In-hospital Recovery

Here’s what to expect during your hospital stay.

• You may have a drainage tube coming out through the bandages and attached to a portable container. This system applies continuous, gentle suction to remove fluid in the wound
• Cold compresses may be applied for up to 2 days
• You will be encouraged to cough or breathe deeply to keep your lungs clear
• To prevent nausea, you will be given only ice chips or sips of water and soft drinks immediately after surgery. On the first day after surgery, you will begin drinking and eating normally as directed by your surgeon
• The IV line will remain in your arm for several days to deliver fluids and antibiotics. They help prevent infection and assure proper nutrition. It is normal to feel pain and discomfort after surgery, but be sure to tell your nurse of your pain
• An immobilizer or splint protects and positions your shoulder as you heal. Keeping a small pillow or folded blanket under your elbow while sitting or lying down will prevent strain in the operated area
• Later on the day of surgery the surgeon will check on the operated shoulder, perhaps removing the sling and gently moving your arm. The surgeon will give you instructions on how much you can or should move your arm
• A trapeze bar attached to the bed will help you sit up and move. Only use your non-operated arm to pull yourself up. Don’t turn on or move your operated shoulder until the surgeon says you may. The nurse will help you find comfortable positions

• You will receive instructions for your at-home recovery, including how to use your shoulder sling, change your bandage, and bathe or shower
• The nurses will encourage you to stand, walk and do simple exercises. Your doctor will explain how to do special stretching and range-of-motion exercises
• You will be encouraged to use your operated arm for normal activities, such as eating and drinking, brushing your teeth, or shaving.
• You will be allowed to go to the bathroom and sit on a chair

• You will receive instructions for your at-home recovery, including how to use your shoulder sling, change your bandage, and bathe or shower
• The surgical team will give you the necessary instructions and equipment to continue exercises at home
• The surgeon will write prescriptions for pain medication and schedule a follow-up appointment

At-home recovery

Here’s what you can expect during your recovery at home after you have been discharged from the hospital

• Feel free to take it easy for the first few days after you return home
• Ask a family member or friend to be available to help with daily activities, especially during the first week at home
• Feeling frustrated is a normal reaction, but the frustrations soon pass
• Some discomfort is normal as your shoulder heals. However, it is unusual to use pain medication for more than five to seven days after surgery. Call your surgeon before your medicine runs out if you need to have your pain prescription refilled
• Contact your surgeon if you notice:
  
  • Drainage and/or foul odor from the incision
  • Fever (101 degrees F or 38 degree C) for 2 days
  • Increased swelling, tenderness, redness and/or pain
• Contact your family doctor if you develop:
  
  • Cold, fever or sore throat
  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Other physical difficulties that concern you
• Your surgeon will schedule regular follow-up appointments even if you are not having any problems. Often shoulder-replacement patients are seen at 6 weeks, 5 months and 12 months after surgery, and yearly thereafter

Note

Always tell your dentist or doctors that you have an artificial joint. They can then prescribe antibiotics before any dental or medical procedure as a precaution. Any infection must be promptly treated because infection can spread through the bloodstream to the replaced joint. Every effort should be made to prevent infection in the replaced joint. If you have any questions about the use of antibiotics, call your surgeon

Resuming Activities

• Walk as much as you like, but do not tire yourself out
• With the help of a family member or friend, do the exercises you learned in the hospital 4 to 6 times daily as directed by your doctor. The exercises gradually increase the movement of your shoulder, so it is important to do them as scheduled. Do not skip your stretching exercises
• Rest in bed as necessary. Be sure to rest on your back
• For the first week, sit in the bathtub and wash. Bathe your armpit with warm water and dry the area thoroughly
• Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower, typically five or six days after surgery. Remove the bandage but don’t disturb the stitches. Apply a clean bandage after showering
• Use only roll-on or stick deodorants. Avoid spray deodorants because they may irritate the incision
• Your surgeon will tell you when you can start driving again
• You can return to work when your surgeon says you can

You are encouraged to return to normal sleeping and eating patterns as soon as possible. Being as active as possible helps control muscle tone and weight. Just remember to follow your surgeon’s advice about exercise and activities. Over-working your shoulder could injure healing tissue. Avoid stressing your shoulder, especially in ways that might cause falls or collisions. So no contact sports or skiing. Your surgeon can discuss your progress with you during follow-up visits.