Am i able to get help after returning home from surgery?

littlenicki

Hello, Firstly i really wasnt sure where to put this so please move it if its not in the right place!

Im due to have arthoscopic shoulder stabilisation surgery in May because my shoulder regularly dislocates. Ive been told that i will be in a external rotator sling (google if you want to know what it is i cant post links yet) for 6 weeks, and that it can take up to 4-6 months till full strength is returned.

I live in a student house with 4 other students and the only family around is my mum who has cancer so isnt able to help me out with things.

During the first few week especially Im not going to be able to do very much for myself and things like getting up, washed, dressed and preparing meals will be damn near impossible i imagine.

I was wondering if anyone knew if I would be able to get any help with doing these basic things for at least the first few weeks? And if I was how id go about getting it?

We have medical insurance that is allowing me to have the operation privately but it wouldnt cover any carers etc if that makes any difference.

Many Thanks

TOBRUK

I would advise you see your GP to discuss aftercare although surely they would discuss this with you at the hospital. A district nurse will probably be available through your GP or hospital - depending where you live. Other than that I'm not sure what to advise - I'm sure someone else will be along to advise.

Oldernotwiser

Will there still be other students around in May when you come out of hospital?

MyRubyRed

OP I'm not sure that you would qualify for a carer as you hopefully still have full use of the other arm and can walk ok. I know its likely to be difficult but I broke my arm a couple of years ago between elbow and shoulder. I was in a sling for 6 weeks and needed physio weekly thereafter for a further 6 weeks. Full strength did not return for almost another 4 months. It was hard but I did manage in a fashion though looked like a clampet for much of the time. Hopefully your GP or hospital will advise but I wouldn't hold my breath.xx

kazzah60

littlenicki wrote: »

Hello, Firstly i really wasnt sure where to put this so please move it if its not in the right place!

Im due to have arthoscopic shoulder stabilisation surgery in May because my shoulder regularly dislocates. Ive been told that i will be in a external rotator sling (google if you want to know what it is i cant post links yet) for 6 weeks, and that it can take up to 4-6 months till full strength is returned.

I live in a student house with 4 other students and the only family around is my mum who has cancer so isnt able to help me out with things.

During the first few week especially Im not going to be able to do very much for myself and things like getting up, washed, dressed and preparing meals will be damn near impossible i imagine.

I was wondering if anyone knew if I would be able to get any help with doing these basic things for at least the first few weeks? And if I was how id go about getting it?

We have medical insurance that is allowing me to have the operation privately but it wouldnt cover any carers etc if that makes any difference.

Many Thanks

My husband has had very similar surgery on his left shoulder and is currently awaiting a date for his right one to be fixed.
I think you may be worrying unnecessarily - my husband coped very well - the only things I helped him with were shirt buttons and laces
he managed to dress himself within a very short space of time
and managed simple tasks like making a drink within 2 days

you will need to make some adjustments to your routine - for example shirts are easier to get on and off than t shirts - you may need some help doing the buttons up to start with
socks can be achallenge- but it is possible to get them on with only one good hand - the same with underpants - it does take a bit of jiggling, but you will manage.

cooking will be a challenge -but could you make some meals before your surgery-stews/bologniase sauces etc and freeze them so that you can simply defrost and heat them up?

you could probably manage to pop a jacket potato into the oven or microwave single handedly to eat with a pre-prepared bolognaise sauce or chill or curry etc

as the weeks go by - you will need to increase you active range of movement with the arm anyway - so things will get slightly easier


my hubby found showering was easier than washing or bathing and he simply dired one side of his body and got into a towelling robe for the other side
shaving he did one handed with an electric razor and combing his hair was not too difficult

we were probably spoiled in one respect because our younger son has a paralysed right arm due to a brachial plexus injury at brith - so we have had to help him with coping strategies over the years and this DID help when it came to hubby's op.

I don't think you would be eligible for free home care assistance as you are not on any income support etc - so you probably COULD apply for help from your local social services or home care agency - but you would need to pay the hourly rate for these.

Honestly- I know you are daunted by the prospect- but with some prior planning about your meals and clothing I am sure you will cope

littlenicki

Thank you for everyones responses, I think you may be right that im over-worrying. I will try to sort out meals and stuff before i go in, and there is always take away! I dont think there will be any students in the house at that time as term has finished.

MyRubyRed

OP I can understand your concerns but I'm sure you will be fine and at least you are going to get the problem sorted. I even still managed to log onto the MSE forum thoughout albeit I typed one handed. Best of luck
xxxx

Mojisola

The hospital should assess you before you go home to make sure you can manage.

If you think you may need extra help, contact https://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/Health-and-social-care/Social-support-in-the-UK/Care-in-the-home and see if they can offer support.

Trialia

I had an arthroscopic shoulder stabilisation procedure six years ago. I was still living with my family at the time, but you should be able to get some temporary help, from the council if you live somewhere with a 'reablement' service which is designed specifically for people coming out of hospital after operations...

Trialia

skcollob wrote: »

I wish that was the case!

I'm pretty certain it depends where in the country you are; here in Manchester, I got help from Reablement after coming out of A&E with both arms stuck in slings for a month...

Trialia

skcollob wrote: »

Money to the North is now being heavily restricted, but the South still gets little or nothing just like before!

Are you even serious? You know what, don't answer that.