NERVE BLOCK: If you had a nerve block for post-op pain control, your arm may be numb and weak. Do not remove the arm from the sling or attempt to use the arm until the feeling and strength have returned to normal. The block may last up to 24 hours. When you feel it wearing off, start taking 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 48-72 hours after your surgery in order to shower.
Arthroscopic surgery: Do not remove the Steri-strips.
Combined arthroscopic and open procedure: There will be a larger incision in addition to the small ones.
Leave the Steri-strips in place. Carefully shower and re-cover with Band-Aids or dry gauze if needed.
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 the arm in 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 released by Dr. Evans.
SLEEPING: You may find it more comfortable to sleep in a recliner or chair for the first few weeks after surgery.
SLING: ROTATOR CUFF or LABRAL REPAIR: Wear the sling at all times day and night except for showering, dressing and pendulum exercises. It is okay to use your hand while the arm is in the sling for activities that require minimal force. Do not use your shoulder muscles to lift the arm away from your body. To access your armpit (bathing, deodorant, putting on a sleeve) lean part way forward as if to perform a pendulum exercise and the armpit will open up.
MEDICATIONS: You were given narcotic pain medication. Follow the instructions on the bottle. In addition take:
□ Do not take any anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen or Naprosyn (Advil or Aleve) as this effects healing.
□ 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
