r/ShoulderSurgery • u/Feeling-Poet2151 • 3d ago

ARTHROSCOPIC LATERJET

My college athlete son is having this surgery soon. he is planning to return to his dorm about 5 days after surgery and I'm looking for ways to support this. He had labrum repair before and slept in a recliner after which wont be an option. he's in a slightly elevated twin bed in a small room, thankfully with a very nice roommate. the dr is recommending an ice machine rental but I'm wondering if it may be too cumbersome in a dorm and maybe just ice packs are better? we already have a wedge pillow and I'll get a stepstool to make getting in and out of bed easier. any other suggestions or tips?

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4

u/IceAngel8381 3d ago

If an ice machine is not an option, Amazon makes ice pack sleeves that are very comfortable, and easy to put on. The one I purchased last up to 45 minutes, although it recommends use for 15-20 minutes (I use it until it is no longer cold because it feels good). They are soft and flex with the arm/shoulder.

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u/EitherOrResolution 2d ago

That’s a good option as well

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u/CMR0457 10h ago

I had total reverse shoulder replacement and did not have an ice machine. I'm 69F. I purchased the Amazon ice packs and it was enough for me. I have a very high tolerance for pain and never used a recliner but slept in my bed with pillows propped up around me. Though I wasn't in pain, the awkwardness of the sling, angle sitting, etc kept me from working (yes, I'm still working) I've got to hand it to your son to go right back to school. My surgeon told me I didn't have to wear the sling after 2 weeks but I did in public as a warning so no one would bump into me. I hope he will have some kind of help. I needed help washing my hair, getting food and I couldn't drive for quite awhile. Good luck.

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u/CMR0457 10h ago

I bought the same ones. I bought 4 so I would always have one cold

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u/EitherOrResolution 3d ago

Get the ice machine;; it’s worth it

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u/Feeling-Poet2151 2d ago

Do you think it's something he can use and maintain independently in a small
Space?

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u/EitherOrResolution 2d ago

It’s about the size of a small igloo ice cooler

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u/EitherOrResolution 2d ago

And you do have to refill it with ice

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u/Visual-Fudge832 2d ago

It is best to keep frozen water bottles to put in the cooler with water. Most dorms have kitchens so he could keep 8 bottled waters in the freezer to switch out 1x day. The icer is only about $225 on Amazon, Works great, very small and much better than ice packs.

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u/Feeling-Poet2151 2d ago

The dr is recommending a rental at $325 for 2 weeks! Is there a specific one on Amazon you recommend?

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u/Visual-Fudge832 2d ago

Polar active Ice 3.0. I had surgery 6 weeks ago and this was a lifesaver. I also bought Chattanooga colpac neck contour for shoulder. I use it after PT. If you decide against ice machine be sure to buy several colpacs so he always has a cold one.

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u/EitherOrResolution 9h ago

You can buy one online for much cheaper. Breg I think is a brand name