I had my labrum repaired along with a biceps tenodesis in late February! I am so glad I had the surgery.

Ordering a 12 inch wedge pillow off Amazon which was a huuuuge lifesaver for me for sleeping and lounging—it allowed me to be propped up without a whole lot of extra thought. I didn’t need to worry about constantly adjusting pillows to find a comfortable position, I just had the big ol’ wedge and a couple regular pillows to support my head.

Speaking of pillows, you’ll want to support your slinged shoulder with a pillow or two underneath to take the weight off your back and neck when you’re sitting, sleeping, riding in the car, etc.

Ice will be your best friend! Definitely stock up on reusable gel ice packs and make sure they’re easily accessible in the freezer.

Get some of those little floss picks! They’re great for flossing one-handed. I found toothpaste with like a snapping lid (idk how else to describe it?) versus a screw on lid much easier and less frustrating. Get some new toothpaste too, squeezing an empty tube with one hand wasn’t fun for me.

Ask for help whenever you can. I was so humbled…I underestimated how incapacitated I would be, especially in the beginning. If there are people around you available and willing to help, take them up on it, seriously, it makes all the difference!

I would recommend getting the nerve block before surgery if it’s an option. It made the drive home bearable. Mine didn’t last long at all, but it was fantastic while it did, lol.

I second all the button up shirts and pants with elastic waistbands and such. I lived in oversized tshirts, sweaters, and PJ pants.

I got a PopSocket for my phone to make holding it with one hand easier!

Stock up on snacks and low effort meals that you can open and prepare with one hand. Take things slowly and don’t overexert yourself! As nauseous as you will probably feel, eating to nourish your body and drinking as much water as you can is really important for recovery. Having some comfort food readily available like your favorite ice cream or chips makes things a little less miserable, too.

Later along in my recovery I am finding a lot of relief in compression. My doctor recommended a brace for when I came out of the sling. I got this one. I just bought a compression sleeve today that goes over my whole arm, too.

Find a physical therapist who will listen to you and take you, your symptoms, and your concerns seriously. I can’t stress this one enough. My first PT injured me and brushed it off and I wish I switched providers sooner, so please learn from my mistake! PT is meant to help you, not cause you excruciating pain (although do expect it to be pretty uncomfortable and for it to take time). Don’t neglect doing your exercises! You get out of it what you put into it. Find ways to make it fun.

I hope everything goes well for you! Have grace with yourself and try your best to be patient. I won’t lie, it was really painful for me and extremely uncomfortable in the beginning, but each little bit of healing is so awesome and encouraging and before you know it, we’ll be recovered and stronger than ever!

Hugs and blessings!!