Mandylubug Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 I have been reading up on recovery for my DHs shoulder surgery that will happen on Friday. I have read to sleep in a recliner or with a plethora of pillows. We will have to do the pile of pillows. No recliner at our disposal. I've rounded up plenty of loose t-shirts, sports shorts and pants with elastic waists to be easier to pull up. Any other tips to make his recovery smoother? He will be without use of his arm completely for at least 2 weeks. We were told to plan on it being immobilized for 4 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeteranMom Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 I don't envy you or him. Shoulder surgery is usually a pretty painful recovery and he's likely going to need you to help him quite a bit. I'd buy or borrow a recliner and make that happen. There is no way my dh would've been able to sleep without it (after his shoulder surgery). Is the doctor going to have him using an Iceman or some sort of icing device? If not, I'd get some good ice packs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 I don't envy you or him. Shoulder surgery is usually a pretty painful recovery and he's likely going to need you to help him quite a bit. I'd buy or borrow a recliner and make that happen. There is no way my dh would've been able to sleep without it (after his shoulder surgery). Is the doctor going to have him using an Iceman or some sort of icing device? If not, I'd get some good ice packs. eeek, I have NO CLUE. DH is at the pre op appointment as I type. He is having a labrum tear repaired. Dr. said it would be an easier repair than say a rotator cuff repair but to still plan on being out of work for months. Dr asked him how he got a "baseball pitcher injury" while throwing bags in the belly of a plane. We still aren't quite sure how it happened other than it did, haha! The movement of his throws are different and lower than a pitcher that typically injures this area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 We have this kind of chair and the ottoman but not a recliner. It isn't tall enough for his head to rest back without him truly slouching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 My dh had a labral tear surgery last year. No way could he have slept in a bed. Try to find a recliner if you can. I think he slept in that for almost two weeks. It was very painful and the drugs made him a real bear. He will probably be given an ice machine. Those are awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 You need to get button down shirts that are larger than he needs. He will have a sling and not be able to move his arm at all for two weeks. We cut a thin tank top up the side so we could slip that over his shoulder. The button down went on his good arm and the just over his shoulder on the injured side. For t-shirts we slit those up the side, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 You need to get button down shirts that are larger than he needs. He will have a sling and not be able to move his arm at all for two weeks. We cut a thin tank top up the side so we could slip that over his shoulder. The button down went on his good arm and the just over his shoulder on the injured side. For t-shirts we slit those up the side, too. Thank you for this as well. I was considering cutting and sewing hems in the shirts to attach velcro so that the shirts can be closed in case DH wants to leave the house. Another friend mentioned he won't feel like leaving home and it was a waste of time. Any opinions? Would your dh have enjoyed being able to velcro it shut like a shirt or did he just cover it with a button down shirt and happy to go as is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 If you don't have an appropriate place to sleep, tell the dr's office asap. They may be able to get a hospital bed prescribed. If you have gotten an attorney, s/he would work on helping you with this. Just call today and not once you get home late at night and wonder why nothing can be done then... ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Thank you for this as well. I was considering cutting and sewing hems in the shirts to attach velcro so that the shirts can be closed in case DH wants to leave the house. Another friend mentioned he won't feel like leaving home and it was a waste of time. Any opinions? Would your dh have enjoyed being able to velcro it shut like a shirt or did he just cover it with a button down shirt and happy to go as is? Velcro might work. My dh just tucked the cut ends and use the button down/ zip up We bought zip up sweatshirts at Target for leaving the house. My dh was pretty desperate after two weeks to get out of the house. So much so that he was threatening to drive! Like I said, the drugs- wow! We went pretty much everywhere normal after the two weeks. My dh does not like to sit still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Well, my DH is going to be beat by me before surgery even happens. He went to post op alone. Said they didn't mention anything special about ice, to just use ice when needed, he could do some pendulum exercises starting sunday, can remove bandages tuesday. Of course, he will still be in sling all other times. They told him it looks like there is a possible bicep tear AND a labrum tear. If so, it will be a 3 hour surgery. If just labrum, about 1.5 to 2 hours. DH is playing it off as nothing. Not interested in a recliner or asking them about an ice machine, etc... He is such a stubborn man. I am going to injure his left arm when he walks in the door. I predict pain and chaos when we get home friday evening :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MicheleinMN Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 We did get the recliner for our son, but no ice machine. They didn't even send him home with a cold pack, so I bought 2 or 3 of them to rotate. Ds was on meds the first week and then went to ibuprofen for pain. The doc has kept in in a sling for 6 weeks so far, but he's an 18 yo guy and my wild child too. (We called him Bam Bam when he was little.) Ds had both anterior and posterior tears repaired, so YMMV. Ds actually slept better on the couch with pillows the first couple of days, but he's preferred the recliner since then. My best advice is to keep on top of the pain meds, so you aren't trying to play catch up with the pain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Well, my DH is going to be beat by me before surgery even happens. He went to post op alone. Said they didn't mention anything special about ice, to just use ice when needed, he could do some pendulum exercises starting sunday, can remove bandages tuesday. Of course, he will still be in sling all other times. They told him it looks like there is a possible bicep tear AND a labrum tear. If so, it will be a 3 hour surgery. If just labrum, about 1.5 to 2 hours. DH is playing it off as nothing. Not interested in a recliner or asking them about an ice machine, etc... He is such a stubborn man. I am going to injure his left arm when he walks in the door. I predict pain and chaos when we get home friday evening :/ Wow! DH wasn't even able to take his sling off for a week. Even then it was only to shower then right back on. Your DH sounds like mine afa treating it like no big deal. Lol I'll be honest, it was was a really bad time in our marriage. :/ Just make sure you go to all appts so you can enforce what the Dr. says. He did not want to listen and was very angry when I told him what he could/ couldn't do. He's lucky he's still alive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Wow! DH wasn't even able to take his sling off for a week. Even then it was only to shower then right back on. Your DH sounds like mine afa treating it like no big deal. Lol I'll be honest, it was was a really bad time in our marriage. :/ Just make sure you go to all appts so you can enforce what the Dr. says. He did not want to listen and was very angry when I told him what he could/ couldn't do. He's lucky he's still alive! hahaha I just messaged my SIL asking to borrow a recliner. He can bite me :p If we aren't going to get prescribed an ice machine, I am going to round up some ice packs. We have about 3 or four already from physical therapy appointments. DH will NOT listen to Drs instructions. After his knee surgery five years ago, a week after surgery he was under my van changing a battery when I came home from grocery shopping. So stubborn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 hahaha I just messaged my SIL asking to borrow a recliner. He can bite me :p If we aren't going to get prescribed an ice machine, I am going to round up some ice packs. We have about 3 or four already from physical therapy appointments. DH will NOT listen to Drs instructions. After his knee surgery five years ago, a week after surgery he was under my van changing a battery when I came home from grocery shopping. So stubborn. Oh yes, so very much like my husband. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VeteranMom Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 hahaha I just messaged my SIL asking to borrow a recliner. He can bite me :p If we aren't going to get prescribed an ice machine, I am going to round up some ice packs. We have about 3 or four already from physical therapy appointments. DH will NOT listen to Drs instructions. After his knee surgery five years ago, a week after surgery he was under my van changing a battery when I came home from grocery shopping. So stubborn. Good for you. He'll thank you- in the end. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 DH will NOT listen to Drs instructions. After his knee surgery five years ago, a week after surgery he was under my van changing a battery when I came home from grocery shopping. So stubborn. Just gotta step in here a little bit. It's not really stubborn. It's different strokes for different folks. If things feel fine... why not? Most of us "stubborn" folks will let our bodies tell us what they can and can't do - at least - after a little bit of experience. Hubby had his wisdom teeth out this past summer and didn't miss a beat. Others need more time to heal. There is no "one" correct plan for afterward. But... I think you're smart borrowing a recliner, having pillows on hand, and getting ice packs. Just don't be too hard on him if HE feels he's ok sooner than expected (or later). He very well could be. I know several who heal pretty quickly - and some who don't. Stubborn is having something one needs to do and refusing to do it or have it done. I'm well aware of the feeling. ;) It's not a difference in how one heals or how quickly they feel up to doing things afterward (with a few exceptions). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Oh, and my hubby has been essentially banned from almost all of my dr appts. I did take him along when they said they required someone else to drive... He really can get too worried/"shelter-ish." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4kidlets4me Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 I had shoulder surgery in October. Bicep tear, labrum tear. I had a nerve block so came home completely numb but they stressed to take the pain meds that night anyway so it didn't wear off and I was in pain. It didn't wear off till the next afternoon. I was in a sling 24/7 besides to shower for 6 weeks. Couldn't drive for that 6 weeks either. A recliner is a must. No way I could have slept laying down, even now I can't sleep on my side. I could not dress my self for probably 3 weeks and even now I can't put my own bra on. I'm still in physical therapy, my surgeon says I'll need to go for another 2 months at least. He told me it would be a year before my shoulder is completely healed and back to normal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Just gotta step in here a little bit. It's not really stubborn. It's different strokes for different folks. If things feel fine... why not? Most of us "stubborn" folks will let our bodies tell us what they can and can't do - at least - after a little bit of experience. Hubby had his wisdom teeth out this past summer and didn't miss a beat. Others need more time to heal. There is no "one" correct plan for afterward. But... I think you're smart borrowing a recliner, having pillows on hand, and getting ice packs. Just don't be too hard on him if HE feels he's ok sooner than expected (or later). He very well could be. I know several who heal pretty quickly - and some who don't. Stubborn is having something one needs to do and refusing to do it or have it done. I'm well aware of the feeling. ;) It's not a difference in how one heals or how quickly they feel up to doing things afterward (with a few exceptions). If it's a work claim you have to be really careful about what you are seen doing, though. I don't care how much my dh felt he could do. It matters what an investigator thinks coupled with doctor's orders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 13, 2015 Author Share Posted January 13, 2015 Well recliner isn't available after all. I've considered going to a rent furniture type place like Aarons. I just don't know how it works for returning furniture etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 If he had torn it at home, yes, rent something on your own, but this is part of an accepted work injury. You shouldn't have to be spending money out of your pocket right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkTulip Posted January 13, 2015 Share Posted January 13, 2015 Here's a tip if you do end up with an ice machine: they are kind of tricky and don't like the kind of ice that your freezer makes, but more the kind you have to but at the store. That can get expensive pretty quick. We froze several 16.9-oz size water bottles and three fit in the machine we had perfectly. Fill the rest with the coldest water you can get, and it's the same result for a lot less money. We kept about 8 bottles in the freezer at all times so we could switch them out and always have frozen ones. Good luck to him and to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4kidlets4me Posted January 14, 2015 Share Posted January 14, 2015 We bought a recliner off Craigslist for $75 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 16, 2015 Author Share Posted January 16, 2015 Tomorrow is the big day. We drive off at 4am. We have stocked up our pantry so I shouldn't have to leave to shop for a few days. Kids are with the in laws tonight. We do have a family member that has offered a recliner to borrow if needed. DH wants to come home and try our bed lounge pillow that has arm rests for reading in bed. He thinks it may work fine in bed and sofa. I have 3 ice packs, well large bags of green peas. They worked better than gel packs when he had knee surgery a few years back. We filled his pain meds and have them ready for consumption. I should really be asleep but naturally not ready to sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 Do exactly what the doctor says re recovery for as long as he says to do it. A relative ignore orders and had to have surgery redone for overdoing things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 16, 2015 Author Share Posted January 16, 2015 Do exactly what the doctor says re recovery for as long as he says to do it. A relative ignore orders and had to have surgery redone for overdoing things. I will definitely threaten him haha. He is being prepped now :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
creekland Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 I will definitely threaten him haha. He is being prepped now :) May it all go well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 Grab some stool softener to take along with the pain meds. Each dose... Pharmacies really should bundle those! ;) Hope everything goes well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted January 16, 2015 Author Share Posted January 16, 2015 We are home! No bicep tear. Just the labrum and he said it was small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 Grab some stool softener to take along with the pain meds. Each dose... Pharmacies really should bundle those! ;) Hope everything goes well! Yes, great idea. We used Jarrow Gentle Fibers. I had to force feed, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Peregrine Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 We are home! No bicep tear. Just the labrum and he said it was small. Yay! Glad you're home. Happy recovering to your dh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted January 16, 2015 Share Posted January 16, 2015 Oh wow! I just had surgery Tuesday. Torn rotator cuff and a couple of other problems. Can't take prescript pain meds because I've learned the pain is better than the pain plus nausea. Just hang in there! i've got six weeks in one of these immobilizers and then therapy. Pain lessens everyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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