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How to prepare for shoulder replacement surgery?

Posted by effienana @effienana, Aug 21, 2022

Im having shoulder replacement surgery and want to get what Ill need ahead of time so Ill be prepared. Am considering Luxone 4 piece pillows from Amazon & need to know if anyone has had success with them for support of shoulder. These work on your bed but wonder if they will lead to lower back pain. Or is the recliner still the way to go?

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effienana | @effienana | Aug 24, 2022
In reply to @dmk "Just buy one on Amazon the shoulder pad will fit as it has Velcro and wraps..." + (show)
@dmk

Just buy one on Amazon the shoulder pad will fit as it has Velcro and wraps all around your torso.
make sure to get one that plugs in the wall and has a good size container for ice and water
Do not get gravity assisted but one that circulates by plugging in the wall
It was my ultimate pain relief narcotics didn’t help at all just took one at night to help sleep for about 5 days then quit as they really did not help me
You will be in a sling too which also takes up space they are not that expensive you can get them for the high end about $230 or so.

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Thank you for your response! Would you suggest also buying an ice pack that you keep in freezer to apply to shoulder when not using ice machine? These fit snug around the shoulder and look like that wrap around also, just to have on hand.

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1 reply
dmk | @dmk | Aug 24, 2022
In reply to @effienana "Thank you for your response! Would you suggest also buying an ice pack that you keep..." + (show)
@effienana

Thank you for your response! Would you suggest also buying an ice pack that you keep in freezer to apply to shoulder when not using ice machine? These fit snug around the shoulder and look like that wrap around also, just to have on hand.

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Ice packs are too heavy just have some frozen pea or corn bags. They are light and flexible
I used ice machine round the clock with short periods off

On Aug 24, 2022, at 9:11 AM, Mayo Clinic Connect wrote:



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ddsack | @ddsack | Aug 25, 2022
In reply to @heyjoe415 "I have a cat who sleeps with us. They get cranky if we'e gone so I..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

I have a cat who sleeps with us. They get cranky if we'e gone so I relate.

So I am contemplating shoulder surgery. How long do you have to sleep in a recliner, worst case? Thanks!

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My surgeon and PT guy said to sleep where I feel most comfortable. I tried the recliner, but it was too upright and felt crowded to me. I am used to a very flat pillow. For night use I preferred the bed and used it after the first night. I did have a bed wedge for my back and extra pillows I could arrange for arm support. That was still more upright than I am used to, but more tolerable than the confinement of the recliner.

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hlp123 | @hlp123 | Jan 26, 2023

I have been told that I need to have my shoulder's replaced. I have many concerns including the fact that I started on Prolia for one year in 2021 and then transitioned to an infusion of Reclast for one year. This year on Reclast will expire at the end of March. I am trying to deal with the fact that my Endocrinologist says I must stay on a biphosphonate. I don't know if it is possible to have my shoulder replace while on a biphosphonate.
Does anyone have any experience with, or knowledge about this situation ?
Thank you,

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carol098 | @carol098 | Feb 13, 2023
In reply to @tfarizona "What was the name of the ice machine and where did you get it?’ Is that..." + (show)
@tfarizona

What was the name of the ice machine and where did you get it?’
Is that something that medical insurance might cover?
Did you have the nerve block for the first few days?

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Have your doctor order it when you are in the hospital. A medical supply store delivered it to me. I live in a large city. Insurance covered part of one and I think I had to pay about $60 for the second one.

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dmk | @dmk | Feb 13, 2023

My surgeon sent me home from both joint replacements with a cryocuff machine. They were both different brands. Just make sure they have a container for ice and water and that they plug in the wall. Check to see if your insurance covers them but sometimes it’s cheaper to buy outright. I found that when my therapist went through insurance to get a Ems stimulator and they rented it and I had copays which if I would have purchased outright without insurance would have been cheaper Amazon sells variety of cryocuff machines

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frenelle | @frenelle | Feb 14, 2023

I had a reverse shoulder replacement on 10/13/2022 and from day 1 I slept in my recliner. You can not roll on your side in your sleep, which you should not do at all. I am still more happy sleeping in my recliner after 4 months, since my other shoulder is painful. I have had minimal pain - I used maybe 4 or 5 narcotic pain pills. For the rest I could do with just 2 tylenol. I can do everything with my arm again. No restrictions. I am a very happy patient!

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Feb 15, 2023
In reply to @frenelle "I had a reverse shoulder replacement on 10/13/2022 and from day 1 I slept in my..." + (show)
@frenelle

I had a reverse shoulder replacement on 10/13/2022 and from day 1 I slept in my recliner. You can not roll on your side in your sleep, which you should not do at all. I am still more happy sleeping in my recliner after 4 months, since my other shoulder is painful. I have had minimal pain - I used maybe 4 or 5 narcotic pain pills. For the rest I could do with just 2 tylenol. I can do everything with my arm again. No restrictions. I am a very happy patient!

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What an enthusiastic patient you are. I agree with you, the reverse shoulder replacement surgery sure worked for me. Couldn't quite play golf again but my "life" door certainly opened positively.

It is so important to share positive outcomes. We need to read more posts like yours.
Chris

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