Need shoulder replacement. Any advice.?

Had my RTS 2019
Motorized cryocuff machine for pain management, an awesome ice machine,
Rebound wear shirts have oodles zippers easy access for therapists, Velcro tops and pjs or night shirts
Carry pillows in car for arm you will feel every bump
Constipation can be huge issue with narcotics so stool softener, etc I found narcotics didn’t really help pain only took one at night for about 4 or 5 days
Finding a
great therapist prior to surgery is a must just as important as a great surgeon. Preferably a place that you have a DPT (who has dry needling credentials if needed much later )where you will have the same therapist every visit.
You will need help as I was not allowed to use arm at all to lift anything for 2 weeks. Even after took a while
Lots pillows
Recliner for sleeping
Dry shampoo as I was not allowed to shower for a week, was miserable!
Eventually get set of theraband pulleys for home but wait til therapist has you doing it. As long as surgeon has done their part tell therapist any issues you are having they know when to send you back to the surgeon, if need be
It’s not a sprint but a marathon
Positive attitude goes a long way, it’s a long recovery
My therapist gave me a lifetime exercise regimen for my shoulder which I still do today! Eventually a heating pad can come into play but not for a long time.
Lot of work on our part but we’ll worth it!
For some reason I had a lot of nausea and vomiting for a while post op so I carried my anti nausea meds with me, but haven’t heard that happening to anyone else.
you can watch utube video of an actual total shoulder replacement surgery
Also get 1/2 lb 1 lb 3 lb etc weights for home do not use til instructed

Had rare complication from RTS surgery called conjoint tendonitis my surgeon did an experimental surgery in 2024 and released conjoint tendon He also re decompressed my clavicle that had grown back from 2097 shoulder surgery twas a success

Tu so much for info. Very helpful.

Best Regards
bet Lorette

Preparing your body, mind, family/friends, home environment, food and medication delivery ( or someone to do this for you), and auto is so beneficial to your surgery and each day thereafter. Some can’t afford a cryogenic machine, nor have the strength to replenish it; if they can, fill water to designated level, then use frozen water bottles instead of ice ( ice melts and water must be removed. Water expands during freezing so empty a bit of water from bottles first. I suggest keeping two large bags frozen pease and a large covered ice pack ( T-shape so it can conform to shoulder! Hydrate, especially since anesthesia & pain medications tend to cause sluggish bowels; this also keeps organ function optimal. Keep electrolytes available as you MAY be nauseous ( I was not).
Accept help, but do whatever you can for yourself. Prior surgery, practice using your unfavored hand and arm to do ADLs. Stretchy sleeveless Tank Tops and larger than usual ( I have extra large) short or long sleeved button front tops really help., I bought mine at GOODWILL. For women: if you’re self conscious about a bra…. I bought a couple tube tops…easy peasy). Stretchy tank tops are great as you can check the bandage and skin condition /swelling/discoloration, etc., and this is easier at appointments and PT. Baggy slacks and slip on sneakers (shoes) are easy to don.
Extra helpful items: Amazon has post surgery/ handicap items that help independence and keep you in more active: long shoe horn with hook on opposite end. Hook helps with dressing. Grabber to assist to reach or if you drop something. There is a device to aid with donning socks, works great!
If you do not have a recliner for rest and sleep, there are wedge pillows available (that’s what I use). My easy chair/ recliner lever/control was on same side as surgery; and if you have recliner that need your legs to push leg rest down….. you will not want to do that as it puts pressure on upper body.
Exercise your legs and feet as much as you are able, not just during PT. Walk, even if you do laps around the house. Be careful especially outside, if you trip your instincts will cause you to reach, grab, stop your fall.
Place all everyday items within reach, cup, glass, dish, flatware, anything you ordinarily reach for.
Bathing: Body wipes are a must. As for hair, loosen tops of bottles, or get smaller squeeze containers! Bath chair or stool and shower head with long tubing is very helpful. Take care getting in shower; if no grab bars, bath mat will help! Long handle back brush is a nice thing to have! As for hair washing, if you feel you must as I did, I used a rain slicker snug at the neck. I don’t recommend, however worked well for ME!
In kitchen, I had bottle top tool, tweezers, kitchen scissors ( knives are a no-no ), and old style can/bottle opener to aid with flip top cans ( ie fruit). Try to make one dish meals, and easy to eats! Loosen spice tops prior to surgery if need be, this also for toothpaste and mouthwash, deodorant, creams, etc. not kitchen items, but just dawned on me!
Please exercise prior to surgery, especially legs and lower body so sitting down, getting up to stand, lying down is much easier. Practice getting up and down from commode ( toilet )….. This was more difficult than I thought. If you grab anything for support, make sure it is not movable …. If it moves, so can you, with injury! Prevent injury!
Eat nutritious, Hydrate, Stool Softeners and vitamins if
prescribed, prepare, plan rides to appointments with plenty of extra time as you’ll be slower moving. Take your medications as prescribed. Contact you doctor or nurse provider if you have ANY questions, have any out of the ordinary changes, or if you notice unusual symptoms. Follow Discharge orders. You will have discomfort and pain. You be the judge of expected pain/discomfort and unusual pain. Seems like a lot…. But it all comes together slowly. Good luck and God speed. Be Aware and Be prepared. * PLD

Tu so much for all this info. Very helpful.

I fractured my shoulder 2016. L shoulder and im left handed. Ambidextrous
actually. I remember how I had to maneuver around.

Pain meds are useless. Not worth the side effects.

Best Regards
bet Lorette