A sling will be applied in theatre. This is to be left on at all times and will only be removed by the physio who will show you how to do your post-op exercises. The Physio will fit you with a new sling which will be worn all the time, except when dressing or coming out for exercises. There will be a large wound pad covering an adhesive dressing. These will be removed approximately 12 hours after surgery. The wound dressing will be changed and the new dressing will be waterproof. You can shower, but avoid getting water under the dressing. The underlying wound is to be kept dry for 5 days.
You will be given a post-operative appointment upon discharge as you will need a review appointment 8–12 days following surgery. If you do not have this appointment, please contact the rooms on 8376 9988.
Driving
Due to safety and insurance, driving is not permitted for 8 weeks following surgery or unless you have been given clearance by Dr Nimon prior.
Pain management
Pain relief or a script will be provided to you upon discharge from the hospital. This amount should be adequate however you may need to take “over the counter” pain relief for the next few weeks. It is not unusual to experience some pain for several weeks following surgery. Analgesia can cause nausea and dizziness. If the pain is tolerable, it is better to take a lesser form of pain relief.
If you have any concerns such as swelling, redness, increased warmth of the operation site, excessive discharge from the wound or you have a temperature or generally feel unwell, please contact Dr Nimon immediately on 8376 9988.
It is important to carry out post-surgery exercises as shown by the physiotherapist while your shoulder is healing. These exercises can be carried out as able or 3-4 times a day. We recommend taking some pain relief 30 minutes prior to commencing exercises.
Shoulder Exercises
Whilst sitting with arm in sling, place your feet wide apart bend forward at your waist, holding and supporting the affected forearm with your other arm to gently bring the affected arm forward. Cradle your operated arm and gently move it in circles with the assistance of your other arm.
Elbow
Exercises
Whilst lying with operated arm supported by pillow, loosen sling straps. From
the resting position, simply move the hand of your operated shoulder towards
chin, thus bending your elbow as far as able. When straightening, simply take
hand down across stomach, pelvis and down to side as far as able.
Wrist Exercises
With the arm in resting position across stomach, turn palm up then down. Then in resting position, with palms facing up, move wrist up and down.
Hand
It is very important to keep the hand moving as it may be swollen, this will prevent it from getting stiff. Make a full fist, stretching your fingers out.
Showering
A separate sling will be given for showering.
When showering wear this, lean on a wall or soap dish with the elbow, allowing arm to passively come away from the body.
Your arm pit ( axilla) can then be washed with other arm.
Then do the same on drying.
Put spray on deodorant on after to reduce potential bacterial load and then tinea powder (not spray on) in axilla to avoid moisture and reduce chance of thrush developing in axilla.
After, put on a t-shirt (loose fit). Put operated arm through the sleeve, then head and then opposite arm and put blue sling on over the top (do not wear singlet/sleeveless shirts etc as skin on skin will lead to thrush/irritation in arm pit (axilla).