Sports Injuries Support Group

i just had my left shoulder done july 16th2009 and my right in dec of 2006 im not sure if you have more than a tear but i went through 6 months of therpy on left which was really hard because i have ra overlap of lupus so i have other issues to. the surgery itself wasnt bad but what i would make sure i have is pillows to prop your arm up on for bedtime and if your have a recliner that would work better than trying to lay down in bed also plenty ziplock bags to put your ice in if you dont have a ice bag that you put in freezer or a iceman cause that is going to be your friend for awhile. make sure you get like a end table or side table next to you with all your necess meds water snacks what ever you think you might need. a sportsbra shirts that are easy to put on and that are loose your hair shampoo and condition cause its going to really be hard to do that. bath time put towel on bottom of tub so you dont slip or some kind of mat this is going to be really difficutl at first and may tire you so if you can get some help with that for the first 2wks that would help alot. when are you having your surgery? im sorry theres no one going to there to help you. im here were all here if you need to ask for advice on something cause i might have forgotten a few things and if i did i will post them for ya. well let us know how your doing and i wish you nothing but the best with your surgery and afterwards.

oh yea and i forgot shoes. try and get some thats slip on or velcro cause its going to be hard to tye your shoes for awhile.

i am taking notes and making them into a plan of action, like preparing for a long time visit somewhere where you would want to remember everything you need ahead of time.

please everyone who has gone through this i really need your comments and all advice i am getting is so greatly appreciated!!!

i ordered a bunch of things thru the mail to assist me when i have the shoulder surgery and can't do as much for myself. i was hoping it would come soon as some of the things i need to modify and some i need to practice using with only my left hand.

i got:
-adult bibs (pk of three) because eating with my left hand will be messy during the period when i won't be allowed to lift the right arm.

-some back braces that i will modify to become arm immobilizers since i went to the store that sells these things and they didn't come in anything close to my size! i saw the design and i can sew so i will make my own! i wanted to get one ahead of time just to be able to practice with so i could learn how to use my left arm for what i normally do with two hands or just with right hand.

-a fleece cape because it will be dead of winter when i have this done and not having to put my immobilized arm in a coat sleeve will be great.

-a terry bath cape because there is no way to wrap and tuck a towel around me with one hand, tried it and it didn't work.

-a bottle pump spray dry shampoo so i don't have to wash and dry my hair so often. i learned how to wash it one handed. drying it is another story.

-a thing called a bed caddie, it is something you attached to the end of your bed and you grab a hold of it and can lift yourself up to a sitting position. this will be a tremendous help in the mornings as it is already difficult to get out of bed using two arms because of my back!

-two packs of ready bath wipes, these will help me wash up without having to get in the tub in between baths. i will want my son or DIL here to help me if i need it when i am actually in a slippery bath tub trying to get in and out. again not the easiest thing to do two handed.

-'as seen on TV' the windshield wonder, with my back as it is i have an impossible time wiping my windshield off when it gets fogged up so this just made sense to have something on an extendable arm.

-the front closed bras are on back order and i need to practice using just one hand with these so i hope they come soon.

my husband just gave a tight-lipped look when the box and shipping bag came in (cause it was paid for out of the joint checking account) but oh &%$##@ well! he isn't going to help me. he threatened to knock me out when i asked him to get a can of soup from the bottom shelf for me the other night! i was terrified cause he could paralyze me so i called my son who wanted to knock him out police were called the whole nine yards. i know any help he gives me has to be his idea and not according to what i need.

Friend, maybe your surgery outcome would be better if hubby left on a vacation and you could have a friend stay with you?A long time friend? Like, my friend of 30 plus years had emergency appendectomy , called me from the hospital. so I flew up to be with her for a week, since she lived alone.
Also someone needs to pick up your meds, take care of animals.? Maybe the social worker at the hospital could get you some temporary help?
My elderly neighbor was in and out of the hospital, so then a social service person came to be with him maybe everyday at least for awhile. Good Luck, xoxox deee