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Working With An Orthopedist

A few years ago, I decided to take up running. I was bad at it at first, but after a few months, I got more comfortable. Unfortunately, right when I got good at running, I developed a bad pain in my left foot. At first, I decided to push past the pain, but it quickly became excruciating. I realized that it might be a good idea to talk with a doctor about my problem, and so I met with an orthopedist. He carefully watched my gait as I ran, and he decided to take some images to check out my bone health. It turned out that I had developed a stress fracture, and my doctor recommended surgery. This blog is all about ways that an orthopedist can help you, so that you can enjoy your hobbies.

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Working With An Orthopedist

What To Do Right After You Have Shoulder Surgery

by Jessie Hawkins

If you are having shoulder surgery, you need to prepare to take care of yourself after your surgery. Taking good care of yourself after your shoulder surgery will help improve the recovery process.

#1 Have Ice Bags Ready

You are going to want to prepare ice bags before your surgery. Fill up some gallon bags with crushed ice. You can also use the classic bag of peas; just make sure that you have a few bags on hand to use for icing purposes. If you are looking for something with a little more of a smooth structure, purchase some cold gel packs and allow them to chill in your freezer ahead of time.

You will also need to have some clean towels on hand. You don't want to apply ice directly to your shoulder.  Wrap the ice bag or ice pack up with a towel when you ice your shoulder. You should ice for a short period of time, such as ten to fifteen minutes each hour. This will help your shoulder heal.

#2 Fill Your Prescription

See if you can fill your prescription before the surgery or let the doctor's office know where to call the prescription into so that your prescription can easily be picked up after your surgery. You should be given some pain medication, which will help with the healing process.

The pain medication you are given may cause nausea or vomiting, so limit how you use the pain medication. It may be best to take the medication before you go to sleep or take a nap to allow you to rest better.

#3 Have Some Help

After your shoulder surgery, you are not going to be able to move your shoulder for a while. You are going to need to keep your shoulder stable so that it can heal properly. You may be surprised how difficult it is to do everyday tasks depending on the arm that was operated on and if that is your dominate arm.

Arrange to have someone stay with you the week after your surgery if you live alone or have different friends stop by and assist you. You may need help with self-care, cooking food, and other every-day tasks while your shoulder heals up.

If you have shoulder surgery coming up, make sure you have icing supplies ready in your fridge. Have someone on hand to help you out after your surgery, and use the pain medication as directed to help with the healing process. Contact a clinic, like El Camino Center for Sports Medicine​, for more help. 

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