Shoulder Surgery 2 - Post-Op Checkup

I went to the orthopedist for a checkup today, 3 days after the surgery.  He removed the stitches and explained what he had done during the surgery, showing me pictures taken during the process.
He told me it was OK to be moving my elbow to keep it from getting stiff and recommended that I start doing a simple shoulder exercise, called the "pendulum" exercise. 

Codman ("Pendulum") Exercises
These exercises are specifically designed to allow for motion of the shoulder but without any active muscle stimulation by the patient, Pendulum exercises are typically performed with the torso bent slightly forward, allowing the arm to hang away from the body. Movement of the upper body causes the arm to gently swing, much the same as a clock pendulum. The motions are usually circular, beginning with very small diameter rotations and gradually enlarging them.
Pendulum exercises help maintain joint lubrication and to lessen the risks for post-operative adhesion formation
http://www.livestrong.com/article/215329-pendulum-swing-exercises-for-rotator-cuffs/


Pictures taken during surgery

Shoulder surgery 2, day 3

Last night was another great night of sleep, though again aided by drugs - 2 hydrocodone, 2 Motrin PM and 1 flexeril (muscle relaxer).  I took the muscle relaxer because I noticed during the evening that my muscles were starting to get twitchy from lack of my usual physical activity. 
Another day of cooking, napping, and a couple of fun diversions.  And still no real pain in the shoulder.
I am certain that it helped a lot that I had 2 people helping me with anything that required 2 hands and flexibility.

Shoulder Surgery 2, day 2

I slept soundly last night, but then again, I had help from 2 hydrocodone and 2 motrin PM.
I felt pretty good that morning, actually, all day.  I never really felt any pain all day, just a little discomfort.

My Angels!

After the surgery, I was fortunate enough to have 2 good climbing friends come over to take care of me for the weekend.  Brigitte and Alx showed up after work on Friday and stayed with me for the better part of the weekend, taking occasional breaks to work out or run errands.  They cooked and filled my frig with food to last me over a week.  They drove me around, took me to a festival to see Brave Combo play, and even took me to get my first pedicure as a surprise.
It was great weekend (despite the surgery) and actually a lot of fun.  And there wasn't any rock climbing involved!
I could not ask for better friends.

Shoulder Surgery - Again!

Today was round 2 of shoulder surgery.  This time the left shoulder.
It was pretty much the same routine as last time.
Checked in to Baylor Hospital at Uptown at 8 am, in surgery by 10, out around noon.
This time I had a longer chat with the anesthesiologist about the anesthesia.  At first, he said he was not going to do a "block" on my arm, but I requested that it be done.  The "block" is basically the equivalent of an epidural for the arm.  They probe the shoulder to find the nerve using an electrode on a needle - when the hand twitches, they found the nerve.  Then they inject it with lidocaine.
After the surgery, my arm was almost completely numb except for some sensations in the fingers.  It lasted for around 15 hours.  I was still slightly numb when I went to sleep that night.

What a pane!

I am trying to get ready for surgery tomorrow, and I come home to this:

Luckily, its just the outer pane, but still needs to be addressed.

Beneficial Nematodes (Flea Eaters)

As one approach to addressing the flea problem, I have bought a container of "beneficial nematodes" from a local garden center.  I will apply these to the lawn in the hopes that they will help kill some of the flea larvae that are in the lawn.