Hello Dontouchit!
Welcome, but am sorry you're here.
I'm kind of new myself.

I've had this wonderful thing for 26 years, along with a couple of other goodies.
But, I'm alive.

I was taught early on, (well, it took 7 years for a diagnoses, agony).
Yes, it can go whole body, mine has.
But, you'll learn as you go, and getting a good mental attitude is imperative.
(You're not going to let this stop you, are you?)

TALK to your doctors. Take notes, carry a small notebook, and especially keep it on your nightstand, for those end of day notes. If you have a good PIM, or calander on your computer, whatever software you can use as a journal, will do good.

You may need a psychiatrist, pain management, someone to help you with your attitude, because we all get depressed. This is not a lifelong thing, but, you may need to check in occasionally.
And, of course the old saying "Use it Or Lose it".
Use that arm, as much as you can. Talk to your PT about it. Ask questions, good questions, the kind that bring more questions. You don't want to hurt it worse, because of the surgery, but some folks can "baby" the hurt too much, then the pain wins.

We call this the "Triangle of rsd care"
Doc = meds.
psych doc = your attitude
Exercise =keep moving.


You've found a great resource here, and lots of great folks!

PM me if you wish.

Ask questions.

Take Good Care!
and, Keep the Faith!

Pete
ASB