Total Shoulder Arthoplasty
Preparation and recovery
Preparation for Surgery:
- Medical clearance from your primary care physician is required for all patients and must be completed at least 2 weeks before and no more than 30 days prior to surgery. If you are scheduled to see your physician less than 14 days prior to surgery, this may result in your surgery being delayed.
- If you have any underlying cardiac conditions/history, you will also be required to obtain cardiac clearance prior to surgery.
- We encourage you to have your lab work and EKG done at the hospital prior to seeing your primary care physician, as many primary care offices are no longer performing blood work or EKG’s in their office.
- Seven days prior to surgery, please do not take any anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications (Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn, Advil, Aspirin, etc.) as this could result in increased bleeding during surgery. If you are on blood thinners these will also need to be stopped prior to surgery. Timing will need to be coordinated with the prescribing physician and Dr. Drake.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before surgery. You may take a small sip of water the morning of surgery to take your normal medications. This includes your blood pressure medicine, which in general should be taken. Consult your primary care doctor regarding medication and insulin instructions prior to surgery.
- Post-operative pain medication will be sent to your pharmacy prior to the date of surgery. We recommend you pick up your prescriptions at least 2 days before surgery in the event there is a shortage of medication at your preferred pharmacy.
Post-Surgical Instructions:
- There will be a bulky gauze dressing covering the incision which will need to remain in place for 3 days. You should not shower or get your dressing wet during this time. The gauze dressing may be removed on the 3rd day after surgery, and you may begin showering. Do NOT remove the adhesive steri-strips covering the incision. Steri-strips should be left intact on the incision until returning to clinic or for your postoperative follow-up 10-14 days following surgery.
- You may get the steri-strips wet, however do not scrub the area and no bathing or hot tubs.
- You must remain in your sling during the day and night for 2 weeks. The sling may be removed for showering; however, your elbow must remain at your side at all times. DO NOT open or close doors with the operative extremity.
- Narcotic pain medications are prescribed if Tylenol is inadequate (Narcotic pain medications will cause constipation, so be proactive with stool softeners and laxatives).
- Pendulum exercises may begin the day after your surgery and should be performed 5 times per day. In addition to pendulum exercises, you may perform gentle elbow flexion/extension and finger/wrist range of motion. (Refer to pendulum exercise link)
- Physical therapy will begin 2 weeks post operatively.
- You may drive as soon as it is comfortable to do so, which is usually after about two weeks following discharge from the hospital. You SHOULD NOT DRIVE while under the influence of pain medications.
- Do not take NSAID medications (Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, etc.) or Cox-2 inhibitors (i.e. Celebrex) for 3 months following surgery unless approved by Dr. Drake.
- We will not refill pain medications over the weekend or after hours. Anticipate the need for medication refills.
Follow-up:
- Call Level Up Shoulder (847-690-1776) or text (847-750-5255) to schedule your routine postsurgical visit for 10-14 days after surgery with Dr. Drake’s physician assistant, Steve.
- Patients will be seen by Steve (Dr. Drake’s PA) for the first two visits after surgery at 2 and 6 weeks. Dr. Drake will see patients at the 3 month postoperative appointment.
- Please call Dr. Drake’s staff at Level Up Shoulder or your physician’s office immediately with any problems or go to the emergency room if youdevelop:
- Drainage and increased pain at the incision site
- Fever greater than 101.5 degrees F
- Swelling and tenderness in your legs, as this could be indicative of a blood clot
Surgical Office Locations
262-295-1213
DirectionsAlexian Brothers Medical Center
800 Biesterfield Rd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007