February 4, 2020, right before COVID began to spread, I had surgery for a total reverse shoulder replacement.
Already bionic, now even more so.
That tendon had probably been tearing over several years. A cortisone shot the November before didn’t faze the pain. Much of the time I could find no relief from that awful ache, except when unconscious. I wore shawls and capes–no sleeves to struggle into.
Considered “elective,” these surgeries were soon canceled because of COVID. I’m thankful because my right shoulder was miserable. The physical therapy was arduous but the constant pain was gone.
With the virus lurking, my Favorite Guy didn’t want me out and about, so he took over the grocery shopping. Would you believe, I haven’t gotten groceries since? He discovered that it’s much quicker if I’m not along. And he rarely calls from the store to ask about something on the list.
Six years later, there are reaches and movements my right arm cannot master, but it’s so useful when putting a dish in the oven. And stirring and chopping, which I can do pretty well but even those need breaks. I can reach above my head but cannot lift things very high, and my left hand needs to brush the back of my hair. I’m not to lift over 30 pounds, but it’s such a delight to be able to do normal things.
Thank God for surgeons, for physical therapists, for *Karo Syrup ice packs, and for my Faithful Guy.
Here’s my original story about the surgery.
* The nurses in the hospital told Guy to have Karo Syrup ice packs ready for when I got home. It’s a layer of Karo Syrup in a gallon Ziploc, then tucked inside another the same size. We still keep three in the freezer. It draped over my shoulder and wasn’t as cold and hard as regular ice. We’ve used them since then for other miseries.
How wonderful to be able to celebrate with you! AND I am thrilled to know of a wonderful use for Karo syrup…
Thanks, Annette! I wonder who discovered the Karo trick. . .
Good friend just had this done about 5 months ago. How long was your recovery? Who knew about Karo syrup!!
The reverse one? Longer than I expected! I’d overdo and it would start to bite again and wouldn’t give up. The computer mouse is still on the left side! It just won’t tolerate it on the right side very long.
Connie won’t let me go shopping alone. She says I get things that aren’t on the list and don’t get the right things that ARE on the list. For example, I once went specifically to get chicken thighs that were on sale. “Get two packages,” she ordered. I went. I saw the sale sign. I saw and picked up two packages of thighs. When I got back, she looked at the packages, and one was thighs, but the other was legs. What were legs doing in the same place as the thighs?! How could I know?! I trusted the stockers of the meat counters! So I just tag along now, pushing the cart and paying the bill. (Sigh)
Or maybe you did it on purpose, Dennis?
I’m glad you got in for the surgery before the cutback. It’s funny, I took over grocery shopping during Covid because it involved checking multiple stores due to shortages. I’m still doing the shopping.
Wow, Dan. I’m impressed!
You’re the modern day version of the Bionic Woman Joy! When you type out a post or a comment, we can all hear your fingers tapping on the keyboard and the bionic sound effect (from the show The Six Billion Dollar Man)! Tug-tuh-tuh-tuh as you tap away. Go Joy go! Ha ha, sorry about the humor. I had to laugh. So glad the surgery has worked out well for you!!!😎😎😎😎
Brian, I love your humor!
How interesting. I don’t often read about shoulder replacements, and the Karo syrup is new. I will have to try that.
Jacqui, that shoulder had been failing for years, but I didn’t recognize that I needed to have it looked at before it got to that end stage. There are lots of repairs and patches that can be done, until they can’t.
This is why the continued support of medicine is so critical. Imagine having to live the way you were for the rest of your life. One of my buddies jokes about all of his artificial parts. I can’t keep score anymore. Still, he’s living a life without many restrictions.
By the way, Joy, you don’t have to go to such lengths to get out of grocery shopping. 😊
Thanks, Pete! I didn’t realize how freeing it is! Favorite Guy rarely calls from the store to clarify something, or to tell me about a special. (He loves buying in bulk!) Mom had a hip replaced in 1993 and it was an ordeal. They way they do it now leaves a small scar and is easier to recover from. Knees as well, I understand. But now I have to take a big dose of antibiotic for dental work, which tears up my tummy again–to ward off bacteria getting to the shoulder!
Joy… this is so well-timed! I have a dear friend in my local writer’s group who is staring down the prospect of surgery on both shoulders and she’s so frightened. I’ll be sure to fill her in on the Karo syrup hack…who knew? And cheers to your Favorite Guy re: grocery shopping! Paul is the same way — during Covid he took on the task and bristles if I say I want to go along now. He prefers solo shopping and I’m sure it’s for the same reason…I stop and look at every new thing and it takes much longer. Sending big hugs to you! 💝
Wow, I hope she’s having repair and not replacement. I sure wish I’d had things checked out earlier. Did you notice that Dan Antion is still doing groceries since Covid? (BTW, I’ve just started goose-bumpy Part IV of you know what!)
I’ll need to ask my friend about her surgery details! I feel so sad for her…she’s in such pain. And no! I didn’t notice about Dan. Too funny. They must be finding grocery shopping fun – all of them! Dan, plus Guy and Paul!
Thank you so much for reading! I’ve caught several things that are wonky as I’m rereading, too — this version from the editor. I’m so so grateful you’re reading, Joy! Means a lot! Xo! 😘
You’re sure taking me down unexpected paths! (Reminds me a little of two characters in Dan Antion’s Knuckleheads. . . )
Xo! 😘
Xo! I’ll need to read that! 😘
That does sound like an ordeal, but better to get it done. Sadly, my left shoulder is starting to complain — I’m hoping I won’t need that anytime soon.
Andrew! Go sooner rather than later! Patches are so much easier than replacements! I wish I’d gone sonner.
I’ve just started the diagnostic path and I hope to start PT soon.
Very wise!
Thanks for sharing your shoulder story, Joy. The Karo syrup idea is a good one. BTW, I have been banned from shopping. One too many times of forgetting the coupons and buying what was not on the list was the last straw. I haven’t been shopping for 20 years.
Oh purpose maybe? ha Thanks, John!
It is wonderful that you are doing so well! Thank you for sharing your tips! Who knew? We have only used ice packs at our house!
Thanks, Linda. That’s all we’d used until the hospital nurses clued us into the Karo syrup packs.
I think it’s good that you had the operation, Joy. I’m thankful I never had to have that kind of operation, and I sure hope your shoulder functions well. 💖🙏
Thanks, Tim. It sure works well enough!
And those giant screws attaching your right shoulder to your body don’t pinch?
They went into the bones (where the ball and socket were, but reversed). The shoulder is actually held together with scar tissue! Physical therapy was to help with strength and range of motion, which was severely curbed until enough scar tissue. Amazing stuff, huh, Nancy!
Wow!
I’ve always thought how incredible it is that they can replace a shoulder! The miracles of medicine. I’m glad it’s working out for you.
I’m so thankful for modern medicine, Dawn!