If you have been advised by the medical team caring for you that you may benefit from having shoulder surgery then the following information will help ensure you are as prepared as you can be for your surgery and recovery.

• Pre-assessment information - You will be invited to attend the pre-operative assessment clinic before your operation. You will meet one of the specialist nurses who will ask you questions about your health and arrange appropriate tests such as blood tests and an ECG (heart tracing). This process is designed to make sure you are as physically ready for surgery as possible and also gives you information about what to expect so you can take time to think about whether you still want to go ahead.

• You and your anaesthetic
• Peripheral nerve blocks
• Receiving a blood transfusion
• Preventing hospital-associated blood clots
• MRSA
• Enhanced recovery for elective surgery

• It is important for you to continue any physical activity that you are currently doing, if able. It is known that the benefits of engaging in physical activity pre-surgery will positively influence your recovery. There are also additional exercises which may help to strengthen specific muscles and increase your movement in preparation of surgery. You should do these exercises before and after your surgery, to aid your recovery. These can be viewed below.

• You will be seen by a physiotherapist after surgery to discuss your exercises and postoperative restrictions advised by your consultant. The time you will be under restrictions and wearing a poly-sling varies but is usually between 2 and 6 weeks. You will not be able to put weight through your operated arm when carrying out activities of daily living.

It is essential to take time now to organise yourself at home so you will be able to manage safely and independently once you return home. Please read and act upon the recommendations and advice listed below prior to  your hospital admission. 

Washing and dressing 

• Your therapist will discuss your personal care activities with you. You will need to wash and dress your body using your un-operated arm. 
• Depending on your restrictions, you may be provided with a sling for showering. Your wound dressing is water resistant, therefore showering with a non-slip mat in place is preferable to taking a bath. This is to protect the wound and to avoid weight bearing on your operated arm. 
• Please be advised that your balance may be affected while wearing a sling and therefore consider safety aspects when stepping in/out of the bath/shower or on uneven ground. Always support your arm in your sling, on your lap or on a surface in front of you. Always dress your operated arm first and undress it last. You will require loose clothes that preferably button down the front. Avoid clothing with small buttons, hooks and zips. Ladies may find a bra uncomfortable and may prefer to wear a strapless or front-fastening bra. Consider slip-on, easy fitting shoes.

Sleeping 

• Lying on your back may be the most comfortable position with a pillow placed behind the operated arm. 

Standing from chairs, toilets and beds 

• It can be quite difficult to stand from low furniture. If you feel that you will struggle with this post operatively we advise you to raise the height, e.g., use an extra cushion, raised toilet seat, chair or bed blocks. 

Domestic tasks 

• We advise you to cook extra meals and stock up with freezer food. Use ready prepared meals or items that need little preparation e.g. pre-chopped vegetables. There is equipment available which can help with food preparation, for example easy grip jar openers, pizza cutters. We suggest you prepare food in small dishes that are easy to hold and carry in one hand. If you use a walking aid, we suggest you sit in your kitchen to eat and drink. 
• You should avoid heavy household duties that may put undue stress on your shoulder until approximately 12 weeks post op or when advised by your physiotherapist. 
• If you live alone, we advise you to stay with someone, or arrange for someone to come in and help you with household tasks, shopping and looking after pets. Social services will not provide support with domestic tasks.

Wearing a Poly sling following surgery

Most patients return to driving around four weeks post surgery, but please discuss this with your physiotherapist

• Walking aids. 
• Slippers or trainers – please no mules.
• Loose fitting daytime clothing. 
• Loose fitting nightwear and dressing gown. 
• Personal toiletries. 
• Current medication in labelled boxes. 
• Glasses, hearing aid, dentures etc. you usually wear. 
• Money in small amounts for Patient line telephone and television – Frimley Park only.
• Please do not bring valuables into the hospital.