@nrb1942 - there really wasn't any extra equipment I needed for my reverse TSR. Just make sure that they will be giving you an immobilizer type sling with velcro attachments for elbow and wrist, and not a traditional shoulder sling. The immobilizer allows you to detach your wrist as needed for small tasks moving your hand forward, but still keeps your shoulder immobile, being firmly attached to the waist at the elbow.
@nrb1942 - there really wasn't any extra equipment I needed for my reverse TSR. Just make sure that they will be giving you an immobilizer type sling with velcro attachments for elbow and wrist, and not a traditional shoulder sling. The immobilizer allows you to detach your wrist as needed for small tasks moving your hand forward, but still keeps your shoulder immobile, being firmly attached to the waist at the elbow.
Thanks very much. I've been told an immobilizer will be given to me at the hospital after the surgery. It does sound helpful to use your wrist a bit, while keeping the shoulder protected.
Here is a link for a strap that you can use to lift your leg and exercise at home. However 4 days after my surgery I had PT and asked and they actually sold them so of course I bought one so I could work at home as well. Amazon has them and you can see what they look like. I also used mine to hold my leg straight out so I could get in and out of my chair until I could bend my leg better.
I really believe that the reason I had such a quick and easy recovery from total knee replacement (in addition to the fact that my doctor used robotic assisted surgery) was my continuous ice flow machine and my bed frame which elevates the head and foot of the bed. Also, for a totally different issue, I couldn’t do without my bidet. It is so helpful. Once you start using one you will never go back to the primitive use of only TP. And they are very easy to install.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Thanks SO much for those great tips! I've checked out some of that clothing you mentioned, and I will definitely order a couple. My wardrobe consists almost entirely of things I pull over my head, and I know that's not going to work. I had enough trouble with that for a few weeks after the fall that caused my problem. I have been working with a wonderful physical therapist who has helped me get improved mobility and lessened pain, but she and the surgeon both think there's really no more additional range of motion likely without the surgery. It sounds like your positive attitude has been very helpful, and I'm determined to keep one myself.
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.
Sounds like we probably are the same age. It's such a shame you fell down the stairs and may have to go through all this again. I like your t-shirt idea and maybe that, the immobilizer, and sleeping in a recliner will keep me from getting my arm in a bad place when trying to sleep. Due to the pain and lack of much range of motion at all after I first fractured my shoulder, I had to try eating and doing things with my left (non-dominant) arm. I got pretty good about doing most things, but writing was just something I didn't conquer. My surgery isn't until the end of October, but I will post info on my experience hoping I might also be of help to someone else.
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@nrb1942 - there really wasn't any extra equipment I needed for my reverse TSR. Just make sure that they will be giving you an immobilizer type sling with velcro attachments for elbow and wrist, and not a traditional shoulder sling. The immobilizer allows you to detach your wrist as needed for small tasks moving your hand forward, but still keeps your shoulder immobile, being firmly attached to the waist at the elbow.
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1 ReactionThanks very much. I've been told an immobilizer will be given to me at the hospital after the surgery. It does sound helpful to use your wrist a bit, while keeping the shoulder protected.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHere is a link for a strap that you can use to lift your leg and exercise at home. However 4 days after my surgery I had PT and asked and they actually sold them so of course I bought one so I could work at home as well. Amazon has them and you can see what they look like. I also used mine to hold my leg straight out so I could get in and out of my chair until I could bend my leg better.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI really believe that the reason I had such a quick and easy recovery from total knee replacement (in addition to the fact that my doctor used robotic assisted surgery) was my continuous ice flow machine and my bed frame which elevates the head and foot of the bed. Also, for a totally different issue, I couldn’t do without my bidet. It is so helpful. Once you start using one you will never go back to the primitive use of only TP. And they are very easy to install.
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
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsGood 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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Helpful -
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1 ReactionThanks SO much for those great tips! I've checked out some of that clothing you mentioned, and I will definitely order a couple. My wardrobe consists almost entirely of things I pull over my head, and I know that's not going to work. I had enough trouble with that for a few weeks after the fall that caused my problem. I have been working with a wonderful physical therapist who has helped me get improved mobility and lessened pain, but she and the surgeon both think there's really no more additional range of motion likely without the surgery. It sounds like your positive attitude has been very helpful, and I'm determined to keep one myself.
Sounds like we probably are the same age. It's such a shame you fell down the stairs and may have to go through all this again. I like your t-shirt idea and maybe that, the immobilizer, and sleeping in a recliner will keep me from getting my arm in a bad place when trying to sleep. Due to the pain and lack of much range of motion at all after I first fractured my shoulder, I had to try eating and doing things with my left (non-dominant) arm. I got pretty good about doing most things, but writing was just something I didn't conquer. My surgery isn't until the end of October, but I will post info on my experience hoping I might also be of help to someone else.