What to wear after shoulder replacement

Posted by cattanzer @cattanzer, Apr 28, 2021

How does one dress with an immobile arm? Are there special clothes with snaps? Ladies please advise!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

@ltsally

I should also add I have full range of motion, am beginning to play tennis again, and am starting with a trainer for strength in my arm Monday. Don't skip the PT. It is crucial.

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So unusual that you picked up on the Cat Dancer. And your insight is SO HELPFUL. Thank you. Pre-op nurses starting to call.

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@colleenyoung

It is so good to recognize what you are afraid of. This will help you to prepare and build a plan. Here are a couple of my initial suggestions:
- Talk to you doctor or nurse about taking pain medications.
- Tell them your concerns.
- Ask about managing pain BEFORE it happens. It is easier and better to manage pain before it hurts.
- Contact a neighbor or friend to be on standby. Have their phone number on speed dial. Prepare a schedule for them to check on you.

Any other thoughts to help prepare?

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Thank you

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@irish283

Hello, I just saw your posting re issue wearing bras. They sell on line bras that have the hooks in the front, you would put it on just the same way you would a blouse. You can purchase them on line. I used them when I had breast cancer surgery. Go on line and in the browser type bras to wear that close in the front. That way you don’t have to STEP INTO IT. That way you don’t take the chance of falling. Irish823

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Good evening @cattanzer, @irish283 Thanks for posting about your solutions to finding appropriate bras. I have had surgery on both shoulders, with one being a reverse replacement. I hunted the world for front closing bras without wires and with closures that I can manage. Finally, I found some and so, of course, I have to have one in every color. I also have to tell you....they are the most comfortable bra I have ever worn.....my one gift from the shoulder surgery episode.

May you be content and at ease.
Chris

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In reply to @cattanzer "Thanks!!" + (show)
@cattanzer

Hey Cattanzer. How was the surgery? Would love an update.

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@colleenyoung

It is so good to recognize what you are afraid of. This will help you to prepare and build a plan. Here are a couple of my initial suggestions:
- Talk to you doctor or nurse about taking pain medications.
- Tell them your concerns.
- Ask about managing pain BEFORE it happens. It is easier and better to manage pain before it hurts.
- Contact a neighbor or friend to be on standby. Have their phone number on speed dial. Prepare a schedule for them to check on you.

Any other thoughts to help prepare?

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Shoulder replacement 18 days past. My surgeon said sleeping with the arm without the sling can be a difficult transition. I did not query him more about this upcoming situation. Do you have any insight? thnx

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@cattanzer

Shoulder replacement 18 days past. My surgeon said sleeping with the arm without the sling can be a difficult transition. I did not query him more about this upcoming situation. Do you have any insight? thnx

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Good question, @cattanzer. I'm going to ask @artscaping @ltsally @irish283 and others in this discussion to weigh in about sleeping comfortably once the sling is removed. They have first-hand experience.

Cat tanzer, when will you have the sling removed? Will you be seeing the doctor again before that time to ask him for more sleep positioning tips? Oh, and how did the surgery go?

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@colleenyoung

Good question, @cattanzer. I'm going to ask @artscaping @ltsally @irish283 and others in this discussion to weigh in about sleeping comfortably once the sling is removed. They have first-hand experience.

Cat tanzer, when will you have the sling removed? Will you be seeing the doctor again before that time to ask him for more sleep positioning tips? Oh, and how did the surgery go?

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Hi there @cattanzer.....I have been stewing about the sleeping issue. I remember some of the things I tried when the immobilizer was removed. I am not 100% sure because I had 4 shoulder surgeries and my memory is not clearly telling me which was which. I am pretty sure I bought a large wedge and slept sitting up with my right surgery arm across my chest. The danger of course when you lie flat or on either side without the wedge is that you tend to curl your head upon your arm when you are sleeping. I actually got very used to the wedge and fell asleep well. There is no room for snuggling and cuddling........as you might have guessed.

Just be careful and make sure your new shoulder is not expected to do any work at all.
May you sleep peacefully and with contentment.
Chris

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@colleenyoung

Good question, @cattanzer. I'm going to ask @artscaping @ltsally @irish283 and others in this discussion to weigh in about sleeping comfortably once the sling is removed. They have first-hand experience.

Cat tanzer, when will you have the sling removed? Will you be seeing the doctor again before that time to ask him for more sleep positioning tips? Oh, and how did the surgery go?

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Fabulous surgery job!! Have seen surgeon. One week till sleeping with no sling. Three weeks till no bulky sling. Thnx

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@artscaping

Hi there @cattanzer.....I have been stewing about the sleeping issue. I remember some of the things I tried when the immobilizer was removed. I am not 100% sure because I had 4 shoulder surgeries and my memory is not clearly telling me which was which. I am pretty sure I bought a large wedge and slept sitting up with my right surgery arm across my chest. The danger of course when you lie flat or on either side without the wedge is that you tend to curl your head upon your arm when you are sleeping. I actually got very used to the wedge and fell asleep well. There is no room for snuggling and cuddling........as you might have guessed.

Just be careful and make sure your new shoulder is not expected to do any work at all.
May you sleep peacefully and with contentment.
Chris

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Thank you.

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@artscaping

Hi there @cattanzer.....I have been stewing about the sleeping issue. I remember some of the things I tried when the immobilizer was removed. I am not 100% sure because I had 4 shoulder surgeries and my memory is not clearly telling me which was which. I am pretty sure I bought a large wedge and slept sitting up with my right surgery arm across my chest. The danger of course when you lie flat or on either side without the wedge is that you tend to curl your head upon your arm when you are sleeping. I actually got very used to the wedge and fell asleep well. There is no room for snuggling and cuddling........as you might have guessed.

Just be careful and make sure your new shoulder is not expected to do any work at all.
May you sleep peacefully and with contentment.
Chris

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You all help so much!!

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