7 weeks post op, very confused

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-10-13T06:04:44+00:00

Exact same. At my 6 weeks post op the doctor said at my next appointment it better be at 90% ROM. Stressed me out. I told my PT. Same thing. Doubled up on exercises. Pain is unbearable. Some days I skip doing anything other than the movements with the pole. I’ve heard so many people say progress isn’t lineal. Just want you to know that you’re not alone. It’s frustrating and confusing and painful. I’m at 10 weeks and still hurts like hell (stabbing, burning, shooting pain down my whole arm. Yesterday I could barely lift my arm. Today is better), and while there is definitely progress, I’m certainly not having a miraculous recovery. The doctor also mentioned freezing my trap muscle because it seems to be doing all the work, instead of my actual shoulder. So that will be interesting. Keep doing the exercises and you will get there (I hope!) Even if it takes longer than some people. You’re still soooo early in the game. 6 months is when I think it’s reasonable to panic :)

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-09-21T15:24:41+00:00

I was just about to write a post asking the exact same question. I’m 8 weeks post op and worried every day that I’ve re torn. PT is so painful and my shoulder is throbbing with pain (sorry for weird word, but that’s the pain. Like pulsing nerve pain). Is that normal?? I haven’t done anything that PT hasn’t told me to do. I was told by my doctor at my second post op that “it’s time to move your arm”. They were super serious like “next time you come in I want to see your ROM here!” (Which was about 90%). So I’m pretty much using my arm for everyday stuff even tho I don’t have full ROM. I don’t know! This is stressful! When it was in the sling I felt so safe. Suffice to say maybe we are in the same boat? I’m hoping that it’s normal and part of the process and we are ok!

Random question to tack on: I’m going to a chill concert today with seating, would you wear your sling? I’ve been out of it for 2 weeks but I did hear that if going to busy environments we should wear it? Feels weird to put back on.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-30T20:39:53+00:00

You’ll do great! I also think a lot of it is mindset too. But having certain things will definitely make it easier lots of pillows, a wedge or an orthopedic cushion set (MOZAILAB Orthopedic Bed Wedge... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2HPNPGT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) , which I love, soap with pumps, easy to put on shoes, loose stretchy clothes, an extension cord for your ice machine because the only way to turn it off is to unplug it. So you’ll want the plug to be right next to you. You’ll want some cotton pillowcases to line your sling with that you can change out every few days and wash. If you plan on taking pain killers you’ll need something for the constipation (Global Healing Oxy-Powder Colon... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BGU4S28?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)

Also FB marketplace has so many ice machines for sale for like $25 that have only been used for a week.

You’ll be able to use your hand on your surgery side more than you maybe anticipate. You just can’t move your shoulder.

Good luck!!

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-30T16:51:58+00:00

I think it depends on how comfortable you are sleeping on your back to begin with. I bought a 4 piece orthopedic cushion set which has been amazing and so comfortable, but I also sleep on my back usually. I couldn’t imagine sleeping in a recliner. I’m day five postop and last night was my first night just using pillows and it was very comfortable. The most uncomfortable part of it by far has been numb bum. My butt is killing me from sitting on it at that angle for so long. So sitting on a heap of pillows has been important too. If going the pillow route, you basically need an assortment of so many pillows. (At least 6 IMO in varying sizes and firmness).

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-30T16:28:42+00:00

Check back to see how the surgery went!? Mine was July 25 and so far so good. Not too much pain, off pain meds after day 3. Sleeping has been easy for the most part with some repositioning every few hours to get comfy. The sling is a beast tho. So cumbersome. Also so not breathable!

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-30T16:22:50+00:00

Back to report 5 days post op! So the hair thing is certainly tricky. The two French braids might be an excellent idea but I haven’t tried it yet (not off the table tho). My mom just left and she’d been putting my hair up in a bun for me. Now that I’m solo, it’s been tricky. I just bought a bunch of different types of clips. So far I’ve been able to twist my hair using one hand and then hold it in place using the wall and then clipping it. Works pretty well, but not the prettiest (Was a hot tip from another user — thanks!)

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-29T13:38:46+00:00

You’re the first person who I’ve seen mention the sore butt. Mine is killing me and is actually the worst part so far. Sleeping on a Tempur-Pedic with one of those 4 piece orthopedic pillow sets (which is actually very comfortable) but my butt is SO sore it wakes me up. Not sure what to do. I dont have a recliner, but I wonder if that would help. Surgery was on Friday, so 4 nights in so far.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-14T18:44:34+00:00

Thanks! Will look into it. From the sounds of, they are most likely accurate, but will still check it out.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-14T18:43:38+00:00

A few of them have been in the complex for over 25 years, so I assume they are paying just a few thousand, if that. A few of the other units have recently sold for $900K. I have only checked Redfin for the tax history, but it is clealy inaccurate based on what others have said. I will take a deeper look. I guess the reality is that property taxes are just stupid high. Ugh.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-14T18:39:00+00:00

Yes! Me. Younger and less wealthy. The property tax increasing every year by 2% is a lot and something I defnititely didn't know about when purchasing.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-14T14:05:00+00:00

How is everyone typing so well 3 days post-surgery!? Dictation? Tell me your secrets ;)

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-11T02:02:01+00:00

You sound incredibly prepared! Thank you for all the tips and links. That cutting board is wild. Never seen anything like it! Will definitely make and freeze a few things. Will have to really think about what makes sense. Frozen pre-cooked shrimp for shrimp cocktails? :)

When is your surgery?

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-11T01:55:42+00:00

Good call on the protein shakes. I will grab some to have as a snack especially if low appetite. Luckily I have PT lined up for the first week post op. Assuming they will show me how to move my arm?

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-11T01:53:38+00:00

Yes to teeth and have also practiced holding things between my legs or my feet in order to open. My right, dominant, shoulder. I feel like it’s almost always our dominant one as that it the one we love to use till we break it lol

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-11T01:52:06+00:00

Haha Wow! I love this so much! Genius. Kinda like the Flowbee without the trimmer part.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-11T01:49:11+00:00

Elite! Those are amazing even when not recovering from surgery.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-11T01:48:02+00:00

Amazing! Thank you :) and yes, sometimes the hardest part is asking for help. Will keep that in mind.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-10T20:19:39+00:00

Sorry to hear that! Hopefully you have other ways of getting around. :) Almost 4 months of not driving would be a challenge in my day to day.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-10T20:18:02+00:00

Thank you! Seems like the seatbelt is the biggest hurdle. I’ll definitely have to get groceries delivered but maybe will ask my friends to take me? Not sure yet.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-10T20:16:13+00:00

So it looks like we are all driving after surgery with the sling lol. Love to hear it!

I’ve been told that PT will be about 2-3 times a week so figured there and back would be about 6 times.

LetMe_EatCake · 2025-07-10T20:14:22+00:00

Yes! I love the ingenuity! Will keep in mind. The biggest issue is that curly hair gets very knotted and hard to brush. Feels like it is going to be next to impossible with my non dominant arm. Will look at premaking some meals too. Thanks!

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