Rotator cuff surgery today, I go in about an hour... nervous

[csziggy]

14. Had my left shoulder done in 94, right in 2008

You don't want to know the details of my left shoulder injury and surgery. The MRI didn't show all the damage . The surgery expected it to be minor, ninety minutes in the OR, laparoscopic, a month in a sling, some PT, and that would be it. It was MUCH more complicated. I had outpatient surgery and it should have been done in the hospital.

Prepare to have your arm immobilized for a while. Sleeping sitting up helps a lot with the pain - a power recliner with a corded control, or lots of pillows behind you in bed. Have someone make flexible cold packs - 3 parts water to one part rubbing alcohol, double bag in ziplocks, freeze lying flat, they will stay flexible and you can wrap one around your shoulder with a towel between it and your skin. For my various surgeries, cold packs did better at controlling the pain than any of the opioids they prescribed without the side effects..

You will need help showering - I was not allowed to lift my elbow so my husband had to wash under that arm while holding it up. He also had to flex it a few times a day, lifting the elbow so it wouldn't freeze up. I'm so right handed I could wipe my ass with my left hand - a bidet or a shower with a hand held wand is great for cleaning off.

Good luck! And do your physical therapy - it really makes a difference!