My husband recently had rotator cuff repair. I think he has one more week to wear the sling. We borrowed a recliner from a friend. It’s a Stressless so not ideal for this purpose (slightly wider seat and more fully reclining would’ve been better). Easy pull on pants, button up the front shirts, an electric icing device (cold therapy) have all been helpful. He watched youtube videos of the procedure and enjoyed those😬

I had rotator cuff surgery two years ago. The best thing I bought for recovery was an adjustable bed. It was so much more comfortable than a recliner for sleeping. I used two ice machines, one upstairs next to the bed and one downstairs. Use frozen water bottles with the labels removed instead if ice. Lasts much longer.

I used a cami instead of a bra, no way I could get into a bra! Huge snap up shirts. Pull up pants.

Lots of meals prepared in advance.

I have been told shoulder replacement is a faster recovery than cuff repair. Hope I dont have to find out. I hated that sling.

I did the revovery mostly solo so if you have help, youll be fine.

I had total shoulder replacement 2 years ago. I highly recommend shirts that snap at the shoulder and side because they are very easy to get in and out of. I used them for every day wear as well as going to PT for several weeks. I took one for the day of surgery as well. I also bought a tank type one for night sleeping. If you dont have a recliner or adjustable bed, get a set of wedge pillows so that you can prop up during the day and sleep at night. I found having the wedge that also goes under the knees kept me from sliding down off the back wedge during the night. Purchase a circulating shoulder ice pack - it is well worth the cost. After a couple of weeks I was able to put the ice pack on by myself. My husband filled the cooler with ice and water and it would last all day. So if he had to leave during the day, I was able to put the ice pack on my shoulder without any assistance. Here are some pics of the items I’ve mentioned

My husband had shoulder replacement several years ago. He did very well after the surgery and you would never know he had it done.

The only things I would add are to get one of those sock pullers if you wear socks. It allows you to put on your own socks easily. And some like to use those grabber sticks to help with picking up items off the floor or a shelf. Many physical therapists use the stretch bands during rehab and it’s good to have some of those at home. Prior to your October surgery, I would recommend getting as strong and flexible as possible in both your good arms and the one you will have surgery on. The stretch bands are a good way to do that. If you go into the surgery weak, your recovery will take longer, I promise.

Best to you for an easy surgery and recovery. Glad you are planning ahead.

debra..I'm sorry to hear that you need a shoulder replacement 😢..my reverse shoulder replacement surgery wasn't planned..I fractured my humerus and had no choice..July 13 2025 is my 2 year anniversary of my surgery..

I'd think a planned surgery without trauma would be a better situation than mine..but I recovered and you will too!..

thank goodness for my power recliner and my husband..

I joined a Facebook shoulder replacement group..it was very helpful..a fairly small group (2k back then) with a knowledgeable, conscientious administrator..eventually I left the group..I was ready to move on without thinking and reading about shoulders..

do you remember that Sherry created a post for me?..it was so thoughtful and helpful..you might try to find it..

Oh my gosh, is this thread timely! My . DH has an appointment with a sports medicine surgeon for his right shoulder just one hour from now! We head out in 25 minutes. I am so looking forward to reading all your posts!

I also got good tips from Facebook groups, although you have to weed through the bad stories. I think anyone who had a complication seems more likely to post their story. I had almost no pain.

Which reminds me to have miralax and a stool softener handy if you do take pain meds. I took percocet once in the hospital and once at home and after that I took Tylenol.

Lynn, hope one good steroid shot fixes your husband but if he needs surgery, its really not so bad. Just get it over with.

Good advice, Dedtired! Just get it done! I think a lot of people are not prepared to be almost totally immobile for a week or two just after surgery with limited movement, lifting of anything, etc.

Lynn, DH’s surgery was on his right shoulder also. There was nothing wrong with his rotator cuff, just terribly arthritic in the joint. (Same with his hip he had replaced on same side a few months prior to the shoulder.) They have to cut thru the RC to get to the joint though so it’s as if you’ve had that surgery plus a little extra bonus, a new joint.

I failed to mention in my previous post that I had shoulder impingement due to acromion-clavicle ligament tear which was causing the acromion to push down on my rotator cuff. After X-rays and MRI, my orthopedic surgeon said he would do the AC ligament repair but he also mentioned that I had arthritis in the shoulder joint and to expect to need a shoulder replacement in about 5-7 years. Once I was in surgery, he saw that actually all of my cartilage was gone in the joint. He completed the planned surgery and on followup appt told me that I was going to need a total shoulder replacement. Because I play golf and my rotor cuff was not torn, he suggested the anatomical (conventional) replacement. I’m giving you all this info because I never was out of pain after the AC ligament repair. In fact, the pain was even worse than before I had the AC repair. BUT 5 months later when I had the shoulder replacement (had to recover from first surgery), I was completely free of pain after 48 hours. I had been in pain for 3 months prior to the first surgery and for 5 months after it until I had the total replacement. I was really dreading having the shoulder replacement but the recovery was so much easier than the first surgery. I did however have to go to physical therapy much longer than most because I had not been able to use my shoulder for such a long time. My physical therapy was about 5 months. I think the average is more like 6-8 weeks - anyone who has had PT - correct me if I’m wrong about that! I wish you a quick and full recovery!

Thank you to everyone who has commented so far. All of these suggestions are really helpful. I have been through other

major surgeries (back, neck, hips, very badly torn muscles in my glutes) so I am familiar with and have some of the

devices you folks have mentioned. I do have an adjustable bed, but it has several inches of memory foam and can

be difficult to move around in. I will definitely look into the clothing suggestions given.
lisaam, I have watched some videos but will do more.
destired, thanks for the meal preparation and the laxative reminder.
shayvet, thanks for your suggestions and the pictures of the clothing. I am going to ask for an ice machine to be provided.

my sister had one provided for her. Don’t want to spend the money if I don’t have to. Lol sounds like your situation was
definitely very different and it must have been hard! I will get as strong as I can. However, my other shoulder is not very
good either.

Outsideplaying, I was just looking up excercises for strengthening and made a PT appointment where a prescription is not needed and my insurance still pays. Good suggestions.

Ann….. how could you think I have forgotten about your fall, surgery and recovery? I feel like I was with you almost every step
Of the way….. do remember sherry’s post that started it all and read every post you make. I knew you would respond to this thread!
LynnNM, I hope all went well with your DH. Let us know.

debra

debra..it occurred to me that Sherry's post might be helpful to you too..I intended for do you remember? as a friendly reminder about the post..

I should've known that you would remember..

you're an experienced patient and I'm sure you'll be fine..👍

I really believe that gardening helped me heal physically and emotionally..

I read all of your posts too..🙂

Just to reinforce the tip on PT. You have a fair amount of time before the surgery to get yourself in the best shape you can before hand. Working with a PT person and dilligently doing a routine will help you a lot. If you are able to do more walking...increase your steps every day and maybe increase the speed you walk. Always good to improve your circulation and lung capacity before a surgery.

And no one has mentioned diet, but, that is always my first thought. A clean diet without take out food, processed foods. Trying to get as much nutrition into you makes a big difference. Make sure you are getting enough protein, lots of different vegetables, cooked and raw. Plenty of healthy fats.

Thank you prairiemoon2. I will admit that I am not walking like I used to. I like walking outside, but this recent weather (super

hot and bad air quality) keep me from doing it and I hate walking in the mall. (I know excuses excuses) I loved walking in the

pool at Lifetime when I can go in the 3 foot pool. I found though if I had to use the 4 foot water lanes, there was a pull on my arms

that aggravated my shoulders. But I also agree it’s best to walk wherever I can. Also, I am already not a fast food or junk food

eater. I do not eat processed foods. I do like sweets, but am not eating them constantly. I’m already in good shape healthwise. Not overweight, don’t have diabetes, good blood pressure. ( thank goodness). I am lucky enough to have a DH
that cooks for us and he’s pretty good with balancing the meals. Thank you for all of your suggestions! 😌

debra

Hi Debra, Well it sounds like you are doing very good!! All the health markers are important like your blood pressure etc. And home cooking, that's better than a lot of people.

As for walking, I don't enjoy the heat either. I have a very walkable neighborhood, all flat roads. Lots of people out walking their dogs. I wear a pedometer to keep track of my steps and I start out slow and small, even if it's just a block or two. It doesn't usually take long to work up to a longer distance. I increase in 3 day increments by small amounts - maybe just 1/2 a block. It's like a game. :-)

And I'm an early riser so all but the hottest days it feels comfortable to go early - it's 30m or less to start. And it's light out early now too. I don't go later in the day unless the weather is really comfortable. And a couple of times a week I will drive somewhere that I enjoy walking more and that offers hills. Then I work on picking up my speed and doing intervals. Even shopping trips, walking around a small town shopping area is interesting and you can put on the steps. Walking up and down stairs is a great way to get in shape. Start with 2 flights and work up to 10 a day. I find it an interesting challenge. If I get off course, I don't worry about it, just pick up where I need to and start over.

I was going to mention that one of my neighbors had shoulder surgery. Not a total replacement, but she and her husband both had to have it done. Rotator cuff surgery? They are doing really well. Going to PT - swimming. She said her husband had one shoulder done about 2 years ago and now that shoulder is stronger, and now he has had the other shoulder done and she had one of hers done.

No good advice, but I’m sorry to hear you’re having to go through another surgery. You’ve gotten lots of good suggestions here, and I know your DH will be helpful throughout the process. Keep us informed.

Debra- I hope all goes well for you. I know several people who have had their shoulders replaced and all of them have done well.

Lots of good suggestions here that I'll to remember. There are times the pain in my shoulder wakes me up or makes vacuuming difficult. I can put a half-gallon of milk in the refrigerator - but only on the middle shelf, I can't lift it higher nor can I raise a 1 pound weight above my head. A few months ago I saw a shoulder specialist and was surprised to learn that I wasn't a candidate for rotator cuff surgery. Both shoulders will need to be replaced in the future. It's up to me to decide when.

I had a reverse shoulder replacement in January. everything i have to say is positive. PT is work. basically the deltoid muscle has to learn to do the work of the rotator cuff

Im not giving exercises, but the concept of ”prehab” before surgery has merit.As you might guess its is physical therapy with the goal of improving surgery results. Over that long period of joint changes and deterioration we learn to avoid movements and activities that cause pain. So structures around the damaged joint become weaker . Appropriate supervised exercise can strengthen them and optimize flexibility.which can improve the surgical outcome.

To any physical therapists out there i hope i havent bungled the explanation.

I wish you good luck, but even more i wish you a skilled surgeon, competent nurses and hospital staff and a facility with excellent infection control.

Love love love all the information here! Lynn, so happy your DH will not need a replacement! I had a scope surgery on the

same shoulder some years ago. My recovery went very well. Recovery for replacements is more difficult. However

I do admit, my hip replacements went well. When I needed the torn gluteus tendons repaired, that was difficult. I couldn’t

Eat downstairs because I couldn’t put my foot down at all for the first three weeks. So using a walker one using only

one leg was very difficult. I needed help just getting out of bed many times. Also then my arthritic hands got very

sore. PM, thanks for your walking information about how you pace yourself and set goals. That’s something I can do

now. I see the PT on Tuesday.

debra

I forgot to say thanks for all the well wishes from everyone!

And, thank you, Debra for starting this great thread. I’ll be rooting for you in late-October when you have your surgery. Thanks to this, I know you’ll have everything ready!

I had reverse shoulder replacement in 2020. I'm not sure I would do it again. A lot of that had to do with the surgeon I had. If my impression is correct, he was all about achieving big numbers of surgeries. I had an appointment for a follow-up appointment on a day he had 50 appointments scheduled between 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM. (That's seeing 10 patients per hour.) Of course, all he ever did was look at the latest x-ray and say, "you're doing fine". (This was at a University of Texas hospital which is rated the best hospital in the area.)

The first surgeon I saw had a saying, "we treat the symptoms, not the x-ray". I believe the surgeon I had treated the x-ray.

Be that as it may, be aware that you will have to do PT as long as you live. Or more specifically, you will have to continue to do stretches for that shoulder to keep it flexible.

As I said, I would not do it again , but if I absolutely had to do it, it would not be with that Doctor for sure.

On the positive side, my cousin had the same surgery after a bad fall and has done very well. Maybe I've done very well, but my resentment for the surgeon taints the experience.

By the way, he's left UTSW and gone into private practice. Yeah!!!!!!!

bkay

Oh, by the way, your PT is your best ally and friend. I thank the Lord that I had her.

Sorry you had such a bad experience bkay. The surgeons I have are a father and son who work together on replacements.

They did both of my hip replacements and I recovered very well. Unfortunately for me I have a veeeery long history

with this Orthopaedic group. The doctors doing my replacement are both wonderful people. So, I feel fortunate to know

them so well as I prepare for my surgery. I had my first “pre-surgery “ PT appointment yesterday so I plan to be ready. 👍🏽

debra

I'm happy for you. Don't forget the PT. That is what makes a successful surgery.

bkay

Lynn, here’s a peek at me in my sling. Once I was rid of it, I swore Id never use velcro again. Good luck to your husband. Honestly, the recovery wasnt all that bad, just a big nuisance.

One thing I forgot...

Because the slant of your shoulder is changed, your bra strap will tend to slip off your shoulder. When I asked my PT about it, she explained the slant of the shoulder thing. She suggested those that the straps cross in the back. They are not real common.

I've ended up wearing sports bras most of the time.

bkay

Well, this thread has been so helpful for me getting ready for DH’s outpatient surgery this coming Monday morning (7/14). I went ahead and bought this amazing bed pillow package via A….n. DH is very impressed with the quality, although he doubts he will need them all. We’ll see, though. I can see myself using some while reading in bed once he’s rehabbed. Ded, his sling looks like yours, but has a rectangular soft pillow to fit under his upper arm right under the shoulder.

bkay, thanks for the tip about the bra......interesting.

Lynn, I hope all goes well with your hubby's surgery. I'm sure it will!

debra

I had noticed the angle of my operated shoulder was different but i only figured out 6 months post op why my bathing suit strap was falling down constantly. i have buy a new one and theres a few obstacles such as the diminished range of motion especially reaching round the back. i cant imagine how id get into a racing back or cross back.

i do water aerobics and the suit must be functional . marie

Lynn, does he have a little red ball on his sling? I could have taken it off but I used it to rest my hand.

Lynn, hope your husband’s surgery goes well and he has a good recovery!

Fro those that had a reverse shoulder replacement, is the shoulder angle change typical of having a reversed replacement? I had the anatomical correct replacement and if anything my shoulder is more aligned than before which was a pleasant outcome! For some time prior to my replacement, I always had to have a shorter bra strap on that shoulder.

Thank you. I’m at the hospital now waiting while he’s in surgery.

DH ( and I) are home post-surgery. There was more to repair once they got in there, but the surgeon is very pleased with the results.
@ Ded: yes, he has the sling with the exercise ball attached to it, although his ball is blue.

I came back here to see if your DH was through the surgery ok, Lynn. Glad to hear he is doing well. Let the healing begin!

Hope DH is doing okay. The first couple days are te hardest, but with help, Im sure he ’s doing fine.

Whoever said I never wanted to see Velcro again after you moved out of this sling. . . I already totally agree!!!!