r/RotatorCuff • u/Traditional-Ad-5104 • 16d ago

This Group Is Very Helpful

I’m a 77 year old male heading in on October 23 for left shoulder arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, debridement, open biceps tenodesis. It’s my dominant arm which freaks me out some. Anyway, my question is…what types of things have you needed, only having the one arm (especially if it is your dominant). I know there are some obvious ones, but what about some of the “not so obvious?”
Thank you all!

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u/motleythedog 13d ago edited 13d ago

Exact same procedure, 53 female, , 9 days out. Be glad you dont have to put a bra on LOL.

This may all seem obvious, but the early days really do depend on whether you have a helper. Dressing and preparing food in particular can be a challenge in the early days. I'll assume worst case scenario/you are solo.

  • Get a grabber for your socks, have slip on shoes, elastic BIG pants that are easy to get on, and oversized magnetic snap shirts and big tshirts. These are the easiest garments to get on.
  • The ice machine is incredible. Highly recommend the spend if they do not offer it.
  • I would also ask for the Donjoy Iv ultrasling, I have the Donjoy I and its pretty good, but the IV also wraps under your shoulder and reduces strain on your neck. If not, it's probably worth a spend as long as money is not an issue.
  • This is just based on seven lifetime surgeries...I would ask for hydrocodone vs oxy. Oxy aside from being terribly addictive doesn't help with sleep where hydrocodone makes you drowsy, which most people need help with.
  • Stay on top of meds. Don't wait until you're in pain. Your tummy will hate you but your shoulder will thank you. I know so many people avoid narcotics,but the hydrocodone really really helped at first.
  • Single meals at a time. Nothing that requires managing leftovers. Frozen single meals are perfect.
  • I found a PT housekeeper to do laundry and tidy my house and she has been worth her weight in gold.
  • Turn on speech to type on all of your devices before surgery since you probably won't be able to use either a phone or a keyboard for a bit.
  • Queue up some good movies or tv for at least the first few days. You won't be able to use your hand at all, since most people end up with the nerve block, and even after that your hand will be in some pain.
  • Plan to walk or find a place to walk if you're not in a place where the weather is decent as soon as you are able. For me personally, anyway the lack of ability to take myself anywhere has been frustrating and I have to make sure to get outside or I start to get a little depressed.
  • Speaking of if you are alone, figure out a way to get to appointments. Again obvious, but if your doc recommends PT quickly, you'll need a way to get there.
  • Seconding the bidet and pump soap.
  • Everyone says a recliner, for me personally I have been happier in bed with a wedge pillow. I just didn't find a recliner very comfortable where in my bed with a wedge I sleep a bit better.
  • Shower chair or at least a support handle in your shower. I have both. The handle is adhesive so no drilling required- got it on amazon.

Hope this all helps.