Post Operative Information - Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilisation
Post Operative Information
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilisation
- A sling will be applied in theatre which will encircle your
body. This is to be left on at all times and will only be removed
by the physio, who will show you how to do exercises. He /she
may change the sling for a more comfortable one. There will
be a large wound pad covering smaller dressings. This will be
removed approximately 12 hours after surgery. Wound is to be kept
dry for 5 days after surgery. The sling is to remain on at
all times.
- You will be given an appointment at discharge for follow up
approximately 10-14 days after surgery. If you have not been given
an appointment card please ring Debbie on 8376 9988 to book an
appointment.
- Physiotherapist will usually see you prior to discharge, but no
further physiotherapy will be required until I see you at follow
up, but exercises should be continued as demonstrated to you.
- Usually pain improves on a daily basis, but you should rest at
home and slowly do more each day. If however pain suddenly
increases, shoulder swells or redness or fluid discharges, please
contact me ASAP- pager available on 8378 2179.
- I will review you 2 weeks after surgery, at which time any more
specific questions can be answered. If however there are
any specific concerns prior, please do not hesitate to contact me
on 8376 9988.
Discharge Information
Upper Limb Surgery
Activity /Exercises
Exercises will be explained by your physiotherapist prior to
going home. It is important to follow these instructions
carefully. Driving is not permitted while your arm is
in a sling or plaster. If you do not require a sling or
plaster it will be 2 weeks before you can commence driving. When
you come for your post operative appointment we will let you know
when you can commence driving.
Returning to work will depend on the type of
work you do i.e. manual or office. Generally a sick certificate
will be issued up until the date of your post operative
appointment. (approx 2 weeks) when further assessment can be
made.
While rest is imperative there is always a risk of developing
Deep Vein Thrombosis after surgery It is suggested
you gently mobilize at home (walking) as soon as possible after
your surgery.
The Operative Site
Your wound may be covered with a dressing which will remain on
for 5 days after surgery, you may then remove it and leave open to
the air until your post operative appointment. It is normal
for some blood or fluid to ooze from the wound but if excessive
fluid or blood oozes from under the dressing you should call 8376
9988 for further advice. If you have small plastic
dressings in place leave these insitu until 5 days post operative
when they can be replaced once you have showered.
Before handling your wound or replacing the dressing you
must remember to wash your hands thoroughly.
Stitches will be removed at your post operative appointment.
If you have been fitted with a sling this must remain on
until your post operative appointment.
Hygiene/Showering
Wound and dressing must be kept dry until 5 days after surgery.
After the 5th day you can shower but not have a bath. It is
important the plastic dressing be pat dried and if required the
small plastic dressings can be replaced with bandaids. It is
important to keep any larger dressings dry by covering with a
plastic bag prior to showering. These will be removed at your
appointment. If you wear rings on the hand of the operated limb
it is important you do not replace these until you have
been seen at your post operative appointment as the hand
may still swell some time after surgery.
Pain Management
Pain relief (or a script) will be provided to you on discharge.
This amount should be adequate, however you maybe required to take
occasional "over the counter" medication for the next few weeks. It
is not unusual to experience some pain for several weeks after
surgery. If you have difficulty managing the pain please contact
the surgery for further advice. It is a good idea to take analgesia
½ hour prior to commencing exercises.
Following surgery you should resume any regular medication you
were on prior to surgery.
Complications/Problems
Swelling, redness, increased warmth of the operated
area, if excessive discharge from the wound commences or continues
or if you have a temperature or feel generally unwell please
contact me on 8376 9988 ASAP or after hours pager on 8378
2179.
Any numbness or tingling that persists in the hand of your
operated limb, even after wrist and hand exercises should be
reported to me.
Medication Information
Panadeine Forte or Tramadol
Used for severe to moderate pain.
Potential side effects - nausea, vomiting, constipation,
alteration in alertness. Can interfere with alcohol.
These analgesics are very similar in their action and you may be
prescribed one OR the other NOT
both.
The recommended dose is 2 tablets 6 Hourly. This is
only used up to 6 weeks following surgery.
Endone
Do not take with alcohol
A strong analgesic used short term
following surgery.
Potential side effects - nausea, vomiting, constipation,
drowsiness/confusion.
Can interfere with some Beta blockers. Can interfere with
some antidepressant medication.
Oxycontin
This is not routinely used, as it is recommended for moderate to
severe chronic pain.
Potential side effects - dependence, nausea, vomiting,
drowsiness and confusion.
Can interfere with some antidepressants.
Digesic/ Capadex
An analgesia used for mild to moderate pain.
Potential side effects - nausea,vomiting. It is usually
prescribed to be taken 4-6 hourly, 3-4 times a day.
Nurofen
Used for temporary relief for minor pain.
Potential side effects - stomach ulceration (Must be taken with
food)
Can interfere with Beta blockers, Digoxin.
Asthmatics should not take this medication.
These analgesics are usually used short term.
Panadol/Panadeine should be sufficient during the longer recovery
period.
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