|
Instructions for Patients Undergoing
Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
We will make the arrangements and call you~
 | We will call your insurance carrier and make the arrangements for surgery. |
| We will call you to let you know when and where your surgery will be
performed. |
| Please keep a pencil and paper by the phone to write down the information
when we call you. |
| The exact time of your surgery will not be known until the evening before
your surgery. |
Before surgery~
| You need a history and physical by your family physician within 7 days
prior to the day of surgery. |
| If you are taking medications, you should call your family doctor to find
out if it is okay to continue taking that medication. |
| A blood transfusion is usually required. Before surgery, you will need to
donate 2 units of blood that is either your own, a family member's, or a
close friend's. |
| Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. This
includes sips of water, coffee, or anything else. |
| Make sure you have someone to drive you home the day of surgery. |
| If you are 18 or under and are not married, you must be accompanied by a
parent or guardian. |
| Do not wear jewelry or take other valuable items with you. |
| Do not wear make-up or nail polish. |
Day of surgery~
| The average stay in the hospital is 3 to 7 days, depending on your general
overall health and the help you will have at home. |
| Total shoulder replacement surgery is done under a general anesthetic
(puts you to sleep). |
| The surgery usually takes one to one and a half hours. |
| Risks include blood clot, anesthesia complications, and infection. |
| The scar on your shoulder will be approximately 10 inches long. |
| You will be given a prescription for pain medication to take home with
you. |
After surgery
| You will be in an immobilizer for approximately 4 to 6 weeks following
surgery. |
| Physical therapy will be started in the hospital, and you may continue
most of your therapy at home. |
| You will see your doctor in 8 to 10 days following surgery. |
| If you notice any changes such as fever, bleeding, drainage, or unusual
symptoms at all, you should contact our office immediately. |
| After surgery, you will be at risk of infection from total joint surgery.
We will issue you a medic alert card as a reminder that if you should ever
have any sort of infection, such as a urinary tract infection, or if you
should have dental work or surgery, you will need an antibiotic medication.
You will be given a pamphlet which will further discuss this. |
Please call our office at 515-222-3151 if you have any
questions. Please do not call the hospital. If you
have questions or concerns, we want to hear from you.
 Back to Medical
Information Page
|
|
