Well, so much for that nerve block!

When I had my first shoulder replacement back in May, I had a nerve block that lasted four whole days! It was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful! I didn’t feel a thing.

This time? Not so much!

My nerve block started wearing off the very night of my surgery. I could already feel my fingers, and let me tell you, this pain is NO FUN!

It’s hard to describe. It’s somewhere between a really deep, nagging ache and a burning pain. And neither one is pleasant!

I’ve had to double up on my pain medication, which means I’m spending a good bit of my time feeling sleepy. I’m hoping that in another couple of days, I’ll be over the worst of it and on the downhill side of this pain.

Today’s Big Accomplishment: Changing Clothes!

Today, I decided I was going to change my clothes and get cleaned up a little. No shower just yet, but at least a good wash-off.

Before surgery, I had purchased several products that I thought would make life easier while recovering with only one usable arm. I’ll share links to all of them because some have definitely been helpful!

I bought some disposable soapy washcloths, larger body wipes, and one of those no-rinse shampoo caps that supposedly lets you wash your hair without getting in the shower.

Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

Well, there’s just one little problem.

YOU CAN’T GET THE DARN THING ON YOUR HEAD WITH ONE HAND!

Seriously! Whoever designed these things obviously wasn’t thinking about somebody recovering from shoulder surgery.

Here’s my suggestion to the manufacturers: Make it more like a bonnet instead of a tight shower cap! Something you could easily slip over your head with one hand.

Because if you’re home alone and only have one arm to work with, getting that thing on your head is practically impossible!

And that’s exactly the kind of little problem you don’t think about until you’re the one trying to do it.

My Tip for Day Three

If you’re preparing for shoulder replacement surgery, especially on your dominant arm, remember that just because a product says it’s easy to use doesn’t mean it’s easy to use with ONE hand!

Try out your recovery supplies before surgery. You might discover that something as simple as washing your hair is a whole lot more complicated than you expected.

So, that’s been about the extent of my day. Changing clothes, getting cleaned up, taking pain medication, and doing a whole lot of resting.

Not exactly an exciting day, but right now, I’ll take whatever little victories I can get!

Hopefully tomorrow will bring a little less pain and a little more progress.

Until tomorrow!

Day Three of My Reverse Shoulder Replacement Recovery

Do you know what that sound is? That is the sound of the dreaded VELCRO!!!

Yes, the Velcro attached to the sling I’ll be wearing for the next four weeks as I begin round two of reverse shoulder replacement surgery!

I had my first shoulder surgery back in May, and I thought about documenting that experience. But I never did. Honestly, just getting through it was enough!

This time, I’ve decided to bring you along for the ride. And this one may be a little tougher because it’s my right shoulder—my dominant side. That means no use of my right hand for at least four weeks.

I’m going to share the good, the bad, and probably some of the downright ridiculous moments, along with a few survival tips I’ve learned along the way. Because after barely surviving the first round, I figure I might have something useful to share!

It’s now about 1 a.m., and I’m officially into day two. I managed to sleep a little from around 10 p.m. until midnight, but here I am, wide awake.

So the four-week countdown has officially begun. Wish me luck!

“The smile is real. So is the struggle. Welcome to four weeks of Velcro, one-handed adventures, and whatever else this recovery throws at me!”

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