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..
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!
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