Discharge Instructions after Open Shoulder Repair

The discharge instructions after Open Shoulder Repair:

  • A sling has been provided for you.  Remain in your sling at all times.  This includes sleeping in your sling.
  • Use ice on the shoulder intermittently over the first 48 hours after surgery.
  • Pain medicine has been prescribed for you.
  • Use your medicine liberally over the first 48 hours, and then you can begin to taper your use.  You may take Extra Strength Tylenol or Tylenol only in place of the pain pills. DO NOT take ANY nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications: Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naproxen or Naprosyn.
  • You may remove your dressing after two days leave open to air if dry
  • You may shower 4 days after surgery.  The incision(s) CANNOT get wet prior to 5 days.  Simply allow the water to wash over the site and then pat dry.  Do not rub the incision(s).  Make sure your axilla (armpit) is completely dry after showering.
  • Take one aspirin, a day for 2 weeks after surgery, unless you have an aspirin sensitivity/ allergy or asthma.
  • Remove your sling 3-5 times a day to perform elbow and wrist range of motion exercises. Do not actively move shoulder during this time.

Please call 216-844-0209 for any problems.

Including the following:

  • excessive redness of the Incisions
  • drainage for more than 4 days
  • fever of more than 101.5 F

Please call 216-844-0209 to make a follow-up appointment if one has not already been made. You should see the doctor 10-14 days after your surgery.

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