When your rehabilitation is done, you’ll feel so thankful that you underwent your corrective shoulder procedure, but for the first few days and weeks after your operation, life may be a little more challenging. If a friend or family member is set to undergo a shoulder surgery operation, don’t just sit on the sidelines while they try their best. There are a number of things you can do to help someone who recently underwent shoulder surgery, and we spotlight five ways you can be helpful in today’s blog.
Rides To The Clinic
The patient will likely need some help getting to and from their appointments or home after surgery, so consider offering them a ride. People may have different driving restrictions after their operation, but odds are they will not be able to drive home right after the operation. Offer to provide them with that ride, or help them get to follow up appointments if they can’t drive for a while.
Prepare Some Meals
It may be a little more difficult to cook if they are limited to one arm, so consider bringing over a healthy meal or two. If your friend can’t easily cook, they may rely on fast food or delivery, and those tend to lead to unhealthy food choices. This can lead to weight gain or inflammation, which can cause problems for their recovery. Bring over a healthy meal or drop off a healthy dinner that can be easily reheated so that they have quick access to a smart dietary choice.
Errands
You can also offer to run some errands for your friend as they recover. Even if driving is allowed, grocery shopping or pushing a cart with one arm won’t be an easy task, so offer to help with any errands. Grab some groceries, pick up their prescriptions, drop off their kids at soccer practice or offer to run some errands that may be a little difficult in the first few days of their shoulder recovery.
Company
Undergoing shoulder surgery can sometimes be an isolating experience, especially if a person will have to go through months of recovery before they can return to their job. Simply providing them with a little company can make a world of difference for that person who may feel a bit isolated during their recovery. Carve out time for regular visits, or call them weekly to show that you haven’t forgotten about them.
Get A Little Gift
Finally, if you want to get your friend or family member a little get-well gift, grab something that will help assist with their recovery. Some smart gifts to consider include:
- Clothes that are easy to put on (button ups, sandals, sweatpants)
- Uber/Lyft gift card
- Grocery store gift card
- Pay for housekeeping services
- Books, movies, streaming subscriptions, anything to keep them entertained!
If you can do even just one of these things listed above, your friend or family member will be in a much better place during their recovery, so see if there’s a way that you can lend them a hand. For more ways to help someone after shoulder surgery, or to talk with a specialist about shoulder discomfort you’re experiencing, reach out to Dr. Holloway today at (865) 410-7887.
