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?