1 hour ago, DRS/NC said:

If you use a lounge chair from the balcony, think about taking an egg crate mattress pad (twin) to put on the lounger, under the sheet.  Then add the pillows, etc.  (I've taken an egg crate on every cruise for many years; that's what my old bones need.)

 

I had a total reverse shoulder replacement (R) in Jan. & am about 95% recovered but still can't sleep on my R side.  My Aug. 2019 cruise was booked w/ a long lead time.  I'm 74 & knew it would be a slower process. 

 

Good luck w/your recovery no matter where you are!

Great idea. Good luck with your continued recovery. It takes awhile and dedication to physical therapy, doesn’t it? You’re almost there at 95%! Congratulations!

7 hours ago, wander said:

I have always been able to have a "foot and ankle" massage on HAL ships, 20+ cruises.  Usually not on the price list but I go to the Spa and say "I would like to schedule a foot and ankle massage".  I have always been able to make an appointment for one and have always been pleased and usually very pleased - and frequently have gone for a second one.  As someone else said, they have been for 1/2 hour.  Price - well fine in terms of what I pay at home - although they certainly not the good deal they used to be.

 

  

Super. Thanks. 

4 hours ago, MikeD4134 said:

Just to clarify, the Product is listed under Nail Services, "Fire and Ice Pedicure $70"  you get a pedicure and included is a foot massage, the massage includes a regular massage and a hot stone massage.

Now I understand. I had that and it was wonderful!

17 hours ago, MikeD4134 said:

Every HAL cruise, about a dozen, I have taken the Spa had foot massages available.  They last 1/2 hour.

Huh. Well, next time we cruise with them, I’ll be remembering what you said. That’s all my husband really wanted, rather than the full body massage. Thanks!

3 minutes ago, clo said:

But if you had it to do over again, would you have gone?

Oh my. It sounds rather a rather gruesome time to go. Yes, medically they said you could go; but was it worth it? You may have been like me and just didn’t know what to do. They said you could go,,,so that may have swayed you to think it’d be fine. In hindsight, what do you think? I know your doctor would have filled out your insurance forms for you to get a refund (minus the cost of the insurance, assuming you had it). Knowing what you know now, would you still go? 

Thanks. You, too. 

On 6/28/2019 at 2:42 PM, Baileybasset said:

Yea!  Can you tell me how long the massage usually lasts and estimated price?

Which cruise line do you get them on? Our recent Holland America didn’t offer them. 

Hi all. I wanted to let you know how my cruise went on the Holland America Amsterdam. It went pretty well. I decided to not bring a zero gravity chair. Our room was large enough and I would have appreciated having it. The wedge really did help, although I did miss my recliner during the day as well as the night. Surprisingly, it was put under the mattress and I found that I liked it that way. They’ll put two wedges there if you want but I stuck with one. I had lots of pillows and because the bed was so wide (I swear it was wider than a king!), I could make a recliner with pillows under both arms and under my knees when I felt the need to and still leave room for my husband in the bed. I brought an ice bag, a nice gel bag that never got too hard, and ziplock bags. I never used the ziplock bags. The steward was excellent in bringing a second (larger than the regular one) bucket of ice 2-3 times a day for icing my shoulder. I found that the most comfortable place to sit was in the Crows Nest  at the front of the ship. They have a few chairs there that are padded, are slightly reclined, have a footstool, and best of all...arm rests. I also sat out on our veranda more than my husband because of the reclining chairs that have arm rests. The support of my arm/shoulder was very helpful with pain control. I wore my sling when outside the cabin and wasn’t bumped into once, even in the elevator. People were so considerate. I certainly heard a lot of “shoulder stories “. By the 10th day or so, if there was an empty chair at our table, I would place the sling there and eat with my right hand. Yay! Since we already had the cruise scheduled and paid for, it worked out okay. BUT I would wait until further along in recovery to schedule a cruise if I could. I’m currently at 3 months and wouldn’t go yet. Maybe at 6 months. Thank you all for your tips and stories

Hi all. I wanted to let you know how my cruise went on the Holland America Amsterdam. It went pretty well. I decided to not bring a zero gravity chair. Our room was large enough and I would have appreciated having it. The wedge really did help, although I did miss my recliner during the day as well as the night. Surprisingly, it was put under the mattress and I found that I liked it that way. They’ll put two wedges there if you want but I stuck with one. I had lots of pillows and because the bed was so wide (I swear it was wider than a king!), I could make a recliner with pillows under both arms and under my knees when I felt the need to and still leave room for my husband in the bed. I brought an ice bag, a nice gel bag that never got too hard, and ziplock bags. I never used the ziplock bags. The steward was excellent in bringing a second (larger than the regular one) bucket of ice 2-3 times a day for icing my shoulder. I found that the most comfortable place to sit was in the Crows Nest  at the front of the ship. They have a few chairs there that are padded, are slightly reclined, have a footstool, and best of all...arm rests. I also sat out on our veranda more than my husband because of the reclining chairs that have arm rests. The support of my arm/shoulder was very helpful with pain control. I wore my sling when outside the cabin and wasn’t bumped into once, even in the elevator. People were so considerate. I certainly heard a lot of “shoulder stories “. By the 10th day or so, if there was an empty chair at our table, I would place the sling there and eat with my right hand. Yay! Since we already had the cruise scheduled and paid for, it worked out okay. BUT I would wait until further along in recovery to schedule a cruise if I could. I’m currently at 3 months and wouldn’t go yet. Maybe at 6 months. Thank you all for your tips and stories.

22 hours ago, Baileybasset said:

Does anybody know if it's possible to book just a foot massage in the Spa?

My husband and I went on the Amsterdam earlier this month. He really wanted a foot massage but it was not offered as a stand alone massage. We both got 50 minute relaxation massages on a day they offered it as a special, which included an eye treatment (applied some cream). He opted out of the eye treatment and got more time on the feet and head. He was thinking about going another day (14 day cruise) for the reflexology one just so he could have his feet massaged; but didn’t. I had a pedicure that included an excellent leg and foot massage. She even used two hot stones on my feet which was fantastic; almost paralyzing it felt so good and unique. I took a picture of the prices but can’t figure out how to include that with my response. The pedicure is $70, reflexology $119, and full massage starts at $129. Have fun on your trip! Oh, and be aware that the spa already includes a generous tip so you don’t need to tip on top of that. 

39 minutes ago, panoramaofthepast said:

BTDT - twice! 

 

Bra issue: get front clasp/hook bras. You aren't going to be able to hook a back clasp bra for at least 4-5 months post surgery - in fact, that is the triumphant day when you know that this was actually all worth it! Another alternative is to get tank tops with built in bras and have a seamstress open up the surgery shoulder and put velcro in. That way you can just slide it on and fasten it. 

 

Keep up those exercises. They hurt like the devil, but are worth it in the end. Go up to the gym where they have mats you can use. 

 

Bring more than one sling. That way if one gets wet, you have a spare. Those big old slings are ungainly, but necessary. 

 

Pillows: I could never sleep in the recliner, so I used LOTS [like 6!] of pillows. Essentially create a cocoon for yourself, supported on all sides. Your room steward will be able to help with that! If you have favorite pillows from home, bring them. Believe it or not, they can be compressed into vacuum bags and put in the suitcase!! I use the ones that don't require a vacuum cleaner to deflate, just pressure. Check out Container Store. 

Travel Space Saver Bags (Medium to Large). Pack of 8 Bags. Roll-Up Compression Storage (No Vacuum Needed) & Packing Organizers. Perfect for Travel and Home Storage by RoomierLife

by RoomierLife

 

Hang in there! Somewhere around the four month mark in rehab, you finally begin to actually think this worked. Getting to that point is a lot of sweat and tears and that's OK.  

 

Good luck - enjoy what you can - 

Good advice! Thanks! The front hooking bra will be something I will suggest to any woman I know that plans to have shoulder surgery. 

3 hours ago, new_cruiser said:

I hope you are able to enjoy the trip.  I think a wedge pillow will help. I hope your husband understands how much he will need to help on the trip. 

 

I'm in a similar (but less severe) situation as I broke the wrist on my dominant hand near the end of a solo cruise in May. I'm scheduled to go as a chaperon on an educational trip along with my granddaughter in a few weeks. The cast is supposed to come off two weeks before we depart (assuming the X-ray is good) and I have no idea how functional my hand/arm will be by the time I leave. It was a compound fracture that needed surgery to insert the plate so there was trauma to the soft tissues and nerves as well as any atrophy from the 7 weeks in a splint or cast.

 

The doctor said I should be fine to travel, but that doesn't mean the hand will be easy to use. 

 

There are so many things that are hard to do with one hand. I was traveling solo when I broke my wrist and had to ask ship mates to help with tying my shoes. The room steward helped me pack. I watched some videos while in the hospital and managed to sort of learn to tie them with one hand for the trip home (taking about 5 times as long as I would with two hands). Menu choices at the airport and on the plane dictated partly by "can I eat that with one hand."

 

My biggest concern for the upcoming trip is being able to put on a bra. That and opening tight bottle caps are the two things that I haven't been able to find a way to do with one hand plus whatever assistance my injured arm can lend. For now, my husband has to do the fastening but he won't be on the trip. I may not have enough strength, flexibility and dexterity in the recovering hand by the time of the trip for that.

Yikes. I wish you well. I do my shoes by leaving them tied, a little looser than normal but not loose. Then I shimmy in and out of them. The bra is a tough one. I guess you’ll need to ask another female chaperone or a kid to help with that. If there’s ever another arm surgery for me in the future, I’m going to get a front fastening bra. So far, I can get my back hooking one on but need someone to unhook it to take it off. Yep, someone will need to open your bottles for you. Good luck. 

2 hours ago, new_cruiser said:

Rather than bringing baggies for icing, you might bring a rubber ice bag - less prone to leaking. You can even get one with a strap to hold it in place:

https://smile.amazon.com/Koo-Care-Relief-Therapy-Reusable-Shoulder/dp/B01AGEFVQ2/

or you can bring a large scarf to hold it in place.

Thanks. I actually did order and receive a highly rated one from Amazon. Bringing  bags too. 😊

Hi all. Here’s my current update. Holland America doesn’t allow recliners or hospital beds. They will supply a bed wedge and extra pillows. Thanks for all of your very helpful suggestions. I’ll be more prepared for handicap cruising for future cruises, should I need it. I now know about calling their special line and filling out the accessibility form. I found other services that we can use...like a gadget to make hearing on the phone better and enlarged print on our daily schedules, etc.  There were recliners available in Seattle for around $250 for 15 days. Just not allowed on HA. Here’s what I’m doing and I hope it works. I’ve ordered a Zero-Gravity chair (like for your yard) from Amazon that should arrive tomorrow...in a box of course. I’m going to put a luggage tag on the box and check it in like a piece of luggage. It will weigh about 35# in the box. Think they’ll let it on through and get it to my cabin door, along with our suitcases?

4 hours ago, SuiteTraveler said:

I want to suggest some inflatable travel pillows that can make your bed like a recliner:

https://www.amazon.com/Inflatable-Portable-Inflate-Deflate-Surface/dp/B074WGFKKP/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=travel+bed+wedge+inflatable&qid=1558992945&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.com/Inflatable-Travel-Pillow-Contour-Products/dp/B07DM7MVDG/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=travel+bed+wedge+inflatable&qid=1558993106&s=gateway&sr=8-9

 

And for your arm:

https://www.amazon.com/USUNO-Inflatable-Semicircle-Positions-Multifunctional/dp/B07P6LCR93/ref=sr_1_36?keywords=travel+bed+wedge+inflatable&qid=1558993106&s=gateway&sr=8-36

 

Even if you only partially inflate the pillow I suggest for your arm and use it with a bed pillow, I think it could help you a lot on your trip.  

Thanks. I’ll take a look.

22 minutes ago, slidergirl said:

As a shoulder surgery survivor,  I will recommend the bed support that Brookstone sells.  It has a adjustable back rest and two arm rests.  I had one of them when I graduated from the recliner.  One more piece of baggage, but might be worth it.

I’m not sure they carry it anymore. A very good idea. Maybe I’ll get one somewhere else. https://www.brookstone.com/search?q=Bed+pillow+&x=0&y=0

53 minutes ago, LoriPhil said:

If you can't get a recliner and must go the lounge-chair route, ask your steward to bring a quilt to fold up and lay on the chair, to give you a bit cushier base for sleeping/relaxing.

 

Good luck with the cruise!  Alaska is lovely so hopefully it will provide a welcome diversion.

Good idea. Thanks. Hopefully they have quilts. Or an extra comforter like they maybe have on the bed. 

3 hours ago, ger_77 said:

No worries, we were all new at one time.  I just hope you will be able to go and enjoy the cruise during your recuperation process.  Please come back and let us know the outcome.

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Thanks. I will.

18 hours ago, Imamom said:

I have a cruise scheduled for next week and will be at 9 weeks post op for right rotator cuff/bicep repair. I’m really worried about our two week cruise as I’m still unable to sleep for more than two hours in the bed. I spend most of the night in a recliner. I still wear the sling when outside the house as it is an “uncontrolled environment”. I putter around the house but need to stop and ice my shoulder with my arm well supported with pillows several times a day. I’m actually dreading the cruise. I have expressed my concerns about the difficulty of being without a recliner to my husband but he really wants to go on the cruise. I hate to disappoint him. We are both around 70 years old. If there was a recliner in our cabin, I would be much less hesitant to go. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Do you think we should postpone our cruise? My doctor has me off work for a minimum of 6 months due to the extensive repair of my dominant right arm. 

I’m still learning how to use this site so please forgive me if I repeat myself here and there. 

18 hours ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

Here is a link to the Disabled Cruising section of CC:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/

 

Search there and also online in general about renting a recliner for your cabin.  I hope you still have time to arrange this.

 

As an aside, we went on a cruise shortly after I suddenly had a torn rotator cuff, and I was in some agony.  

It was my dominant arm, alas.  I had extra pain meds, but I didn't want to be medicated into a stupor!

 

DH had to help me with almost everything:  dressing, cutting food, you name it.  We are similar ages.

We didn't do much in terms of excursions.  Even walking was agony, any time my shoulder "moved".

 

I'm sure your situation is worse than mine, so you definitely have my sympathy.  I hope that once you are on board, you *can* relax and enjoy it.

 

Good luck!
 

GC

 

 

Excellent excellent suggestion. No, it sounds like you were in more pain than I currently am. Thanks for your post and suggestion. 

Hi. I am unable to last long in the bed at night due to the rotator cuff surgery I had 8 weeks ago. I have a Holland America cruise sailing to Alaska from Seattle next week. I spend a lot of time in my recliner. Yesterday someone suggested renting a recliner to use during the cruise. I had no idea this was possible. Does anyone have experience with doing this? Any tips that you can pass along?  Holland America told me yesterday to call their Accessibility office on Tuesday to find out if this is possible. That’s cutting it close. I sure hope this works out. Thanks for any suggestions you can give me.  

5 hours ago, ger_77 said:

I just had a thought and wanted to pass it along; if you are unable to rent a recliner at this stage, if you have a balcony cabin, ask your cabin steward to bring in one of the loungers for you to sleep on.  Outfit it with the extra pillows or blankets needed, and you might be fairly comfortable, as you won't be in a prone position all night. 

 

Smooth Sailing! 🙂🙂🙂

We do have a balcony and an upgrade to a small suite. There should be room for recliner or lounger. Sometimes the balcony only has chairs, not a lounger. I appreciate the suggestion. Thanks.

7 hours ago, GeezerCouple said:

 

Did you post on the Disabled Cruise section?

 

That should have saved you time, as others can tell you which company does this for HAL and you could have a head start.

 

Good luck!
 

GC

I didn’t but I will. Thanks!

I don’t know how to respond to each comment on here. So, I just want to say thank you for your suggestions. I do have a small wedge to bring. I will check into the special needs and Wheelchair forms. Thank you!

Everyone, I appreciate your tips and suggestions. Of course I’ve talked to my therapist and doctor. They’ve given me the go ahead with precautions. Wear the sling in uncontrolled environments (like outside of the cabin), bring baggies to use as an ice pack, do my at home PT exercises, no swim strokes that use the shoulder in the pool (OK to stand there and gently move my arms back and forth, use pillows and my sling in bed. That’s all I can think of right now. If I feel I’m not up to going, they will fill out the insurance forms for me. I’m looking for people that have gone through this for advice based on their experience. Yes, there are many different procedures, healing rates, etc. We were offered a really good deal from our travel agent 5 weeks ago. I thought I’d be further along in my recovery by now. I’m getting more nervous the closer we get. We do have insurance which includes preexisting medical condition cancellation. I think my main concerns are comfort for sleeping and while relaxing in the cabin (I’m in my recliner a lot at home with ice and/or pillow support) and getting jostled or losing my balance if the ship rocks and I have to catch myself. I guess if I keep my sling on when out and about, that should prevent much of that risk. I’ll just fall if I can’t steady myself 😳. I love the suggestion about renting a recliner!! I didn’t know that was a possibility. I called Holland America today to see if they allow this but she said to call the Accessibility number on Tuesday (they’re open Monday-Friday 9-5). That’s cutting it tight but maybe it will work out. 🤞🏻 GeezerCouple, Thanks so much for suggesting this!! 

Screwsmcernst, Thank you for your suggestions and encouragement and giving me insight into your experience. It made me feel better. I don’t need lectures and I’m not looking for medical advice. I’m looking for human people to people advice. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to address my concerns. PS: My DH has been wonderful in his care for me. If I flat out said that I don’t want to go or won’t go, he would be disappointed but not angry about it. I’m just wavering and worried. It’s an Alaska cruise, so it’d be easy to fly home to Seattle if I end up miserable.