The shoulder is a crucial joint of the upper body. It is very flexible, allowing the arms to move in many directions. If you are experiencing shoulder pain that is making everyday chores like reaching the cabinet difficult and preventing you from sleeping, your healthcare provider might consider shoulder replacement surgery. The main aim of this surgery is to relieve the patient of pain and restore mobility.

A surgery eliminates the source of pain and dysfunction by replacing damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components called prostheses. Experienced surgeons like Dr.Chandra Sekhar B recommend shoulder replacement surgery in the following cases:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy
• Avascular necrosis 
• Rheumatoid arthritis. 

The procedure is meant to increase your range of motion and enable you to use your shoulder and arm.

Shoulder replacement in Hyderabad: How to prepare for this shoulder surgery at home

The patient should make simple changes at Home before the surgery. Such changes are required to avoid raising the affected arm(s) or carrying heavy objects, thereby minimizing the chance of injury while recovering from shoulder replacement surgery.

Some changes to consider making include:

Practice chores with another arm: 

One of the post-surgical requirements is the constant use of a sling. So, if the Shoulder replacement in Hyderabad is your dominant arm, you will need to consider how you perform daily tasks and the best ways to get through your days and nights while you heal. So, we advise that you start practising using your other hand and arm when performing tasks. You can start with simple tasks such as opening doors, eating, dressing with only one arm, and performing hygiene. 

Shop for appropriate clothing:

 If your wardrobe is filled with pullover clothes, then shop for some loose-fitting clothes and button-up shirts to make it more accessible during the first few weeks to dress and undress. One can get post-surgery shirts, which are custom-made for shoulder surgery patients, which you can find through medical supply retailers. Women should get front-closure style bras to make it easier to put on or take off.

Pre-Surgery Shopping: Be ready beforehand with one or more of the following:

• Pillbox to easily access your medicines
• Long-handled bath loofah to wash your bac
• Wedge pillow
• Shop for groceries for at least a week.

Make proper sleeping arrangements: Many patients get better sleep in a recliner for the first week or so. So, a wedge pillow may be helpful to prop up your arm or give you support so that you do not need to adjust as you sleep.

Other preparations:

• Arrange for external help to prepare meals and help around the house.
• It is a good idea to keep a stock of pre-made meals, canned food, and other necessary daily items so that you don’t have to go out during the recovery phase.
• Make sure that you have someone to drive you around for the first 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
• Make sure that your most used personal items are within reach and that you don’t have to raise your hand.
• Arrange for smaller bowls and plates so that you can eat without having to carry large plates of food and strain your arm. 
• Stock up cold packs, which you should apply after the surgery to help alleviate swelling, and heating pads to warm up the joint.
• Do not plan any trips during the recovery period since you might fall, which can jeopardize a shoulder implant.
• Patients are advised not to shower for a week after surgery, so arrange for sponges or washcloths to be used for sponge baths. 
• On the day of the surgery, take a long shower and wash your hair since washing hair is difficult in the weeks following surgery.

You can see that these are minor changes but will significantly help you navigate your home after surgery without straining your arm. 

Shoulder replacement in Hyderabad: How to prepare for this shoulder surgery medically

Medical preparations are required to reduce the risk of complications both before and after surgery. Here is a comprehensive list of required medical preparations for patients scheduled to undergo shoulder replacement in Hyderabad under general anaesthesia.

• Be honest about current and recent medications. This includes homeopathic, Ayurveda drugs and nutritional supplements as well. Dr.Chandra Sekhar B, of Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic, will assess if they are safe to take before and after surgery.
• The patient should stop taking any blood thinners two weeks before surgery as they make it more difficult for blood to clot.
• Steroids and other immunosuppressant medications should be stopped as they may increase the chance of post-surgical infection.
• The patient should eliminate or cut down on tobacco products and cigarettes. Nicotine adversely affects the healing of soft tissue and bones. Nicotine also increases the risk of post-surgical deep vein thrombosis, a potentially deadly blood clot in a deep vein.
• If the patient has any medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, they may need to consult a specialist and get approval for surgery.
• No alcohol consumption, as heavy alcohol use influences the effects of anaesthesia.
• If the patient had a cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, etc., in the days preceding the surgery, they should report it to their doctors.

Apart from this, Dr Chandra Sekhar B of Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic will communicate any required medical preparations well before the surgery.

Total shoulder replacement surgery is a way to get your life back, and preparing in advance can make it easier to get through the recovery time. At Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic, we offer outpatient total shoulder replacement surgery utilizing the latest medical technology and techniques. For more information, please visit our website https://hyderabadshoulderclinic.com/ or contact us at +91 9959588389 or shoulderandsportsclinic@gmail.com.