. I stopped the pain med after 3 days and except for a twinge now and then have no pain. I go back for my 2-week checkup this week. I'm 20 years older than you so I don't expect to recover quite as fast.

[@LisaMonique]

That’s wonderful. I’m glad you had a similar experience!

[@edwardjones4870]

I had rotator cuff repair surgery almost 5 weeks ago. My particular case was simpler than many. As instructed, I began to take the prescribed opioid as the nerve block was beginning to wear off. I soon experienced intense pain with no relief from the opioid. The pain decreased after two days but continued. I consulted with my orthopedist and was advised to take 1000 mg of acetaminophen four times per day as well as to double the daily dosage of an anti-inflammatory that I had been prescribed. No change in my pain. Ice packs have also not helped. At this point I can only hope that the pain will abate as my shoulder heals.

[@LisaMonique]

I am so sorry! Are you able to take ibuprofen? For me it is the only pain reliever even though doctors prefer to recommend Tylenol and opioids which do nothing for me. I don’t know what other medication you are on but it is the most effective for me. And the cold therapy machine works better then ice packs as it numbs entire shoulder. But I know the pain is different for everyone. I’ve just been very blessed that all of my surgeries have been relatively low pain recovery. I did have one painful procedure a few years back that had me googling when will the pain stop for 5 weeks. It was miserable so I hope yours diminishes soon 🙏🙏🙏

[@edwardjones4870]

@@LisaMonique Thanks so much for your message. Since I’m already taking a prescription anti-inflammatory, I’ve been told not to take ibuprofen. I have an appointment with the orthopedist soon and will discuss with him my ongoing pain.

[@horrorgaming1799]

1000 my that's alot

[@territhomas4654]

Thanks for your great videos! Like just about everyone here, I am having the same surgery. Full thickness tear of the supraspinitus. Bicep okay. To complicate matters for me (because why not), I have stage 4 breast cancer. I’m in treatment and doing well, however the injury to my tendon is on my right shoulder. That arm is currently suffering severe lymphedema due to the removal of all 10 lymph nodes during my double mastectomy. I know my arm will swell more and am hoping that with PT for shoulder and the lymphedema that it will resolve as much as it can. We have a recliner and I bought a lumbar pillow for my back. I also bought a post surgical pillow to help support my arm. We also purchased a left handed bidet as the ones we currently have are right hand designed. I have a blow dryer stand. Your suggestion to dry your body with hand towels makes such great sense! I’ll also look into a shower sleeve. I’ve had back surgery too and Percocet did nothing for me either. I took 800 mg of Rx Ibuprofen and piggybacked it with Tylenol 2 hours after that. I also amped up protein pre and post surgical and healed well. I’ll do the same this time too. Good luck to you and thanks for all your tips and honesty!!

[@KT-yq7ed]

@edwardjones. When did your pain subside???? How long did it take…..Ty

[@tamizilla]

Hallo Lisa, sending love your way that you continue to heal quickly.

[@s.halharbi3149]

Thank you lisa for the video. Iam scheduled for same surgery this week. Hope you full recovery.

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck with your surgery and hope you have a speedy recovery! Get that cold therapy ice machine if you don’t already have one!!!

[@thewolfhunter]

​@@LisaMonique,I am going to have RC surgery..How much is the cold therapy machine? The reason I ask is I don't have insurance and all this is on me and I'm already on a fixed income

[@SaabAholic]

Day 1 for me. You’re stating every concern and complaint and condition I’m going through. 😉

[@LisaMonique]

I hope it passes as quickly as it did for me… well actually I hope you get comfortable sleeping sooner than I did lol.

[@kimberdawn4424]

Polar care machines are the BEST for post-operative care. I couldn't have recuperated from my surgeries without it. Hope you recover quickly, Lisa. ❤, KIMBER(Your Austin, Texas Sister in Life and Faith)🥰🙏

[@LisaMonique]

💕💕💕

[@shaneenerson8418]

This brings back so many bad memories, I had my right shoulder done 2 years ago and I'm about to have my left shoulder done in a week

[@LisaMonique]

I hope you should be successful. As my other shoulder starts to twinge a little I worry that I may be repeating the surgery in a few years my other arm

[@sharonglowa4432]

@@LisaMonique talked to some people that said that ☹️

[@martijobarrett4527]

I am on day 7. I see my doc on day 10. I am FREAKING OUT I wasn't told to do arm swings.😮 ... Only authorized "bicep curls" when sling comes off for the shower. Uuugh. Full front tendon torn off. Fell in our gym videoing my daughter. Bicep moved back to normal place. That’s it. Seems I'd be told to move!😢

[@LisaMonique]

Your doctor may have a different recovery program, my swings were for the torn rotator cuff so it may be different? I have seen the arm swings on other recovery videos though.

[@martijobarrett4527]

@@LisaMonique Yeah ... My doc didn't give me ANY exercises yesterday (day 10). I really like him. He is sending me to therapy 2 days a week and I'll see him in 4 weeks.🤷‍♀️ Thank you!

[@heatherholly6563]

Thank you for this! I'm having the same surgery next week. You have eased my mind a lot.

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck! I was watering my flowers in my garden by day 2. I just couldn’t cut my food or fresh fruit and have a hard time getting the cereal at the bottom of my bowl without being able to tip it, but I was pretty self-sufficient early on. I even started driving around the 10 day point since my husband forgot my PT appointment 😂

[@heatherholly6563]

@@LisaMonique thanks so much! 😂

[@ginag6410]

Having surgery early June. Your videos were so helpful!!!! Thank you.

[@SisterFlorida]

same here - surgery is 6/10 and this has been a big help in demystifying how to maneuver after - good luck all!

[@sybilroberts8171]

Good luck with your surgery- I had mine on May 24th. I had a few days of terrible pain then felt like the Dr was shaming me for asking for more medication after he told me I could double the dosage for asking for more just in case I needed them. I wished they knew how painful it was and is. But good luck 🍀

[@lorindaschram7385]

I’m having a shoulder replacement in 2 weeks. I’m so glad I found your videos. I’m getting cold feet because it’s my dominant hand and I hate asking for help, especially with hygiene.

[@mswix98]

So appreciate all your tips and observations. I have my replacement surgery Mid June of ‘24.

[@kristinhubley4974]

I found your Jones rd beauty video and noticed the sling. I had my 4th shoulder surgery on 8/4. Had rotator cuff tear and bicep tear fixed each time. This time I had the subacromial ballon inserted . 🙏🏻 this works this time and that you continue to improve.

[@LisaMonique]

Yikes!! I hope your latest is successful!!! And I hope mine is too 😁😁😁

[@1stetson57]

If you have a seal-a-meal vacuum food sealer. Use the wide bag about a foot long and double seal the end. that is , seal the end then move it 1/8" and seal again. Now fill the bag with a large bottle of Karo syrup and lay down the bag so it is flat and get out as much air as you can then seal that end twice. NO VACUUM obviously. Carefully clip the very corner ends of the bag with scissors' as they are sharp. I have used these over and over for years. just keep em in the freezer. You can do this with two gallon freezer glad bags also, just put one inside the other up side down. Works nearly as well. I have had 3 rotator cuffs, 2 TKRs, and 1 THR. I USE THESE BAGS!!!!!

[@imaplt]

I just had my surgery yesterday. Watching your videos are helping! TY! You had at least two experiences that I had with the drooping sling and concern about shrugging shoulders. Did you get those questions answered?

[@LisaMonique]

The shoulder eventually relaxed, but the sling was always too big for me. I don’t know why they don’t make a smaller one I couldn’t even find one to buy.

[@Get_fitwith_Dee]

Thank you for this. Surgery in two weeks, only took off from work day 0. Will be interesting getting through work on day 1. Will be in the office so not too worried.

[@LisaMonique]

That is gutsy. Make sure you have something to prop your arm up because I felt that once the pain blockers wore off, the weight of my arm on the shoulder was exhausting. I just really always needed to be resting it on something.

[@Get_fitwith_Dee]

@@LisaMonique ok, I take back everything I said lol this is so PAINFUL 😂. No nerve block for me so the pain hit me like a truck when I came out of surgery yesterday. When did the pain ease up for you?

[@LisaMonique]

@@Get_fitwith_Dee Well I had the nerve block for the first 24 hours and the opiods day 1...then I could control the ache with Motrin (having said that, mortin is VERY effective for blocking pain for me, I tell my doctors its my pain killer of choice because they don't like to prescribe as much anymore.). The ice machine was crucial also, I had it on 40 minutes, and the 20 minutes off. It kept things numb. Even with the big surgical pads, I would apply close to my neck and upper chest area. So they pain wasn't unbearable from Day 2 for a few weeks, sleep was terrible though...I'd call it an endless ache over stabbing pain. But I had to keep the arm at just the right height, which for me was with a travel pillow under it while sitting.

[@RadioguyJ]

I’m scheduled for rotator cuff and bicep repair surgery on October 16th. I’ve been told my PT appointments won’t start until 6 weeks after surgery.

[@LisaMonique]

I had significant frozen shoulder prior to surgery which is why they started assisted range of motion therapy right away. Good luck with your surgery!!

[@johnseltzer7735]

My surgery is Oct 5th. I have no clue what to expect. Should I ask for a nerve block ?? I live alone so it maybe more difficult for me.. I hope you are doing well. Thank you for sharing your video.

[@AdvicefromDad]

Still taking pain meds and icing at four weeks?? I am 10 days post surgery and have already stopped both. I will say, I am extremely impressed with your range of swivel when hanging your arm on day one. I am nowhere close to being able to do that.

[@LisaMonique]

Great!!! My physical therapist said I should still be icing even without pain (I switched to only Motrin at night after 2 days post op) as I was still healing 😉. Good luck with your recovery! Sounds like it’s going great too.

[@phillipdale6765]

Thank you so much for this ..very helpful..i was /am afraid of course pre op. ! You helped ! TY

[@TEEYBE]

My surgery is may 17th for my full thickness tear “rotator cuff” alil nervous… thanks for sharing your journey

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck with your surgery 😊. I hope your recovery is quick and painless

[@lisettewurster3648]

I just had my surgery on the 25th of September, 2024 and I must say, I’m not looking forward to the physical therapy part. I still have to see the doctor for my post op next week, so we shall see where I am at. Was told I had 3 anchors put in, and it’s definitely a bit painful when I take my arm out of the sleeve to let my arm hand down. I must say, this really sucks😞

[@LisaMonique]

I hope each day gets better for you and the pain becomes less than pre-surgery!

[@susanbutler3497]

You are handling this very well. I haven’t had the surgery yet and get nauseous at times from the pain. Especially later in the day. During these first few days, did you rest often during the day?

[@LisaMonique]

In the first few days I did nap on and off during the day because I didn’t have like a long sleep in the evening. I am just so glad I had the surgery because I am pain-free. Still working on my range of motion and looking forward to being able to start digging in the garden but I went from excruciating pain to no pain so it’s definitely worth it. When I was achey post surgery I just kept thinking it will get better every day. When I was in pain pre-surgery it was just something I suffered through with no end in sight.

[@susanbutler3497]

@@LisaMonique thanks for the response. I’m glad you’re pain free!!! I’m looking forward to that too!!!

[@FastingStarChanelNo5]

Find a B&D person in your area to strap you up tighter lol. Maybe a child/teen size strap would work better. Have you used any CBD cream, gummies, or Tiger Balm when it hurts? Use melatonin for sleep, comes in liquid or capsule form and as it lowers in our body as we age we should all be supplementing with it anyway. Glad to know you're doing better. Thx Lisa, stay blessed.

[@superskr1]

I appreciated your video and help! I'm scheduled for reverse shoulder surgery the end of January and am so terrified that the nerve block won't work and the intense pain that I'll have if that happens.

[@LisaMonique]

I’m sure it will work but it will only last maybe 24 hours after you get home. Ice will be your best friend!

[@rosannedooley6659]

Two days I was in bed, but as the block or else, it was hard to get out of bed in the recliner. Slept half the night in a recliner.

[@matthewcuratolo3719]

Had my surgery yesterday, and I've been told to KEEP MY ARM IN THE SLING! Apparently it was a mess in there.

[@LisaMonique]

😳. I hope you are recovering ok. Yes, listen to your doctor! Everyone’s surgery is different. Hope you are managing your pain okay!

[@Peridot500]

Thank you so much for this information.

[@andresa1963]

You are 57? I thought that you were 34, you are gorgeous!!!!! I am getting shoulder surgery as well.

[@claudiamorganvlogs8952]

Sorry i had to go back and listen to you say 57? You look so good if you are 57! you are amazing!

[@nicolecc79]

Wow almost sounds like what I have. I have a small high grade tear.

[@RanalynnNaipo]

Appreciate the update.

[@MelesiaLuckey]

My surgery is set for Tuesday oct 17, I’m so nervous

[@LisaMonique]

Do you have an ice machine for your shoulder? Ice is more effective than any drugs at numbing the aches after surgery! Otherwise just make sure you have a steady supply of ice and a way to hold it to the areas that you need. I hope your surgery is as successful as mine. 💕

[@fasteagle9959]

@@LisaMoniquehi Lisa…very good point. I’d like to add that the frigidaire mini ice makers are about $89 on Amazon. That and the ice bags with the screw on caps are great. I hope you’re doing great Lisa and thank you so much. 🙏

[@MelesiaLuckey]

@@LisaMonique no I do not have an ice machine but I have a lot of frozen vegetables in my freezer. How long were you in your sling. At my 1 week postop visit I was told to take the sling off and start moving it around.

[@LisaMonique]

@@MelesiaLuckey I was in my sling until 6 weeks. I must have had more done! Though I took sling off while at home sitting much earlier, and I was told to swing my arm around a few times a day without activating bicep or my arm muscles to keep it loose.

[@superskr1]

Me, too!!

[@cherylramey6188]

I am going in for total replacement I same wandering how do you put your hair up my hair is not as long as yours but I’m 66 and I sleep with a CPAP and I like my hair up in a ponytail I live alone and I can’t figure out how to do it

[@LisaMonique]

I could not do a pony tail easily. It was complicated with my twisting my hair and leaning it against the wall and using a loose scrunchie..,,but it wasn’t always successful. If I had to do again for sleeping, I would use those microfiber towels that I could twist with one hand and button and put the CPAP over that.

[@MarylandMermaid]

I need this and I’m scared of the pain. I cannot take NSAIDS or Tylenol. I had a terrible knee replacement that still hurts 3.5 yrs later. Plus I tripped and broke the femoral neck of the same leg. Three gigantic screws.

[@LisaMonique]

😳😳😳 oh no!!! Well if you have to have it get the ice machine, it is a lifesaver! I’ve lent mine out three times already!

[@marilynwallace5587]

Im having rotator cuff repair surgery on May 20,2024 and is scared to death!!!!!!!!!

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck! I was nervous too, but now I'm 8 months post op, I have zero pain and full range of motion. A little weaker but that's due to my lack of strength training. So much better than the constant months of pain!!!

[@skyca7783]

I was unable to remove the long connector part with one hand, it was too wedged in. Not a good design if you dond't have a second person around. But the icing worked really well.

[@LisaMonique]

I struggled getting the wrap attached in the morning but my hose managed to pop out pretty easy it was harder for me to strap the Velcro around so I would just leave it strapped on lol. I did have to hold the bottom part between my knees to push the two pieces of the hose together

[@kandacepatterson7965]

Hip replacement is pretty painful i did that last year then while trying to rescue my cat from 2 dogs attacking. I pulled all the tendons and the muscles. Now I have to have the surgery. Not looking forward to it at all. I can not sleep in a recliner. Tylenol with hudrocodone for 2 days after hips but since this injury have taken it more....hope I can just take it for a few days.

[@LisaMonique]

Oh no!!! I hope you feel better soon!

[@kandacepatterson7965]

@@LisaMonique could you have recovered alone?

[@LisaMonique]

@@kandacepatterson7965 No, not with a full tear. Its a major muscle that was no longer connected to my arm.

[@loribartkowski6098]

Hello-I am having my surgery in 2 days. How were you able to shower and wash your hair?

[@fasteagle9959]

Hi Lori…I wish you the best with your surgery ❤️‍🩹 🙏

[@LisaMonique]

Started with Pump shampoo…though I switched to a bar shampoo after 2 days, because I could get the underside lathered easier. I also tried a shower sling but I didn’t like it and so I ended up just having my surgical arm just straight down. Then it was just with one hand. I found it harder to try and wrap my hair in a bath towel or dry my body with a heavy bath towel, so I bought these microfiber turbans to wrap my hair, I could do that with one hand. And then I dried off with a hand towel.

[@PrettyPhay9]

Hi thanks for your videos. I’m having rotator cuff surgery on Dec 27. I don’t have a recliner but do have an adjustable bed. Does that provide the same support as the chair?

[@LisaMonique]

Support can be similar with a lot of pillows and now that it’s cooler out this may not be an issue, but when I tried to climb into the bed and support my arm last July I just got hot with all the pillows around me🤪

[@paulasmith6587]

In the video, your sling isnt on. Did you use the sling strap over the cooling pack or under? Also, did you order your sling or did the hospital provide it? Thanks for your videos!

[@LisaMonique]

I left the hospital with my sling, they provided but i did see it on Amazon and I would take off the neck strap when I put on the ice because it was a padded neck strap and it prevented the ice pack from sitting on the injured area. But the waist strap is still on and my arm was still in the sling on the abduction pillow

[@generic53]

Can a person have this surgery and go through recovery living alone with no help from anyone coming by?

[@LisaMonique]

Yes, but plan ahead!! Precut or easy to open food. Pump shampoo and soap, I’d get an ice machine if you can and practice putting strap on by yourself with one hand. If you can’t afford, I’d get some cold ice packs that you can mold around your shoulder. I sent my husband back to work day 3…which means he was out of town. He was hovering, lol. He would cut me a bowl of fruit before he left 😊. I pretty much did everything myself from day 1

[@williamallen1739]

Surgery scheduled for two weeks, is the ice machine worth it? Thanks, Bill

[@LisaMonique]

I think absolutely!!! Check with your surgeon, some offices prescribe one for post surgery. I pretty much had it on 24/7.

[@karenveasey9409]

Great tips.

[@edwardjones4870]

I have an update on my condition. It’s almost six months post surgery. I have more pain now than I did before the operation. Physical therapy, home exercises, painkillers, ice packs, and anti-inflammatories have been of no help. Prior to surgery the orthopedist told me that persons with a condition similar to mine had a 95% chance of improvement. Well, there’s still that 5% left over, isn’t there? I’ve been discharged from PT because the therapists can be of no further assistance. The orthopedist has suggested that a pinched nerve in my neck may be adding to my pain. I’m skeptical of this and an MRI he ordered has proved inconclusive. I have an appointment with a pain specialist who I hope will be able to help me. If I had to do it over again, I would not have had the surgery unless the pain was unbearable. I would advise those considering rotator cuff repair to think long and hard. The road to recovery in cases like mine leads nowhere.

[@LisaMonique]

I am so sorry to hear this! I had a pinched nerve in my back and know how horrible that can feel. I hope they can figure out why it’s not betting better. 💕💕💕

[@edwardjones4870]

@@LisaMonique Thanks, but I have my doubts that a pinched nerve is the problem. I think the rotator cuff repair may have failed as it does in a small percentage of cases.

[@thewolfhunter]

Thanks for the info... Im going to have RC surgery..How much is that Polar Active Ice 3.0 machine? .I dont have insurence..So its all in me.

[@LisaMonique]

They are expensive, I believe around $200

[@marcusjames3035]

I having my surgery tomorrow at TOA Columbia. Is that where you went? Dr Loftis

[@LisaMonique]

I did go to TOA but I had Dr. McGeHee

[@patsman6737]

Considering getting this surgery and just came across your video. It's been 10 months since your surgery, can we get an update.

[@LisaMonique]

I will say my range of motion is 95% I was extremely flexible, hyper extension previously and that’s probably from the ligament being stretched out so it’s not as flexible as my other shoulder however I have a full range of motion, I can reach my back, I can scratch between my shoulder blades it, is pain-free. I still feel like my left hand which is my dominant hand is weaker than my right hand. Having said that I pretty much stopped PT at six month point and I feel like I should grab my dumbbells and work on my strength training some more. And I have had some issues with the bursitis in my left elbow which I developed last August. I am not sure if that’s because of the fall I had playing pickle ball before my surgery and landed on the elbow. But no regrets, no pain, and I feel like I can do everything that I did before started having a painful shoulder.

[@sf1144]

Lisa I a on day 1. Uggg pain starting to be felt.

[@LisaMonique]

Oh no! Hopefully it is manageable and lessens each day!

[@kellykathymcdaniel7834]

What about Naproxin/Aleve? Thoughts?

[@LisaMonique]

I think if they are effective for you, then it would be great to take. Ibuprofen has always been my holy Grail pain reliever. Starting with a herniated disc and taking prescription drugs, I always went back to Motrin because it works the best for me.

[@kellykathymcdaniel7834]

@ Gotcha. Yeah, I was given 500mg Aleve after dental work bc I preferred not to use opiates. It was pleasantly shocked at its effectiveness! 500mg individual tabs are prescription only (I think), but they are with it. Thanks for the video series on your surgery and recovery. We’ll Catch You Down The Road!

[@kellykathymcdaniel7834]

Update: had surgery yesterday morning, so I guess I’m on day one. Nerve block kind of wore off. I can actually move my fingers now. Up until this morning my right arm was just a piece of meat hanging there in a sling. Slept on my left side pretty well last night in my recliner supported my arm, so it didn’t flop over in front of me. Got decent sleep. Finally about 2 AM. I had to go into my oxycodone. Been taking thousand milligrams of Tylenol. Pain is certainly manageable. Feels like somebody punched me real hard in the front of my shoulder. All I have was the rotator cuff surgery, nothing with biceps, etc. All in all pain levels about a three when medicated. Have tried to move my arm left and right can’t do that so I still have to grab my hand and adjust anything that needs to be adjusted like that.Therapy starts in two days. Looking forward to getting the progress going. Pleasantly surprised with the lower pain level so far. Thanks for all the advice.

[@LisaMonique]

@@kellykathymcdaniel7834 I'm glad you are doing so well!

[@alaitain]

The shot they give you during surgery makes your Shoulder and Arm feel paralyzed and numb for 48 /60 hours. I couldn't even get into my bed 2/13/24

[@rosannedooley6659]

48 hours in bandage off still nice still taking painkillers

[@jim_e_mono1]

I’m 54. It’s day 1 of rotator cuffs post surgery for me it’s miserable 😖

[@LisaMonique]

I’m so sorry. Lots of ice and just get through those first couple of days and hopefully pain will get less each day 💕

[@guadalupemiranda7722]

Is this surgery the same as Reverse total shoulder replacement.?

[@LisaMonique]

I don’t think so because you’re not replacing the whole joint or bone, you’re just reattaching the tendons to the bone. Total shoulder replacement and I’m assuming the reverse is actually putting a new mechanic in the shoulder.

[@bhavnaj4403]

How did you wear your clothes after your shoulder surgery?

[@LisaMonique]

I lived in extra large V-neck shirts. I would slip my surgical arm through it and then pull it over my head. For bottoms I had loose shorts and pants. Even leggings were hard to pull up! I needed them with the elastic waist.

[@sharonglowa4432]

Did you need help when you went home after surgery? You think I could do it alone?

[@LisaMonique]

I Think you should have someone with you the first 24 hours in case there’s an issue after anesthesia, I kick my husband out of the house after day 3. So I think you could, it would be easier if someone could bring you food, I didn’t really move a lot out of my recliner the first 24 hours. I would meal prep for the week ahead, pre-chopping any vegetables or fruit or pretty much anything that you want to eat. If they are in a can I would open the can and put them in microwave containers. You really won’t be able to open cans or jars or anything that requires two hands. You won’t be able to pull back the plastic off of factory sealed foods. Eventually you’ll learn to use your chin or your knees lol. But that first week will be easier if you pre-plan.

[@sharonglowa4432]

@@LisaMonique Thank you for all the tips! I’m pretty sure I can get someone to help the first 24. Prepping is a great idea I appreciate you so much ! I have a girls trip first week of October so I’m hoping I can make it without surgery till then ❤️

[@LisaMonique]

@@sharonglowa4432 I was traveling 6 weeks after surgery, annual friend trip with 11 couples. I didn't need sling anymore, but I still brought with me 😉.

[@rosannedooley6659]

The pain after the block wears off

[@LisaMonique]

I’m sorry to hear that. My husband kept warning me because he has had surgery and his was painful after the block wore off but for me just taking regular Motrin helped so it was just a dull ache and then the constant ice on the shoulder kept that numb. I hope it is not too unbearable!

[@adrianaalexander5592]

I dont think i will be able to do that cold wrap by myself

[@LisaMonique]

It was awkward at first! But you get the hang of it 😊. SOOOOOOOOOOO worth it!

[@imjustpassinthru]

Celebrex is way better than any over the counter anti-inflammatory drug as far as its effect on the stomach. The trouble with anti-inflammatory drugs is that you need inflammation to heal. Beyond the first 48 hours post op it's probably better to take something else.

[@1Hope4All]

I have spurs that jingle jangle jingle.

[@sf1144]

I Also keep clenching my muscles

[@cDiva24]

Almost 5 weeks in and so uncomfortable. Sleeping a problem. More difficult than I ever thought it would be. I need to figure out how to make sure the the sling work and my arm is angled the correct way

[@LisaMonique]

I will say the sleeping was the worst and at five weeks I still had trouble getting comfortable. I would unfasten my sling from around my neck but keep it fastened around my waist and used a travel pillow under my upper arm. For a while I was positioning my upper body just slightly to the right so my left arm was on top with a king size pillow under my shoulder so I didn’t roll back flat. it definitely was the hardest part. It wasn’t pain but I was just uncomfortable and couldn’t sleep through the night. Even when I didn’t need the sling after 6 weeks, I still liked something under my arm

[@Adikarsa.priambada]

how long time you wear this sling

[@LisaMonique]

I wore mine for seven weeks, I could have stopped at six weeks but I was traveling and kept it on just for safety

[@Adikarsa.priambada]

so you now still need it@@LisaMonique

[@lowbucksracing3579]

Damn 57? you look good

[@vanessaperezharog7784]

I am in severe pain. Day 1

[@LisaMonique]

😞😞😞

[@rockyesterline7942]

Motrun is really hard on your kidneys. So I would not take it very long

[@LisaMonique]

It can be for some people. My doctor says it is not the painkiller of choice but if it is effective that it’s OK to take

[@rosannedooley6659]

No therapy for me for a while

[@jefflindsey9589]

62 yo @ day 3. This is the worst thing ever. Massive SS tear repair w/ bicep repair.

[@LisaMonique]

Oh no!!! Do you have ice therapy or several ice bags all over?

[@jefflindsey9589]

Yes mam! They sent the ice therapy home with me. Probably waited to long to get on pain meds. The nerve block had me fooled. I’m better this afternoon thankfully..

[@LisaMonique]

@@jefflindsey9589 Great! And the good thing is, if you don't rush things, it should continue to get better every day! Though it still was achey sleeping for a few weeks for me.

[@jefflindsey9589]

@@LisaMonique5 weeks post op! No pain meds for 4 weeks now other than an occasional Tylenol. Dr. Said PT in a couple weeks…

[@alaitain]

U had help, not All people do..

[@LisaMonique]

No, but I can't talk about what people without help should do...though by day 3 I told my husband to go back to work (he travels for work several days a week)

[@laurielyons2284]

You should put a pillow beside you. On both sides. I swear by that every night.