Shoulder surgery scheduled...looking for advice

Have plenty of pillows on your bed for propping your affected arm (even though it is in a sling). Some people sleep in a recliner for a few weeks. If you don't have an electric toothbrush--get one!!! Especially if your affected shoulder is on your dominant side. Extra large t-shirts work well for covering the sling (without having to put your arm thru) and the rest of you. Front closing bras -- a must as you won't have the movement in your arms to do it in back Pull up pants--hard to zip or button otherwise Slip on shoes -- you won't be able to tie shoes Get a back scratcher--you won't be able to scratch your back otherwise I found the sling material to be very scratchy on my back---I placed a pillowcase (literally!) between my back and the sling--made it much easier. Lay in a stock of frozen meals--practice BEFORE surgery on opening them. I was able to open bottles (not 2 liter ones) by grasping between my knees and using the non-affected hand to open. If you're planning on soup--get cans and an electric can opener not pull tabs If the doctor prescribes a cryo-cuff (or other icing device)--use it!!!! The ice helps the swelling. Don't wait too long between pain medications--once the pain gets a good grip--you'll have trouble getting it under control if you try to tough it out. On a female side--do any personal grooming you can before the surgery. If you shave underarms--look into getting them waxed. You won't be able to raise your arm for a few weeks. Spray deodorant works well. Practice using sanitary products using your non-dominant (or non-surgery side) hand--not as easy as you think. The first couple of weeks after surgery you won't be able to concentrate on much. I also planned to catch up on my reading but found that People magazine was about my concentration level. Load up the DVR if you can or get a short-term subscription to something like HBO or Showtime. Have had shoulder surgery 6 times--2 on dominant side and 4 on non-dominant side Add in a couple of hand surgeries and I've learned most of the tricks!

Have plenty of pillows on your bed for propping your affected arm (even though it is in a sling). Some people sleep in a recliner for a few weeks. If you don't have an electric toothbrush--get one!!! Especially if your affected shoulder is on your dominant side. Extra large t-shirts work well for covering the sling (without having to put your arm thru) and the rest of you. Front closing bras -- a must as you won't have the movement in your arms to do it in back Pull up pants--hard to zip or button otherwise Slip on shoes -- you won't be able to tie shoes Get a back scratcher--you won't be able to scratch your back otherwise I found the sling material to be very scratchy on my back---I placed a pillowcase (literally!) between my back and the sling--made it much easier. Lay in a stock of frozen meals--practice BEFORE surgery on opening them. I was able to open bottles (not 2 liter ones) by grasping between my knees and using the non-affected hand to open. If you're planning on soup--get cans and an electric can opener not pull tabs If the doctor prescribes a cryo-cuff (or other icing device)--use it!!!! The ice helps the swelling. Don't wait too long between pain medications--once the pain gets a good grip--you'll have trouble getting it under control if you try to tough it out. On a female side--do any personal grooming you can before the surgery. If you shave underarms--look into getting them waxed. You won't be able to raise your arm for a few weeks. Spray deodorant works well. Practice using sanitary products using your non-dominant (or non-surgery side) hand--not as easy as you think. The first couple of weeks after surgery you won't be able to concentrate on much. I also planned to catch up on my reading but found that People magazine was about my concentration level. Load up the DVR if you can or get a short-term subscription to something like HBO or Showtime. Have had shoulder surgery 6 times--2 on dominant side and 4 on non-dominant side Add in a couple of hand surgeries and I've learned most of the tricks!