Hi all,
I'm scheduling for aka Comprehensive Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery (Rotator Cuff Repair, Subacromial Decompression, and Shoulder Tenotomy). Fun!
I live alone. I've arranged for cleaning, for grocery and food delivery, for errand running. I will try to schedule physical therapy and gather meds pre-surgery. I will do a big food shopping run pre-surgery.
What other things can I do now to make it easier on myself later?
Have a trundle through this- and pick out anything useful - shoulder was my 3rd replacement -found it wasn’t such a handicap as others - apart from when you need to deal with fastenings etc .
You don’t state gender in bio, so if female then a bra can prove amusing - and frustrating in equal measure 😳
… and good luck.
healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk....
Thanks for the reply! I'm a dude, so my support needs are somewhat south of the shoulder area.
I'm scared enough to be considering investing in an ice machine. SUPER expensive here in Portugal, but I see people reporting that they're way better than the customary bags of frozen peas. Any experience there?
Can’t help with southern areas !! 🙈 😆🤣
Did have a cold therapy contraption from hospital following knee replacement -but for hip and shoulder went down the frozen peas route!
Was only in for about 24 hours for hip/shoulder -and much less painful and troublesome than knee.
Prices may be better on good old Amazon if you know what you are looking for…and shipping costs aren’t horrendous
I was on my own for all three -although grandson did stay overnight first night home for all three…just a a precaution-but all fine!
Hello, apologies I have no personal experience of this surgery but one of my old school friends( not local ) had similar operation eighteen months ago and says it made a huge difference to her ROM and decrease in shoulder pain. She lives alone but is pretty stoical so I’m not sure how painful ( probably a lot!) in the early post op period but she was soon back to her admittedly non manual job. She did use the packs of peas and did her physio exercises. No advice but I know it was a success for her and she’s happy she she finally got it done. Hoping it’s the same for you, all good wishes.
Looks like you’ve thought of most things. My only other suggestion is a pair of loose jogging type bottoms - easy to get on/off without struggling or jarring your shoulder. Ive recently had full knee replacement and soft, loose clothing has made things easier for me. You could practice doing things with the good shoulder/arm to see whats particularly tricky and work out a solution for it. Good luck and let us know how you get on.
Buy in lots of tinned food, and get an electric can opener if the cans don't have ring pulls. That way the food you've bought won't go off, you can always open a can into a dish and have a hot meal (if you need hot food!) by heating it in a microwave, and there's not a lot of washing up to do afterwards.
Good luck with the shoulder op. I'm currently suffering with both my shoulders, but in my case it's just muscles and tendons that I've managed to strain while trying to trim back a huge bush that's been overgrowing my front yard from next door's garden.
I had back surgery last year and I have an ongoing dodgy right shoulder. I found that moving my kitchen stuff about a bit beforehand so I didn't have to stretch up or bend down to get stuff was invaluable.
I used gel packs from Amazon which you can freeze and use then refreeze.
Also my grab sticks which I used to pick up stuff from floor. I kept one in kitchen, one in living room and one in bedroom.
I got a sock putter on from Amazon and a long handled shoe horn. Also a sponge on a stick for the shower.
The other thing I found I needed immediately after surgery was extra pillows to position myself comfortably.
Hope your surgery goes well. My back surgery has been successful in removing the pain and numbness I had in my leg. Glad I had it done.
Hi, I’ve had total reverse shoulder replacements to both shoulders.I tried to plan for everything (sensible yes but unconsciously trying to get control of my terror!)You seem to be well prepared.I had a gel ice pack which was really good,refreeze after each session and it moulded nicely to the required part of shoulder.much cheaper and? More useful than making up ice packs etc.Got mine from chemist. Plan as you may there is always something.Mindset is key here.You will manage,this time will pass,you will be well and able and you may learn a lot.You must…follow instructions,do physio properly and use pain relief.Pain relief is essential to enable your physio excercises.Easy eats,rest +movement.I couldn’t wash hair at all or body properly for about 2 weeks..it didn’t matter a bit! Couldn’t get my surgical long socks off either so just enjoyed sticking feet and lower legs clad with the glamour socks in washing up bowl in garden to soak for a bit,then kicked it over to empty it and let feet dry in sunshine….no ill effects.I realised if I just focused on recovery essentials and enjoyed what I could it all passes by eventually.I’m ok now,nice big scars down both shoulders,shall I get interesting tattoos done? Proberbly not! Well best wishes .I hope to be of some help.
Stockings! Like you, struggled - so as you say in a bowl or when okay kept them them on in shower..,and dried by sunlight [one in summer] or hairdryer [2 in winter].. don’t tell H&S!
As for tattoos - shoulder scar -4 years ago is only just noticeable, knee 6 years even less so - hip - 5 years who cares - as widowed and positively ancient [apparently] not seen by anyone else 😂🤣
Hi,thanks,no scars are not a problem I used to amuse myself by designing tattoos for fun eg chains,shambling roses,Repunzal plaits,barbed wire,even fake sutured wounds etc…
That sounds entertaining 😊.. and keeps the brain box active,,, even if the body lags a bit behind at times.. …love a good doodle! Well mine is a doodle anyway..
it was hilarious doodling with left hand!
me again,forgot.Had to wear a large arm sling for 6 weeks after each surgery.This makes you feel unbalanced so be aware to avoid trips and falls.when going out for little walks etc I carried a cheap light aluminium stick,for reassurance,warding off jumpy dogs and to signal that I was somewhat incapacitated to others. Take care and good luck!
Hi, I’ve had two shoulder surgeries so can offer you some advice although you’ve had some good tips and hints already.
Get some loose t shirts and jogging pants. I purchased a mesh sling that I could wear in the shower. It stops you putting your arm in the wrong position whilst showering. Lots of pillows to stop you rolling over whilst sleeping. Keep up the pain meds especially for the first couple of weeks. Reorganise your wardrobe and drawers so that the clothes you will need for the first few weeks are at waist height and easy accessible.
Good luck with the surgery🙂
Thanks, Tiggy70! I keep hearing that about putting things at waist height. Will bending over really be so difficult?
And keep clothes etc in easily opening drawers etc…
Not so difficult with shoulder as hip! definitely as no, no there.. But if you are stretching with other hand to reach something at back of cupboard it might be a tad difficult/painful..
Not to mention unbalancing - last thing you need is a fall!
Very true… and only one hand to steady yourself…
Hi Jimmber...I'm sorry you are going through this. I too will be headed to surgery this winter. Rotator cuff tear now and frozen shoulder (for almost 4 years) PT a lot and a few injections that didn't relieve much pain. Two for bursa and one other injection in another part of shoulder. I'm thinking I possibly had a tear starting years ago and just now in August 2024 a partial tear is now visible on MRI vs MRI from last year. Recovery protocols are different on these surgeries so I could potential end up with another frozen shoulder afterwards because of the arm being in a sling after RC surgery but surgeon suggested doing both things at once even though recovery complications.
A lot of great helps here and on YOUTube. I have followed a few journeys online and they offer tips of prepping before surgery too and basically diaries of their recoveries with what helped and what didn't etc.
I plan on for myself getting an ice machine with remote so I won't have to move a ton at first and also getting a good sling prior so as to practice putting the dang thing on myself. I figured the ice machine will also be of use even after 4-6 week sling time when PT starts I'll need any relief I can get. Also what I have heard over and over is to be sure the sling is set right for your arm as well.
I am fortunate and I will have my hubby to help but I know myself well enough that it if I have to explain too much to have him help me, I'll get frustrated and do it myself. So for both our sanities I want to prep as if I didn't have help. I know sounds strange but I'm sure some may know exactly what I mean 😜.
I (a gal with longer hair) practiced already showering and doing my hair with one arm. Yep unscrewing caps (even toothpaste) with my teeth (I know don't do that.. lol) and between my knees with larger capped stuff.
So just the little and what we take for granted things will be harder with my non dominant having to take over. Hair and body bar soap has been suggested vs pump soaps. I'll have a shower chair too for help if I need to sit and figure stuff out in the shower using one hand . They also make shampoo caps and body sponges both requiring no water when doing personal hygiene. I know this as my elderly parents used them. And hospitals use them for patients. We purchased ours for them off Amazon. Otherwise hanging a loofah sponge from a pump bottle like on body wash can be utilized if you prefer that (even a dude can use them ). I'm thinking a loofah is a good idea to help wash my hand after using restroom too. Or just a small tub of soapy water maybe good.
Shower sling I heard is a must if for sure your doctor doesn't even want your arm unbent. I can totally see myself forgetting and reaching with surgical arm without one. Just know it won't offer much support while in shower but I'm not planning on hanging out too long in there...lol.
Im not shaving either. Also spray deodorant was suggested as easier to apply to surgical under arm and other arm vs rollon to less dominant underarm. Seems most suggestions that stuck out for me was personal hygiene tips especially cleaning up some before post op appointments and PT . Now I'm thinking about all the food and cooking tips you and others have listed. Grabber bar and other great ideas for when I am home alone with my 🐈.
One last thing many people have recommended recliner post surgery and if you don't have one using a bed wedge with pillows to prop you up and your arms for comfort in bed. I'll be trying both out as I already have recliner couch but not sure I'll sleep with my cat running around at night. I have a bed wedge already from use with GERD flare ups and will fortunately have a room to myself should I need to get sleep that way but it's not ideal.
Pep talks pep talks pep talks to yourself be compassionate yourself and with your recovery and look at your progress. This will be hardest for me.
Sorry for the long post. Wishing you well and a successful surgery and post op recovery!
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