Surgery recovery
Some of you know that I have been personally using hypnosis for surgery recovery and others of you have been asking, “where’s Roger?” It’s been a month since my last blog post which is unheard of in the history of Hypnosis Health Info. From July 2007 until December 31, 2019, I posted daily. This year, my goal is 3 – 5 times each month.
August 2, 2019, a car made a u-turn in front of me while riding my bike. The result was that my bike was totaled and I had a fractured left clavicle, fractured right thumb, torn left rotator cuff, hematoma and concussion syndrome.
Thanks to a healthy body, exercise, whole plant-based food and hypnosis, my body recovered quickly. But, the rotator cuff did not heal with physical therapy. After countless MRIs, doctor appointments, PT and chiropractic appointments, I finally agreed to rotator cuff surgery. It was scheduled for after my Death Valley bike camping trip in March.
Hypnosis prior to surgery
In the months leading up to surgery, self-hypnosis made the multiple MRI’s a breeze. Before the table started entering the noisy tube I was already on the beach on Maui. Once, the technician had to wake me up when it was all over. Self-hypnosis for an MRI is awesome!
Prior to surgery, I used self-hypnosis for optimal blood flow in my shoulder pre-surgery, minimal blood flow during surgery and optimal post surgery. With self-hypnosis I asked my unconscious mind to produce the right amount of collagen to promote healing.
The March surgery was of course cancelled due to COVID-19 and finally occurred on Thursday, July 16. I was back at the computer the following Monday seeing clients. I did take the prescribed regime of ibuprofen and 7 days of the prescribed Tylenol. I emailed my surgeon and told him I didn’t take the Oxicodone and that I didn’t think I needed the Tylenol and was going to quit. With his blessing and self-hypnosis, I have had no pain control medications.
I go to PT twice each week for range of motion. The most challenging part aside from not being on my bike for the past month, has been sleep. The brace I must wear (and sleep in) holds my arm out from my side and rigid so that it does not move. I sleep on my back with my left arm and hand in the air. It is the discomfort of the brace that sometimes awakens me at night, but then I go right back to sleep. It has really helped that I use this hypnosis suggestion each night that was given to me by a good friend: “I sleep comfortably and perfectly well wearing my shoulder brace, as I know it promotes my healing.“

Roger Moore at home a couple hours after surgery

Post-surgery hypnosis
Post-surgery hypnosis has been invaluable. I use it to increase comfort and dial back discomfort. The only pain I experience is when I doing something stupid like trying to life something with my left hand. My body sends the signal to stop it and when I do, that is the end of the pain signal – it’s no longer needed.
I use hypnosis to visualize maximum healing. And, even though I can’t do range of motion on my own yet or perform and strength training exercises, I use self-hypnosis to visualize maximum range of motion and I mentally rehearse strength training. In my mind’s eye, I am safely lifting weights strengthening my arms, shoulders, back and abs.
Just for fun, try this. If you can, stand up and hold one arm out in front of you with your finger pointing straight ahead. Now, keep your feet solidly on the floor pointing ahead of you, turn your upper body as far as you can and note how far behind you you can point with your finger and then return to facing forward.
Now, close your eye lids and imagine being able to turn your upper body 360 degrees – turning your upper body all the way around. Next, with your eye lids open, hold your arm and finger out in front of you and turn your upper body again and see how much further you can turn. Pretty amazing, huh!
My goal is to be on my bike on the open road again 60 days from now so I’m doing everything I can to promote my healing. Self-hypnosis has worked in many areas of my life, it can work for you too.
Two week plan
The thought of living in this brace for 8 weeks was daunting. It’s hot, itchy, uncomfortable and makes going through doorways and pulling up my pants is challenging. If you want an idea of what it’s like, try scratching an itch on your right arm without using your left hand!
I had a post-surgery followup with the surgeon two weeks after the surgery. The surgeon said that at 4 weeks I can put on the shower sling and go to the pool and soak in the mineral pool and hot tub(which by the way is so awesome!). At 6 weeks, he said I could put on the shower sling and get on my bike trainer out on the patio and start spinning (seated only). And, at 8 weeks I see him again and I should be free of this brace! That’s my two week survival plan. Two weeks is doable. I am happy to report that it’s been 4 weeks and I am loving the velvety comfort of being in the swimming pool. The warm mineral water feels so good!
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who has asked during a session, emailed and called me to find out how I am doing. Your care means so much to me. Thankfully, Marilyn has been an angel in her above and beyond care for me. Not only is she caring for me, she’s keeping all 4 of my hummingbird feeders full and attends to most of my other household chores. I can’t imagine being able to do this alone. Thank you Marilyn!
This was my first (and hopefully my last) surgery. I have learned so much about myself and my body’s ability to heal. I also have gained a deeper appreciation and insight into the experiences of many of my medical hypnosis clients. For that, I am thankful.
Medical hypnosis telehealth
Due to the coronavirus, I have permanently closed my Palm Desert office and now meet with clients worldwide live online. I have used medical hypnosis telehealth with people since 1998, and I know that it works.
No matter where you may live, you too can experience medical hypnosis from the comfort of your home, office, RV or wherever you may be. Call me now at (760) 219-8079 or send me an email and lets get you scheduled.
Your Hypnosis Health Info Hypnotic Suggestion for today:
I am grateful for the healing that’s happening in my body.
Since January 2, 1997
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Celebrating 22 years of Medical Hypnosis with Roger Moore
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