You had shoulder replacement surgery to replace the bones of your shoulder joint with artificial joint parts. The parts include a stem made of metal and a metal ball that fits on the top of the stem. A plastic piece is used as the new surface of the shoulder blade. Artificial joints come in different sizes to fit different sized people.
You received pain medicine. You also learned how to manage swelling around your new artificial shoulder joint.
Your shoulder area may feel warm and tender for 2 - 4 weeks. The swelling should decrease during this time.
You will need help with everyday activities, such as driving, shopping, bathing, preparing meals, and household chores, for up to 6 weeks.
You will probably be wearing a sling for the first 6 weeks. When you are lying down, your shoulder should rest on a rolled up towel or small pillow.
Your doctor or physical therapist may teach you pendulum exercises to do at home for 4 - 6 weeks, as well as safe ways to move and use your arm and shoulder.
Ask your doctor about what sports and other activities are okay for you after you recover. You will probably not be able to drive for at least 4 weeks. Your doctor or physical therapist will tell you when it is okay.
Consider making some changes around your home so it is easier for you to take care of yourself.
See also: Using your shoulder after replacement surgery
Your doctor will give you a prescription for pain medicines. Get it filled when you go home so you have it when you need it. Take your pain medicine when you start having pain. Waiting too long to take it will allow your pain to get worse than it should.
Narcotic pain medicine (codeine, hydrocodone, and oxycodone) can make you constipated. If you are taking them, drink plenty of fluids, and eat fruits and vegetables and other high-fiber foods to help keep your stools loose.
See also:
Do not drink alcohol or drive if you are taking these pain medicines.
Taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or other anti-inflammatory drugs with your prescription pain drugs may also help. Ask your doctor about using them. Your doctor may also give you aspirin to prevent blood clots. If you are told to take aspirin, you should stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines.
Sutures (stitches) or staples will be removed about 1 - 2 weeks after surgery. Keep your incision clean and dry.
Keep your dressing (bandage) over your wound clean and dry. You may change the dressing every day if you like.
Call your doctor or nurse if you have:
Also call the doctor if:
Total shoulder arthroplasty - discharge; Endoprosthetic shoulder replacement - discharge; Partial shoulder replacement - discharge; Partial shoulder arthroplasty - discharge; Replacement - shoulder - discharge; Arthroplasty - shoulder - discharge
Glenohumeral arthritis and its management. In: Rockwood CA Jr, Matsen FA III, Wirth MA, Lippitt SB, Clinton J, eds. The Shoulder. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 22.
Azar FM, Calandruccio JH. Arthroplasty of the shoulder and elbow. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 8.
Updated by: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc.
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