Can you answer this for me, please?

1. How long was it before you were brave enough to lift your arm? My doctor said, "Two weeks," and I'm a little over that. Some websites for hospitals read, "four." I've been moving it; just haven't lifted it over my head.

2. Ladies: How long was it before you could wear a bra comfortably? Gotta go back to work in a week.

3. Dog owners: How long before you were brave enough to hold a leash? My dog pulls very infrequently, but I'm afraid a good pull might do something.

Thanks everyone for helping me out with these firsts. Just feel better doing them once I hear from others "in the same boat." Appreciate you guys!

6 Comments

Sports bra?

by SaraTB - 2015-05-10 03:05:49

I wore a sports bra until the incision had fully healed, because I found one that didn't rub on the scar.
I also found balconette bras (balcony, in the UK) to be more comfortable afterwards: the cups are shaped differently at the top, so that the strap is attached closer to the side. I found those avoided the scar. Depends on your size though, and I'd suggest advise from a good bra fitter.
I also found Mederma scar cream gave me some relief from the itchiness of the scar spot.

Needed a bra

by awebster14 - 2015-05-10 08:05:27

I had to wear a bra right away as my breast was pulling on the incision, the bra made it feel so much better. I am wearing on 24/7. It is a balconette style like Sara mentioned.
I just had my surgery on 5/1 so I am not lifting my arm high yet but am using it for normal light activity, it's impossible not to. But I am super nervous about doing something with it that i shouldn't! 😉

healing

by Tracey_E - 2015-05-10 08:05:27

1. I moved it from day 1, just not overhead. First time I wasn't given any restrictions but it took 3-4 weeks before I felt up to it. Last time I got a new lead and was told 6 weeks. I mostly lasted that long.

2. It was about a month. Until then I wore tanks with the built in bras layered with button up tops.

3. Totally depends on the dog! The first time I had a 40# golden who pulled sometimes but wasn't very strong so I just held the leash with my right hand. Last time I had an 80# golden and 80# shepherd. I waited 6 weeks to take the shepherd alone because he's a brat and has to put every small animal in its place. I don't trust him not to suddenly lunge at a squirrel or bunny. The golden never left my side so she got walks right away.

Lurch, that's not a dog, that's a horse! ;o)

some answers

by knb123 - 2015-05-10 09:05:07

Hi, Math Teacher! I suspect you need to be lifting your arm above your head to write on the board, right? If you're a lefty like me and your PM was implanted on your left side, this would certainly present a problem! According to my doc, I can't lift it above my head for 8 weeks. Am almost at 8 weeks now and have unconsciously lifted it a couple of times. No adverse effect but I'm being careful. Like others, I'm thinking a strong upward motion of the arm (like a Zumba move) would be more harmful than a gradual motion (yawning stretch).

Bras haven't been a problem for me--possibly because my straps seem to be placed toward the "outside" of my chest and haven't bothered my incision.

Not a dog owner currently, but if I were, I would be holding the leash with my opposite hand.

Hope these comments help!

Go for it!

by Lurch - 2015-05-10 12:05:13

I hope that you have been lifting your arm at least some during this time period. Frozen shoulder can be misable and long lasting. You can lift you arm by this point, but as with everything, do it in moderation until you are comfortable.

As for the bra, sorry, can't help

Dog walking - I have two Labs; one is 150 pounds, the other is 85 pounds. I started walking them after the third day. I use a double ended lead so I could hold it in my right hand. If they pulled too hard, I just let loose!! I walked them on the smaller side roads until I got more comfortable. By the end of the second week I was walking them normally.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2626349/

Go to that site listed above for a study of arm immobilization following implant. Basically, it says it is unnecessary.... paraphrasing of course....

Good luck

Lift that Arm, Teacher!

by NiceNiecey - 2015-05-10 12:05:48

Lifting slowly and gently should be just fine by now. I think it's more sudden, strong movements that are the problem.

I have a HIGHLY ENERGETIC Standard Poodle. I walked him the first day home from the hospital in a foot of snow but I was not prepared for his YANK! Stick with the right hand! You might also try a pinch collar. That's the only way my boy behaves on a lead and it's like a miracle.

As far as the bra is concerned, I had to wear a strapless for the first 3 or 4 weeks and then I was fine. If you're not able to wear a strapless, you might invest in a racer back model. I admit that I HATED anything against my incision - especially a seatbelt, which I padded with rolled up socks. I quickly gave that up and decided to just pull it under my arm. I figured if I got stopped by the PoPo, I would show them my incision and beg for mercy.

Sounds like you're doing very well so keep it up!

You know you're wired when...

You have rhythm.

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