Your arm will then be placed in a sling. After your operation, there will be a large dressing on your shoulder. A drainage tube attached to a small container will help remove blood from the shoulder joint. The dressing will be changed and the tube removed in 1 to 2 days when the drainage has subsided. Your arm will be supported in a sling and resting on a small pillow at your side.
Inactivity following surgery allows secretions to collect in the lungs.
These secretions are a good breeding ground for germs which can cause pneumonia. This risk can be decreased by deep breathing and coughing to move secretions out of the lungs. Hold your breath for 5 seconds then breathe out. Repeat 6 times every hour you are awake. When this happens, you are prone to developing swelling in your operated arm and hand.