I was able to move about quite a bit on the fifth day, including a short trip out shopping with my wife, though I can't drive just yet. I also began the first prescribed exercises, which consists of leaning over a table and letting my left arm dangle in a circular motion in three sets of ten reps. This is to be done three times per day.
The biggest change was my move out of the sling, which prior to the 5th day had been on 24 hours a day. The instructions say that I can leave my arm free if I am at home in a "controlled" situation, but I am to where it outside. The sling is a very supportive device, but wearing it for extended periods can cause my arm to go to sleep. I have been wearing it off and on for an hour each time.
The biggest step forward for me was not wearing the device to bed. I was able to tuck a pillow under my arm for support and slept in relative comfort the night before. Sleeping is always a challenge with this surgery. The added activity has increased my level of pain, however, and that is to be expected. The shoulder is quite sore in the evenings, but pain management has been effective. The pain, when it comes, is more in the category of a dull ache as opposed to a sharp pain. However, moving my arm in the wrong direction unsupported will bring a sharp rebuke, so I know my limits at this point.
I have received calls daily from both my orthopedic surgeon and the anesthesiologist to check on my progress. I do feel that if I have a problem I can reach out quickly for help. I'm scheduled for my first post-surgery exam on April 8, and physical therapy will begin a few days after that.
If I had to characterize this experience thus far in comparison to my first shoulder surgery, I would have to say that it has gone better. Time will tell but I am looking forward to regaining my full range of motion in my left shoulder without pain!
