@anncgrl, @JustinMcClanahan, Good afternoon. So tomorrow is the day for your shoulder replacement. For me, this was an amazingly trouble-free recovery with welcome results. First and foremost, I had a totally dedicated surgeon who was just there for me. Sat and watched a video of the surgery with me. Answered every question himself. Was sitting in my room, the evening after the surgery, just to look in and say hello. Gave me his cell phone # in case I was uncomfortable about anything. The anesthesiologist paid me a visit too. Pretty soon, I was feeling like royalty. Mine was a reverse shoulder replacement, also called a Delta Shoulder System because the tear, tagged as the Grand Canyon of holes, was irreparable after a fall down the mountain.

Here are some hints and possibilities for after surgery that worked for me. Since this is summer you won't need outerwear, you might have a few poncho or tunic type wraps without sleeves. They work well over a roomy button-up shirt of some kind. Elastic waist or pull-on pants without a zipper. Sweat pants also work. Shoes...slip-ons with no laces were best for me.

For sleeping, someone tucked me in at night and built up pillows on one side so that my body would be straight and the sling was pretty comfy. I wouldn't refuse some sleep aid medication for the first week or so. Showers were a little tough the first few days. I had a plastic bag that went over the sling and could be sealed at the top. My best friend surprised me by coming to stay with me for 4-5 days. She washed my hair, helped with dressing and made me get out and walk a bit every day to keep my energy up. You may want a movable shower head that can be held by someone who can rinse you off. Sitting on a shower seat that someone loaned me was a good idea. You can wrap yourself in a bath towel and sort of drip dry or let someone help you with that and the hairdryer if you use one. I had my hair cut very short before the surgery day.

For eating, I just learned to use my left hand. I was tidy enough to be able to go out to dinner in a few days. You may want to practice "mindful" eating to slow things down a bit. To this day, I use my left hand for eating and I can do pretty well writing. Shuffling cribbage cards took a bit of time. Once you learn what you are capable of doing, it gets easier. I also checked in with my Physical Therapist before trying to do much of anything. I remember to this day what my surgeon told me. "Don't fall. I can't fix you."

And my PS is this. Please make sure of the road rules for driving with a sling. In CA it is a violation complete with a fine and a trip to driving school. If you have Siri on your iPhone or other devices you can let her make your calls for you.

The big prize at the end.....absolutely no pain, none, nada. I was in heaven and still am. Best of luck. Let us know how it goes. Chris

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