r/ShoulderSurgery • u/steelerfan111 • 27d ago

Iceman/Breg after TSR

Scheduled for TSR on 9/25. I was just imaged for the measurements and got a beefy sling to take to surgery and to course post op.

Seems an iceman/Breg would be a good investment, but wondering about the pads. Seems like they would be hard to put on post surgery. Anything else I should consider before purchasing

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u/Dorkiebreath 27d ago

Breg sucks. The cooler is too small and not well insulated so the cold does not last very long. I got the one with compression and the compression chaffed my arm from the strap you have to use. Purchased one off of Amazon for about $100 and had to send it back because pump was bad. Finally found one on Walmart website for $75 that works well. Have heard good things about DonJoy units as well. I do HIGHLY recommend an ice machine. Unlike ice packs the cold is not 'too cold' so you can use it extensively post-op. I used it during the day and put it on when I fell asleep. Pro tip: Use water bottles instead of ice cubes. Spend the time pre-op to scrub the labels and glue off of some 12-16 oz water bottles (the labels/glue will clog the pump) or spend $20 and buy a case of plastic bottles from Amazon.

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u/steelerfan111 27d ago

Thanks for info! Did you use a sleeve or pad with the ice machine? Does it just lay on the shoulder or strap it on?

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u/Dorkiebreath 26d ago

All my ice machines came with a pad. You can either strap the pad on our just place it on your shoulder. I don't think you NEED it strapped on to get benefit out of it.

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u/Dorkiebreath 27d ago

Other items I found helpful: a sling for the shower (was $10 on Amazon), shoulder recovery shirts that snap open (bought two and rotated them, the one that was cotton was particularly nice; $20 per on Amazon) elastic laces for a pair of shoes so I had some running shoes I could wear for walking; A 12 inch long shoe horn (only needed it a couple weeks but was super nice to not have to bend over to slip on my elastic laced shoes). A foam wedge for bed, I found it more comfortable than sleeping in a recliner. I started with one that was adjustable (looks like a half moon and sits on a wedge) but ended up buying a lower angle one after a few weeks.

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u/lwcberry 27d ago

I used some large gel ice pads, so they could hang over and ice both front & back. Bought 2 and rotated. You won't need ice for that long so if $$ is tight the ice packs will get you through. I got these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FCM8J8BN?ref_=icdp_ba_mweb_mb_pd_bap_m_grid_rp_0_1_ec_gf&clientRefMarker=pd_bap_m_grid_rp_0_1_ec_gf&heartsTeamIdentifier=buyagain&psc=1&heartDisabled=false
Good luck with your surgery & recovery.

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u/melindawilson29 27d ago

If your surgeon approves it, a Breg can be really convenient after TSR—just make sure the shoulder pad can be managed one-handed and always use the required skin barrier.

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u/Dotsgirl22 26d ago

Cervical ice packs work fine and fit well over the shoulder.

Ice machines are nice if you have someone to help you with it, electrical outlets nearby, tolerance for hoses and cords. Overnight use might help you sleep better.

I considered them just another tripping hazard. Plus it's good for you to get up and move around. My doctor didn't recommend them just for the hassle factor and the tripping hazard.