Your shoulder is more susceptible to injury because it's the most flexible joint you have, according to the North American Orthopaedic Surgeons (see reference 1). Shoulder surgery is often needed for repetitive strain injuries, such as those acquired from professions like carpentry and roofing. Often, non-surgical treatment is successful at resolving your pain. However, if rest and rehabilitation are unable to heal your shoulder, you may need surgery.
Instructions
1. Discuss the possible risks and complications of your surgery with your doctor. The risks may vary depending on the procedure you undergo; they include possible infection and potential damage to the blood vessels and nerves around the shoulder area. You also run the risk of blood clots, bleeding inside the joint and tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone damage.
2. Arrange to have someone stay at your home to help you while you recover as well as to drive you home from the hospital following the procedure. Typically, you'll need about a week to recover before you can return to performing light work. You'll need to abstain from performing heavy activity until you're fully healed. If there is no one to help you at home, you may need to check into a care facility.
3. Inform your surgeon about all medications (over-the-counter and prescription) and nutritional or herbal supplements you are taking. Some medications or supplements may interfere with your body's ability to clot blood.
4. Decide which type of anesthesia you want to use. Your doctor may put you under general anesthesia, in which case you'll be completely asleep, if the procedure will last for a long time or if it requires you to be in an uncomfortable position for a long time. Otherwise, you may decide you'd rather have regional anesthesia. Regional anesthesia will numb an area of your body but will not put you to sleep.
5. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding food and beverages. You'll need an empty stomach for the surgery. In general, you will need to avoid eating and drinking for a minimum of six hours prior to the surgery. You may be able to drink water but discuss this with your surgeon.
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