What Should I do to Prepare for my Surgery?

1. Arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you to the hospital the day of your surgery.
2. Plan ahead for transportation home or to the hotel the day of your planned discharge.
3. Arrange for someone to stay with you the first night you return home or to the hotel after the surgery.
4. You may want to adjust your wardrobe to provide a front closure shirt/blouse or sweater which are easiest to wear after shoulder surgery.
5. 1.If you are having a shoulder replacement you will be staying at the hospital for 2 days. If you are having an arthroscopic procedure, you will go home the same day as your surgery.
6. You will be expected to be in a sling for a 6 week period of time. During that time you will not be able to use that arm which includes NO DRIVING. If you have questions about how long you will be in your sling please contact one of our physician assistants.
7. Remember to adjust your work/social schedule accordingly during your anticipated recovery time.
8. Make prior arrangements for formal physical therapy to start upon your return home unless you have had a reverse total shoulder replacement.
9. If you have pets, you may want to arrange for someone to assist in caring for them for a few days after you return home.
10. While taking narcotic pain medication you will not be permitted to drive. You may need to arrange for transportation to your initial follow up visit.
11. Unless told otherwise, you will need to have a follow up visit 7 – 14 days after surgery with Dr. Romeo’s physician assistant’s for suture removal.

Print this page.