If you are in a super-sling (sling with a pillow), you may remove this, keeping the arm supported. This may be done for showers and also should be done to move the elbow,wrist and hand.
If you are in a regular sling (without a pillow), you may remove this as you feel comfortable. You may begin moving the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand as you feel able.
Blood-tinged drainage can be expected. Fluid is pumped into the shoulder during the entire procedure, so it is normal for your incisions to drain. The incisions may drain for up to 2-3 days. Please call the office if you feel that there is excessive bleeding.
You may change the bandages on the second day after surgery. You may take showers and wash the incisions with soap and water. No soaking in a bathtub though! Gently dry the incisions and cover them with band-aids.
Bruising is very common after a shoulder scope. The bruising will tend to settle to more dependent areas and may be seen at the elbow or into the chest. This is normal and expected.
Ice the shoulder for the 15 minutes every hour to help with the pain for at least the first 48 hours. After this, you may ice as necessary for 15 minutes at a time. Icing longer can actually cause more swelling as the blood vessels dilate to try to warm up the area.
A prescription for pain medication has been provided. Some side effects may be seen with pain medicine. Possible nausea may be prevented by taking medication with food. Drowsiness is another common side effect. Do NOT drive while taking pain medication.
Please call the office if you have excessive pain despite ice, elevation, and pain medication, or if you have a temperature above 101 degrees. At that time, you might be told that you need to go to the Emergency Room for evaluation.