Shoulder surgery completed - nerve block an eye opener

[ted_kennedys_liver]

I just got home at six after having shoulder surgery this afternoon. I opted to have the nerve block in addition to the general anesthesia. I have gained a completely new respect for people that have had strokes and the like and lost use of their extremities. I was burned very badly back in seventh grade and had to use my left arm while the right arm healed from skin grafts. however with that situation I could at least feel my other arm and have dexterity in fingers. the people at the hospital told me to enjoy it while it lasts living alone it sure makes things difficult - especially whenever you're right-handed and you're right arm is dead. Using the restroom has taken on a completely new meaning as well

unless you have help at home I strongly recommend not getting the nerve blocker.

[Knttactical]

Best of luck with the healing process.

[Mini-x fan]

Had two anchors put in my shoulder about 12 days ago and I had that block too! Pain is minimal at this point unless you move in the wrong direction. Good luck you'll be fine!

[ted_kennedys_liver]

Thanks guys. I appreciate it.

[RR 314]

Man, you have had a rough stretch lately! Get some sleep and best wishes for your shoulder and back recovery!

[Ferg]

I had shoulder surgery Monday and still have the block in place, my wife will remove it this afternoon, my arm was dead until we turned the adjustable block down, arm is ok to use now but not much pain at all. I had rather have the block than a bunch of pain meds.

[Wbeene13]

Nerve blocker is a life saver!! Nurses were right though enjoy it while it lasts! It sucks when it wears off glad I had it though! I had 4 anchors put in to hold my labrum 3 years ago rehab is going to REALLY suck but do all the exercises they tell you and any extra you can do. I have heard it is 10times worse if you have scar tissue build up and they have to go in again and break it up for you!

[Buckwheat]

Glad to hear you doin well. Besides the none use of arm. Get well soon brotha.

[speck1]

Both my high school sons had 4 anchors placed after last football season. Their Doc did not use the nerve block. The pain they endured the first week was brutal. I had to help them do everything. I cannot imagine how you are dealing with it alone. You should have come to stay with us post surgery. We have the routine down. Good luck on a speedy recovery.

[JES]

That nerve block will wear off about 2 AM, there will be no doubt when it does. Get your Vicodin going now so you're not playing catch up.

Good luck with your recovery and follow the exercises the PT gives you.

[nursejenn]

Glad it worked for you! Get some rest...

I've had 2 knee scopes within 3 months of each other. The second time, they offered me the nerve block so I said, why not. Well, even before they took me back for surgery, I knew it was meant to be. Long story short but it didn't work for me. The anesthesiologist was shocked. They tried telling me that the pain would have been so much worse if I didn't have it however this was my second rodeo with that surgery in a short period of time so I remember the pain from the first and it was the same with the second. The only thing the nerve block did for my knee was make my leg somewhat numb and I was unable to put any weight on it BUT could still feel the pain. Strangest thing ever and the anesthesiologist was baffled. That said, no matter what, I don't recommend the nerve block on a lower extremity at ALL because having a completely numb leg makes it nearly impossible to get up from a sitting position (i.e. toilet) and I almost fell a couple of times... They said I could leave it in place for up to 48 hours I believe. However, I ended up taking the catheter for the nerve block out before 4 hours had even passed at home because it was pointless.

Anyway, I've always had issues at the dentist because they have told me that my body metabolizes local, anesthetic very, very quickly so they always have to give me the stronger stuff that they would use for extractions, get done quickly and keep renumbing throughout, even just for a simple filling.

[TX_Hoghunter]

Get well quick.

I know about the nerve block. I had my wrist repaired several years ago and had one. It was an odd experience. The strangest part was that night as it was going away. I got where I could bend my elbow up but had no control going down. It just kind of fell. It was really strange.

Good luck.

-john

[ltbre8]

When they replaced the joint in my shoulder, the nerve block was standard. Just make sure you take your pain medicine before it wears off. It's not a pleasant experience if you dont.

[ted_kennedys_liver]

Thanks guys. You all were right. I woke up at 5 this morning realizing REAL quick I should have taken my pain meds as late as possible last night. Good gosh this hurts.

Yeah it is really tough going through it alone but luckily enough the injuries were not quite as severe as mri showed so I am in a simple sling as opposed to the one with the big block. However range of motion is just as limited. Thanks again for well wishes. Off to get follow up xrays for the back surgery this morning. The fun never ends

[RascalArms]

I've had 4 shoulder surgeries and yes, the nerve block is great! Don't try to overdo things too early and follow rehab and therapy instructions to a T.

Oh, and start taking laxatives NOW with all those pain meds...or you will regret it later. You can trust me on this!