Standard Shoulder Replacement Preparing for TSR

[Ms. Osteo]

Does anyone have experience in what items one needs to have on hand before surgery? I read about recliner and pillow here but I don’t meet with my team until the day if surgery and I wonder if 1) I will be as nauseated after this surgery as before another one that I had when I had to somehow get a prescription late at night to get control of it. 2) what about the equipment that circulates cold water through the sling? Is it common to have one in the hospital that you take home or should I try to find one beforehand? 3). I take anti anxiety meds to help fall asleep. Will this be allowed the night before when anxiety is sky high and will I be able to take my meds with ne to use in the hospital? My next appointment is not until the day of surgery when it will be too late to order or medicate ahead of time. Thanks everyone for so much support at a scary but exciting time!

 

[Jaycey]

@Ms. Osteo I'm going to tag my colleague @djklaugh who has experience with this recovery. She might have suggestions for post op tools.

Regarding anti-nausea medication, mention this to the hospital team on the day. I always take anti-nausea medication before the procedure and then just after as well.

I would call your surgeon's office and ask about taking your anxiety medication the night before surgery. If you can't reach anyone, ask your family doctor about this.

 

[djklaugh]

@Ms. Osteo Be sure to tell your surgeon and the anesthesiologist about the troubles you've had with nausea! Hopefully they will be able to either prevent that or at least get you medication quickly to control it. As Jaycey said - ask your surgeon about taking anti-anxiety medication prior to surgery - you can call his office and speak to his nurse or assistant about this since your appointment won't happen before the day of surgery. For most surgeries patients are told to take nothing by mouth after midnight prior to the surgery. And for some surgeries ( I had this will all of my surgeries) one has to stop taking most medications (including pain medication) and supplements a week or two prior to the surgery. Ugh! Those were the longest weeks of the whole process IMO! Again ask your surgeon or someone on his staff about this.

In my experience the hospital sent me home with a padded sling that held my shoulder(s) in a particular position and I had to wear that for about 6 weeks (could take it off for getting dressed and for showering once that was permitted). Also for one shoulder they did give me an ice machine but for me it didn't work very well (awkward to get on and off using just one hand and did not ice my shoulder very well) I preferred just plain old frozen gel packs. And no the ice machine thing did not circulate cold water through the sling - they were separate items. There really isn't any other equipment you'd need for shoulder replacement. Practice now doing things one handed. Stock up on easy to prepare meals. Will you have someone at home with you after the surgery? Very nice to have someone around but you can manage well on your own.

 

[Ms. Osteo]

Thanks! I will talk to my surgeon’s assistant next week. My husband will be helping out and I have been stocking up the freezer. Mind of odd imagining coming home on a holiday; our neighborhood food and drug stores close that day!

 

[Jamie]

There are a few things you need to think about for your surgery and recovery.

You'll need some extra large shirts to wear and larger elastic waist pull up shorts or pants. They are easier to get on and off if they are oversize. I purchased men's gym shorts and t-shirts two sizes larger than normal.

I also found an electric can opener to be fabulous. I know you mentioned that your husband will be helping you, but spoil yourself with this one kitchen tool. I still use mine even now.