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. https://amzn.to/3xEC5QK
- Dressing Stick: https://amzn.to/4gHSwxi
- 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 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 this is 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.
UPDATE:
As I have made progress with my therapy, I will add useful items.
- Shoulder Pulleys for Physical Therapy: I tried another set before these and ended up with some hand issues. These are my recommended ones: https://amzn.to/4ejS1b9
- Dumbbell Set: I have some weights, but needed some one-pound ones. I never thought I'd start with such light weights! This set has three different sets with the soft finish making them easier to hold. https://amzn.to/3N2ETLk
- Heating Pad: Since I'm a little further along, I'm able to use heat which is soothing to me. I'm not a fan of ice. Brrr! Here's a nice, big soft pad I found: https://amzn.to/3TMlLVL
