This time next week I will be in hospital after having my second shoulder replacement – or will I? So much has been going on the past few weeks that I’m wondering if I should try to postpone for a while. My head tells me that’s a bad idea as my right arm is getting worse by the day. However my left arm is also giving me problems, enough to doubt its ability to cope ‘on its own’ for the next few weeks. Unfortunately I’m unable to decide if these problems are related to previous surgery or to the fibromyalgia which has been exacerbated by the stress of recent unrelated matters.
My mother has been unwell for sometime and I feel like I should postpone the surgery so that I can be there if she needs me – regardless of whether or not I can physically DO much to help. Steve is also dealing with his own stuff and I think it’s a bit unfair to expect him to look after me on top of everything else.
So with one thing and another my head is in a bit of a mess and I don’t know what to do for the best, my only plan is to have a chat with the surgeon when I’m admitted and get his opinion.
Total Shoulder Replacement 
Anonymous said:
Any chance you could give him a call to discuss things before you actually go Into hospital that might help you make up your mind
ME said:
Not really, we had that conversation already a couple of months ago and he managed to convince me that it’s probably as good as it’s going to get – in fact he was quite pleased with my range of movement after having two ops in four weeks. To be fair I’m not sure he could do any more. I guess I’m just getting worried the closer it gets.
Peta said:
Go for it! You need the rest after all your ups and downs. Surgeon won’t be happy with you if you leave it until day of op and you will deprive others of the slot. It is not going to get any easier if you postpone. The sooner you get on the mend the less work your ‘good’ shoulder will have to do. Just be careful with the rehab this time. Thinking of you.
Tracy G said:
I think you need to have a chat with the surgeon & see what your options are … after you have spoken to him or his team about your concerns & If you feel like it’s not the right time you might only need to postpone it for a couple of weeks …. on the other hand you have suffered for a long time & the surgeon might recommend you have it as planned regardless of the personal things you have going on but I think talking to him & his team might help you to make your mind up pet xxx. Thinking of you xxx
ME said:
We had that conversation already a couple of months ago and he managed to convince me that it’s probably as good as it’s going to get – in fact he was quite pleased with my range of movement after having two ops in four weeks. To be fair I’m not sure he could do any more. I guess I’m just getting worried the closer it gets.
Peta said:
It is understandable that the closer it gets the more anxious you will be. Plus other personal complications and health issues I think I too would want to sit in a darkened room and stay there! But you can’t! You are no good to your mother in the state you are now but 4 weeks or less post op, you will be. You have got the freezer full of food so you husband will have the minimum to do hopefully. You need to rest both shoulders which you will after the op – like it or not. You are now wiser on things not to do post op and remember, your first operation was successful: it was getting ambitious post op that caused the problems. And you certainly won’t make that mistake again! You will be fine Michelle. We are all routing for you.
ME said:
I’m getting some very good advice tonight – thank you all for caring, it means such a lot x
Anonymous said:
View from across the pond; there is never the perfect time for life’s events. There is and always will be something more important standing in the way of our carefully thought out plans. Search your heart, do what you know is best for YOU, and don’t look back. At least then, if things go awry, you will only have yourself to blame. 🙂
ME said:
Hmm sounds like very good advice – you’ve given me something to think about. Thank you x
Anonymous said:
Michelle you must think of yourself for once. This op needs to be done otherwise you wouldn’t be on the surgeon’s list. Go for it. We’ll do what we can if you need us. Aunt Lil.x