Anyone that knows me, knows I am a planner (well, except for my books). So in preparation for my upcoming shoulder surgery, I had to do some research and buy a few things. The doctor’s office told me they preferred a button front top to make it easier for the nurse to put on me after surgery. I don’t have any and thanks to an, um, large “top” which always makes those shirts gape, I don’t own any and didn’t plan to get any. But I figured a zip-front shirt should work as well.
SHIRT FOR SURGERY DAY
Off to Amazon, Kohl’s, and Target I went (I love online shopping). Not knowing how often I’d wear this shirt, I wanted a low price as well as comfort and fit. This is what I settled on from Amazon. I got it in the dark grey. I ordered it one size up (XL) to keep the fit loose and comfortable. It will work well for the first couple of days.
CAMISOLE FOR SURGERY DAY
Next up was something to wear underneath, knowing my bras would be an issue. I needed something to layer underneath the shirt (no way was I going to wear a bra home). I opted for a comfortable, very light pink camisole. I can zip or unzip the shirt as the temperature changes. Once again, Amazon to the rescue. I ordered this in my usual size for tops (L). This will also work well at home for the first couple of days.
PANTS FOR SURGERY DAY
Pants were easy – loose and flowy. I already had a pair from Amazon I liked and thought would work. One day while wearing them around the house, realized I pull them up and down with one hand thanks to the looseness of the waistband (think bathroom duty). Off to order a second pair one size larger, just in case. They wash and dry well, are lightweight and not see-through. These are also great to sleep in! They are my go-to at home pants if I know I don’t have to go out and so much easier to pull up/down than my leggings would be. I now have a (L) and an (XL).
SPORTS BRA
I’d been on the search for a comfortable sports style bra for around the house for some time. They all were returned until I found this one to try from Amazon. I used the chart and with a 38DDD, went with the XXL. I was sold – so comfortable. The pads are easily removed or adjusted. I wore it for two days, including sleep and immediately ordered the 3-pack. No, it doesn’t offer much in the way of support but I do notice a lot less jiggle. Perfect for at home post-surgery and later on for those days when I just don’t want the tightness of a regular bra. The reviews said they might stretch when washed, so I plan on only hand-washing, towel-roll and air dry.
I had seen a short video about making it easier to remove a sports bra but didn’t save the link and know can’t find it. It showed that it was easier to take one arm out first (the good arm for me), then it will easily come off over your head. Much easier than tugging the whole thing up or down.
The only other item will be slip-on shoes – I have a ton, so that’s easy. No jewelry, no watch, no purse – those will be left at home. I will have a small bag with my denture cup, reading glasses in a case (I can’t sign anything, if needed, without them), drivers license and insurance card. When I am wheeled off, this will all stay with Stu along with my clothes.
Each day, I try to do things with my left arm held to my chest as I go about my daily routine to simulate it being a sling (which it will be for 2-4 weeks). It helps me think ahead to what else I might need to do or adjust. I have to admit I’m really glad it’s not my right arm since I’m right handed.
And that wraps it up – once the surgery is done, as soon as I feel up to it I will post an update in here. Right now I am trying out the dictation feature on my desktop. It’s hard for me to think and talk at the same time. I know that sounds funny, but in reality it takes practice. When I’m typing my fingers seem to know what my brain is thinking.
6 thoughts on “Anyone that knows me…shoulder surgery prep”
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Donna, thank you so much for taking the guess work out of clothing for my upcoming surgery. I’m practicing using just my left hand/arm as my right shoulder will be going under the knife.
I hope this helps a little bit – I have my clothes for the day already in a pile on my rocker in my bedroom. I can’t imagine how difficult this would be if it were my right shoulder. Sending gentle healing hugs your way!!! We can compare notes as we recover.
Hmmm, I have to wonder how well that camisole is going to work since it’s an over the head requirement, also the sports bra, same issue. They do make sports bras with front hooks, but I guess the hooks would be impossible with one hand anyway. I’d just skip the bra altogether for a couple of weeks!
We will see on the camisole, but I can do without on the way home. The bra I can step into and slide up over my arms. I think it will work but time will tell.
We’ll be sending good thoughts your way for both an easy surgery and an easy recovery! (Trueda using Michael’s account!)
Thanks, Trueda. It will be interesting – while in the shower today, I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to wash my hair. Guess hubby will be doing it for me!