Shoulder Surgery
First, let me take a moment and praise God that the surgery went well. I am so happy it was a success. If the rehab goes according to plan DH should be back to his old self and lifting 100-pound bags of feed by fall.
If you don’t know what I’m talking about –
DH had shoulder surgery YESTERDAY. Here’s one of the only pics from the hospital.
Does the picture (above) of DH’s hand make anyone else think of this:
Or this:
Back to the shoulder…
DH finally destroyed his shoulders. It was probably just a matter of time. He regularly pushes his body to the limit and farm work doesn’t exactly care if your joints hurt.
As the shoulder pain and limitations grew, it became clear that his shoulders weren’t going to heal themselves.
Due to the pain he has been in over the last few years, he began seeing a chiropractor last fall who was trying to help by adjusting his shoulders and neck. Unfortunately, the chiropractor may have inadvertently caused more damage. I am very pro-chiropractic care so please don’t think I am bashing this industry.
DH had some things going on that no one knew – he had a torn rotator cuff and a torn bicep – which probably shouldn’t have been adjusted 3 times a week.
So, DH had one of the best shoulder surgeons around take a peek into his pain. The MRI showed some partial tearing, but when the surgeon got indoors (inside the shoulder, that is) he found much more that needed addressing.
So – DH got “Arthroscopic, Subacromial Decompression”, “Biceps tenodesis“, and “Arthroscopic Subscapularis Repair.”
At least, that’s what the post-operative paperwork said.
When the surgeon came to the consultation room to meet with me and give me the recap from the operating room… Here’s what I heard:
“Blah Blah Blah Blah”
The nurses were a little more helpful and I was in less of a state of shock when they told me their version of the operation.
Here’s what they said:
- He can’t move it.
- He can’t drive for 6 weeks.
- He’ll be in rehab 4-6 months.
Ugh.
Poor guy.
He’s gonna hurt for a while.
I’ve been doting over my sweet husband. I’ve been filling his “Polar Cube Care” with frozen water bottles. I’ve been serving him his pain meds like clock-work. I’ve been pulling up his compression socks. I’ve been feeding him fresh juice, whole-wheat bran, and aspirin (doctors orders).
And…. anytime he leaves the couch I panic and follow him around the house.
The kids are laughing at me because I won’t leave Daddy alone.
Cooking, feeding and general care is my department. I can do this. I am a great nurse.
Here’s the big rub with this adventure:
He CAN’T DRIVE for 6 WEEKS.
What??!!
I am going to be chauffering my husband around for 6 weeks?? I don’t know many dudes who enjoy being driven around…. especially by women. LOL
All I can think is, “Driving Miss Daisy.” Except I’m going to the one driving him.
And- DH never lets me drive. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t approve of my driving.
Good grief – our marriage has survived 24 years, 4 kids, 2 businesses (one failed), 10 moves, a farm, AND NOW…
6 weeks of your wife driving you everywhere (ie: shoulder surgery).
LET”S GO!
This should be a fun 6 weeks!
“May the force be with you.”
“May the odds be ever in your favor.”
Pray for me.
XO,
CJ
Wendy Grant
03/16/2018My husband is scheduled for the same surgery in July. We are Homestead Farmers and educators, (he teaches 3rd grade, I direct a mentoring program for 2 local elementary schools, so we both have the summer off from those jobs) The plan is to get the spring &summer “stuff” Plowing, planting, meat birds, layer chicks, and pigs started and going then I get to keep it together. I feel your pain (his too). hang in there. I love your posts!
CJ
03/16/2018Hi Wendy!
That sounds like a great plan – your man will be able to rest & mend over the summer. We are only on day 2 but so far – so good!
Wishing your hubs a successful surgery & quick recovery.
🙂
cj
Melissa
03/16/2018Lol! This sounds soooo familiar to me. My dh had a different surgery (replaced disc in his neck ?) but it was horrible pain for him for a month before surgery( could hardly move once that disc herniated) and it’s been about 4 weeks so far since. But, he is a big fan of that surgery! It took the nerve pain in his shoulder away instantly and now he just needs to heal and build his strength back up again. Like you, I follow him around and give him that look ? if he even thinks about pushing it lol. He’s an active guy with 2 young boys that he can’t wait to play with. Just an FYI I don’t know what pills your hubby is on but do be careful when coming off of them, we had a rude awakening when my guy no longer needed that stuff. Praise God we have them though. It sounds like he’s in good hands. Hubby’s need to be loved on too ❤️
CJ
03/16/2018Aaaw Tell your DH we hope he is better soon! So happy he is feeling better.
XO,
cj
Daniel
03/16/2018Candi, I share your husband’s pain. My problem was a right knee that had torn miniscus and underwent 3 surgeries wit numerous rehab, that took over a year to heal so that I wasn’t in pain (too much). I share his frustration at not being able to drive. (my wife isn’t that great a driver either, having had several episodes of playing “bumper cars” with other cars in the past few years.). So, I understand your husband’s feelings. Know that we are praying for him, asking for rapid recovery.
CJ
03/16/2018“Bumper cars” – That is great! I’m glad I’m not the only incompetent driver. Something she may agree with me about—– I am a much better driver without DH in the passenger seat. LOL! I have no idea why, but I can’t drive with him there judging me. It’s so funny. I’m like a nervous teenager taking a drivers test.
Sorry to hear about your knee – glad it is better. That must have been horrible!
Thanks for the prayers.
-cj
bjwalk
03/16/2018Hope this finds all of you (and the above commenters) doing (healing) well … my DH just had half his lung removed from some ITmonster lurking & growing in his lung from his navy days 1955-1966 that even CDC couldn’t identify – go figure – (sarcastically said “government knows all”) ok ok zippin’ the lips. xoxo prayers for ya’ll xoxo
CJ
03/17/2018Oh No! That is awful.
Praying for your hubs too!!! For a quick recovery and complete healing.
XO,
CJ