So you've just had shoulder surgery and now you're stuck in an arm sling for 6-8 weeks! NOW WHAT?!?!?!?!

Your doctor says rest and relax but how are you supposed to dress?? Cook?? Sleep??

Here are some helpful tips to make life a little easier.

What to wear

Loose clothing is probably the way to go, especially something with buttons or zippers, but try to avoid small buttons. Remember to dress the operated arm first and last. This will help you avoid any unnecessary arm movements. Wear pants that have an elastic waistband.  As far as shoes go, try to wear something that you can easily settle your feet into such as a slip-on shoe, flip flops, or slippers.

Cooking

It might be a good idea to plan ahead and prepare meals before surgery that you can simply freeze. Then, all you have to do is warm the meal up.  There's no cutting, heavy lifting, or cooking involved.

Sleeping

It might seem impossible to get a decent night sleep after shoulder surgery, especially with a sling as your new best friend. Avoid sleeping on your operated arm and invest in pillows. Laying on your back is key and will probably be the most comfortable position. Surround yourself with pillows, making sure there is one behind the operated shoulder for stability.

Hopefully these helpful tips will make your life a little simple after surgery.

"Dr. Kelly,

It has been a little over 3 years since you replaced my shoulder.  I can't tell you how grateful I am. The shoulder has been fine. It functions flawlessly, has tremendous strength, and complete range of motion.  Thank you and keep up the good work."

 "Dr. Redlin performed a needle aponeurotomy to treat a Dupuytren contracture on my right finger in October 2013. Before the surgery I was unable to close my finger more that 30 degrees or make a fist. This was affecting my ability to grip things properly. After the surgery, full flexibility was regained......Dr. Redlin was very attentive and carefully explained the procedure and my options. Dr. Redlin and her staff went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and fully informed." 

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition that affects the hands and fingers. It causes one or more fingers to bend into the palm of the hand. It can affect one or both hands and it can sometimes affect the thumb.

Dupuytren's contracture occurs when the connective tissue in the palm thickens. Often the tissue thickens in one small area first and a "nodule" forms (a small, hard lump about 0.5-1cm) under the skin of the palm. The nodule sometimes feels tender to begin with, but this usually passes.

The nodules are non-cancerous (benign) and the condition is not life-threatening for those who develop it, although it can be a nuisance to live with.

Over time, the nodules can extend and form cords of tissue. These cords can shorten (contract) and, if the cords run along a finger or thumb, they can pull it so it becomes bent towards the palm. These contractures are often mild and painless, but they can get steadily worse over time.

Sometimes, the term Dupuytren's disease (palmar fibromatosis) is used instead of Dupuytren's contracture, because not everyone with the condition will develop contractures.

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