Shoulder Surgery Soon - Need Your Advice

Hi all ... just wanted to get some of your feedback of what's best for me after my right shoulder surgery ... right now it's scheduled for 6/23 but I possibly may push it back a month. Anyway, I was thinking about possibly purchasing a recliner, not sure yet though, depends on how much it's going to cost. My surgery will be shaving the bone, fixing the tear, bone spurs, and cleaning out bursitis and whatever else is in there. Fortunately, my daughter is graduating 6/4 and I don't have little children to care for so that'll help but still just doing everything left handed will be crazy for a while ... I already thought of going to the hair salon a week after surgery so they could wash my hair in their sink and blow dry it lol (but am assuming I can't drive so someone would need to drive me?) ... but as to caring for myself left-handed will be a struggle. Anyway, can any of you let me know your thoughts of what helped you post surgery of what helped on using one arm and for how long. Thank You.

SoManyFeelings
:angel:
 
I am 3 weeks post surgery for the same thing you are going to have.

Before surgery I cooked meats, many, and froze in serving increments in the freezer (I also have large chest freezer). This way hubby would only have to heat meat and add veggies to meals. If no diet restrictions you could purchase frozen dinners and have handy in freezer for 3 weeks.

Bought a tall plant stand (from Big Lots, $15) right height to be a small table next to recliner for phone, meds,
"bell", etc. (put piece cardboard or other on stand so things do not fall through). Also bought low plant stands (Dollar Stores..$3 each) for bathrooms, toilet paper holder was on the wrong side. I pre-folded toilet paper in increments for use and stored in container on plant stands, made it more convenient, about 12 rolls toilet paper worth and will last about 3 weeks. I was not allowed to use arm/hand at all other than to stretch fingers for 2 weeks. Still not allowed to use shoulder myself for a total of 6 weeks, will be in sling that long. I am having passive physical therapy 3 times a week starting after 2 weeks from surgery.

My shoulder was the left this time and the lever on recliner was on the right, worked out just fine. I will have surgery on the right shoulder later and plan on purchasing a recliner with "power" and control on the left or possible one that will have long enough cord to put on the left or right. Recliners are anywhere from $300 to over $1,000.

Before surgery I prepared the recliner by covering with folded sheet, waistband elastic around back in two places, one for folded towel to support upper arm and it not fall out of reach, another for rolling a hand towel around for a neck pillow. Had a round long large neck pillow to use under knees (footrest and chair had a dip). Keep small pillows handy to stuff here and there for your comfort. 14" inch worked well for me, they were not fat, on thinner side from long term use.

Put a cover sheet and afghans handy for cover, I was very cold after surgery.

Buy about 6 ice packs and keep in freezer, you will need them, helps pain and swelling. Wal-Mart has them in area where heating pads are. Mueller Cold/Hot pack 6"x10" was the most practicle size. I also had two larger ones that worked good the first few days, covered more area. Placed a light weight hand towel over shoulder then put ice pack on.

If you have the option of having a "nerve block" that lasts 3 days, go for it. I had that and it was great, lasted 3 days and 4 nights. Mine had a container of med that hung around my neck. The first 3 days will be the most painful. A single nerve block shot will last only 18 hours at most.

Sleeping in recliner for 2 weeks worked best, could not lie flat in bed or get out of bed, too weak in beginning.

No way could I go to beauty shop to have hair washed, shoulder incision would land on hard surface and would be unable to get back up out of the chair. I cut a hole in end of garbage bag for my head. pulled over body (cute dress) and hubby taped opening to my neck and washed my hair in the kitchen sink. This kept the incision dry.

In addition, have things on hand in case of severe constipation from narcotic pain meds. Miralax, stool softeners, prune juice, things for low water enema (Fleet will not work on rocks). Drink, drink, drink, drink 2 liters or more water daily from the beginning in hopes you can avoid this problem.

I must head for PT right now, if I think of other things will let you know.
 
Wow Misty, thank you so so much for all your help/information ... it's going to help me out so much!! I like your idea about how to wash your hair, I'll most likely have to do the same as the ortho has already said I'll have stitches in my shoulder. Not to be extra personal but did you make an extra sling or use a bag when you took a bath? Also, I've only thought of the add'l pain after surgery and haven't thought about the swelling of surgery ... did your shoulder swell up much?

Thank you again for helping me as your info is so informative ... and I certainly appreciate you taking your own valuable time to write and help me :) ... and, excluding me for a moment, I do hope you're feeling better each day as you've been through so much yourself and hope some in here were able to help you out as you have me :)

p.s. I let my husband read your post so he's able to understand what I'll pretty much be going through ... thank you again, Marty :angel:
 
You are welcome!

No, I did not use a sling or anything to take a shower. Did not take shower for little over 10 days. Not suppose to get bandage wet even though it might have a plastic looking cover. I waited 3 days after stitches were removed in order to give stitch holes a chance to heal and close. Drag a rag was my bath until I could take a shower.

Standing, slowly helping bad arm move to relaxed dangle position in front of me as I bent over worked best for drag a rag type wash under arm (hubby hand too large, don
 
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