CC - things I did when I had a broken humerus and dislocated shoulder, complete with 3 pins...

I set up a bunch of pillows on the couch and coffee table, so I could sleep sitting up. Laying down was extremely painful.

Move the rest of your body as much as you can.

Be aware that frozen shoulder (adhesive encapsulitis) sets in after a very short time of immobilising your shoulder. Talk with the doc and see if you can get clearance for your dh to move your arm for you. You want to, if it's safe to, get as much range of motion in your shoulder as you can without using the muscles. The FS was the hardest part of my recovery. After months of physio I had to have a cortisone shot.

Take the pain meds if they make you more relaxed. If you're gritting your teeth through the pain, you're not relaxed enough for healing to take place.

Eat really well, drink lots of water, sleep often, be easy on yourself.

My four weeks with the pins in meant I could not move my arm more than a few mm. It was my writing hand - I could not drive, could not dress myself, and typing at my computer made me dizzy. Yes, for virtually the entire four weeks. The pain meds worked at first, then made me sick. I ended up taking regular aspirin before bed.

You may find that calcium with magnesium and zinc, especially in liquid form, will help the muscles relax, in a nice and natural way....

I would spend about 4 hours a day doing a very light workout on our home gym. Every body part except my right arm....then wrist curls with a 1 lb weight in my right hand as soon as I could....the rest of the day I'd spend reading, and trying to be on my computer.

Honour your body, CC, if it needs rest or needs to sit upright, or needs sugar or protein or whatever, give it what it wants. You've ridden an amazing distance this year already, and you will ride a lot again. Don't force it too soon. Heal completely.

Hugs and many many healing butterflies,
~T~