Arm in sling for a month

This time last year my left arm was out of action too. I managed by wearing a soft-top bra that I also slept in to save moving my arm too much.

I only wore easy to get on and off clothes like joggers and pullover tops.

I had to use public transport because I couldn't drive. I ordered food on-line to be delivered and ate ready meals that required no prep.

I learned to do things like washing up with one hand- it took ages as I don't have a microwave. I gradually mamaged to do small tasks and gradually adapted, although it was frustrating at times!

I think you will be fine as long as you are not in pain. Insist on having adequate pain relief.Accept whatever help you feel happy with from others. You will get there...it doesn't matter that your routine goes out of the window for a short while.

This is the time to call on friends and neighbours especially if you live alone. It's not just a bit of practical help that will help you get through the month but they can also raise flagging spirits. Let your friends and neighbours know. I think it's easy to fall into the trap of being brave and independent and that's fine but we deny people the opportunity to be kind and generous to us and that's good for them too.
I had a fairly serious accident last year and although I wouldn't want to repeat the experience it strengthened several friendships and helped me make new ones. Good luck it's a big op but you'll feel so much better when you are pain free. A friend has had it done and it's been transformative.

When I broke a bone in my hand I soon learnt ways to adapt, as well as accepting there are things I couldn’t do.

I had to go for a follow-up appointment at a distant hospital. It would take two trains and a bus ride to get there. My son arranged for his in-laws to take me. His lovely MiL said “ It gave us the opportunity to do a kindness”.
I hope your op goes well.

I do feel so sorry for you. It's so painful and sleeping is very difficult as you can't get comfy or turn over.

When I broke my shoulder I had a blow dry at the hairdressers every week rather than struggle to do it myself. My husband tried to do my hair for me the first time but, as he's been bald for 30 years, he had no experience and the results were awful.

I did things that meant I didn't have to do stuff over and again. E.g. if I was making a cuppa I'd make a flask so I could have a hot drink later without getting up again.

I hope you don't have to wait too long for your op.

I am also waiting for a total shoulder replacement on my right shoulder and also had a CMC joint replacement on my right hand two weeks ago. It has been a learning curve and I'm really pleased with how I have managed using my left hand for everything.
I have prepared for my shoulder op by buying button up tops, nighties and pj's and I've also bought a good bandeau bra.

Shoulder pain is dreadful. I was advised to sleep propped on a number of pillows. I used cocodamol at bed time (a first)
I rested a lot as sleep quality was poor
I bought ready made meals or ready prepped veg, sliced bread and got a cleaner - luckily decent pension made this possible
The worst was being unable to drive
Best of luck

Ask for help.
People offer and most mean it quite genuinely.
Later, when you are recovered. you can return the favours.

If you are using a sling, I hope you were told to take your arm out, fully extend it and bend it a few times every few hours because you don't want an arm that can become fairly useless.

Yes - physio from day 1 essential

I’ve had a total shoulder replacement (left shoulder) and I would advise you to do all your physiotherapy exercises religiously so that you are able to function without a sling as quickly as possible. I would also wear clothes that are easy to get into including yoga bras etc., that are comfortable and don’t dig into your shoulders. Keep your outer clothes simple too. Also, is you’re on your own, it might be a good idea to prepare and freeze some meals ahead of your surgery so that you only need to defrost/reheat once you’re back at home. A V-shaped pillow might be useful too along with other pillows so that you don’t roll on your shoulders. I hope the surgery goes well and you’re soon feeling a lot better.

When I broke my upper arm in two places and completely crushed my elbow, my sanity was saved by having a seat in the shower thar folds back to the wall behind it and a front fastening bra (well two actually). I am a very private person and would not want my husband or grown up and married children having to do anything in the way of personal care for me. Once I realised I could shower and put my bra on by myself I was much better. As it was my right arm and I am right handed , by doing my physio exercised every day I eventually managed to get my arm high enough to put my contact lenses in, I felt much more human once I could handle basic needs.