Patient Dances Outside the Hospital After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Howard spent years in pain putting off a shoulder replacement. Dr. Aaron Black had him dancing outside the hospital, pain-free.
Mountain biking, rock climbing, dirt biking, these are just a few of Howard’s hobbies, as Summit County local. …until he lost significant range of motion with his right arm.
Back in 2000, Howard had his first shoulder replacement and was told it would last for about 15 years. However, there’s never a “good time” for surgery, and Howard found reasons to continue to delay surgery, even as his pain continued to increase. When he could no longer perform basic daily activities without help, he conceded that it was time to seek out help.
Howard was recommended Dr. Aaron Black, a leading surgeon in sports medicine and a US Ski Team Physician, by his previous doctor. With a high recommendation by another trusted surgeon, Howard felt confident moving into surgery and Dr. Black eased any remaining apprehension with his caring and engaging manner.
Dr. Black performed a right reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, and when Howard woke up after the surgery, he felt little to no pain. Feeling the best he had in years, Howard recalled dancing outside the hospital after the operation. He got surgery on a Tuesday, left the hospital that Wednesday, and was right back at work on Thursday in his role as a construction manager.
His recovery was smooth, “as long as I stuck to what physical therapy said,” he chuckled. He was very excited to get back to what he loved. Sometimes Howard pushed beyond the official recommendation and then he experienced minor setbacks. However, within three months of surgery, he was able to go back to gentle biking, fishing, and he is looking forward to returning to rock climbing within the next year.
Howard’s biggest piece of advice – don’t wait. Don’t put yourself through years of pain and mental anguish, putting off a surgery that you need. Life is much better on the other side of the procedure.
About Dr. Aaron Black
Dr. Black is a board-certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, with an additional focus on orthopedic trauma.