Connect
← Return to Total Shoulder Replacement so far soooo good
Discussion
Total Shoulder Replacement so far soooo good
Joint Replacements | Last Active: 6 hours ago | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
I too am very right handed and my surgery was on the right, of course.
I went online and bought these stretchy t-shirts that have snaps on both shoulders and up each side. They were only $9.00 each! I wore those for about six weeks, because it just was simpler than struggling with moving my arm trying to dress...and the slings tend to tear up clothes.
I also went online and found a shoulder icepack that comes in a really nice performing cover; the pack goes in the freezer then when you are ready, you slide the icepack into the cover and strap it onto your shoulder.
Yes, sitting up to sleep was mandatory and the doctor ordered me to do so, because you don't want gravity to pool fluid in the new joint and that is what would happen if you didn't sleep in a recliner for 2-4 weeks. I got used to it and I never in my life could sleep in a chair/recliner or even in an airline seat. But I did and it was worth it. It wasn't great sleep but healing and doing what the doc told me to do was key, I think.
The other thing is that sometimes I would get impatient waiting for healing, but learned real quick: don't overdue it, stay in the sling, but be sure to take a few minutes out of the sling now and again to stretch your bicep and elbow gently. I had more discomfort from keeping my elbow bent in that sling 24/7 than anything else.
Also, when I got home I bent over to pick up something and didn't realize the nerve block was still engaged and when I bent over my right arm (surgery side) slid right out of the sling!! It scared me to death and I didn't realize what a dead weight a nerve blocked arm is! So be very careful while the nerve block is still working, not to lose control of the numb arm; be sure to use your good hand to HOLD that arm so it doesn't slide out of the sling like mine did. It didn't hurt so much as surprised me how heavy my nerve dead arm was, and it just had a mind of its own and slipped right out! That was a whole new experience....
Good luck, don't worry too much about the pain. The meds and icing it will do the job.
Replies to "I too am very right handed and my surgery was on the right, of course. I..."
@slarson14 I suggest borrowing, renting or buying an ice machine. I used it constantly for about 2 weeks. I wore the same few shirts and leggings for days. Don’t buy special clothing. A button front men’s shirt works well. You’ll need a hand getting it on for the first week but after that it won’t be hard. I bought a “husband” pillow for my bed. It has a high back and arms so I could sit up or semi recline in my bed. Amazon I think. Highly recommend. ( No clue why it’s called “husband”.) The thing I really couldn’t do myself was wash my own hair. I went to a little hair and nail shop in the neighborhood and they washed and dried my hair for $20. A real treat. Still doing it in occasion as I can’t easily put my hand over my head still.
Connect
@slarson14
Thank you for answering my questions! I'm sure I will have more.
Where did you buy the snap-up t-shirts? The hospital didn't send you home with an ice pack? I want to be ready for when I have the surgery.
Sleeping in a recliner will be hard. Hoping the pain pills will help with that. I can only fall asleep when I'm trying to watch the end of a TV show late at night. LOL
I'm trying not to stress out too much. The surgery won't be until February. I'm just an anxious person by nature.
I really appreciate your experiences. Did the things you bought come from Amazon?
I hope you continue to improve!