Shoulder Considerations and Preparation

Wow, there’s a lot I need to do prior to this surgery. Luckily I’ve been made aware of some things to buy or practice, but wow, there’s a lot.

Thank goodness for you-tube. Found some videos that demonstrate how to get dressed and undressed, and yes, bathroom considerations of all kinds. For example bar soaps might slip out of ones hand, whereas pump dispensers are easier.

Sounds like I might want to get a sling to practice with, since it can be recommended to have a spare one anyway. It’s one thing to practice only using your other hand/arm, but to keep your surgical arm where it needs to be, not lose one’s balance, sounds like it’s a bit tougher than I might anticipate. Practicing opening medicine bottles. How short should I get my hair cut this time? Hair washing for 3+ months one arm may get tiring pretty quick.

Still re-calibrating my head to accept that this surgery will be so much worse than last year’s. Last year's major surgery involved removal and shuffling of internal organs, but it wasn’t that bad, all things considered with. I felt considerably better after 3 weeks, and had no restrictions at 6 weeks. This one we’re looking at 6 weeks in a sling, 6 months of physical therapy, and hoping pain subsides by 9-12 months later. Yikes.