"I had a total shoulder replacement ..."

What I liked

I had a total shoulder replacement in March 2009 and was treated very well. As an NHS patient,I was only entitled to physiotherapy for up to 6 weeks post-op (although as a goodwill gesture I was given an extra one!). My physiotherapist was excellent but I was then left to find further physio via my GP, that was for five sessions only. I felt I was making good progress and was very positive. The second physio did totally different treatment to the hospital physio and this did not seem to help. Whilst I can easily raise my arm holding a 1kg weight when lying down,I am unable to raise arm above waist level when gravity comes ino play. My consultant checked that all seemed in order at my final consultation and just suggested I stop exercising and continue with "activities of daily life" until the pain abates. Swimming was suggested, I have been several times and tried to exercise in the water but the pain just keeps increasing.I have less mobility than I had pre-op and am finding it hard to cope with daily life.I am in increasing extreme pain, relying on strong painkillers and sleeping tablets and without further physio. I

What could be improved

really do feel that continuity of physiotherapy is essential and that the six week post-op limit has possibly been detrimental to my recovery. I have managed to book an appointment with my consultant on 15/7/09.