Traveler’s Guide to a Bionic Shoulder Replacement

I’m pleased to announce that I am now bionic and can’t wait for my first airport scanning experience. Almost eight weeks have passed since my shoulder was replaced, and I want to share the adventure with those of you who may be facing such a replacement.

Statistics in the United States are scarce, and I could find nothing internationally. I did discover that there are over 50,000 shoulder replacements performed each year in the US alone. One common reason, of course, is arthritis. Mine was due to arthritis caused by radiation.

Here are my reflections that I hope you find informative should you need them.

Find Your Right Surgeon

I interviewed three orthopedic surgeons before making my final choice.

One worked on knees, shoulders, and hips. Try to find someone who simply loves to replace shoulders. It is a craft with measurements, screws, hammering, and knowing proper placement. If my shoulder was a piece of furniture, I would want the best furniture designer and builder possible.

The second surgeon just seemed to move too fast, without really sitting down to discuss my situation and fully explain options. He wanted me to trust him just because he said, “This is what we need to do so we will get you on the schedule.” He may well have done a great job, but my level of trust matters to my own comfort.

Finally, through someone I know, who is an orthopedic specialist, I found someone who primarily replaces shoulders and took more time than the scheduled 20 minutes to help me understand options and the procedure. It was good to be listened to as well as be a listener.

The most important Idea is that YOU need to feel comfortable. You are responsible for choosing your surgeon, not the medical system.

How Will You Know It Is Time?

The medical answer I received to that question was. “Good question!” Then, believe me, you will know when the moment arrives.

I was getting ready to attend a play and was pulling on some form-fitting pants. Suddenly, my shoulder just gave in during the act of pulling. It hurt all the time after that. Somehow, my surgeon scheduled me for surgery in less than two months. Know that in some medical systems it can take 6-8 months to be scheduled, so be aware of changes in your movement and pain to plan your timing.

Be Prepared

I confess, I am a bit obsessive about preparation. Still, there is good reason in this case. I was blessed that my problematic shoulder was on my less favored left side, therefore I had one good arm to use. I practiced everything with one arm before the surgery to see what I needed to buy or invent. Remember that you will have the use of your hand on the surgical side, but you will not be able to move your arm for a while. Try these things using only one arm:

• Taking a shower.
• Washing and drying your hair. Tip: prop up your dryer on the hand towel rack. And, yes, it is possible to put “rollers” in your hair while bending over upside-down and feeling your way!
• Driving. Tip: A steering wheel ball is helpful.
• Putting on a seatbelt.
• Cooking and eating. I premade some soups and splurged on yummy frozen meals. You will not be chopping or cutting up food for a while.
• Reading a book in bed.
• Get two-three pairs of easy to pull on pants that you feel good wearing because you will wear them a lot.
• Have several easy to slip on tops. I used “batwing” sweaters, and they were perfect. Big shirts work too, but I like to wear something I feel more presentable in when I go out.
• Don’t obsess over your bra. Just put it on backwards and turn it around. The only concern is the strap on the incision side. If you can’t get away with not using the strap on the incision side, get a convertible strap so you can convert to a racerback. You can also check some front-closure bras that might be helpful.
• Get slip-on shoes of some kind. In a couple of weeks, you can bend over to tie and buckle, but probably not right away.

Be sure to get a foam wedge if you want to try sleeping in bed right away. Also put a big pillow on the surgical side so you don’t turn over on your arm at night. You’ll be wearing the sling to bed anyway, for at least a few weeks.

Speaking of sleeping. I needed to sleep away from my husband, in our guest room, for a couple of weeks. Sleep was difficult enough, without managing the movements and sounds of a bed mate.

Be Proactive

Although there are post-surgical protocols followed for appointments and physical therapy, be responsible for you. If something doesn’t feel right, say something.

I made one mistake and that was not considering the return of my lymphedema due to the surgery. I suggest that they ask one more pre-surgery question and that is: “Have you ever had lymphedema?” Certainly, post-surgical swelling is normal. Still, lymphedema is different. If you are concerned, make an appointment in advance with a lymphedema therapist and start the process of measuring and ordering a sleeve and anything else you might need.

Help Your Surgical Team Have a Good Day

Smile, you are getting a problem fixed. First, be sure to follow your preparation guidance for your safety and to ensure the procedure is not cancelled. I’m sure your surgical team has done this before. I made sure that they knew I appreciated their support and good work. Would you rather spend time caring for a positive and friendly patient or a grumpy one?

Recovering

I was very wrong about the energy and mental ability I would have in the first couple of weeks of recovery. Throw away your recovery to do list, if you are a list maker! My learning is to pause and allow myself the healing space I need.

Friends offered to come and be with me. Frankly, for a couple of weeks, the last thing I wanted was to negotiate a visit. You may feel different about that; still, know that you won’t be up to showering or getting out of your pajamas for a few days. In fact, a shower can be the main energetic event of the day!

My husband was with me for a couple of days while I mostly slept. After that, I was thankful he was at work so I could keep to whatever rhythm I needed for the day. You do need someone to check in on you, if you live alone!

What you can do is a mix of what your physician and physical therapist recommend and what seems to come easily. For example, around week 5 I found that I didn’t need to wear my sling all the time. At first, I would put it back on when my arm got tired. Then, I didn’t need it at all.

I am a walker and hiker, so I experimented with what I could do and feel fairly comfortable. Ease into rebuilding strength while acknowledging your foundation fitness level. It is very exciting to feel strength begin to return. You will be better than ever. Celebrate!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

If you have had a shoulder replacement, what was your experience? Do you have anything to add? If you are planning a replacement, what other concerns about the personal experience do you have?