Hopefully you are as excited as we are for the prospect of your new artificial shoulder, and while we all want the surgery to go well, this won’t happen by accident. We’ll do everything in our power to help you have a successful operation, but you play a big role in this process as well, and much of this actually occurs before your surgery. In today’s blog, we share some tips for preparing for your shoulder replacement operation.
Shoulder Replacement Preparation Tips
If you take some proactive steps prior to your operation, you can greatly increase your likelihood of having a smooth operation and recovery. Here are some ways to prepare for your shoulder replacement procedure.
- Arrange A Ride – Due to the physical effects of the surgery and the fact that you may still be affected by the anesthesia after your discharge, you are going to need to have someone drive you home from your appointment. Line up a ride to and from the clinic well in advance of your day of surgery.
- Prehab – Many people think that there’s no use in doing therapy exercises on their shoulder since it is going to be replaced, but that’s simply not true. A number of the muscles, ligaments and tendons that help to support your shoulder joint will remain, and if you can make them stronger and more flexible before surgery, they will be more functional after your operation. Ask your surgeon about some physical therapy exercises that you can perform in the lead up to your operation to help make your shoulder stronger.
- Clean The House – Your shoulder may not be in great shape prior to the operation, but it will be even less functional in the immediate aftermath of your procedure. You’re not going to want to come home to a house that needs to be vacuumed or laundry that needs to be completed. Pick up your house so that you don’t need to worry about doing any housework upon your return from shoulder surgery.
- Prepare Some Healthy Meals – Cooking with one arm isn’t impossible, but it’s also not easy. Instead of trying to prepare some healthy meals with only one arm, prepare some easy-to-reheat options that will make mealtime a breeze after your return home from your operation. Relying on fast food or delivery options can oftentimes lead to unhealthy food choices that can contribute to inflammation and weight gain at a time when activity is limited. Have some healthy options in the freezer so that you always have access to healthy options.
- Follow You Doctor’s Prep Instructions – Your doctor will give you some specific instructions for how to prepare for your operation, and it’s imperative that you heed these instructions. You’ll be told when to stop taking certain medications and what food and drink restrictions you’ll need to adhere to, and failing to follow these instructions can lead to the postponement of your operation. If you have questions about any of these preparations, be sure to ask!
- Give Up Smoking – If you’re a smoker, you’ll really want to try to kick the habit prior to your operation. Smoking can greatly increase your risk of complications during your recovery, so work hard to reduce or completely stop the habit. If you need assistance with this process, bring it up to your care team.
- Stay Positive – Finally, we know that the prospect of surgery can be a little daunting, but if you focus on the positives, we’re confident that you’ll be in the right headspace prior to your operation. Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, think about all of the things you’ll be able to do again once the procedure goes as expected. You’ll be able to get back to doing many of the physical activities that you once loved that have been hindered because of shoulder pain. You should be excited about your operation and the improvements to your quality of life that it will bring. Having a positive mental mindset is just as important as improving your physical health prior to the operation.
If you follow these tips and trust your operation to Dr. Holloway and his team, we know that you’ll have a wonderful surgery and recovery. For more information about shoulder replacement or a different shoulder issue, give Dr. Holloway and his team a call today at (865) 410-7887.
