I just left my arm dangling at my side while showering. But did need help with washing hair, back, and opposite side of surgery arm. I also purchased a long handled brush and a unit that dispenses liquid that holds shampoo, conditioner, and soap.
the first few weeks were tough. I would cut a plastic grocery bag in half and then tape it to my shoulder with 3 or 4 pieces of electric tape. If your shoulder gets a little bit wet its ok. Just try not to get it completely soaked. I would use my injured arm only to lather soap. Then I would wash myself as best as possible. Drying off I was careful not to use my injured arm to dry myself. At this point my shoulder was usually a little bit sore so I would try to get it back into the sling ASAP. The whole ordeal is a bit of a process just try to use your injured arm as little as possible.
this is probably too much information but if you have a significant other i.e. boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife I would recommend them showering with you once or twice a week for the first couple weeks as they will be able to get you nice and squeaky clean.
You may find it helpful to purchase/install a hand-held water massage cord. Simply replace your shower head with this device and you can just remove it from the shower head, sit in your tub, shower with it or have someone help you bathe with this. They are very inexpensive and can be found at any hardware store or even Target/WalMart. I didn't have great balance the first week or two post op, so, standing in the shower felt a little risky. This little device REALLY helped. Good Luck!!
Showering the first time was not nearly as difficult as I thought it would be. In fact it felt great to get under the hot water!
Go and get an inexpensive sling at Walgreens, CVS, etc and use it when you shower. They cost around $10 or so. I just hung it up in the shower when I was done and it was dry and ready to use the next day. I even shaved my legs my first day showering. Everything will take a bit longer with one hand though. I did have my husband hang around upstairs in case I needed any help. I was a bit weak and it is painful those first few times but it really is not that bad.
