Shoulder surgery, also known as arthroscopic or rotator cuff surgery, repairs torn ligaments in the shoulder, replaces the shoulder joint, or stabilizes the shoulder joint. Recovery from shoulder surgery can take many months, however following post-op instructions after the surgery may help you heal properly and feel more comfortable.
Recovery Room
Immediately after surgery, you will feel groggy and sedated as you probably have been given strong pain medications. You will be resting in a recovery room while the pain medications wear off. Your doctor may allow you to go home after you leave the recovery room; or if your surgery was particularly difficult, long, or there were complications, you may need to recover in the hospital overnight.
Medications
When you go home from the hospital, you may have some pain and discomfort. Take any prescribed pain medications as needed. Your doctor should have also given you a prescription antibiotic to ward off an infection. Be sure to take these prescriptions exactly as instructed by your doctor.
Keep Incision Wound Dry
Keep the incision wound dry until your doctor says its okay to get it wet. Either bathe in a tub, keeping your shoulder dry, or cover your shoulder with a plastic bag while showering.
Infection
If you notice your incision wound becoming more painful, swelling excessively, or draining pus, you may have an infection, so call your doctor. The first day you are home from your surgery, a slightly higher temperature of approximately 100° F may be normal. If you continue to have a fever for several days and/or have flu-like symptoms, call your doctor.
Sleep Position
You may feel more comfortable and get more sleep, if you sleep sitting upright in a reclining chair. This will enable you to keep your shoulder elevated, reducing swelling. Stabilize your arm with pillows propped up underneath it and do not put any pressure on your shoulder. If you do sleep in your bed, do not sleep on your side or stomach.
Swelling
Some swelling is to be expected in the first couple weeks after surgery. The swelling will go down gradually. You can help it along by using ice packs on your shoulder for 20-minute increments once every other hour.
Arm Sling
Your doctor should have sent you home with an arm sling. For most shoulder surgeries, you will be required to wear the sling all the time except when doing prescribed exercises. For the first few weeks after surgery, try not to use your arm. Your sling is meant to keep your shoulder immobile so you will heal properly.
Your doctor may also advise you not to drive a car for as long as six weeks after surgery. Physical therapy will start several weeks after your surgery.
Tags: your shoulder, after surgery, weeks after, pain medications, weeks after surgery