LOCAL NUMBING: Do not remove the arm from the sling or attempt to use the arm until the feeling and strength have returned to normal. When you feel it wearing off, start taking your pain medication to stay ahead of the pain rather than letting it get too severe and then trying to play catch up.
BANDAGES: Remove the dressing in 2-3 days so you can shower. Leave the Steri-strips in place. If needed, you may cover the incisions with band-aids.
PENDULUM EXERCISES: To prevent shoulder stiffness and scar tissue formation start pendulum exercises no later than the morning after surgery. Remove sling keeping the upper arm at your side, fully straighten and bend elbow 5 times. Then with the elbow fully straight, lean far forward at the waist letting entire arm hang toward the floor. Slowly and gently, move from the shoulder so that the arm makes 12-15 inch size circles for 5 minutes. Repeat 5 times daily. The discomfort you feel with this exercise is not harmful.
NO DRIVING until you are no longer taking narcotics for pain.
SLEEPING: You may find it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner or chair for the first few weeks after surgery
SLING: ARTHROSCOPY and DECOMPRESSION: The sling is for comfort only. You should remove the sling and begin using the arm and moving the shoulder as soon as pain allows. Gradually increase use as tolerated. Mild pain associated with use and movement of the shoulder is not harmful. The sooner you can restore full movement of the shoulder, the quicker and more complete recovery you will have.
MEDICATIONS: You were given narcotic pain medication. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
□ Anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil) are very useful to lessen swelling and pain,
It decreases your need for narcotic medications. If you are able to take Ibuprofen, take 600 mg
Ibuprofen (3 tabs) every 8 hours if you normally are allowed these medications.
□ Take Acetaminophen (Tylenol or APAP) 1000mg (2 extra strength tabs) every 6 hours.
□ Do not take additional Acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your narcotic pain medicine already has it.
The maximum dose of acetaminophen for short term postoperative period should not exceed 4000 mg per 24 hours
WARNING SIGNS: If you have any of the following, call the office 541-754-1276.
Pain unrelieved by medication or worsening pain
• Fever over 100.0 after the first 48 hours
• Nausea and vomiting you cannot control
• Persistent drainage from the incisions after 48 hours
• Increasing redness around the incisions
FOLLOW-UP: If an appointment for 5-10 days was not made for you, please Dr. Evans’ office at 541-754-1276.
CALL DR. EVANS’ OFFICE AT 541-754-1276 FOR QUESTIONS.
AFTER HOURS CALL ORTHOPEDICS AT 541-754-1150
