topic Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors...... in Wellness

Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

GingerHead — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 03:47:42 GMT

My poor hubby needs rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders (1 at a time) and I was just wondering if ya'll have any advice on must have items to make recovery easier.

Like for instance do we need to have a recliner for him to sleep in or can we just use pillows on the sofa to prop him up? Will he be able to sleep in the bed? Any products or advice on making recovery easier would be greatly appreciated!

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

luvmybeetle — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 04:02:57 GMT

I've had the surgery and I would say to buy a recliner. That's where I slept for awhile. He can sleep with pillows behind him and I did that too. But if they move, someone has to push them back behind him. I would suggest to listen to everything the therapy person tells you to do. They know how to get you back in shape. I don't have any problems with my shoulder now at all. Good luck.

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

on the bay — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 04:14:08 GMT

nice big pillows under each arm.

large shirts that he can step into since he won't be able to lift his shoulders or reach around to put a sleeve on.

He probably won't have pt right away but after a month or so.

It is hard to imagine how doing certain exercises could possible help stop the pain or help to move a painful arm but it is amazing how a good physical therapist with the right exercises can actually help so much!

And never doing them to the point of hurting.

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

judy0330 — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 04:17:13 GMT

I had the surgery on both shoulders but did not need both to be done when I had my first. They were several years apart. What I found to be the most helpful in my recovery was using a cold therapy machine. Both surgeons (we had moved before my second surgery) told me to use one. I used it 24/7 for awhile. It kept me just about pain free. I have had several friends who had the same surgery and borrowed my machine because it worked better than the ones their doctors had them using. (We joke that we should hire a group orthopedist on retainer!) The machine I used was made by Igloo. If you search "Cold Therapy Machine -- Cryotherapy Freeze Kit System -- for Post Surgery Care" on Amazon it is very similar to the one I used. All the best to your husband!

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

On It — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:00:22 GMT

@GingerHead If you decide to get a recliner, be sure to buy before surgery when your husband can try it out for size and fit. I only buy La Z Boy, but different styles sit differently. I sleep in mine a lot. No pillows needed for head, but I use a quilt for cover.

My husband slept in his recliner after his surgery for a different issue. For some reason a recliner helps with pressure points instead of lying on a mattress.

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

IMW — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:20:27 GMT

Recliner definitely----Raymore &Flanagen for me. Not an easy recovery.

Lower shower items----closet hangers etc.

wishing him a complete and speedy recovery.

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

GingerHead — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:39:04 GMT

@luvmybeetle @On It @IMW @on the bay @judy0330

@luvmybeetle @On It @IMW

So good to hear about the recliner as I've been waffling just because we don't really have the room for one and I wasn't sure how necessary it would be.

But if it's needed and could help make him more comfortable I'll definitely make the room! Your posts have covienced me. Thanks so much!

@on the bay Thank you so much for the idea of getting an extra large shirt, I didn't even think about that and for the info on PT. We haven't scheduled the surgery yet but will be sure to ask about the PT!

@judy0330 Thank you for the info on the cold therapy machine. I'd never even heard of that! We will definetely look into getting one of those.

*Thanks again everyone, so much. I really appreciate it!!!

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

on the bay — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 17:05:13 GMT

@GingerHead,

I was talking to a friend about her complicated shoulder surgery and she mentioned that cold therapy thing that the surgeon gave her. She said it had something that continually gave cold therapy.

I wished I'd had that when I fractured my shoulder just a little over a year ago. She said it was a life safer so be sure to ask about that!

And like all nurses say, take pain meds before it starts to hurt a lot. I think he will know when he doesn't need the opoids and can switch to otc pain things.

Also the best pt I ever had said physical therapy should never hurt! Especially when they do the initial "assessment" don't let them aggravate the shoulder's to see what he can do. Everything should be very slow and gentle and they can let him move his arm not them move his arm when showing him how to do things. that makes a big difference I found.

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

Still Raining — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:51:01 GMT

Choose what to wear home very carefully and give it trial run. Some can do tees and some need buttons. Good to know before you go.

Sometimes it can turn into multi day outfit 😳 with no deo!

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

GingerHead — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:59:21 GMT

@on the bay

Awe, thank you so much for all the great info!

Wow, that cold therapy thing really does sound amazing. I had never heard of them... I'm thinking it may be far superior to the old school bags of frozen peas and drippy ice packs! haha

Good to know about the pain pills and physical therapy too! Thanks so much. I think I'm going to be nice and prepared to help him through recovery

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

GingerHead — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 17:03:01 GMT

@Still Raining

Trial running the outfit is a great idea. I'm thinking we need to get him something bigger and drappier. Oh yeah, no deo....oh no! haha. Thanks!

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

Shelbelle — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 21:12:43 GMT

My coworker had it done 3 weeks ago, back to work last week, now going for pt, she is doing great.

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

Angeldrawers — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:13:38 GMT

Had both shoulders done yrs back. He's a man so it will be harder for him lol. Recovery is tedious. Don't hesitate to communication with the dr office, take pain meds Before you need them! If he can't sleep talk to the dr office. He needs to get rest to heal. PT is important to gain full range of motion. They will push it, it will hurt It is necessary. Good luck!

Re: Rotator cuff surgery survivors......

kate2357 — Sat, 27 Jan 2024 04:58:56 GMT

I have had 3 rotator cuff surgeries. His pain will depend on where his tear is and how much cutting will be required. My first one was frankly horrible because I cannot take most pain medication. The other 2 were a piece of cake in comparison.

Sleeping was almost impossible and I did have to sleep in a chair for about 6 weeks. So yes a recliner is good. But if you don't already have one, I recently purchased from Amazon a bed pillow (Lunix LX5 4pcs Orthopedic Bed Wedge Pillow Set, Post Surgery Memory Foam for Back, Leg Pain Relief, Sitting Pillow) because my spouse is currently confined to bed. Two pillows on the sides of the wedges would also be helpful to cocoon his affected shoulder.

This pillow has a lot of support, is flexible in how you can configure and it has vacumn bags to reseal pcs when you no longer need it.

Other things, pull on pants....hard to button with just one hand. A zip up jacket is good for getting in and out of. As someone else suggested, a size larger woud be good. If the doctor says to wear the sling, wear the sling. It's for support as well as letting others see they should not slap his back or grab his arm.

PT is essential for getting back full range of motion. Full recovery will vary by person, but he could have full, pain free motion within 4-6 months.

I was not able to drive myself for a couple of weeks when I had my right shoulder done. Also can't dry your hair with a hairdryer...but for a man, he may not need a dryer.

With shoes, need slip ons because you won't be able to tie your own shoes.

Won't be able to use a knife to cut anything...like say meat.

May not be able to open a screw cap bottle...water, soda, etc.

I wish him a quick recovery and as his spouse, I wish you patience as his caregiver. There are a lot of things he won't be able to do on his own and he may get frustrated asking for help.