If you have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear and conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate pain relief, you may consider rotator cuff repair surgery. Rotator cuff repair is a surgical procedure that involves reconnecting the torn tendon parts to eliminate pain and restore shoulder mobility.
While you may think that all you need to do is wait before your surgery, there are many things you can do to optimize your recovery following the surgery. Here are some general guidelines to help you prepare for rotator cuff surgery and where you can go for this surgery in Carmel, IN.
Learn About Your Surgery Procedure
A rotator cuff repair can be performed in three ways: open, arthroscopic, and mini-open. Each type of procedure has its pros and cons. So, it’s best to learn about the type of procedure you will have to prepare yourself both physically and mentally and set realistic expectations for your procedure.
Prepare Your Home in Advance
After your surgery, you will likely experience some pain when you come home and may not feel your best. You may be asked to refrain from performing your daily house chores and other tasks for some time. Therefore, preparing your home in advance for your recovery after the rotator cuff surgery is important.
Stock up some frozen meals or prepare your meals in advance for 1-2 weeks and freeze them. Since following the surgery, you will be asked not to use your treated arm; it’s best to practice daily self-care tasks like fixing breakfast, brushing your teeth, and buttoning your shirt with one arm before surgery.
It is also recommended to have plenty of clean and easy-to-wear clothes ready before your surgery. You can include sweatpants, t-shirts, and zip-up hoodies in your wardrobe.
After rotator cuff repair surgery, you may find it uncomfortable to sleep on the bed for the first few weeks. Consider buying a recliner or borrowing it from a friend.
Prepare a Surgery Bag
It’s advisable to prepare a surgery bag to ensure that you have all the necessary items you might need during your stay at the surgery center. It’s recommended to include an identification card, insurance card, a form of payment (if you are planning to pay out of pocket), a pair of shoes and comfortable clothes, a charger, and other needed electronics in your surgery bag.
Bring a Friend or Family Member
After your rotator cuff repair surgery, you won’t be able to drive yourself home, so bring a trusted friend or a family member who can drive you home and take care of you while you recover.
Stop Eating and Drinking Before Surgery
Your preparation guideline may include avoiding any food or drinks after midnight the night before your surgery. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of complications during the procedure, particularly related to anesthesia.
Rotator Cuff Surgery in Carmel, IN
If you have nagging shoulder pain and believe that you have torn your rotator cuff, consider visiting our shoulder doctor Dr. Stephen P. Jacobsen, at Total Shoulder, for thorough evaluation and treatment. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon can treat all causes of your shoulder pain and injury using nonsurgical, surgical, and minimally invasive treatments.
If you would like to know more about shoulder conditions we treat or want to make an appointment with us, call today at (317) 705-4392 or fill out our online appointment request form now.
