Comments on: Tips & Tricks for Surviving After Shoulder Surgery

By: Charlotte Matteau

Charlotte Matteau — Tue, 07 May 2024 18:22:36 +0000

Thanks for these tips…I think they will be very helpful. I am scheduled for L reverse 6/3, but, my right will need doing when, the right has healed. No one wants surgery, but, sometimes, it is necessary to give quality to life and help with the incessant ache/pain.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 28 Jan 2024 04:00:40 +0000

I’ve had a couple of shoulder surgeries over the last 20 years, and sleeping was definitely an issue. You’ll want to sleep, sitting up on a recliner for the first few nights. However, when you are ready for bed, you will only be able to sleep on your back. Believe it or not, your arm will start to feel heavy and make your ribs sore after a while. I found that if I put some egg crate foam under my sling (you will have to loosen the sling to stick it under there and then cinch it down), this will distribute the weight of your arm across to your torso and make it much more comfortable to sleep.

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 18:07:01 +0000

What if both shoulders are affected? I have difficulty reaching across my body to flip the jacket off my shoulder (both sides). I can do it but then I suffer impingement pain that lasts a while and adds to inflammation (I think). My problems are due to arthritis and bone spurs in both shoulders causing impingement. I am trying to avoid shoulder replacement surgery as I can function reasonably well other than jacket challenges. I am a 76-year old female with a helpful husband, but he is not always there.

By: alternapop

alternapop — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:49:15 +0000

In reply to Marilyn. I would think that putting jacket on the arm with the limited range of motion first would be a good place to start, much like how I put on t-shirts when I couldn't move my arm at all during initial recovery.

By: Marilyn

Marilyn — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:06:39 +0000

What if your shoulder never gets completely better and you have difficulty putting on and taking off jackets. I have already switched to roomier jackets. If no one is present to help you, are there any life hacks in terms of equipment to help put on and take off jackets?

By: L. Weick

L. Weick — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 19:29:01 +0000

Had to have Reverse complete shoulder replacement due to fall and fx the head of my joint on R. Shoulder.
My son recommend a bidet for the toilet. What a life saver. You can get one for about $30.00. Well worth it.

By: Lisa P.

Lisa P. — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 16:08:10 +0000

I am 6 weeks out from rotator cuff, bicep tendoneses and labrum tear. The only thing I would add to these is to food prep beforehand and freeze. I also bought a few inexpensive zip front bras for the first few weeks. The best thing I bought were 2 really good shoulder ice packs. (Did not get the cooler thingy) Also choose to have surgery in the summer so I didn’t have to mess with coats and long sleeve shirts. This surgery has a long rehab but wasn’t as bad as many people made it out to be.

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:22:02 +0000

Thanks for your article. I just had rotator cuff & bicep repair 4 days ago. I purchased several tops that snap together, like a hospital gown, so I don’t have to put my arm through a shirt sleeve. I ordered a couple strapless bras from Amazon that hook in the back. Looking forward to trying them. Next up … figuring out how to wash my hair. My husband has been a fabulous nurse, so I’m sure we’ll figure out the hair!!

By: Mary

Mary — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 00:59:49 +0000

Thank you for the article, and answer a lot of my questions. I’m going for surgery in 2 weeks on rotator cuff, impingement, one other thing, a bit scared but I got this right..

By: Gigi

Gigi — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 23:55:28 +0000

BRAS: For 2 weeks after surgery I did not wear a bra. Then I looked on Amazon and found t-back bras with front closures. Ordered several. They are so comfy! Still wear them.
SHOULDER SURGERY: The article seems to be about rotator cuff repair which is different from shoulder surgery. I fell and landed hard on my upper left arm. Dislocated and broke the shoulder, tore the rotator cuff, and suffered traumatic injury to the brachial plexus. My surgeon did the repairs and after a month I began what would be 9 months of rehab, 3 days/week. I have full range of motion but am left with some numbness in 3 fingers of my left hand. I feel lucky to have come through this. Just turned 80.