Things I Used to Get Comfortable Post Rotator Cuff Surgery -

[@kaylabryson1932]

I was wanting to break down crying trying to get the ice machine pad to fit ..it’s so huge! Thank you so much for sharing your solution… genius!! And it’s working !!

[@LisaMonique]

Yay!!!

[@gemtwist7]

My surgery is next month and I've started preparing now since I will be alone most of the time and need to consider how I'm going to do things without help. I was on the fence about getting an ice machine mainly because I wasn't sure if I could strap it on all by myself. Most of what I read on web sites or when I read comments from people assume there is a significant other to assist in the recovery. I can't thank you enough for showing that a person can strap the pad on themselves. I will have someone helping me my first week, so we will shape the pad to fit more securely on the shoulder and velcro it down.

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck!! Yes, you can do it yourself, eventually you figure out the fastest way to put on, though I usually kept it on and just unhooked the machine to get up and walk around. I would hold the machine tubes between my knees to hook it back together.

[@krogers64]

I have upcoming surgery the first of February. Thank you for these videos. They are very helpful!

[@windflower5010]

I swear by the cold therapy machine. I put a towel between me and the shoulder pad. I ran it all night. No Rx pain meds for the rotator cuff.

[@LisaMonique]

It is the best!!!!

[@kimfraser6504]

What brand is it please

[@lorikennison8938]

I had one for my Knee replacement surgery , it became my best friend

[@joannepigliavento7930]

Thanks for the tips! I had a repair 10 years ago on my non-dominant arm, which was difficulty enough. Now I believe I’m facing the same on my dominant arm. UGG. I have super thick and wavy hair. I’m thinking I may do a weekly wash and blowout at my salon lol. Another tip I learned is that instead of using a towel out of the shower to slip on a nice thirsty bathrobe, which can take the place of the towel happy healing to you!! 😀

[@sutahrobins]

that's what i do. surgery friday. once a week wash and blow out.

[@editorgyrl17]

Here’s a tip after surgery for long hair. I couldn’t get my hair in a ponytail because you can’t lift both arms, right? But I DID discover, at around week three, that if I bent over at the waist my hair would hang down and both my hands would be hanging down, and I could actually get into a spot where I could get a high ponytail going! This SAVED me and I didn’t have to keep walking next door to have my neighbor do a simple ponytail for me, lol!

[@kayrie95]

Thank you for the tips! I am a very petite (5' tall) woman with shoulder surgery scheduled for next month. All of the other videos I've watched have been from men. It's very helpful to hear from somebody who has a similar build to me!

[@bettykaminski4881]

Mine is in 11 days. I hope you are doing well.

[@kayrie95]

@bettykaminski4881 Thank you! I'm about 6 weeks into my recovery, and I'm doing great! I hope you have an smooth surgery and a speedy recovery!

[@bevyctn9203]

I’m happy that your recuperation went so well. Your simple tips are very helpful, but most of us can’t afford to buy a recliner, the cryotherapy ice machine, or the passive exercise machine.

[@LisaMonique]

That is true, I have lent out my ice machine to 3 other people for their post surgery recovery already. Just knowing that their options out there can really help people know what to look for.

[@LK-wq3su]

That's so sweet of you! I had a total knee replacement and just used gel packs with that surgery, and figure I'll do the same for my rotator cuff surgery. I appreciate your tips. ❤ ​@@LisaMonique

[@rebeccaopgrand7279]

Thank you so much for the information and the links. It is so helpful to have these items proper to surgery to be ready. It’s the support items that make such a difference. Your positive attitude is comforting and encouraging.

[@bethbenson1931]

Had no idea how much was involved. Definitely a trial to get through. Going to need my friends to pray me through this. Thanks for all the info. I appreciate it. 😊

[@lindareckling1220]

thank you so much for making these videos. I am 47, 5'2 and 130lbs. Your recommendations for petite people are just what I needed. I will be having my surgery in March. I am anxious of course, but this is encouraging. Knowledge is power. God Bless!

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck with your surgery and I hope it is as successful as mine. I am completely pain free with almost the same range of motion. It's such a blessing not to be in daily pain!

[@lindareckling1220]

thank you. I needed that encouragement! Have a blessed day.

[@cafeleia]

i have this surgery coming up soon and your videos have really helped me feel less anxious about everything ❤ thank you so much and i hope you’re doing well

[@LenaSheppard]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I use & love my rice water shampoo bar. I'll have to ck out the liv bars when & if mine runs out. They last so long & work so well. I appreciate you being here !

[@mgdj1683]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos. I’m having surgery in a few weeks and trying to get ready. This is very helpful

[@pantera29palms]

Every week has breakthroughs. Be patient and trust in the process and give credence to your physical therapist. And ice and cold showers works wonders.

[@bernro3333]

Thank you for your wise advice, I’m a week post surgery and I’m a big cry baby, I’ll definitely try all your suggestions ❤

[@KathyW5]

Thank you, thank you. Shoulder replacement soon. The back massager and shampoo bars are coming to my home. A regular recliner will only work if your surgery is on your left shoulder, but not on your right. If you have right shoulder surgery you can't reach over the right side to push the button for leg lift . I discovered regular recliners' remote is just for heat and massage. However, a lift chair, which I bought used, had a remote that lifted the legs and that will work for me.

[@LisaMonique]

Yes, my recliner actually had the remote to lift also. It was actually a complete lift chair that it would push your butt out of the chair too, but it was so so slow raising and lowering I found I just scrambled over the legs and left it up all the time lol.

[@kribor120]

As a 5’2” woman THANKS! So helpful!

[@lupewydermyer8545]

Thank you so much.I'm just starting my recovery. A lot of good tips. God bless you.

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck with your recovery! Take it easy and don’t get impatient 😉

[@gillianlay8963]

Thanks for these tips Lisa. I’m scheduled for surgery March 21st. Luckily I have a smaller sized recliner and plan on renting an ice machine. Gillian

[@elizabethbarnes9312]

I had my surgery on 3-21-24 too

[@SaabAholic]

I got off the Oxycodone because I didn’t like the way it made me feel. Also, it causes constipation and made my breathing shallow. I am taking 600mg every 5-6 hours of Tylenol Extra. Actually works better. I have the same struggles with the ice machine and use an ice pad to target sore spots. Thanks for all your advice!

[@karenplunkett4400]

My husband just had rotator cuff surgery. Appreciate all the tips and tricks you provided to help navigate the first couple of days. Favorite tip - dry yourself with a hand towel. Favorite trick - how to fold the shoulder pad for the ice machine to fit better. Thank you for posting your complete journey. We will be traveling with you as the days progress.

[@nappy29terr51]

How's your husband recovery going I'm nervous about my surgery coming up on June 5rh how was the pain in the first couple days? How was riding in a vehicle ? Thanks for any feed back I may receive

[@karenplunkett4400]

He's doing okay. Of course, he's still in pain. Pain level is around a 5 with the prescription medicine, however, he spreads them out a little longer. The ice machine is definitely helping him. Things that are helping him in addition to Lisa's recommendations: - Buy t-shirts one to two sizes larger than what you wear. V-necks are easier to get on and off. If you have some older t-shirts that fit loosely, cut the neck down the center to about your chest bone. Makes it easier to get on/off. You also want wider sleeves. - Practice getting a shirt on and off before your surgery only using the non surgical hand trying to keep your injured arm in a sling position. This really helped him. - I cut up an old round neck T-shirt in half, then cut off about a foot from the bottom. Then I cut off the neck band, and cut up the side seam to the sleeve so you have an open piece. He lays this on top of his T-shirt before using the ice machine. It gives a little extra padding and helps keeps moisture away from the bandage. Important to drink a lot of water and eat high fiber foods if you are taking a painkiller to keep from getting constipated. Friends told us to keep stool softeners handy, just in case. He had no problem on the drive home sitting in the vehicle. Good luck!

[@nappy29terr51]

​@@karenplunkett4400thanks a lot I'll be getting bigger shirts for the comfort and ease of putting on and off thanks again for the information and I hope his recovery goes by smooth in the future 👍

[@LisaMonique]

Yes! I bought v necks 2 sizes bigger…I’m still wearing 😂😂😂

[@nappy29terr51]

Thanks for the feedback me and my wife will practice putting my shirt on and off to see where to make the cuts ​@@karenplunkett4400

[@johnandsheilahall]

Thank you. I just had shoulder surgery May 1st. I just realized with a KZbin that the sling was not you one. I'm getting ready to do the pendulum. Great advice Pain horrific.

[@bons.ageless.beauty]

Thank you so much for the tips. I have a high-grade tear that is getting worse, so I will probably end up with surgery. I've had enough surgeries, though. Last one in March when I broke my arm.

[@LisaMonique]

😬😬😬

[@trudykellylinscomb1384]

Thanks for the tips on the sling and how to get the best support. It's 5 o'clock in the morning and my pain meds have not quite kicked in . Will get my husband to watch so he can help me.

[@LisaMonique]

Oh no!!! do you have the cold therapy machine? That is key!!!!

[@Flight6677]

Thank you for these videos. Very helpful.

[@windflower5010]

Thanks for the info…you have great advice.

[@BonnieandRobBlack]

Wish I had seen this post earlier! Great information! I. At almost four weeks now. Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@patrickmiller1391]

Getting Total Shoulder Replacement Nov.22nd the day before thanksgiving… thanks for the advice…..

[@LisaMonique]

Hope you are recovering well 💕

[@susanhagen4555]

Thank you for the help. Your hair is beautiful!!!

[@robbranham3066]

Make sure you can raise the foot rest on your recliner with your good arm or with the push of a button.

[@LisaMonique]

That’s true too, make sure that it has a remote can be moved either side or that the lever is on the good arm side. Though I found myself never putting the foot rest down and just scrambling over the end

[@johnseltzer7735]

I'm having rotator cuff surgery on the 4th .. Yes my birthday 🎂. When do you start PT . Day one or 2 ?? I watched way too many videos. I live alone and feel lost . Thank you for sharing your life with us/ me .

[@LisaMonique]

I started day too but there are two schools on therapy. Some people don’t start until week 6. I had that really bad frozen shoulder so they put me off that CPM chair and PT right away. I definitely think it helped. Even just listening/watching other videos about how stiff they were at week 12 doing some basic exercises that I have been doing for a month by that time

[@simonekarger8169]

Was PT home health first few days?

[@Peridot500]

Super helpful information. Thank you.

[@papercuts1724]

Great video Appreciate the advise, especially with respect to washing. Hope you are recovering well and best wishes moving forwards x😊

[@lyndahoffman4470]

Thank you. I learned a lot. Thank you

[@Ccpwitt]

Thank you so much for your tips!

[@aliceclearmanphd984]

WOW. This is so great! THANK YOU!! ❤❤❤

[@bevyoung2009]

God bless your healing ❤

[@MR-sx3od]

My problem with recliner was that my surgery was on my dominant side, which was the right side. And every recliner I could find unless I was willing to pay a couple of thousand dollars had the lever or controls on the right side. There was no way I could’ve managed that.

[@LisaMonique]

Mine had a remote control so you could’ve put it on either side, it was less than 800 from Amazon but I also found I never put the legs down I just crawled over the end lol. Since it was motorized it was extremely slow raising and lowering.

[@MilitantX1]

Thanks for these videos. I may be having surgery for a slightly torn labrum that has been getting worse. I just received a cortisone shot for it the other day but I'm seriously considering surgery to clean it up.

[@LisaMonique]

For me it was the best decision, well one because I had a full tear so it needed to be surgically repaired but every day I kept thinking the pain is going to be getting less not just continuous or potentially worse over the next few weeks.

[@susanfrenette3400]

Hi Lisa, great video thank you. I am making a list of things for me to get. Since my last comment on another video I did get a call from my surgeons office with an appointment date of July 27, BUT a week later they call to say he needed to be in surgery that day. Told me they would call back once they started bookings in September with a date, still no call yet.

[@LisaMonique]

I'd always call and follow up...I previously waited for them to call for surgery for hysterectomy and didn't want to be a pain. When I finally called after not hearing from them for almost 4 weeks, they didn't even have my script to schedule!

[@susanfrenette3400]

@@LisaMonique I am also waiting on a call for a bone density test, saw the Dr. on July 25, called CAMIS yesterday to follow up on it, they called me back today and said they are booking the referrals they got in April right now so it will a few months before they call me back with appointment date for that. Some days I wish my shoulder was fixed already and other days I am wimpy and don’t want to find out when they can do the operation, I was hoping it would not be in the winter. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@LisaMonique]

@@susanfrenette3400 💕. I just wanted it operated on so it would finally HEAL! I'm already pain free after almost 8 months of achey and stabbing pain...now I just need my range of motion back!

[@laurazeller2014]

Thank you Lisa!

[@joejoe6950]

Hey Lisa - great video - super helpful! Please please tell what the name is if the blue long back massager thing is called? Surgery scheduled early March and I definitely want one of those on hand. Also - great tip,about having the frozen water bottles at the ready.

[@susanbutler3497]

I so appreciate your advice! I’m having rotator cuff surgery this week and your video is so helpful! Actually I’ve been watching your other videos. Quite informative.

[@LisaMonique]

Good luck with surgery!!

[@okthen5000]

How did it go? How are you feeling?

[@jillianmitchell2665]

I also have a supraspinatus tear and my muscle over my shoulder blade just aches. Probably going to get surgery

[@LisaMonique]

That constant ache is so draining. Surgery was a blessing for me, though I know everyone's case is different.

[@lchrzan31]

Such helpful tips! What was the cane for?

[@LisaMonique]

Physical therapy. Rest your hand on handle on surgical arm. then slowly raise and lower using good arm. It helps with range of motion, kind of a manual option to my Constant Passive Motion chair.

[@alaitain]

I'ma going to have rotator cuff surgery Feb 13 2024 .after fall of 2 1/2 years of waiting. It's painful, and still working. Ouch ouch ouch

[@LisaMonique]

I can’t imagine suffering for 2 1/2 years. I hope after the initial surgery your recovery is as pain-free and successful as mine!

[@Cya-bebetter]

Thank you!

[@joannarollings1802]

crap why not a listing of your wonderful suggestions?

[@LisaMonique]

Because I make videos 😉. I’m surprised someone else didn’t create a list in the comments.

[@deejohnson827]

Great tips, Lisa!

[@FastingStarChanelNo5]

I've never had any surgery unless you call having a wisdom tooth out surgery, have gotten my teeth cleaned & dentist wanted to use needles, I said no just do it. Now I use TartarEnd toothpaste w/a 1400 sonic brush & electrolyte water, nearly all my tartar is gone after three weeks. I use CBD cream, tiger balm & CBD gummies by Infinite pure isolate for pain & relaxation. Also I hate showers tho I love rain, hot baths of e'lyte water followed by icy water rinse off. All the best to Lisa!!

[@joanmikula2583]

Very helpful videos--- thanks for posting! What is the brand of bra you referenced in this video?

[@LisaMonique]

Pretty Seamless. Here's a direct link :D. amzn.to/3sevx8k

[@texantraveler8884]

My rotator cuff surgery is next week on Tuesday January 9th and I’m still debating about investing on that Polar ice machine. Is it really worth it? It’s $220 at Amazon and if I order it today, I’ll receive it this Saturday.

[@LisaMonique]

Absolutely, I had it on nonstop in the beginning, including sleeping. I can’t imagine trying to constantly change out ice packs in any other sort of apparatus to keep it where needed. The entire shoulder/upper arm stays numb 😊.

[@texantraveler8884]

@@LisaMonique thank you for replying to me. Appreciate it. I’ll be watching your other videos about your surgery. 😊

[@LisaMonique]

@@texantraveler8884 Wishing you a successful surgery and quick recovery. I played my first game of pickleball today since my surgery, shoulder feels great!! First time I didn't have to ice after playing, it was so painful before ☺

[@kathylelong3348]

Great hints. What brand of bras did you buy, it look great. I have surgery scheduled in a month. Thank you.

[@LisaMonique]

It was a brand called Pretty Seamless and it’s a four pack on Amazon. Good luck with your surgery!

[@kathylelong3348]

@@LisaMonique Thank you very much, I will check them out.

[@Medevicerep]

Clarification please. You keep referring to abduction pillow. Do you mean your sling? Thanks, great videos.

[@LisaMonique]

The pillow is what goes under the sling to keep the arm away from the body. It velcro'd to the sling and came as a set.

[@jennylcamp1754]

Great advice! What did you use the cane for?? Thanks.

[@LisaMonique]

Passive Stretching exercises. You hold the handle with your operated hand and raise your arm up and down using the cane with your strong hand.

[@joannesells]

thanks- very helpful. what brand is the bra? Amazon? I'm 3 days in.

[@LisaMonique]

The brand is Pretty Seamless

[@TheEpic100creations]

Any suggested women’s undergarments (bottom)? The location of my RC tears make it painful to do a pull up pants motion.

[@LisaMonique]

No, did you have both RC operated on? I would think just very loose bottoms would be the most comfortable to pull up with one hand.

[@JudyWheeler-g3w]

Can you buy the slings in different sizes? Ex. Xs I’m only 4’11” and 110 lbs

[@LisaMonique]

Unfortunately no! I have not found smaller than the “medium” that was provided to me…and that’s like a men’s medium. It would be a great specialty market, even shower slings are too long 😞

[@kaylabryson1932]

I can’t see how you put the pillow back under sling after you adjusted it . Also couldn’t really see the pillow part, once you Velcro’d it to be smaller .

[@LisaMonique]

On this particular sling, there is a Velcro strip the entire length of pillow and sling. You just match them up. I actually wish it could have been adjusted because I would have liked the pillow in a different spot.

[@kaylabryson1932]

@@LisaMonique ok thank you

[@williamwells132]

I have this surgery march 15. Scared to death haha how much pain medication do they give you? Motrin never seems to work for me. I don’t want to feel anything lol

[@LisaMonique]

They gave me at least a weeks worth of Percocet...maybe more, I just disposed of it since I never used it and don't remember the quantity. The BEST thing for pain was the cold therapy machine...it just kept it numb...

[@jeanninesmith2366]

I had this surgery in April 2024. The pain after surgery was mild compared to the pain for the three months before surgery. I take blood thinner medication and was limited as to the pain meds I could take. I took Tylenol 4 with Codeine and it helped. I also used the Breg cold therapy machine which helped. My main problem was trying to sleep while wearing the sling 😕

[@Jlui83]

After surgery did you have any chest pain/soreness on the surgery side?

[@LisaMonique]

A little bit on the front of the armpit but I just assumed it was because they probably are really aggravating all the muscles in that area

[@kaylabryson1932]

I can’t tell what you did with the sling…. You put it on, then took it off? And put pillow in… ? I don’t understand but it need this info, I’m having the same problem

[@LisaMonique]

My pillow velcro’d to my sling. So I used some straps, one of them was my thumb strap on my sling, and another strap from my cold therapy machine, and wrapped it around the end of the pillow that went under my arm. I squished it tight and then wrapped the Velcro to keep it squished. and then I reattached it to my sling. There’s a long piece of Velcro the length of my sling that is used to attach the pillow.

[@paulasmith6587]

​@LisaMonique I think we are wondering how or I should say, when do you put the abduction pillow inside the sling? Can you slide it in after you've got the sling on and adjusted, or does the sling need to come back off to attach the pillow? Thanks sooo much for your extremely helpful videos! One week and counting til my surgery 😢

[@patdavey-i3w]

Can you please provide the brand name for the bras?

[@LisaMonique]

Brand is Pretty Seamless. Here’s Amazon link: 4-Pack Women's Seamless Wireless... www.amazon.com/dp/B07FPJ4S78?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@sop3640]

Did you use any supplements to help with healing or inflammation?

[@LisaMonique]

I did not, except occasional arnica the when I developed bursitis in my elbow (which took five weeks to go down)

[@ddnoneya3964]

I’m 5 months post op and still use my Polar Ice machine and airline pillow . I’m 5’ 1” and we had to finagle the pad too . I bought a mesh poof on a stick to reach areas I couldn’t. I also bought a hairdryer brush to dry my hair. I bought the sports bras that zip in the front. I cut the strap on my shower sling so it would support my arm leaving the strap attached and slipping it on and off over my head. These all helped me. Happy healing.

[@LisaMonique]

Thank you and same to you!!

[@kellyg1019]

why the cane?? how does the shoulder effect walking?

[@LisaMonique]

Haha, the cane is used for PT. You rest your hand on one end and basically raise it using your other hand. You are working your range of motion

[@kellyg1019]

@@LisaMonique my surgery is Monday, the more vid's i watch the greater my sense of dread rises

[@LisaMonique]

@@kellyg1019 It can be scary, but the aches for me afterwards was no where near the pain prior to surgery...and every night when I had trouble getting comfortable, I kept telling myself each day/week it will get a little better. Now I completely pain free and full range of motion!

[@alaitain]

What kind of Meds did you take for surgery pain ?

[@LisaMonique]

I had Percocet the first day but I did better with just Motrin, and that cold therapy ice machine. The Motrin was best if I took every six hours versus every eight hours

[@رياضالشربجي]

لم تتحدثى عن العلاج الطبيعي

[@leeclapp3627]

I used a beach ball in the shower. You just let the air our enough for comfort (?). Also learn to bend over to wash and rinse hair upside down in the shower.

[@abaxteria]

The beach ball is a great idea! Coincidentally, just today I was on the verge of discarding a little beach ball I found in my pantry. But a little voice in my head said, "It's not like it's in the way. Just keep it." And here I am... Thank you!

[@paulasmith6587]

What is the beach ball for?

[@leeclapp3627]

You need to keep your arm at the same position that the sling and pillow provides. The beach ball allows you to shower and maintain that position.

[@Queen_Street_Sterling]

I’m getting a total shoulder replacement on March 13. I have a pre-op physio appointment tomorrow. Your videos have relieved some anxiety so I will truly be able to listen & ask questions tomorrow without going into some light form of mental paralysis 😂. Thank you! I feel “armed”. Hahaha

[@thewolfhunter]

1- Recliner ❎️ No money,fixed income.. 2- PIllow ✅️ Cheap... 3- Ice Machine ❎️ No money...,fixed income.. 4 - Shampoo ✅️ Cheap,Walmart brand.Wife wil wash and dry hair. 5- Under garments✅️ Male.. 6- Motrin /Tylenol ✅️ Cheap... 7- Sling✅️ Cheap.

[@sf1144]

Why did you need a cane ?

[@LisaMonique]

Physical therapy, range of motion exercise. you grip handle and slowly raise operated arm with your good arm pushing it upward.

[@MarialiceOHara]

Go to Physical therapy and do the exercises religiously

[@bevyoung2009]

Hello beautiful Lisa 😍

[@joejoe6950]

Hey Lisa - great video - super helpful! Please please tell what the name is if the blue long back massager thing is called? Surgery scheduled early March and I definitely want one of those on hand. Also - great tip,about having the frozen water bottles at the ready.

[@LisaMonique]

LiBa Back and Neck Massager Tool... www.amazon.com/dp/B014RQ82JS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share