Bandages
It is expected, because of the arthroscopic procedure, the bandages will become damp or even draining, and blood stained. This is normal, as much fluid is used during the arthroscopic procedure. Unless bright red blood is seen being discharged through the bandages or portals there’s no need for alarm. If bandages continue to drain you may reinforce them with additional bandages. The doctor or physical therapist will change the bandages in the office the following day.

Cold Pack or Cryo Cuff
Please be certain that the cryo cuff components have been arranged for delivery in your home and/or have been taken home from the hospital recovery room. You should use the crown cuff device at all times; coldest setting that it is applied directly over the shoulder area as has been instructed by the staff. It is also essential that you ensure that the device is filled with ice and water as directed and that you apply the cover in the manner described. Please be certain that you are familiar with the device prior to leaving the hospital as it is very difficult to repair or adjust once at home. Never allow the cold pack to come in direct contact with your skin, apply a t-shirt or thin cotton cloth.

Pain Medications
All patients should have pain medications via prescription or otherwise prearranged with the doctor’s office. It’s important to begin taking the pain medicine before the block wears off; that means as soon as the feeling starts coming back within elbow/arm, start taking two of the pain medication pills as directed, well before feeling or pain develops in the shoulder. After shoulder surgery patients will find it more comforting to sleep in a semi reclining or seated position for the first one or several nights. We recommend that you attempt to sleep in a semi encumbered or seated position after surgery in order to obtain pain relief. It is best to place the pillow underneath the elbow and be certain that there is no pillow behind the shoulder.

Other Factors
Be certain that you arrange for a follow up appointment with the doctors office the following day unless otherwise directed. Either physical therapy arrangements have been made in advance unless otherwise directed by the doctor’s office.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many pain pills can I take and how often?
A: You should take the pain medicine as directed usually the doctor will tell you in advance in general the narcotic medications used can be taken one or two every three hours as needed and should not be taken when not needed. Patients should not be taking Advil or Alieve unless specifically directed by the doctor as this as well as other nonstremoreal anti-inflammatory medications as they can slow the healing process.

Q: How cold should I keep the ice machine?
A: you should keep the ice machine on the coldest setting unless you find that it’s too cold; it will not cause skin damage. As long as the pack does not directly contact the skin; most patients find it more comfortable to leave a thin cotton cloth between the skin and the pad.

Q: How long do I keep the ice machine for?
A: while there is no absolute number of days, the doctor recommends utilizing the ice machine when at home or while in a sedentary position for more than a few hours at a time, for the first several days to two weeks after the surgery. Cold is a great means to reduce pain and inflammation and can be used after the bandages have been removed with the straps provided. Additionally, sometimes patients use an ace bandage to wrap the cold machine directly around the shoulder.
If you prefer ice to the ice machine, be careful because ice can cause skin burns and should only be applied for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, taking care not to allow the ice to cause skin burn.

Q: What about bleeding in the bandages?
A: Some drainage from bandages is normal, depending on the type and length of surgery. Excessive, bright red blood or concerning drainage should be brought to the doctor’s attention immediately or the patient should immediately proceed to the emergency room if the doctor cannot be reached on an urgent basis. From the emergency room, the attending physician will contact Dr. Glashow directly.

Follow Up Appointments
All shoulder surgery patients are to see Dr. Glashow the following day after surgery unless otherwise directed by the doctor or the office.

Physical Therapy
Depending on the procedure you had, physical therapy will start at a different point after surgery. After your first post operative visit your doctor will make the appropriate directives and plans to begin your recovery process.

Note: The doctor is available for emergency calls by calling the office directly, 212-794-5096 after office hours. Please reserve emergency calls to true emergencies only. All questions and concerns that can be addressed the following day should be addressed during normal office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday –Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday.