Standard Shoulder Replacement Road trip after TSR

[RangerBob]

I'm set to have my surgery Dec. 5th. My family Xmas would require a couple of days dive ( as a passenger) on Dec. 22nd. Any recommendations or thoughts would be appreciated. My mom is 91 and I'd like to share as many special holidays with her as possible, so advice is needed!

 

[Jaycey]

@RangerBob Welcome to BoneSmart! Which shoulder is having TSR? I'll put the information in your signature for you.

If you are doing the trip as a passenger I don't think you will have any issues except stiffness. Sitting in one place for that long may be hard for you. This is major surgery and you may not be up to such a long trip.

I'm going to tag my colleague @djklaugh to see if she has any input for you.

 

[djklaugh]

@RangerBob Welcome to BoneSmart! You should be OK with that trip and I sincerely understand you wanting to be with your Mom at Christmas. Following shoulder replacement your arm is going to be in a padded sling for about 4-6 weeks. Those are not uncomfortable but they are bulky and awkward. I'd suggest taking a pillow (or 2) with you to put on your lap to provide additional support for the arm while in the car. Maybe experiment now with pillow placement in the car to see what arrangement gives you the best support. Also plan to take frozen gel packs with you to apply to the shoulder ... it is likely to still be swollen 2-3 weeks after your surgery. And the cold will help with any pain you have.

Best wishes to you for a very successful surgery and a very happy Christmas!

 

[RangerBob]

Thank you both. Would the battery operated Berg Kodiak be a good idea for travel along with gel packs?

 

[Jaycey]

A steady source of ice would be great. Just be sure you have something to put between your skin and the ice pack/source.

 

[CosmoCaliGirl]

What is the Berg Kodiak battery thing where do you get it?
My last MRI & 4th is soon to determine my shoulder surgery date.
I understand about mom too - it’s pretty critical for sure to be there as you never know when the last will be. My thanksgiving with mom last year was the last. She is no longer with us, only made it to 81. I was sure she would make it to 89 at least and that didn’t happen. So just make yourself comfortable and put your recovery first but the time you’re doing that lay low around mom too over Xmas and cherish that time even if in pain- you got this!

 

[RangerBob]

I don't have enough post status to post a link to the Berg Kodiak with battery pack, but you can put that descriptive in your search bar. Haven't bought one yet. Still doing research, but have heard from many that this type of machine (not necessarily this brand) have been very helpful.

 

[benne68]

I don't have enough post status to post a link

Per BoneSmart Forum Rules, we do not permit links to external websites (see below) However, posting the name of the product -- as you have done -- is fine.


b. Do not solicit members to other websites, forums, or social media either via posts or Personal Messages (PMs). We appreciate members advising us of helpful non-commercial sites with a link in their posts. Sites will be reviewed on a case by case basis for their applicability to BoneSmart and a determination made as to whether or not they remain on the public forum. Links to legitimate non-commercial medical websites are sometimes permitted as are links to specific studies that pertain to joint replacement. (Updated October 24, 2022)

 

[benne68]

Also, I have add a partial signature for you. Please let us know if the surgery is on your left or right shoulder so we can complete it. @RangerBob

 

[RangerBob]

Left shoulder. Pre op work done, scheduled for Dec. 5th.

 

[Jamie]

You’re getting close to the big day. All the best to you. I think you’ll be pleased with your new shoulder and you will never regret any minor discomfort you endured on the trip to visit your mom. Just plan for icing and lots of rest stop breaks to move around during the drive.

 

[RangerBob]

Thank you. Up, clean and heading to the hospital. See you on the other side!