Weeks before my shoulder replacement on dominant hand/arm I started training myself to be more 'ambidextrous', sort of made a game of it, and I understand it's good for the brain, builds neural flexibility too! I also made sure my hair was short enough to easily shampoo with the non-surgery arm. I agree with other replies to be sure to alert your PT because they know all sorts of tricks to help one adapt. Be very patient with yourself; they usually advise a shoulder replacement person to also arrange their home for easy reaching: move foods, utensils, etc to within easy reach during your rehab. Practice dressing yourself with just one arm; simplify your wardrobe to be easy-on, easy-off items only. My replacement was in summertime, so for the first week or two I just wore 'muu-muu' type dresses; for awhile just pulled elastic waist long skirts up as if a 'strapless dress' with a shawl or scarf over my shoulders in public, etc. My biggest challenge was getting the sling back on after a shower; so that might be a good thing to practice beforehand if you can, too. These are new skills, even eating with non-dominant hand! Try to make it a game, have a little fun with it and laugh at any goofs, as long as you are safe in your space. Be sure to do ALL your post-op exercises exactly as your PT prescribes, consistently, for the best outcome. A bedside commode is a great idea; practice before surgery pulling briefs down and up, you'll get the hang of it. All the best.
I'd also ask about daily fluid intake-how much is ok, what is too much, how much caffine is ok (a known diurectic), and what time of day to stop drinking fluids-in order give your bladder time to fully empty and less stress at night.
I strongly recommend you get a bidet attachment for your toilet. It will help you keep yourself independent and clean without putting too much strain on your body.
I guess a lot depends on whether you are having surgery on your dominant arm or not.
Before they will let you go home (do you live alone?) make sure that your PT KNOWS that you have this personal task that must be attended to. I was amazed at the many 'tricks of the trade' as far as getting my elder care clients to move in new ways to , say, get in a car w/o ME doing all the heavy lifting.
While you are in rehab, make sure you learn how to manage this. I'm SURE they've encountered this situation before.
You could use help at home, too. Could you afford a couple of hours per evening for help? I realize this is kind of a personal thing--maybe ask a few friends for help? Or hire a CG (or two) who can be there to do some small tasks and help with this.
But, until your surgery, you can practice using your 'good arm' and kind of walk yourself through it. My Dh had shoulder repair on his shoulder and after a couple of weeks he could dress himself 100%. It took some getting used to, but he did it. I have to say, it wasn't his dominant arm and that made a LOT of difference.
I'm not sure why you wouldn't be able to just use your one good arm to pull your Depends on and off by yourself, and even clean yourself up. My husband who had a massive stroke and lost use of his right arm completely(and he was right handed)was able to dress himself completely(not just his underwear)along with doing his own toileting for many many years, until he became bedridden the last 22 months of his life. I think that you are over thinking this. There's no reason that you won't be able to handle your self care by yourself, using just your good arm. I hope all goes well with your surgery.
The staff at your rehab place should be able to guide you. First they'll show you, then you'll do it with them watching and prompting, and by the time you leave you'll have got the hang of it properly.
I'm not suggesting any particular techniques because different methods suit different heights and flexibility - and ingenuity! - of individuals.
https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Rear-Attachment-Non-Electric-Customizable/dp/B07YN9JXNW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=K5GE6XAZR5SQ&keywords=bidet+attachment+for+toilet&qid=1638930168&sprefix=Bide%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyOUdLRjBHRURTN1Q0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjk2MzMyMVJKNTROOE1GUUNBRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTIwNTE0NUVGTTBBRVM2STNLJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Before they will let you go home (do you live alone?) make sure that your PT KNOWS that you have this personal task that must be attended to. I was amazed at the many 'tricks of the trade' as far as getting my elder care clients to move in new ways to , say, get in a car w/o ME doing all the heavy lifting.
While you are in rehab, make sure you learn how to manage this. I'm SURE they've encountered this situation before.
You could use help at home, too. Could you afford a couple of hours per evening for help? I realize this is kind of a personal thing--maybe ask a few friends for help? Or hire a CG (or two) who can be there to do some small tasks and help with this.
But, until your surgery, you can practice using your 'good arm' and kind of walk yourself through it. My Dh had shoulder repair on his shoulder and after a couple of weeks he could dress himself 100%. It took some getting used to, but he did it. I have to say, it wasn't his dominant arm and that made a LOT of difference.
Wishing you good luck!
My husband who had a massive stroke and lost use of his right arm completely(and he was right handed)was able to dress himself completely(not just his underwear)along with doing his own toileting for many many years, until he became bedridden the last 22 months of his life.
I think that you are over thinking this. There's no reason that you won't be able to handle your self care by yourself, using just your good arm.
I hope all goes well with your surgery.
I'm not suggesting any particular techniques because different methods suit different heights and flexibility - and ingenuity! - of individuals.