How to prepare for shoulder replacement surgery?

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.

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:



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.

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,

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.

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

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!

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