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Shoulder replacement surgery

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Posted 2/13/2019 4:13 PM (GMT 0)
I am looking for suggestions for post surgery ideas to make it all easier😊. I plan on getting some frozen dinners and making dinners ahead and freezing them. Then a ready to eat salad mix. I am right handed and it's my right shoulder but my left shoulder is also bad. After my knee replacement I was walking right away, although slow and painful. It's what was encouraged. But my shoulder will be in a sling type thing because you are not supposed to use it for several weeks.
I don't know what to wear. I don't need a bra because I had double mastectomy. Maybe chamisole and open front shirt? My husband will be here to help but he still works and I will be on my own for part of the day.

My fibro has been flaring for several months, probably because of the weather. I am hoping it calms down before the surgery. Surgery is in April so it will be warmer.

Have any of you had shoulder replacement? If so, any suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted 2/13/2019 5:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi puppylover: I have never had that surgery, but just wanted to wish you well. It sounds like you are already very organized! Way to go! smile

I have little to add, but was just thinking that grocery stores and such that have delis would have ready-made sandwiches, salads, etc..(in case you need more ideas re food--sounds like you're all ready, though).

I don't know if they're even still around, but how about a poncho-type of shirt or sweater? Just did a (2 second) search and a few things came up.

Sorry your fibro is flaring. Mine has been especially mean this winter, so I can relate somewhat. What's up with that? I hope when you have your surgery things will have tamed down.

Keeping you in my prayers and sending you best wishes. smile Please keep us posted on your recovery, if you're able (probably very tricky with a sling!). We all wish you well!
Posted 2/13/2019 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Just adding that you could always order a few extra-large pizzas to be delivered, or Chinese take-out meals.

We have a local authentic Chinese restaurant run by a local family. They have the best food, and are always so generous and fairly priced, too. When I order any of their combo meals, there is enough to last for 3 meals! Easy way to go if you aren't up to cooking.
We often microwave left-over pizza slices for quick meals, sometimes adding a side vegetable or salad.
Posted 2/13/2019 8:28 PM (GMT 0)
Puppylover, I have not had this surgery, but have a couple of thoughts that may help you.

Start practicing now using your left hand only.

Buy a grabber/reacher to pick up items off of the floor.

If you take medications daily consider getting a weekly pill holder. You may struggle trying to open child proof bottles with one hand.

I would wear button up shirts only, I don't think you will be able to get something over your head.

Have a pair of warm & comfy slip on shoes for inside the house.

If you drink bottled water, get your husband to open enough bottles before leaving for work. I really struggle with this using both hands.

Try to mix up your food so that you don't get burned out eating heat & serve.

I hope some of this helps & good luck with your surgery.
Posted 2/13/2019 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Oh, Puppylover! I’m so sorry to hear this! But you do have two months to plan ahead and that will help you heaps! You have gotten some excellent suggestions from Luvs and Straydog and I have a few ideas myself.

I always plan ahead and map things out in my head. So, if I were going to have this surgery, I’d head to a medical supply store and buy a sling. Then I’d put my arm in the sling and go through my closet seeing what I could put on and take off with relative ease with my arm in the sling. I would practice with some items I wanted to wear. I believe you are a northerner so I’d get out sweaters too. I think you could put on a pull over sweater if it has a large opening for your head...like a v-neck sweater. This way you will know ahead of time what you can wear and also give you ideas as to what you might want to buy. I think sweatpants would be a must because to the elastic waistband and they would be easier to pull up and take down. I’d get nightgowns too. PJ’s would be difficult to get on and off.

For food, I would make casseroles and meatloaf. When I make casseroles, I make one to eat and a second one for my freezer. I have two 1 1/2 quart casseroles...one is round and one is oval. They are made by Corningware. I double my casserole recipe, put half in the oval one to bake for dinner. I get a Baggie...those plastic bags that come with twist ties...and I put a Baggie in the round casserole dish. I fold down the sides and smooth the bottom and put the other half of the recipe in the Baggie. Then I use a twist tie and pop that one in the freezer. The next day it should be frozen and it usually will lift easily out of the casserole dish. Then I put that frozen casserole in a freezer bag...it will be double bagged that way...and stick it back in the freezer. I personally have a vacuum sealer so I will take the casserole out of the Baggie and vacuum seal it. Either way will work and your round casseroles dish is ready to make another casserole! I use this for meat loaf too. Then when you want to bake it, spray your round casserole dish with Pam, take the food out of the Baggie while it’s still frozen and pop it in the round casserole. You can thaw for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. I bake mine when they are nearly totally frozen...350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. It works like a charm and you can easily stack them in the freezer. A casserole would give you and hubby 2-3 meals each along with a veggie or salad.

Get frozen dinner rolls too. I always have them in hand.

I’d also pick up your favorite Chunky Soups. They are easy and yummy on a cold evening. Don’t forget to stock in some crackers. I keep my potatoes in the refrigerator because in the warm temperatures in Florida, they start to sprout very easily. So I would suggest you get a bag or two of nice sized baked potatoes and scrub them up now so they will be ready to pierce and cook for a meal. I sometimes have a baked potato for lunch. You could broil a steak, have baked potatoes and a veggie or salad for a meal or two. Your hubby could help you get the broiler in and out of the oven. You could do the same with chops and chicken. Simple things like Rice a Roni you should be able to make. If you are concerned, make it now and freeze it. I freeze everything. And of course get a nice supply of the frozen veggies in the bags you stick in the microwave and steam it right in the bag. Hubby can cut open the bag , put it in a bowl and add butter and any seasonings. The bags I get stand up on end so I could cut it open with one hand. All these suggestions are good if you don’t want frozen dinners every night.

Start paying close attention as to what you use daily. See if you can handle what you need with your left hand. You will be surprised how you can come up with ideas now to help yourself after surgery. Just plan ahead!

Sherrine
Posted 2/14/2019 2:52 AM (GMT 0)
Maybe this isn't what you're looking for, but I'll put it out there. If you have had the chance to trial H1 blockers and H2 blockers, and have found antihistamines that you are not going to have a negative reaction to, and if they aren't contraindicated with anything else you will take, I am seeing people talk about premedicating with them before all kinds of procedures. Before MRI's, before optometrist appointments with dilation, before dental work, before bone marrow biopsies, and definitely before surgeries.
Posted 2/14/2019 11:00 AM (GMT 0)
Start practicing everything without picking that arm up. Very large button up shirts for the first week or so. Then you will figure a way to slide other types on that arm first if you chose. If you dry hair with dryer, find a way to hang it so you can get under it. I used a coat hanger. Pouring things will be almost impossible such as draining cooked foods. It will need to be light and small dishes. Think about how you can set up side tables at chair and bed on your good side. Everything accessible. I have had 6 shoulder procedures. It’s become a routine around here. Good luck.
Posted 2/19/2019 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your great ideas!
Luv- grocery deli is a great idea and also I was thinking about grocery delivery. All the stores around here offer it although I haven't used it yet.
Susie, I have started practicing using only my left hand for some things. I put my makeup on that way a few times. Not too bad but the eyebrows were a little funky.
Sherrine the freezer is my favorite kitchen "tool". Thanks for the suggestions. BTW we have baked potatoes all the time. I never thought about pre washing the whole bag. I put my taters in the frig too. Your idea is one I am using now just to save time fixing dinner. Thanks.
Way, I had to look up what H1 and H2 blockers were😊. I am already taking both for other problems I have. Thanks.
Big, I have been practicing fixing my hair but it's not so good. I have very short hair but it is extremely thin. I have to use lots of goop and creative styling to hide thin spots. I do have a wig from when I was in chemo but I don't like it. I am going to look at wigs next week. I figure my husband can help me put it on.
Thanks again to you all.
Posted 2/21/2019 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
Buy a few shirts that are button down and much to big for you (maybe from a thrift store?). That is what a friend of mine lived in for the first few weeks.
Posted 2/21/2019 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks<3. Great idea. We have many thrift shops here. In fact about a third of my wardrobe comes from them. Shopping I must go!
Posted 2/23/2019 10:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Puppylover...I had 4 disks removed from my cervical spine (neck) last July and bought a few inexpensive button down shirts from Amazon. Cheap and I got a few colors. They are a little big and tie at the waist along with the buttons so very easy to 'throw on'. I have had many joint replacements and surgeries and really have no friends just my husband to help out and I always managed to get along pretty well. I have not had shoulder surgery (knocking on wood, lol) but usually the functioning after surgeries is better than anticipated. So, my best wishes and gentle hugs to you. Please keep us updated and best of luck!
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