I’m a PT so I’ll offer some advice. Start practicing some daily tasks with your Left hand such as brushing your teeth, eating and dressing. It’s good for your brain...value added Every MD has his/her own protocol on starting PT some as soon as week 1! Most of my patients find that their pain is minimal compared to how the shoulder felt pre op. Be realistic about what you expect from the results. Full ROM might not be achieved but you should get pretty good function back for for daily life with much less pain! Sometimes sleeping is tricky right away. Use extra pillows to support your arm from behind. People find that it hurst to lay flat as gravity pulls their arm back. You don’t want your elbow to pass the front of your body. Good luck!
see if you can get insurance to pre op purchase a kodiak ice pack machine. my nieghbor got one when he had a shoulder replacement and loaned it to me for knee surgery. it is the most awsome way to keep an area iced-you can sleep with the thing on and running. if insurance won't cover it they run about $250 and are well worth the investment.
neighbor also borrowed a recliner/lift chair but again, i've known some people to get one purchased under insurance. it helped to get him into a standing position when he was'nt able to use both arms to lift from seated.
remember that when you are given pain MANAGEMENT meds-MANAGE the pain, don't wait till the pain is so bad that you are suffering. the idea is to keep the pain manageable so you can do the p/t for recovery.
I have been practicing brushing my teeth with my left hand. Hadn’t thought about eating. Will do that. Bought elastic waist shorts so hopefully I can get them up. Thought front button blouses my DH could help me with would be better than jersey.I’m a PT so I’ll offer some advice. Start practicing some daily tasks with your Left hand such as brushing your teeth, eating and dressing. It’s good for your brain...value added Every MD has his/her own protocol on starting PT some as soon as week 1! Most of my patients find that their pain is minimal compared to how the shoulder felt pre op. Be realistic about what you expect from the results. Full ROM might not be achieved but you should get pretty good function back for for daily life with much less pain! Sometimes sleeping is tricky right away. Use extra pillows to support your arm from behind. People find that it hurst to lay flat as gravity pulls their arm back. You don’t want your elbow to pass the front of your body. Good luck!
Sounds like you’re on the right path! Blouses will work...put the surgical arm in first. T-shirt’s are fine too, you might want them to be slightly big. You put your surgical arm in first then pull it over your head. Something else to practice now! Some people sleep on the couch or recliner but you don’t have too! The wedge may work but you’ll still want some pillows behind your arm. Good luck!I have been practicing brushing my teeth with my left hand. Hadn’t thought about eating. Will do that. Bought elastic waist shorts so hopefully I can get them up. Thought front button blouses my DH could help me with would be better than jersey.
MD said passive ROM - dangling moving wrist etc right away.
I am worried about sleeping. I don’t have a recliner but I have a wedge I used after neck surgery.
MD did tell me after incisional pain subsides, I would actually feel relief since I am in such pain now.
Thanks for your reply
Congratulations! Is he in a direct admit program? It’s hard work but worth it. It is a great career with so many opportunities. It’s great to work with people and make such an impact on their lives.My son is a 2018 HS graduate and will be entering college in the fall as a PT major. His career inspiration is due the amazing physical therapists that worked with him on his shoulder injuries Thank you for everything you do for your patients! You will have one more joining your ranks in 7 years!
Hi Kathy. Thanks for posting. I am scheduled for this procedure soon by the same surgeon that did my other shoulder (successful prosthetic rotator cuff 2015). I am 74 male. I hope you are still happy and healthy and look forward to your response.Just had my left reverse shoulder replacement and right shoulder replacement was done in June 2013. I’m 4 weeks post op, going back to work next Wednesday and I’m religiously doing the rehab which is pretty minimal for weeks 3-6. One night in hospital definitely easier in non dominant hand. Hardest things to do with one hand, pulling up pants, putting on bra etc. Also I slept in a recliner for the first couple of weeks. Wear sling til week 6 all the time. It has been a very good decision for me as the pain experienced before surgery was horrendous. Now feeling great in right shoulder and left getting better every day. Good luck and don’t be nervous, it is worth it.
Yes I am doing great and currently have no need to see my shoulder surgeon ever again. Hope your procedure and experience is similar to mine. Good luck!Hi Kathy. Thanks for posting. I am scheduled for this procedure soon by the same surgeon that did my other shoulder (successful prosthetic rotator cuff 2015). I am 74 male. I hope you are still happy and healthy and look forward to your response.
I need a reverse shoulder replacement, and am glad to read how well you are doing!Just had my left reverse shoulder replacement and right shoulder replacement was done in June 2013. I’m 4 weeks post op, going back to work next Wednesday and I’m religiously doing the rehab which is pretty minimal for weeks 3-6. One night in hospital definitely easier in non dominant hand. Hardest things to do with one hand, pulling up pants, putting on bra etc. Also I slept in a recliner for the first couple of weeks. Wear sling til week 6 all the time. It has been a very good decision for me as the pain experienced before surgery was horrendous. Now feeling great in right shoulder and left getting better every day. Good luck and don’t be nervous, it is worth it.