Shoulder replacement: Post-surgery suggestions

My surgery is three weeks from today, and I am busy preparing. It’s on my right (dominant) side. Is there a type of bra that worked one-handed? How about compression stockings, which I need to wear? I bought an “adaptive” T-shirt with loads of snaps, but I don’t think it will be comfortable. I have both a recliner and an adjustable bed. At what point were you allowed to drive, and who makes that decision? Thank you for all your invaluable advice!

You are such a resourceful person and you have thought of everything! I would just add some extra large clothes,like shirts and pants,easy to to get on and off. I have no doubt you will get through this surgery just fine!

I've had two shoulder replacements and did not attempt to get dress for the first two weeks. Just wore loungers. I wore a bra that tied in the front with zippers. My husband was a great help in helping me get dressed. I did not go out for the first month, rested at home and was quite spoiled by family who would come to visit and help out.

I've had two shoulder replacements and did not attempt to get dress for the first two weeks. Just wore loungers. I wore a bra that tied in the front with zippers. My husband was a great help in helping me get dressed. I did not go out for the first month, rested at home and was quite spoiled by family who would come to visit and help out.

Thanks for all the info about clothing. I am busy buying oversized sweats and button-down shirts, a poncho and slip on shoes. I am lucky that I have a husband who will be my “caregiver”. Now my only concern is there might very well be a strike at the hospital where my surgery will take place, and it would most likely be postponed. That would be unfortunate because I am mentally ready to get it over with.

I knew I should’ve kept one of those three husbands

Hello @anncgrl, this a great topic. You may notice, I edited your title to, "Shoulder Replacement: Post-surgery suggestions," to help members focus specifically on the often unasked questions in regards to any type of surgery, I've made it through surgery, now what!?

I'd like to invite some members who have discussed shoulder replacement to see if they'd share their clothing, sleeping and any other random advice that could be given to make recovery easier. @rascal1, @artscaping, @casper15, @jaguar (also may be interested to learn some tips for an upcoming replacement as well), @mimi99, and @edithmiller have all discussed some type of shoulder replacement and may be able to offer some insight on what to do after your surgery.

@anncgrl, I had a full rotator repair in August of 2018. I am not positive what commonalities are shared between a rotator repair and a replacement, but I was in a immobilizer sling for 6 weeks. I bought loose fitting t-shirts that were 1-2 sizes too big. I typically wear large and would often throw on an XL or even XXL depending on brand. I wasn't winning any fashion contests, but the large size of it made it much easier to essentially just throw over my head with my good arm. I also was told that going up one size of shirt and having it be a button up shirt would make things easier as well. I also made sure I had things of any real weight (like big plates or bowls or cooking utensils like pans, etc.) were moved to lower (eye level at the highest) shelves as you will likely be grabbing things one-handed for at least a few weeks. Try to picture everything you do on a daily basis but doing so with one hand, anything that you deem would be difficult or too heavy or out of reach, you may find it useful to relocate for the short time you will be in your sling. Sleeping was the hardest thing, regardless of any preparations. A bed was out of the question for at least a week for me, so hopefully you have a recliner you like! Although, this was all for a rotator repair and I think you may start PT faster with a replacement than with a rotator repair.

@anncgrl, is there anything other than clothing that you are hoping to learn before your surgery?

@JustinMcClanahan
I am very worried about coping post-replacement as I live alone. Would love to hear how others manage.