Recovery

Hi everyone! I am a 29 year old single mom to a 3 year old. I am supposed to get my PM mid-July. I am worried about the recovery. After the surgery, when can you be up and around again? Does anyone have any advice as to coping with not being able to use your arm for a month? Also, how do you keep from moving your arm when you sleep? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you :)

2 Comments

arm

by Tracey_E - 2012-06-28 03:06:24

You can and should use your arm! You don't want your shoulder to freeze. Just not higher than shoulder level and no heavy lifting. Pick your child up with the other arm, use your sore arm for balance and support but not the lifting. Can he/she crawl into a carseat alone so you just have to buckle? I changed diapers sitting on the floor.

For me, washing my hair to be the biggest challenge! My stylist was great about doing it for me the first week, then I got pretty good at doing it one handed.

You should be up and around but moving a little slowly the same day. Can someone stay with you for a day or two to help? You shouldn't need it longer than that.

I found it helpful to sleep with a small pillow, hug it with my left arm. It takes the pressure off and keeps me from rolling onto it in my sleep.

Take a button top to the hospital and plan to wear blouses the first week or so. You won't want to be pulling anything over your head.

Good luck! If you have more questions, don't be shy. I got my first one at 27, then had two toddlers when I got my second one. I'm on my 4th now.

And don't panic

by ElectricFrank - 2012-06-29 02:06:10

if you forget and raise your arm above your shoulder. The chances of anything happening are small. Just a good precaution for a week or two.

frank

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