Click here to download and print discharge instructions for shoulder arthroscopic surgery.
Below are discharge instructions for shoulder arthroscopic surgery.
Remember to re-read these after your surgery
DRESSINGS
Shoulder dressings may be removed 24 hours after surgery for showering. You may cover the stitches with Band-Aids upon removing the larger bandage. It is normal to see bloody drainage on the bandages.
SHOWERING
Showers are acceptable after the bandage has been removed. Do not however, use a bathtub, Jacuzzi or otherwise submerge the shoulder underneath water. After showering, gently pat the surgical area dry and re-apply the Band-Aids.
SWELLING
It is common to experience temporary swelling around the shoulder and arm. This may include black and blue bruising in the chest and lower parts of the arm. To minimize swelling utilize an ice pack and practice moving the elbow, wrist and hand to "pump the swelling" out the arm.
ICING
Safe use of an ice pack contributes to pain relief and reduction in swelling. You can apply ice as often as needed on top of your dressing during the first postoperative day. After your dressing is removed, ice can be applied for 20-minute periods, 3-4 times per day. Please have a barrier between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite.
RELIEF OF PAIN
Most patients are prescribed the following medications. These medications may be used together and should be taken as instructed on the pharmacy bottle:
Mobic – an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) to help relieve pain and swelling (please do not take and notify us if you have a sulfa allergy)
Norco or Percocet – a narcotic pain medication (hydrocodone or oxycodone) combined with acetaminophen (generic form of Tylenol)
Tylenol – may be used in place of pain medication (Norco/Percocet) for mild pain. Please note that the maximum daily dose of Tylenol is 4000 mg.
ECASA – coated aspirin – ECASA 325 mg daily for 10 days may decrease the unlikely complication of blood clots (DVT) and pulmonary emboli. Early movement and mobilization may also decrease this risk. If you have a personal or family history of clotting please discuss with our office and your internist as additional medications may be indicated.
Do not take strong medication on an empty stomach. Do not drink alcohol or drive while taking a prescribed pain medication.
DIET
The day after surgery, you should drink lots of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods. An adequate diet is essential for the healing process.
NAUSEA & VOMITING
Although unusual, both can be experienced after anesthesia in surgery. If you have a tendency for this, please discuss it with the anesthesiologist. Otherwise it is usually alleviated with a clear liquid diet.
ACTIVITIES
A sling has been provided to you and should be used for comfort throughout the first week. You may remove the sling several times per day to bend and straighten the elbow as well as perform hand exercises including opening and closing the fist. You will receive further instructions regarding use of the sling at your first postoperative appointment.
POSTOPERATIVE OFFICE VISIT
Your first post-operative visit should already be arranged. If not, please call our office during regular working hours to schedule your post op visit.
DAY OF SURGERY
Patients are typically asked to arrive at the surgery center 1-2 hours prior to surgery in order to complete paperwork, speak with nurses and anesthesiologist, etc. The surgery lasts approximately 1 hour and time in the recovery room usually lasts an additional 1-2 hours.
You MUST be picked up by a family member, friend etc who will be allowed to join you in the recovery room once you are awake and comfortable. It is typically helpful to have a friend or family member stay with you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.
EMERGENCY
Please call 911 if you have a life-threatening emergency. If after hours, please call the office and you will be connected with the doctor on call.
WE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE DAY OF SURGERY AND POST OPERATIVE RECOVERY AS EASY AS POSSIBLE FOR YOU. IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR IF PROBLEMS SHOULD DEVELOP, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.
