How To Get Ready For Shoulder Surgery

Your shoulder is one of the most flexible joints on your body, and it is this flexibility that makes it easy prey for injury. If you have been told by your doctor that the only way to fix your problem is through orthopedic surgery, you may be fearful about the procedure. It's not every day you are told you need surgery. Here is a look at what will happen before and after the surgery.

Getting Prepared

You will be asked not to have any food or drink after midnight on the day of your surgery. If you take medications in the morning, you will need to discuss with your doctor whether or not you should take them. In addition, if you are on medication that causes your blood to thin, then you may need to stop these at least a few days before your surgery. Right before your surgery, an assessment of your physical state will be done by an anesthesiologist.

Getting prepared also means putting measures in place so that you can be comfortable at home. Ensure that you place frequently used items on lower shelves in your kitchen. Purchase sleeveless blouses and tops so that you will not have to maneuver your arm too much to get dressed.

After Surgery

Be observant right after your surgery. Pain, stiffness, and a certain amount of tenderness are normal. However, there are some things that signal that complications are arising. If you have a fever after the second day of surgery or if the pain and swelling start increasing, you should inform your doctor. Extreme redness and tenderness may signal that there may be an infection developing.

Preventing Problems After Surgery

Your surgeon is likely to recommend you to a physiotherapist. Your physiotherapist will tell you which exercises you should do after surgery to strengthen your muscles. It is important that you do these exercises on a daily basis to get strength back in your arm. You will also have follow-up appointments with your surgeon so that they can see how well your healing is progressing. It is important to keep these outpatient appointments so that your healing can progress properly.

Getting prepared for your surgery the right way will ease your anxiety. It is important that you have a candid discussion with your doctor about your current state of health and the medications you are taking. Keep the communications lines open after surgery too so that your healing can progress without complications. Contact a medical facility like the El Camino Center for Sports Medicine​ to learn more.

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