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Useful devices for everyday life following surgery
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Sep 1, 2023 | Replies (18)Comment receiving replies
Some similar tips from those who have had shoulder replacements would be appreciated, too. I'm having reverse total shoulder replacement in October and want to be prepared. Fortunately I have a very helpful husband who took great care of me through knee replacements, but I'd like things to be as easy as possible for both of us.
Replies to "Some similar tips from those who have had shoulder replacements would be appreciated, too. I'm having..."
Good evening @nrb1942,
Does that "1942" mean that you and I are the same age? I am also blessed with a wonderful life partner. However, I didn't have him when I had my reverse shoulder replacement.
Lucky me.....I had my friend Kathy who just drove up my mountain, pulled in the driveway, grabbed her suitcase, and moved in for 4 or 5 days. She was so very helpful. My surgery was on my dominant side....so I needed help with eating and meds, taking showers, washing hair, etc., etc., etc. Of course, I couldn't drive either with the immobilizer on my arm for six weeks.
One item worth working on is sleeping ware. I used a large long t-shirt, that I put on without trying to put my surgery arm in the sleeve. That helped me keep the immobilizer close to my body during the night. For walking outside later, I wore a vest and held onto the open front side for stability.
One helpful item.....I learned to use silverware for eating with my opposite arm/hand. I still do that when I have discomfort. I actually was classified as ambidextrous and was able to write sales slips with my other arm. It is rather amazing what we can do when we have to.
So....it looks like I may be heading to another shoulder surgery after falling down a flight of stairs. I have already had rotator cuff surgery and it doesn't seem to have eliminated the pain. So please include me when you post updates. I wish you good luck and will be thnking about you in October.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
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Had my RTS 2019
Motorized cryocuff machine for pain mamagement, an awesome ice machine,
Rebound wear shirts have oodles zippers easy access for therapists, Velcro tops and pjs or night shirts
Carry pillows in car for arm you will feel every bump
Constipation can be huge issue with narcotics so stool softener, etc I found narcotics didn’t really help pain only took one at night for about 4 or 5 days
Finding a great therapist prior to surgery is a must just as important as a great surgeon. Preferably a place that you have a DPT where you will have the same therapist every visit.
You will need help as I was not allowed to use arm at all to lift anything for 2 weeks. Even after took a while
Lots pillows
Recliner for sleeping
Dry shampoo as I was not allowed to shower for a week, was miserable!
Eventually get set of theraband pulleys for home but wait til therapist has you doing it. As long as surgeon has done their part tell therapist any issues you are having they know when to send you back to the surgeon, if need be
It’s not a sprint but a marathon
Positive attitude goes a long way, it’s a long recovery
My therapist gave me a lifetime exercise regimen for my shoulder which I still do today! Eventually a heating pad can come into play but not for a long time.
Lot of work on our part but we’ll worth it!
For some reason I had a lot of nausea and vomiting for a while post op so I carried my anti nausea meds with me, but haven’t heard that happening to anyone else.
Good luck