Dr. Steve Mora MD Post-Op Information for Shoulder Arthroscopy
The abnormal findings were:___________________________________and the procedure performed
was:______________________________________________________________________
Bandages/Wound care:
Remove bandages on Friday or _______. Wash your hands
first.
Leave the skin strips on.
It is OK to shower Friday. After the shower, dry off the incisions
with a clean dry towel and then redress with band-aids and large gauze held with
tape. Do not submerge (bath, Jacuzzi) the surgical site for 2 weeks
after the surgery. As long as the wounds are open or moist they must be
covered with gauze or band-aids.
Post-op BLOCK
of the whole arm: It is normal for the whole arm including the fingers
to be numb for up to 1-2 days. The finger tips may be tingling or numb.
Activity: Rest with the arm on 3
pillows the first
3 days. It is OK to remove the sling for showers and sponge bathing. Sleeping
semi-sitting with lots of pillows may help. Take Tyl PM to help you
sleep. PT
will begin 1-2 weeks after surgery and will arranged at your first return visit. You can usually
return to work 2wks after surgery
for a sedentary office job.
2 months off for physically demanding jobs. Driving may
begin once you are able to safely steer and shift.
This could take up to 2-4 weeks
Sling: Used
2-6 wks depending on the type of surgery performed. Wear during sleep.
It is OK to remove the sling to do gentle flexion
extension motion of your elbow and to apply under-arm deodorant.
Cane
after simple scopes are used on the opposite hand for 7 days even if you don't
think you need it. The
PT
will begin within 1-2 weeks after surgery. Start your home exercises the night of
surgery and do daily. Apply full
weight on your leg.
Driving may
begin once you are able to safely steer and shift safely and without pain.
This could take up to 2-4 weeks.
Work: Return to a sedentary job (office)
7 days after surgery and physically hard jobs after 2 weeks for simple
scopes and after 4-6 weeks for ACL surgery.
Swelling is undesired.
If you have a Cold Therapy Unit use it as much as
possible.
Apply ice packs for 30 minutes, remove for 30 minutes then
repeat 5 times a day, continue for next 5 days.
Remove and discard your
Pain Pump on _______.
The pump has to be removed on this day or you risk developing a serious
infection. Undo the tape holding the tube down and pull the tube
gently. This will not hurt. Apply a band-aid over the little
puncture hole.
Medication: One
anti-inflammatory drug (Celebrex, Naprosyn, Voltaren) can be taken once a
day 1 wk after surgery. Tyl ES may be taken anytime.
Stop
these medications immediately and alert us if you experience stomach pain or
your bowel movements turn black.
Vicodin, Hydrocodone or other narcotics are taken for severe pain only “as needed”.
Narcotics cause drowsiness and
therefore should not be taken while driving a car. They also cause
constipation so drink lots of water, prune juice or over the counter stool
softeners.
Take Tyl PM to help you sleep.
Please call
Dr. Mora if: The
incision turns red and start to drain cloudy fluid (small amount of drainage the first week is normal). Unrelenting
Pain. It is normal to have a low grade fever (under 100.0) the first 3 days
after surgery. Call if Fever more than
101.0 F). Although it is normal to have a moderate
amount of hand and finger swelling after shoulder surgery. Nausea and
vomiting can also be normal the first 2 days after surgery. It is OK
to take over the counter nausea medicine.
You should proceed to the nearest
emergency room if: You experience a rapid fast paced heart-rate, chest pain,
unrelenting pain or difficulty catching your breath. Dr. Mora is usually available
over the phone. Ask
specifically
for him when going through the office
operator.
