Every wonder about getting a new shoulder? I never have, and Lee Sloan probably never did either. But now he knows the six quick steps to a shoulder replacement, which I’ll relate here.
Step 1.
Climb a ladder to repair a building, specifically to secure some flashing. He had only two more nails to hammer in to finish the job. That was Lee’s plan for Friday.
Step 2 (and a necessary step!)
Lean over just a bit to “encourage” the ladder to tip slightly. A ladder on unevenly-soft ground may just keep tipping. This is all that Lee remembers about this step!
Step 3.
After recovering consciousness, find your cellphone and call your brother to come take you to the hospital in Jefferson.
Step 4.
Be transferred to Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, as it was determined that a total shoulder replacement was necessary and a CAT scan was necessary to determine whether there were issues due to the concussion. (Note: There weren’t.)
Step 5.
Undergo a 2+ hour surgery to replace the damaged shoulder Sunday morning.
Step 6.
Return home Monday and exercise that new shoulder again and again!
Lee is very optimistic that “this, too, shall pass,” that his arm will soon be as good as new, and that they will soon be on their way to their winter home near The Villages, Florida.
Lee & Sheryl Sloan
Sweet Corn Day, 2011
Lee and Sheryl are regular attendees at Lime Springs’ Sweet Corn Days and often volunteer—even though they live in Jefferson.