To go to the bathroom after shoulder surgery, you adjust your wiping technique or use adaptive tools if your arm movement is limited.
After shoulder surgery you should wipe from the front and lean forward slightly on the toilet to create space and then use your non surgical or non dominant hand from the front.
Switch hands and practice using your non dominant hand for basic hygiene tasks before your surgery to build coordination and move at a comfortable angle.
Using gentle arm movements below shoulder level won't harm your surgical repair, although you can modify your reach based on your current soreness.
A bidet attachment or portable electric bidet are good to use after shoulder surgery as well as they clean the area with water and remove the need to twist or reach.
You can also try using a bottom wiping aid, such as a long handled tool called a Bottom Buddy, which holds the toilet paper securely and extends your reach if twisting or bending backward causes pain.
You can also place a free standing toilet paper holder within easy reach of your good side, so that you don't have to struggle to unroll toilet paper with one hand.
After shoulder surgery you have to wait at least 48 hours to 72 hours before you can shower if you had arthroscopic shoulder surgery as long as your doctor or surgeon has used waterproof dressings or has given explicit approval.
Although if you've had open surgery for shoulder surgery, with a larger incision, you often must wait to shower until your doctor removes the stitches or gives you the green light, which is often around 5 to 7 days.
If your surgeon didn't use a waterproof dressing, cover the incision securely using some plastic wrap or a waterproof shield taped tightly to your skin before showering.
And you should not submerge your shoulder in a swimming pool, bathtub or hot tub for at least 4 weeks to 6 weeks, or until the incisions are closed completely and healed.
Also make sure you protect the arm and remove your sling, before showering, but keep your arm that was operated on relaxed at your side and don't raise your arm or scrub the area of the incision.
let the soapy water gently run over the area and then pat it dry carefully using a clean towel.
Also don't put any ointments, lotions, or alcohol on your fresh incisions unless your surgeon specifically tells you to do so.
After shoulder surgery, you can also sleep in a bed right away, as long as you use supportive wedge pillows to keep your upper body elevated at a 30 to 45 degree angle.
Many people who have had shoulder surgery, find sleeping in a recliner easier for the first couple of weeks, although you can sleep in your bed immediately after shoulder surgery, as long as you use a wedge pillow or stack some firm pillows to stay upright.
Sleep on your back or semi reclined and avoid sleeping completely flat or on your stomach after the shoulder surgery and keep your operative arm supported with a pillow underneath it and continue wearing your sling as directed by your surgeon and surgical team.
Most people can then gradually lower their sleeping incline and return closer to a flat position around 4 weeks to 6 weeks, after they're cleared by their doctor.
And sleeping on your uninjured side or flat in bed, often becomes comfortable around 6 weeks to 3 months, depending on the specific type of repair that was done during the shoulder surgery.
Also after shoulder surgery you should avoid sleeping on the side that was operated on and avoid lying directly on your operated shoulder and sleep in a recliner or a propped up position in bed instead and don't miss your scheduled rehabilitation sessions or stop doing your home exercises.
For daily activities and care after shoulder surgery, don't drive as you should avoid driving while taking the prescribed medication and while your arm remains restricted in a sling and keep your wounds clean and dry and avoid baths or swimming until your surgeon clears you which is often 6 weeks.
And don't take any unauthorized NSAIDs, as some shoulder surgery repairs require you to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen for the first couple of weeks, so you should check with your surgical team first.
The fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery is to strictly follow your physical therapy plan and manage the pain and the swelling early on.
Following the physical therapy after shoulder surgery involves doing the prescribed exercises, committing to the schedule and avoiding pushing through sharp pain.
Start with gentle passive movements such as pendulum exercises, exactly where your doctor or your physical therapist advises and don't skip any sessions or home exercises once your shoulder starts feeling better, as consistency rebuilds strength and prevents permanent stiffness.
And gentle stretching is good after shoulder surgery to help you recover, but forcing movements or working through severe pain can actually damage the shoulder repair.
For managing pain and swelling after shoulder surgery, use cold therapy, by applying ice or a cold therapy cuff continuously for the first 3 days, (or as directed) to reduce swelling and numb pain and take your prescribed pain pills before your pain becomes severe, especially 30 minutes to 45 minutes before doing your therapy exercises.
Also switch to non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) as soon as you can to avoid strong side effects like severe constipation from the strong narcotics.
For support and daily healing after shoulder surgery, protect the joint, by wearing your sling consistently as instructed to keep the repaired tissue stable and get light movement by walking a little bit each day to boost blood circulation and lower the risk of blood clots and stay hydrated and eat fiber.
Drink plenty of water and eat high fiber foods to prevent opioid induced constipation.
The worst day after shoulder surgery is day 2 and day 4 or the third and the 4th nights which is when the nerve block completely wears off.
The reason why day 2 and day 4 are the worst days after shoulder surgery are due to the nerve block wearing off, the rebound effect and sleep disruption.
Most people who have shoulder surgery, receive a regional nerve block, which keeps the arm numb for the first 24 hours to 48 hours, and once the numbing medication fades, the full surgical discomfort sets in rapidly, it often catches you off guard.
And nighttime discomfort after shoulder surgery tends to peak during this window, which makes it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Doctors often advise their patients after shoulder surgery to take prescribed pain medication before the nerve block completely wears off to bridge the gap and applying cold therapy as directed helps control swelling and dulls nerve sensitivity around the joint.
And by days 4 to 7, pain often begins to subside, allowing many people to step down from narcotics to over the counter anti-inflammatories or Tylenol during the day.
After shoulder surgery you need someone with you for the first 24 hours to 72 hours, and often need help with daily tasks for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
After the shoulder surgery, you need a ride home and someone must drive you home from the surgical center or hospital.
And for the first 24 hours to 72 hours, you will need assistance in taking strong prescription medications.
You also need to have someone nearby for the first 3 days to 5 days to help with meals, medication schedules and dressing.
For ongoing assistance for the first 1 to 2 weeks, your arm will also be in a sling, and you can't use it to push, pull or lift.
You will also need help with bathing, preparing food and household chores during the first couple of weeks.
And you can't drive while using the narcotic pain medicines or while your arm is restricted in a sling.
And you will need rides to early physical therapy appointments.
Most people go home the same day as their shoulder surgery, but you should plan to stay mostly at home to rest for 1 to 2 weeks.
Return to Work or School after shoulder surgery:
Desk or remote jobs: You can often return in 1 to 2 weeks if you feel up to typing and managing pain.
Physical or manual labor jobs: You may need to stay home or on light duty for 3 to 4 months (or longer) to protect your healing shoulder.
Early Recovery at Home (First 1 to 2 Weeks) after shoulder surgery:
Wound care: Keep your incisions clean and dry.
Immobilization: Wear your sling almost all the time, including while sleeping.
Help needed: Arrange for someone to stay with you or check in daily for the first few days to help with meals and basic tasks.
Driving: You cannot drive while taking prescription pain medications or while your arm is immobilized in a sling (often 4 to 6 weeks or more).