Coping alone after a shoulder replacement

Hi @Rosiepup

I haven't had a shiny new shoulder but I have had two shoulder subacromial decompressions and a shiny new hip.

With my shoulders I was in a sling and what my grandson called a huge blue marshmallow support. I did find it incredibly difficult to sleep to start with but found being supported by as many pillows as I could around me and under my arm virtually sitting up helped.

Forget the bra for the next few weeks, use a vest for modesty. Forget socks and shoes too. Luckily it's summer. Slip on shoes/crocs/flip flops.

Big baggy tops with no sleeves or short sleeves and trousers that pull up easily will be the way to go. No buttons or zips.

When I had my hip done, because that was so swollen, I bought baggy cargo pants with lots of pockets that are so comfortable and easy to pull up.

Pads for unwanted leaks because you take longer when you get to the bathroom and practice using your other hand if your operated side is your dominant side .

Forget showers or baths for a few weeks, I used water wipes (other brands are available in the baby aisle but have additives/moisturisers) which are just what they say on the label and come in a pack of four. Reasonably cheap, nappy bags to shove them in after use. Dry shampoo works well for your hair, shops own brand works well.

I have a split sink so I stand my kettle on the divider between the two to fill up with as much water as I need, alternatively use a jug

I would suggest microwave meals while you are in a sling. Either make them yourself and freeze them, supermarket versions or there are companies that you can order on line and they deliver to your door. Nutritionally balanced we found mum loved them when we were looking after her, they either go in the oven or microwave/airfryer and lots of options for mains starters and puds. They go on your freezer, mums delivery man put them in hers for us. Lots of companies do the, we used one with farm foods and Wiltshire in the name. They weren't too expensive either. Loosen lids on jars if coffee etc so you can open them easily.

I expect, as with my hip, you will be given advice from the physio and some exercises before you go home. Doing the physio is extremely important no matter how simple the exercises seem I have a huge box of my favourite chocs as a treat that I can only have when I've completed each set of exercises. Schedule your painkillers for about 20 minutes before your physio. It will help.

I hope this helps a bit, I know it's not the same but similar experiences.

Good luck

Trish