Wellness

[GingerHead]

    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! 

[luvmybeetle]

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.

[on the bay]

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.

[judy0330]

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!

[On It]

@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.

[IMW]

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

Lower shower items----closet hangers etc. 

wishing him a complete and speedy recovery.

[GingerHead]

@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!!!

[on the bay]

@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.

[Still Raining]

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!

[GingerHead]

@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