i'm now at 1 week post-op.

i'm quite surprised with my ability to move 1 week post-op.  i have more range of motion (ROM) than i had expected.  granted, it's still not very much, but i can actually use my arm.  prior to the surgery, i thought my right arm would be completely useless.  but i can use it to pick very light things up, to dress, shower, etc...  i still have problems sleeping.  i'll wake up in the middle of the night all the time because of the discomfort in the shoulder.  i'll find that i have to move around to lessen any pressure i may put on the elbow/shoulder by leaning on the pillow i put next to me as a cushion.  i had the stitches removed and the doc said everything looked fine. 

i'm to being physical therapy in 1 1/2 weeks.  in the meanwhile, i'm to continue my ROM exercises that i've been prescribed.  i have to go back for another followup in 4 weeks.  i gues the most frustrating part of this is that i want to rush to get back to being active again, but i understand that its best not to rush things because i don't want to retear what was surgically repaired.  i only wear my sling while sleeping, driving, or out in public amongst the people.  otherwise, i take it out whenever i'm at home or work to keep the arm moving.  i do find that there are times when the shoulder feels sore for no reason, and other times when it feels perfectly fine.  i used to take the painkiller (Norco) religiously for the first 72 hours.  after that, i would only take it at night to help sleep.  last night was the first night i didn't take it, and i slept fine until i woke up in the middle of the night, as is customary.  i don't plan on taking it again unless i'm really in pain.  otherwise, i just pop extra strength tylenol to help control the pain.

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