Monthly Wellness Update

Whether you are scheduled for shoulder surgery or any other type of surgery it is important to take a close look at your house; identify the potential hazards and obstacles and take care of them before your surgery to ensure a more conducive environment for your post-surgery needs. Here are a few things Lakeshore Orthopaedics recommends you check before your surgery.

• Fix and/or be aware of any uneven flooring in your house or uneven concrete on your driveway or patio.
• If you have steps leading up to your house, try wiggling the railing to gauge its stability, and tighten the screws if necessary. If you have outdoor steps without a railing, discuss installing one, especially if your surgery will take place during the winter months.
• Decrease your risk for falling by securing any loose cords or wires to the walls or behind furniture.
• Set your thermostat before you go in for surgery, especially if it is positioned high on the wall. This way, your house will be comfortable when you return, and you won’t have to stand or reach to adjust the temperature.
• Store your groceries on low-level shelves so they are within reach without the need to use a stepstool.
• Set up lamps, nightlights, or additional lighting in dimly lit areas. Avoid walking in the dark, when drowsy, or while using pain medications that cause dizziness or nausea. Keep a flashlight nearby in case there is a power outage.
• Be sure that all frequently used electronic devices have fresh batteries, are fully charged, and/or are firmly plugged into their outlets. The last thing you want to do after surgery is bend, twist, or crouch in awkward positions for hard-to-reach outlets.
• For your safety and comfort, check the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure that they are working properly and will last through your recovery period.
• If you wear contacts or glasses, always keep them nearby, and do not walk through the house without them. You may want to consider purchasing an extra pair of glasses for your convenience.
• If you don’t already have them, consider purchasing satin sheets so that it’s easier to get in and out of bed when necessary without exerting too much effort.
• Buy, rent, or borrow books, magazines, and DVDs to help you pass the time as your body rests. Use remotes as necessary, and if your DVD player is not easily accessible without bending or crouching, consider moving it temporarily.
• Shop for a pillowed lap desk so that you can comfortably use your laptop while lying down.
• Purchase a reaching tool that can help you pick up things that have fallen on the floor.
• Since you may not move furniture or heavy items post-surgery, make sure your furniture is positioned in a way you will be using it. In addition to the physical hazards you will need to be mindful of, you may also want to take care of some of your responsibilities before your surgery so you can focus on your recovery and not your workload.
• To avoid making unnecessary trips to your mailbox, you may want to pay your monthly bills before your surgery. If you pay online, you may want to schedule the payments prior to your surgery to avoid doing any banking while you are recovering – especially if you are on pain medications that can make you groggy.
• It is sometimes necessary for you to give written or verbal consent for someone to pick up prescriptions on your behalf. Ask about your pharmacy’s policy prior to surgery and you’re your arrangements accordingly.
• Write out a list of phone numbers, including your doctor’s office and pharmacy, for your reference and for anyone who may be assisting you throughout the duration of your recovery.
• Write down the office hours of your pharmacy and doctor’s office to ensure that you will never have to go without your necessary medications.
• Consider using a pillbox to help you keep track of dosages and to make sure that you’re taking the right medications at the right intervals. It might also be helpful to create and update a medication chart.
• Make sure that all errands or household chores, such as washing dishes or doing laundry, are completed before your surgery; strenuous activity is strongly discouraged.
• Devise a grocery list the week before your surgery and go to the store within a couple of days before your surgery so that your groceries are fresh when you return home from surgery.
• On your grocery list, you should include milk and/or vitamin D, which promotes bone health. When buying milk, make sure you purchase the smaller containers that are easier to lift.
• It is highly recommended that you stock up on pre-made microwave meals or that you cook meals and freeze them for use after surgery. Microwavable meals are quick and allow you to avoid any movements that may put additional stress on your body.
• Consider buying a reusable spill-proof drinking glasses with a straw. They are perfect for helping you stay hydrated while resting in bed and lying down.
• Use paper plates and plastic silverware temporarily if nobody is available to help you wash your dishes.
• Make yourself comfortable! Set out loose-fitting clothing on your dresser or bed so that you can easily change without straining.
• Avoid wearing socks or slippers without tread on the bottom—they generally don’t provide adequate traction and can cause slipping and/or tripping.