Share review of Mr Alun Yewlett

Mr Alun Yewlett 2018-01-24 Person 5 5 0

REVERSE SHOULDER REPLACEMENT Performed on Celia Bircumshaw (D.O.B.7.11.30) on October 5th 2017 by Mr. A. Yewlett at Grantham Hospital Today is December 5th exactly two calendar months since my shoulder operation. During the past eight weeks I have kept a detailed diary of progress which may be of interest to both the medical staff involved and also anyone else who is considering this, what seems to be a very drastic surgery procedure. The decision to go ahead was a difficult one, not only because I was 86 but also because of the length of time for the recovery process – the thought of having your arm in a sling for six weeks was very off-putting. However in retrospect this proved to be a very minor disadvantage and in fact it was only really necessary as a means of resting the arm when the muscles became fatigued and also in bed for safety reasons. By week 4 I was able to do without the sling entirely during daytime. I think it important to point out that working hard on fitness level for several weeks before the op was a great help and I am sure is making recovery much easier. Now to post-operative progress. I was looked after throughout so well. I had great faith in Mr.Yewlett and the anaesthetist. Also in the cardiology team who were monitoring my progress during and after the op as I have a heart condition. After the op I was transferred to the EAU for special monitoring and on the second day to Ward 2 who were all very caring for the days before I left hospital. First six weeks. I expected fatigue and some level of depression during this time and that very expectation enabled me to cope pretty well. When at home I am a carer for my husband so this was a bit challenging at first but I have a housekeeper who comes in to help for an hour on most days of the week so we got by pretty well. Physiotherapy is the most important aspect of recovery .The exercises are simple and easy and in the first three weeks I managed to repeat 3/4 times a day. Towards the end of this period I seemed to be very busy, including caring activities for my husband, and so averaged out at twice a day for physio sessions. I now have a longer programme including neck, arm body and leg work. I also kept a daily diary to chart progress which has been very helpful. I propose to come back to this site with a much briefer report now and then for the first year, In the meantime good luck to all of you who decide to go for it! Once again I must express my appreciation to all the hospital team from Mr. Yewlett right down to the very welcome trolley service who made my stay in Grantham Hospital if not enjoyable certainly safe and sound! Celia Bircumshaw.