Shoulder surgery recovery tips?

[irie]

I am having shoulder surgery in a couple weeks to repair a partially torn labrum, partially torn rotator cuff, bone chip, impingement and whatever else they find. I'll be in an immobilizer for a few weeks. Does anybody have any good tips for recovery and life with only one useable arm? Thanks!

[Deleted]

My stepmother had a major shoulder surgery done, and she found it a challenging recovery more mentlally because she was so limited on what she could do while recovering (and her dominant hand/arm was the one that needed the surgery). While the arm is immobilized, try to set up a care schedule (if you don't have a significant other or roommate living with you). My stepmother still tells me how awesome it was that I simply washed and blow dry her hair a few times during those weeks. Get a dry shampoo if you don't have one, and gentle baby wipes in case you can't shower or bathe for a few days. Have people ready to help with bathing, dressing, food prep, basic cleaning, errands, dr visit transportation, etc. Prep food in advance, budget for take out/delivery and freezer foods. If there's any chance you'll have nausea from the ansthesia or pain meds, be stocked up on bland foods, broth, rice, crackers, gatorade and/or pedialyte. Clean the house very well before surgery, use disposable dishes and silverware for the time being. If you use Netflix/Vudu/Amazon streaming, stock up on things to watch; an e-reader will be far easier than a real book. Be well stocked on easy, baggy clothes--my stepmom stocked up on hospital gowns for those first few weeks because with the brace she couldn't really wear real shirts. FWIW, she also used medical magnets to supposedly help with circulation; not my thing, but her doctor did say her recovery went faster than it does for most people. Check too with your dr/surgeon if you can take arnica montana to help with circulation/bruising/soreness.

[Susie]

Jan 21, 2014 13:04:48 GMT -5 irie said:

I am having shoulder surgery in a couple weeks to repair a partially torn labrum, partially torn rotator cuff, bone chip, impingement and whatever else they find. I'll be in an immobilizer for a few weeks. Does anybody have any good tips for recovery and life with only one useable arm? Thanks!

I've done the bolded part (but not the other repairs) for both shoulders.  Mine was arthroscopic, though.  Will yours be open?

My best advice is to kick the narcotics ASAP, and try to start moving it as soon as they tell you that you can/should, even though it hurts.  For the first day or so I wore men's button downs over my arm in the sling.  If it's your dominant arm, practice brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand before you actually have to be able to do it!

[megstoo]

I didn't have shoulder surgery but did have back surgery... make sure you keep things at your level and ideally on a kitchen counter. Nothing worse than having something you need be just out of reach. I set up those t.v. dinner tables next to the couch and had a basket on it that had cough drops (sore throat from the tube down your throat), the remotes for the t.v., and my pills along with a bottle of water. I also cleaned the house so I wouldn't have to worry about it after. Easy to make meals are ideal during the day if your DH has to work.

[sa]

I had a a bone spur, torn labrum and bicep tenodesis. I had surgery after having an only partially functional left arm for nearly 3 years.

The best advice I received was to get a recliner. I bought an ugly but comfy recliner for $250 bucks and it was a life saver. I ended up sleeping in it for 3 months. I was so much more comfortable in the recliner than in bed or on the sofa. Get one if you can.

Also, the first few weeks will be tough. You'll need someone to help you wash your hair and wash your back - that part was kind of frustrating. Also, I when I was home on my own, i needed to make sure food was in containers that could be easily opened with one hand (no jars, for ex).

Also, get a back scratcher - that came in handy.

Be diligent about your PT exercises and you will recover more quickly. They estimated 10-12mo for a full recovery for me, but I felt 100% after 9 months.

I'm not sure what the estimated recovery time for you is, but try to focus on the small improvements you have to keep yourself from being discouraged. The first few weeks were the hardest, the first few months were a bit frustrating, but after that I really noticed a difference in my arm.

Good luck with your surgery. Hope your shoulder will be feeling better soon.

[irie]

Thanks for all the advice! My husband will be helping, of course, but I am very nervous about the surgery and especially the recovery since we have two young kids (4 and 2). However, I can't keep going with this pain and limited use of my arm/shoulder so I need the surgery sooner rather than later.

Susie- I'm having arthoscopic surgery(4-5holes), possibly mini-open depending.