**More Update**

[CaliforniaPeggy]

Well, it's been 3 weeks since my shoulder replacement surgery and today I saw my doc.

I told him I'm feeling very tired and with low energy. He thinks this is due to the fall I had beforehand, and then the surgery itself.

And of course, the remedy is time.

He said I can take off the sling now and then, which is both scary and a relief. He wants me to start using that arm a little...

I will continue with the home visits from PT which will also get more active instead of passive range of motion.

On the positive side, I can now shower and wash my hair! That will be so good....sponge baths just don't cut it all the time...

So here we are...


I really appreciate all the support you've all shown me.........

[In_The_Wind]

1. Good to know that you are on the mend, Peggy.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Thank you, my dear In_The_Wind!

I am glad too!

[NYC_SKP]

2. Slow but steady, eh?

Glad to hear it's getting better, Peg!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. I thank you, my dear NYC_SKP...

It is very slow, and not very steady some days either....but I can see progress from 3 weeks ago!

[frogmarch]

5. Peggy, this is wonderful news!

Every time I've had surgery, I've felt tired and listless for weeks afterwards. My doctors said it was probably from the anesthesia. (I have to take meclizine hydrochloride sometimes for position vertigo, and even that makes me feel groggy for a few days.) You've been through a lot lately, what with the fall and the surgery, so it's not hard to see why you'd feel zapped for a while after all that.

I hope you soon feel as good as new!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Aw, thank you, my dear frogmarch!

That's pretty much what my doctor said too...I'm so tired of feeling this way.

I do know it will pass...

[LiberalEsto]

7. Sounds like you are making very good progress

and we're glad to hear it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Thank you, my dear LiberalEsto...

I'm glad you think I am...

I guess I'm just impatient!

[MiddleFingerMom]

9. Progress is always great news!!! Glad to hear of yours.

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Switching from passive to active motion will bring many things. Very possibly more short-term
discomfort that will climb... and then ease the more you use your shoulder.
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Great to hear you're still getting PT visits -- they help enormously.
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Ahem. Obviously, you've been doing your sponge-baths wrong.
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Didn't I teach you ANYTHING?!?!?
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In no time at all, you'll be playing professional jai alai again.
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[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. My dear MiddleFingerMom!

I guess you didn't teach me anything!

I know there's progress, but dammit, it's glacial...

I will deal with short-term pain for long-term mobility...

Jai alai looks like fun, but I doubt I'll play it under any circumstances...

Thanks, sweetie...

[MiddleFingerMom]

15. You need to start singing "High Hopes" as your mantra. It'll happen -- but you know that.

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[Lady Freedom Returns]

10. Please Take Care!

Don't push to hard and hurt yourself, OK?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. Not to worry, my dear Lady Freedom Returns...

I tend not to push myself enough...

Thanks for your good thoughts......

[siligut]

12. Sorry you are feeling low energy

But it does make sense, you are still healing and will have to work at getting your energy back slowly.

Great about showering and clean hair though.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

14. You're so right, my dear siligut...

I'm so impatient! I want it to be done yesterday...

Yeah, the shower will be so good...

Thank you for being here for me...

[zanana1]

16. You sound a bit depressed.

Not ready for electroshock, mind you, just a bit low and maybe tired of your recuperation period. I've had two toe surgeries (for Hammertoe) and I couldn't go outdoors for six weeks. (for each foot, done a year apart). It was definitely worth the blues, though. I am now the owner of ten gorgeous, straight toes.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

17. I think you're right, my dear zanana1...

I am a bit depressed.

It's easy to get bogged down in my own particular situation...

This is why I need my friends to cheer me up.

I know it will pass........I just wish it would hurry up!

[Scuba]

18. The lingering effects of anesthesia will make you tired. Stick with your therapy and get better!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

21. Not to worry, my dear Scuba...I am sticking with it. Thank you, sweetie...

[Stuart G]

19. Continue to heal...please be patient with yourself..

takes time...one day at a time....best wishes always......

[CaliforniaPeggy]

22. Thank you, my dear Stuart G...

It's hard for me to be patient...

But I know you're right.

Thank you, sweetie...

[Lifelong Protester]

20. Glad you are on the mend

and yes, rest!! We tend, as a society, to reject the idea of rest as being restorative and healing, but it is! I know, because I can only take one 'down day' myself before I go a little crazy, but rest if you can.

Now's a great time to indulge in a movie marathon!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

23. My dear Lifelong Protester...

The trouble with resting is that then I have trouble sleeping at night...

I'm trying to strike a good balance, and this ain't easy!

My husband and I are spending a fair amount of time watching CSI: Las Vegas, and Miami. Long after these series are done, I am finally hooked!



We've also started watching "The House of Cards" with Kevin Spacey. It's great!

[Lifelong Protester]

27. Ah, yes, my hubby says that all the time

"I don't want to take a nap! I won't sleep tonight!" (right before he falls asleep on the couch, and then is definitely snoring before I get to bed!)

Well, just watching the tube is resting (unless it's an English series, then your brain does have to do some work

Taking it easy, sleep or not, is hard for all of us to do. But do what you can. My hubby had both rotator cuffs 'done', so I know from his experience. You will heal! It will be spring!! Soon!

[dgibby]

44. What?

No NCIS? No wonder you're feeling a bit off. Watch 2 episodes and call me in the morning!

Seriously, I was feeling tired all the time. Found out my O2 sats were in the low 60's at night! I'm now on O2 at night and doing much better. How's your CBC? Also, it took me the better part of a year to recover from gen. anesthesia, and that was when I was 35 (a long, long time ago).

All my best to you. Can't think of anyone who deserves good health more than you do!

[Auntie Bush]

53. Have you watched Downton Abby?

If you haven't watched it or gotten hooked...Watch it all again starting with the 1st season.
That will take a lot of enjoyable time. Try it! Even if you've seen it. It's good to review...you forget so much and catch a lot of things you missed...as it's sometimes hard to understand that English accent. I love the clothes, decor and cars!
Chin up and get fully well soon.

[OriginalGeek]

24. I dunno Miss CaliforniaPeggy

I think I'd probably milk that getting someone else to wash me for as long as I could.

I'm glad you're starting to feel better though!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

26. My dear OriginalGeek!

My poor husband does so much for me now, and I know he won't mind not washing me!



This has been an insane time...

Thanks!

[rocktivity]

25. You can type -- that's the most important thing of all!

rocktivity

[CaliforniaPeggy]

28. Oh, I sure can, my dear rocktivity! And I so agree...

[FailureToCommunicate]

50. Amen to that! (Congrats on the progress 'California girl')

[rurallib]

29. take your time and heal well

had a friend who tried to hurry a knee once and it really ended up hurting him.
Do it right.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

31. My dear rurallib...

No worries! I have to take my time...no other way.

Thanks, sweetie...

[sheshe2]

30. Good News Peggy!

You will be yourself in no time!

sheshe

[CaliforniaPeggy]

33. Thank you, my dear sheshe2!

I sure hope so!

[OmahaBlueDog]

32. 1) Get plenty of rest

2) Use the arm a little
3) .. but don't use it to break your fall
4) Perhaps you should give up falling. Have you considered a support group?
5) Enjoy the lengthy, and well deserved shower.

Get well.

OBD

[CaliforniaPeggy]

34. Trust me, my dear OBD!

I am getting plenty of rest.....maybe too much!

I am firmly planning on NEVER falling again. It's just too painful...

Besides being scary.


I do plan to enjoy my shower........tomorrow!

Yay!


Getting well is most definitely on the agenda.

Thank you...

[Cleita]

35. It looks like better days are coming for you.

It seems the worst is behind you. Be well and enjoy what you can as you heal and get better.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

39. I am ready for better days, my dear Cleita!

There is much in my life that I do enjoy...

Thanks, sweetie...

[jimlup]

36. Hang in there!

Surgery does take you down. Give yourself time...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

41. I guess I'd forgotten how much it does, my dear jimlup...

I'm working on being patient...

[jimlup]

46. Yeah, I'm always surprised how low I feel even from simple stuff...

I had neck surgery 12 years ago and it took my energy down for a good two weeks.

[Canuckistanian]

37. So you can type with both hands now?

Wonderful!

It'll be so great to have you back in full form!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

42. My dear Canuckistanian!

I've been doing that for a while now...it is pretty nearly automatic now...

We can chat anytime you'd like...

[Canuckistanian]

45. Wonderful!

I'd like that.

[mac56]

38. Good progress, Peggy!

PT is a wonderful thing.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

43. Thank you, my dear mac56!

PT is a wonderful thing, indeed...

My therapist is terrific, and she knows how to do the exercises so well.

I am grateful for her...

[Mira]

40. Oh dear Peggy. My heart goes out to you.

You may remember 2 years ago (come Valentine's day I broke my upper arm, humerus. So much of what you are saying rings painful bells. Stick with the therapy, do the repetitions gently, don't overdo - pain does not mean you are progressing in the ability to move the shoulder.

My biggest help was a huge easy chair with a motor in it and attached leg rest. It leans back to almost flat. I slept in that - cushioned and protected by my sling for three months. Getting up was easy thanks to the motor putting me up into a sitting position, and I could not roll onto the hurt arm while asleep because the little pillows wedged me in.

There is life after this. You, too, will recover. I'm glad you write about the steps forward. I will never forget my son cutting open the shoulder on my T-shirts and sewing on hooks and eyes. Those things should be shadow boxed.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

47. I remember your episode very well, my dear Mira, and I felt horrified at what you went through...

I'm not overdoing the reps and in fact, my therapist will stop and let me rest when it's too much.

I am definitely progressing.

The bed works well for me. I can get in and out without trouble...

My sling keeps me from rolling onto my injured arm...

I am really looking forward to recovering! A trip to Italy is in the works, and you know I want to be ready!

Thank you for your very tender and encouraging words...

[Mira]

48. Ah la bella Italia!

I'm glad for you - something to look forward to. I want to see Calabria IN THIS lifetime.

[awoke_in_2003]

49. Take care, Peggy. nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

59. Aw, thank you, my dear awoke_in_2003...

I surely am...

[awoke_in_2003]

66. Good to know, my dear Peggy...

[nolabear]

51. So good to see you, Peggy. You're tough! WoofWoofWoof!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

60. It's funny, my dear nolabear...I don't feel very tough...

too!

[Ilsa]

52. Good luck with your rehab! Glad you are better. nt

[CaliforniaPeggy]

61. Thank you, my dear Ilsa...I'm glad too! n/t

[Tuesday Afternoon]

54. so then your staples are out ... good. now you will really see some progress and things

will move more quickly. glad to hear it, Peg

[CaliforniaPeggy]

62. Yup, the staples are out, my dear Tuesday Afternoon...

Tomorrow I will venture into the shower, and test my arm and shoulder...

Thank you, sweetie...

[freshwest]

55. Thanks for stopping by, Peg.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

63. And thank you for stopping by too, my dear freshwest!

[The Wielding Truth]

56. Hope you have a speedy recovery. You are a big part of the best of DU.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

64. Thank you, my dear Wielding Truth...

What a sweet thing to say...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

57. Thank you, everybody...

I appreciate so much all your great thoughtful remarks!

I'll be back later...

[blackspade]

58. speedy recovery!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

65. Yes, indeed, my dear blackspade!

[Shankapotomus]

67. Going only by what I

know of you from DU, I just have to say your troubles couldn't have happened to a more undeserving person. You're such a sweetie on these forums even relative strangers like myself can't doubt your sincerity and kindness. I wish you every bit of a full recovery and more.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

68. Thank you so much, my dear Shankapotomus!

That was awfully nice of you...

My troubles will be of short duration, I hope, and then my life will return to whatever passes for normal...

[ismnotwasm]

69. Glad all is going well

[CaliforniaPeggy]

72. Thank you, my dear ismnotwasm...I'm better today than I was yesterday!

[geardaddy]

70. Healing vibes and hugs for you CP

[CaliforniaPeggy]

73. Thank you, my dear geardaddy, for all those healing vibes and hugs!

[noiretextatique]

71. wishing you a speedy and full recovery!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

74. I want those too, my dear noiretextatique! Thank you, sweetie!

[noiretextatique]

75. you're quite welcome, friend!

[redwitch]

76. Not surprised that you are tired.

The fall and the surgery were both traumatic to your body. Lots of rest and you will be back to your old energetic self soon!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

77. I guess I shouldn't be surprised either, my dear redwitch...

I am resting a lot and it does help.

Thanks, sweetie!

[greymattermom]

78. healing takes energy

Don't forget that healing is very energy intensive, almost like an intense workout. You should expect to feel tired while you're healing. Don't worry, this is NORMAL.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

80. My dear greymattermom!

Thank you for reminding me. I know this, but not emotionally...

It is really easy to get lost in how I'm feeling, without remembering the vital truth.

I have never felt this much fatigue after surgery before.......

You have helped me today...

[alfredo]

79. Physical Therapist are miracle workers. Good luck with your recovery.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

81. Indeed they are, my dear alfredo. Thank you, sweetie...

[alfredo]

86. I called mine Mrs Torquemada.

[a la izquierda]

82. Patience, Ms Grasshopper...

So glad you're on the mend.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

83. I do need patience, my dear a la izquierda!

And I want it NOW!

Thank you, sweetie...

[Buck Turgidson]

84. You should go fly fishing...

It would be therapeutic for lot's of reasons.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

85. Thanks for the suggestion, but I have zero interest in such pursuits!

I see what you're getting at, though.

[HeiressofBickworth]

87. So glad to hear you are on the mend

Any surgery takes a while to heal, but a surgery in a joint (shoulder) must be even harder. If I lived near-by, I'd make you a thermos of tea and a batch of cookies. I'm too far away so you'll just have to accept my good wishes.

[applegrove]

88. I think any major surgery is hard. 3 weeks isn't very long. Wishing you the best for a happy

continued recovery.

[agracie]

89. After knee surgery a year ago...

I felt totally wiped out for weeks - to the point of significant depression. My doctor also attributed it all to the injury, coping with the injury, and the anesthesia. It took several months to recover. I wish you well.

[Rowdyboy]

90. The longest decade of my life was three weeks when I couldn't take a full bath...

I'm really happy you're past the worst-hoping for the best!

[6000eliot]

91. Our thoughts are with you, Peggy!

You'll be swinging for the fences in no time!

[mykpart]

92. You will know you are completely healed when

you can shave your underarms again. Glad you are doing well, Peggy.