Woman's Guide to Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery can be a serious operation. Great care should be taken before and after surgery to first make an informed decision and then to prepare for recovery. There are many steps that can be taken to make the process easier. Women often have different post-surgery issues that can be minimized when addressed beforehand.

Diagnosis

• Before taking the step of surgery, exhaust noninvasive techniques such as physical therapy, acupuncture or a short course of anti inflammatory medication. Find a qualified surgeon, preferably by referral from your physical therapist, family doctor or friend. If integrity of the joint has been compromised, then surgery may be the only option. Talk to your surgeon about your lifestyle, describe any sports or activities and how they will be affected by the surgery.

Prepare for Surgery

• Some shoulder surgeries involve extended periods of immobility of the arm. Arrange for care when you get home. If you live alone, take steps to create an easier convalescence. Nutrition when healing is important, so fill the refrigerator with easy-to-eat, healthy foods for your return from the hospital. Freeze food for meals or stock up on healthy frozen dinners.

  After surgery your ability to work will be limited for a time, so do any house chores and arrange activities to accommodate your one-armed status. Walk through your daily routine noticing when an activity calls for two arms. See if you can make a change for your recovery, for example, buy a one-cup coffee maker that does not require washing the coffee pot.

  Arrange for rides to the doctor and your child's school if necessary. Set up appointments with a physical therapist and acupuncturist if you have one. Physical therapy is crucial to gain full mobility of the shoulder.

  Set up a comfortable way to stay in touch with your place of work if necessary. If possible, telecommute on a part-time schedule with doctor's approval before returning to work full-time.

  Follow all pre-surgery instructions including wearing clothes that will be easy to put on with an immobilized arm. It may be difficult to wear a bra after surgery; the straps or band may dig into the incision.

Post Surgery

• Recovery can be enhanced with good nutrition, adequate rest and prescribed movement or physical therapy. Do not stop physical therapy until full mobility has returned; frozen shoulder is a real danger after many shoulder surgeries, and the longer the mobility has been decreased the more difficult it is to regain. Have patience during this time, it is common to feel frustration with limited progress and suddenly have great strides in mobility.