Every Grandma Needs Healthy Shoulders

Washing your hair, putting on deodorant—it’s easy to take these everyday tasks for granted. Sue Edwards had pain in her shoulder all the time, and it was impacting her ability to travel, one of her favorite activities. She also had a new grandson on the way and wanted to be able to hold him. As a registered nurse, she was very reluctant to have shoulder replacement surgery because she knew the complexity of the surgery and the lengthy rehab needed afterward.

Sue went to see Dr. Monica Morman, who told her that she needed surgery, but it would be scheduled only when she was ready.

“Dr. Morman understood that I had a right to be scared,” said Sue. “You hear about the experiences of others and read stories online. It’s a big decision and she made me feel like I was in control.”

“Having just been on the other side of the knife myself as a surgical patient, I can certainly relate to the anxiety of facing surgery,” said Dr. Morman.

Sue knew she wanted Dr. Morman to perform the surgery at Campbell County Memorial Hospital, and afterward spent only two nights in the hospital. She praised the nursing staff for their care and explaining what was going to happen for her every step of the way.

As a single person with no caregiver at home, it was especially important for Sue to prepare for her surgery and recovery by making sure she had tools to help herself, like clothing that was easy to put on and take off.

“You can’t believe how hard it is to pull on your pants with only one hand,” she said.

Sue wore a sling for six weeks after surgery, and five months after the surgery was still going to weekly physical therapy appointments at Campbell County Health Rehabilitation Services with therapist Kristi Wilde. With regular therapy, Sue’s range of motion has improved considerably, and she now has very little pain.

Sue has lived in Gillette since 1980 and has worked as a school nurse and at Campbell County Public Health. She continues to work two days per week with participants in the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program at Public Health.

“It wasn’t an easy decision to have the surgery,” said Sue. “Dr. Morman is so caring and approachable, and I loved having people I knew taking care of me in my hometown. When I’m ready, Dr. Morman will repair my other shoulder, too.”

“It’s so important to involve patients in the evaluation and decision process,” said Dr. Morman. "Together we can find the best treatment option for their unique situation."

Monica Morman, MD, FAAOS, CAQSH, is a board certified orthopedic surgeon, specializing in hand, arm and shoulder surgeries. She treats several conditions of the upper extremities including carpal tunnel, shoulder and elbow replacements, arm fractures, adhesive capsulitis and more. 

You have a choice when it comes to your therapy. CCH’s comprehensive team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists; orthotics and prosthetics specialists; and functional and athletic health professionals is the most comprehensive in the region, treating patients in their homes, in the hospital and in our outpatient rehab facilities. Call CCH Rehabilitation Services at 307.688.8000 to talk with our professional staff to see if you could benefit from one of our rehabilitation therapies. Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/rehab.