Shoulder Replacement - What to Wear?

[BoneyC]

I am booked in for a left reverse shoulder replacement in 3 weeks. I was wondering what to wear afterwards, how bulky will the dressing be and shoulder movement will be limited?

Having had a left elbow replacement recently, I wasn't expecting the bulky bandage to be quite as bulky as it was - couldn't get arm in sleeves or coat on to go home! Would have been much easier if done in warmer weather.

Any advice please?

[Poppy-21]

Sorry no advice for your shoulder replacement but how is your elbow after your replacement? Have you got full range of movement?

[BoneyC in reply to Poppy-21]

I had my left elbow replaced and the radial head removed on 11th November last year - 9 weeks ago.

It was very stiff for about a month, could only lift 'a cup of tea', but then it seemed to 'free off' a bit. Maybe the swelling reduced. I don't expect full range of movement like a normal elbow, my surgeon said ROM would be something along the lines ...

hips 95%, knees 85%, elbows 75% and shoulders 65%. I would say I am at 75% ROM now. How is your new elbow doing?

I still have bruising, especially where it was bleeding inside the joint for a year, and underneath near the scar, but I can now just about wash my hair and can drive again, until shoulder surgery!

How did it go in hospital? Did you have a 'bulky bandage' after surgery which was removed after a week, then a 6 week check up with x-ray? I was one night in hospital.

Of course we can only lift a max of 5 pounds, for life, now as well. I never did play golf or tennis so that's no loss.

[Poppy-21 in reply to BoneyC]

The pain in my elbow has gone completely, so I can now sleep at night. However the movement is quite limited from 60 - 100 degrees I am still continuing with physio. Still unable to wash my hair and a real struggle to get my fork to my mouth as my elbow and wrist doesn’t turn very much. I had my op 5 months ago now but still time for improvement 🙏🏻Good luck with your shoulder I hope all goes well for you.

[BoneyC in reply to Poppy-21]

Sorry to hear your elbow is taking time to get there. When you read about elbow replacements it does say up to 12 months.

Initially I couldn't do much at all, couldn't blow my nose, use fork, wash hair, dress etc. I was shown a sheet of exercises, one of which I said instantly I can't do as my wrists are fused. The 'taking the change' and 'paying the money' and the bend elbow and hold hand with other hand and hold few seconds, to stretch recovering triceps, were the main two I was given. I think for me, the bending elbow and holding to give a tricep stretch was the one that helped me most.

I'm not sure how many degrees my movement is but the surgeon did say by removing the radial head he's given me an extra 20 degrees. By that, I can now 'straighten' it more so its easier for blood tests and cannulas. My left arm looks slightly longer than my right, but I am on the waiting list for the other elbow to be replaced later this year, after my shoulder. I don't understand why at my hospital it's a year's wait for elbows but only 5-6 months for shoulders, especially when its the same surgeon.

I hope your recovery continues and you get more movement back.

[Stayloose]

I had open surgery on my dominant shoulder 8 weeks ago ( not a replacement). I suggest you find baggy clothes, cardigans/fleeces and elasticated baggy trousers. I bought a second hand poncho to wear as with a sling a standard coat was impossible. Summer would have been easier I agree. I hope it goes really well for you.

[BoneyC in reply to Stayloose]

Thanks, will look for a poncho ...

[Silverpixie]

I had a total reverse left shoulder replacement April 24 and can now fasten my bra behind my back again. My front crawl is fine. The results have been truly amazing. I have a little difficulty extending that arm fully with a weight in it (Such as putting my mixer away in the top left kitchen cupboard) but I'm working on that. I had pull up bras and t shits with Velcro on the left hand side, but didn't need them for long ( I'd send them to you if that was possible). Baggy jumpers for a week or so will be fine. I managed and I live alone. I did do my physiotherapy religiously. I'm 64. Good luck.

[WilfDog in reply to Silverpixie]

That's great to hear Silverpixie. I am due to have a total shoulder reversal so your experience has given me confidence in gaining some improvement. I've had many hips and a knee synovectomy, but I've not had a shoulder before and was worried about the recovery, due to the sling, as I have neck and spinal problems, but after being given advice on here I was told that there were other slings, so ky surgeon is requesting this. Unfortunately it has been delayed due to cardiovascular tests, and the long waiting list, but it will eventually get done. Thanks for your post. It is reassuring xx

[BoneyC in reply to Silverpixie]

Thanks for your advice. Hopefully things will be easier than I am imagining.

[sampete]

I had a reverse shoulder operation a year ago. Dressing was just a large plaster. Getting dressed was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Make sure you do all your exercises. I am fine now can do anything. If you go on YouTube this video shows you easiest way to get dressed.youtu.be/jPH87gSKbVw?si=gvP...(Not working as expected?)

[BoneyC in reply to sampete]

Thanks for the video, glad to hear your reverse shoulder went well.

[Beverley_F]

I had that exact operation 2 years ago.. I wore a vest top with a lose shirt and cardigan, you just have a small dressing covering the surgery site and a sling which wraps around your body. They will give you exercises to do straight away. Good luck, it was the best op I've had and I've had lots 🙈

[medway-lady]

I have no idea but just wanted to wish you well.