5 Questions to Ask Your Physician Before Getting a Shoulder Replacement in Syracuse

A shoulder replacement surgery is a major surgery and it requires careful preparation and advanced planning. Ending pain should not just be the main motivator to get a shoulder replacement. You’ll need to be well-informed about everything it involves before rushing into a decision.

Learn more about what shoulder replacement. More importantly, you need to ask your physician these questions during your consultation before agreeing to the procedure.

1. Why am I a candidate for a shoulder replacement and what does the actual procedure involve?

Pain is not the only reason for undergoing shoulder replacement surgery. There’s a lot of remedies to the pain that your physician can recommend:

• Medication
• Exercises
• Healthy living
• Proper sleeping and posture positions

However, if all these fail, then your physician may recommend shoulder replacement. Keep in mind that it should be the last option and not an immediate recommendation. Ask your physician if all options have been exhausted. In most cases, patients who can no longer bear the pain and/or whose mobility have become limited due to the chronic nature of the condition are candidates for this surgery.

Your physician should be able to walk you through all the options to alleviate the pain. He should also be able to share to you his assessment of your condition. More importantly, your physician should be able to explain to you the steps of the procedure in a way that you would understand.

2. How long will I stay in the hospital?

One of the preparations you’ll need to do is making sure that you’re ready to be confined in the hospital for a specific period of time. Because shoulder replacement is a major surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for a while and will need someone to assist you aside from the hospital nurses.

Ask your doctor how long you’ll be staying at the hospital. Knowing the number of days you’ll be spending at the hospital will help you manage your schedule away from work and family. You’ll also be able to plot the logistics involved, such as the following:

• Transport from home to hospital and vice-versa
• Clothes to bring
• A family member who will assist you
• Visiting schedule
• Paper works, such as insurance, IDs, hospital forms, etc.

3. Will there be any complications?

One of the hardest questions to ask your physician upfront is knowing what potential complications can occur during or after the surgery. Just like any other major surgeries, a shoulder replacement involves high risks. It’s best if you’re aware of any potential complications or infections that may occur as part of the procedure.

Don’t hesitate to ask your physician about complications. Ask about what potential complications can occur during surgery and how it can be prevented or alleviated. Also, ask about what can occur after the surgery or when you’re at home and what’s the best action to do when it occurs.

4. How do I prepare for the surgery?

Preparing for the surgery involves a lot of things. There’s the paper works, the money, and your whole self. Apart from fully agreeing to the procedure, you’ll have to ask your physician how you should prepare for the surgery and what your post-surgery care options are.

Here are the general preparation recommendations before a shoulder replacement surgery:

• Contact family and friends for emotional support and assistance with activities of daily living such as self-care, laundry, and preparing meals and to accompany you to the hospital at least a month before your shoulder replacement surgery.
• About three weeks before surgery, prepare your home for your recovery period by storing frequently used items, like canned foods and cleaning supplies, in easy-to-access cabinets. Check your home safety to prevent tripping and falling accidents, such as placing telephone and electrical cords against the wall.
• Take anti-inflammatory and pain medication as prescribed, which is usually two weeks before surgery.
• A week before the surgery, pack the necessary things you need to bring in the hospital, such as personal grooming items, slippers, loose-fitting clothing, current medications, and pocket money.
• A day before the surgery, you’ll be advised to do fasting. It means that you’re not allowed to eat or drink after midnight.

5. What should I expect after the surgery and what’s the recovery process?

Lastly, ask your physician what the recovery process looks like. Ask how you’re going to recuperate while at the hospital as well as when you go home. Let your physician help you plot your recovery plan. Ask him what medications you should take to minimize and/or alleviate the pain.

You should ask about rehab or physical therapy schedule. Ask about what specific activities you can and can’t do. Don’t forget to ask your physician how long it will take you to be fully recovered, patient post-operation recovery trends, and tips to attain a normal and healthy lifestyle after a shoulder replacement surgery.

Conclusion

Getting a total shoulder replacement in Syracuse involves advanced planning and careful decision making. Remember, it is major surgery and it involves a lot of risks. You should understand if there’s a need for you to get a shoulder replacement. Ask your physician the right questions to be well-informed and educated about shoulder replacement before agreeing to the procedure.