I went back to work this past week, just under 2 weeks after surgery. I tried to start slow and not work full days, but having meetings at 9am and 3:30pm every day made that hard. I began driving one handed too. I tried to avoid rush hour for the most part by going in later and leaving early and calling in when I could from home.

The hardest part is carrying my laptop and stuff to meetings. I have to change floors and go through doors with badge readers. I tried to follow others when I could. I took the elevator (only one floor) sometimes. I scared myself one day trying to get back into my own office. I was holding my 6 lb laptop in my good hand and trying to unlock the door. I started using my bad arm and I turned the key just a little too far and...owwwww. I was afraid I tore something and I've been paranoid of every little twinge since.

I had my 1st PT appt this week too. This was the PT I worked with all summer who recommended I have the surgery. This visit was mostly an evaluation. He said he only wants to see me 1x/wk until I'm out of the sling. He gave me so many stretches to do at different times of day I practically need a spreadsheet to keep it all straight. And he emphasized that I should not be using my arm at all. So tough sometimes.

And finally I took Friday off. Partly because it had been a long first week back, and partly so I could take a little road trip to meet my new nephew, born on the day of my surgery. Packing was exhausting. The three hour drive was ok - not much different than being in my recliner (hubby was driving). My 4yo niece is pretty understanding of my booboo arm. She doesn't even think it's too weird that I lie on the floor and stretch every few hours.

Overall a good but tiring week. At first it was a challenge to do as much as possible lefty. Now that I know what I can do, it's just tiring and takes longer.

I don't envy you, going back to work SO soon! Take care of the "good" arm though, do some strengthing with it. Mine got so over worked that I've had pain issues with it for the last 3 months. Wish I would have known...hindsight and all that, don't ya know.

Take care of yourself!
Sky

Sky,

Great advice about taking care of the good arm! I went back to work a week after my surgery and learned quickly how careful I needed to be so I wouldn't end up with two bad shoulders.

I've been back to work now for two weeks but by the time the weekend arrives, I collapse on my couch and do nothing.

pblt,

Fortunately for me, I'm support staff so I sit in one desk and don't have to lug things around too often (and not at all right now.) I couldn't imagine carrying a laptop let alone opening a door at the same time. Take good care of yourself!

Are you doing any stretches at work? Twice a day I go into an empty office use my pullies and stick for stretching and then sit at my desk with an ice pack on my shoulder for 15 minutes. With all the pranksters I work with, I'm sure a picture of me stretching on the ground with my stick will show up, but I'm determined to have the best recovery possible and am glad I can give a few co-workers some chuckles at the same time.

I do stretch at work. Fortunately I have an office with a door so I close it and lie on the floor and stretch during boring conf calls. I made a stick out of 5 highlighters stuck together. My manager commented (sarcastic & joking) that it was a great use of office supplies.

I overdid the personal computer fun last night and today my good arm is worn out. I should stop typing now.