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