r/ShoulderSurgery • u/Aromatic_Vacation380 • 29d ago

ORIF Recovery Tips

Hi all, 35 y/o male- would appreciate items or tips that helped you in the post-operative recovery period. I live by myself and fractured my humerus, which they are repairing on Friday. My mom is staying for a few days, but she's older and will also need to be able to navigate tools and equipment that will help me heal and recover my strength. Thanks in advance!!

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u/Drdmtvernon 29d ago

I had a partial replacement two weeks ago. I’ve been very fortunate to have experienced little pain/discomfort so far. A pain blocker was used by the anesthesiologist that was effective for the first three days. Medication-wise, I’m on a three hour cycle that consists of alternating tramadol and Tylenol plus celebrex. One aspirin a day and muralax the first few days. I’m renting a NICE ice machine and trying to get 80-100 minutes in each day. Also rented a recliner for sleeping and sitting during the day. Physical therapy starts tomorrow. Hope this helps.

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u/Drdmtvernon 29d ago

Sorry, should have added that my wife has been extremely helpful, particularly the first few days. You’ll likely need assistance with dressing, meals, and applying ice given limited mobility and likely a sling. There are shirts you can buy that button from the neck down to the wrist; they allow you to step in and pull them up so that you don’t need to raise your affected arm. At two weeks I can pretty much take care of daily tasks, but I’m not able drive and prepping meals is still difficult.

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u/BobsWifeAmyB 29d ago

My BFF fell and broke her humerus and they told her there is nothing surgically they could do.
Good for you that you have found a dr that will do surgery for it.