United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I know this is going to sound silly, but I am having a tendon transfer surgery done on my shoulder in a couple weeks. I have the brace that I need to wear, it's one that will keep my arm elevated above my head....like the statue of liberty. So I know that not many people have had to wear that, but I am concerned.

I am a single mom- (in the middle of a divorce but still have military insurance which is covering this procedure 100% that's why I am doing it now before I lose it) I have 2 small kids and I work full time. I have already talked to my work about this and they support me in going on light duty while i am recovering...I actually work in a hospital in surgical services. My kids are old enough to help take care of themselves with little things like getting themselves dressed and stuff. My 2yo is almost potty trained.

My question is if I am going to be able to do all this alone...I will have a little help from some friends- but for the most part I will be flying solo. Do you think it is possible?? I am going to request a home nurse to help me in the mornings with showering and getting dressed and getting the brace on and off because I am well aware that I won't be able to do THAT by myself. But other than that, I am confident that I can do this alone....am I foolish for thinking that?? I was told that I will be able to drive with no problem....I don't drive a stick shift so that's good! haha

So for any of you that have had a similar procedure, do you have any tips?? ANY advice or secrets would be very helpful!!!

Thanks!

You might need more help at the start, like the first few weeks as this is the hardest time, for pain management, adjusting to sleeping...

You won't be able to take the brace off, it'll stay on, taking it off can jeopardize the surgery...

Good Luck!
Marieke

First of all welcome to the boards!
My best advice for right after surgery is to go to walmart and get your hair washed, its only 3 dollars and it doesnt involve pain.
Next, you will find ways to make things work! We always do!

Getting some non slip mats for the counter might help so you can mix things easier.

Goos luck with surgery!!! What tendons are you having transfered and what are you hoping to gain from the surgery?

I just had surgery 11 weeks ago and mine worked amazing! I had my pectoralis transfered to my scapula to stabalize my scapula and get rid of my pain. So far I am pain free!

Lokk forward to getting to know you!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

THe brace that they gave me goes over my clothes. They just told me that I can only take it off to shower and get dressed, but I have to have someone holding my arm up while I do it.

I hope the pain in managable....I am kinda concerned about that. I can imagine it will hurt if there is any movement and also a few days after surgery, but I hope I can handle it! LOL

LOL I like that Walmart idea!! haha My sister is a hairdresser so I can even have her wash and style my hair when she isn't busy.

Hmmm....I wonder how I am gonna shave my left pit?? LOL sorry TMI! Maybe I'll have to get them waxed!

I am not exactly sure which tendons they are using...but I know my rotator cuff is pretty beat up and my deltoid doesn't work so I know they will be doing something with those for sure. I will ask specifically at my pre op on Wed. I am hoping to gain external rotation and also elevation...(I want to lift my arm above my head)

You're surgery sounds great!! COngrats on that! I sure hope this one is successful.

Anyway- thanks for the info!!! I am so excited but sooo nervous.

Can we post pictures on the board at all?? I have a couple to share!

Lucky you that your sister is a hair dresser! Walmart saved me from being nasty after my last surgery, the first 5 days were rough. I am excited to hear all about your surgery when you get home and feel up to posting!
We do not yet have the ability to post pictured on this website unless you put them in an online photo album and share the link. I would love to see pics though if you are willing to share you can email me, hope16_05@hotmail.com

As for shaving your left arm pit was this something you could do with your right? I have never been able to do that with my right so I kind of look like i am immitating a monkey to shave my left pit. It works well but make sure you have a good razor with a movable head. I tend to cut myself with the razor that dont have movable heads.

Good luck!!!!
Hugs,
Amy 20 years old ROBPI from MN

I was 14 when I had my surgery, so had my mom shave my right armpit for me.. lol. Hmm.. maybe try to use hair removal cream instead? Can you maybe manage to squirt some on using the same arm? Or try shaving with the same arm.. like Amy does.

ps Amy, I can shave my right with my left (OBPI) too, lol, I have to balance my left arm on my chest and rest it there while I do it though...

Marieke (31, LOBPI)

LOL- I guess I can shave with the same arm.....I am having a brain fart...Somehow I figured it out when I had my last surgery and I was in a huge cast. I guess I did use the same arm.... duuh! LOL I guess that's not a huge deal!
I can shave with my right arm...I just have to be SUPER careful since it's not the most stable....and I HAVE to have the moveable head razors too! LOL

I will try to figure out how to put some pictures in an album, I just have a couple....