Shoulder Surgery Recovery and Rehab Essentials (Healing Moments)

Recently I underwent a rather extensive surgery on my shoulder that resulted in a protracted and difficult time of rehabilitation. I took that pic in the surgeon's office. I was happy until I found out I had to wear the sling for a few more weeks! 

I’ve learned a lot – from ways you can prepare before your surgery to discovering many items to purchase and ways to make your recovery a bit easier when you get home.

After watching hours and hours of YouTube videos and reading articles by surgeons and patients, my hope and prayer is that I can point you to resources to make your journey back to health more peaceful and less stressful.

I had an injury with two weeks to prepare. I suggest that you get used to using one arm. My dominant arm was operated on, so that made recovery more difficult. 

• Comfytemp Shoulder Ice Pack Rotator Cuff Cold Therapy Wrap: I could just have it placed over my shoulder. You will want to have this when you get home: https://amzn.to/4eLsfgq
• Bathing Wipes: You’ll be able to shower eventually, but until then having wipes really help you feel fresh and more like yourself. https://amzn.to/4eRfm4y
• Transfer Bench or Shower Chair: You’ll need assistance to bathe at first, so having a seat is a tremendous help. Here’s a transfer bench: https://amzn.to/4cqYRKS or chair https://amzn.to/4eUE1Fu
• Grab Bars: Helpful while getting in and out of shower or tub. https://amzn.to/45TTVvs
• TIP: If you are on Medicare, some plans cover the bench, chair, grab bars, and more. Check with your insurance plan.
• Mesh Arm Sling for Shower: Because my dominant arm was operated on, I used a shower sling. I didn’t want to automatically grab for something in the shower. Probably a good idea for either arm. https://amzn.to/3xRlIQP
• Amazon Basics Extra Large Flushable Wipes: Because everything is more difficult. ‘Nuff said. J https://amzn.to/3xEC5QK
• Electric Lift Chair: We already had a recliner, but if you don’t, it’s nice to have an electric one during your recovery. https://amzn.to/4byjRhB
• Adjustable Bed: Sleeping is a huge issue after surgery. https://amzn.to/3Lf788L
• Wedge Pillow: Whether you put it under your knees or behind your back, a wedge pillow will come in handy. https://amzn.to/3zzD5WT
• Toddler Pillows: I found that the small pillows on either side in the bed propped my arm up on either side and helped me sleep on my back slightly more comfortably. They also help in a recliner.
• TIP: Put them UNDER the sheet so they don’t move around on you. https://amzn.to/4cRMHKR
• Travel Pillow: Instead of using a traditional pillow, I put a travel pillow around my neck, one more way I can sleep on my back. https://amzn.to/3zzE3T1
• Dental Picks: Have you ever tried to floss your teeth with one hand? Ummm…no. You can’t. lol! Here you go: https://amzn.to/4eMODWZ
• Sleep Bra: You can wear a bra with a soft, wide strap after a while. https://amzn.to/4byVFvp
• Tank Top: I wore loose tops with big sleeves and wore tank tops with wide straps a lot either under my tops or alone: https://amzn.to/4bym7W7
• Lounge Pants: It’s nice to have something comfy to wear that you can pull up with one hand. Lounge pants fit the bill: https://amzn.to/3WbizVm
• Underwear: Speaking of pulling things up, think ahead and buy panties a little larger than usual and silky on the outside so you can pull them up with one hand. https://amzn.to/45TDkIo
• Spray Antiperspirant: One of the small things you don’t think of: https://amzn.to/3Llxnu5
• Empty Pump Bottles: Either buy your essentials with pumps or put your shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and lotion into bottles like these that you can dispense with one hand: https://amzn.to/3VTmm8u
• Squeeze Bottle: These can be used one-handed for things like mouthwash and water to rinse. https://amzn.to/4cV0LDv
• Weighted Utensils: These may seem unnecessary, but if you are having to eat with the ‘wrong’ hand, they come in handy: https://amzn.to/3RXtuQ3
• Silicone Trivets: These are a MUST have to open water bottles, etc. Set one on the counter and push down to open with another one on top. As you’re able to use your operative arm, these really keep you from twisting too much. https://amzn.to/4bxAv0L
• Elastic Shoe Laces: You want to have shoes that you can put on with one hand. If you wear sneakers, put these in and you turn them into slip-ons: https://amzn.to/4cSzAZO
• Owala Water Bottle: I know there are tons of water bottles to buy, but these are my hands-down favorite. It has a built-in straw and for our purposes, a locking lid and a handle. https://amzn.to/4cBiy2H
• Shawl: If you’re having surgery during a cooler season, a shawl’s the ticket. I’ve always worn them and have many, but after this surgery, I really put them to good use. https://amzn.to/3LgGH2y

If I think of any more useful items, I will add them. If you’d like to leave suggestions in the comments, I’m sure others would appreciate it as well. Prayers for your recovery and mine.