Hi Jack,
It's good to hear that your pain has settled and indeed I'm sure mine has a bit too. I noticed a difference yesterday, it was still firing but not half as bad and today about the same. As long as it doesn't increase again I think I'll do ok without the meds.
I'm assuming/hoping it's just been an initial reaction to the op and everything will return to normal in due course.
Janelle, with regards to the prosthetic I had the surgeon telephone the prosthetitist to make sure he took just the right amount to allow me to be fitted with a suction socket. I think it was around 5cm above the elbow. The physio told me I just needed to keep my shoulder strong which I do anyway through exercise. I've been lucky as I've always had a good range of movement in my shoulder.
With the advent of new technologies I'm surprised their not able to do something for you. In particular carbon fibre which is extremely light is now being used, probably more so in the private sector. I wonder what difference in weight there would be between a prosthetic made from carbon and an actual arm?
This is maybe something you can look at again at your leisure once you recover from the op as it may be a bonus for you if you were able to get something. But for now I guess you just want to get this op over and done with and look forward to a brighter future. I'm certainly feeling stronger every day and if I wasted my time on regrets it would be that I didn't do this sooner.
All the best
Mike