Anyone Lived without use of their dominant arm post-surgery?

Dh had 2 surgeries on his shoulder on his dominant arm, he survived and so will you! I know it feels like it will be daunting, but DH said you adapt as you go. He said just take things slowly and be patient with yourself. Hardest part for him was staying in the sling.

I had to have mine immobilized for 3 weeks due to a really bad infection in my elbow.  I could work, but there was no way I could unbutton or button pants.  So I bought some nice elastic waist dress pants for work.  They were Lee brand, totally looked like they had a zipper and buttons, unless you looked closely.   

I broke my dominant arm once. I remember being so thankful for yoga pants! I lived in yoga pants until my dominant arm was strong enough to help button jeans and even pull them up. I was very glad I had a few skirts and dress slacks for work that were elastic band but very classy. Doing my hair was troublesome, so, like you said, having it long enough to pull into a low ponytail was pretty much my only option. And be prepared- going to the bathroom and *ahem* "cleaning up" takes a little getting used to when you're dominant arm is out of commission. Little things like tweezing stray eyebrows and putting on mascara were difficult for a few weeks.

Good luck! I hope your surgery goes smoothly and you recover quickly!

Edited to add:
I dug out the old boppy pillow I had used when nursing my kids- hadn't seen the light of day for years but for some reason I hadn't gotten rid of it at that point.  I was SO glad I had it!  It helped me sleep with my arm elevated but I was still able to lie on my other side more comfortably.  The first three nights after the break, I actually slept in our really comfy chair with my arm propped with pillows including the boppy.  It helped quite a bit.

I have recently been in similar shoes. I tore my rotator cuff the day after Christmas, and had surgery on Feb 19. I wore what sounds like a similar sling/immobilizer that had a metal band around half my middle, a strap around my waist, and a sling. Forgive me, but I'm not familiar with the specifics of your particular surgery. In my case, I was forewarned that sleeping in bed would be painful, so I got a recliner, which was a godsend. Of course, I had to get one with a remote control, since the more standard kind have the bar on the right side, which of course I couldn't operate. I slept in that for 2 months. My doctor also ordered an icing unit which I think made a big difference in my pain level. It was like a small igloo cooler you filled with ice and water. A rubbery mat fit around my shoulder, and attached to the cooler by a hose.  It plugged in and circulated 40 degree water around my shoulder. 

I was was horrified at the thought of going without hair styling and makeup. I had to get by with minimal makeup for awhile, as well as just kind of aiming the blow dryer at my hair with my left hand. "Style" didn't really apply. As another poster said, you won't be able to work a button/zipper on pants, so I got some workout type pants. I was lucky that I had a leave from work--only my physical therapist saw me looking less than polished. I didn't drive for 6-8 weeks, since I couldn't ship or steer with that non functioning arm. 

Do you have an SO?  That would make a big difference. I didn't, but my mom is widowed and lives a mile away. I couldn't have done it without her. 

I made arrangements with Waste Management for "back door service". As long as someone got my cans in front of the garage doors, the guys took them down and brought them back when empty. 

Do yourself a favor and do the exercises you're given. 

I realized zed that when reclined in my chair, my ipad fit into a certain spot in my sling, and I could type away on my ipad with my left pointer finger. I spent A LOT of lurking the peas, and buying tjphings on Amazon, lol. It was my only entertainment!  

If I think of more, I'll toss another post out there. I tend to be very independent and like things just so, and I had to let that go for a while and ask for help, and realize that not everything would be exactly how I wanted it. (Including hair and makeup). I survived. 

Good luck to you. When is your surgery?

My DH had carpel tunnel surgery on his right wrist and elbow last year. He had it wrapped for about 2 weeks. He managed to figured it out, I don't remember any huge hurdles. I I'd have to help him get his shirt on, but he ate just fine.

Hope you heal quickly.

Last year, Thanksgiving week no less, I fell and broke my left wrist. Went to Kaiser that night and the doctor put a temporary splint on my wrist till I could see the ortho doctor. I had the splint for a week, I'm left handed. It was hell. I had a hard time taking a bath and drying off. I couldn't fix my hair, I couldn't drive. I hate relying on people and I was totally reliant on everyone. I couldn't write too.
I was dreading going in for a regular cast and was so relieved when the ortho doctor told me it was only a hairline break and a regular brace would do the trick. I was never so happy to get my life back.

I am a lefty and I broke my left arm.  I actually knocked on a neighbor's door to open a jar of mayo for me, lol!  It was difficult, not gonna lie.

Would one of those long grabbers help? Especially if you're having trouble (or even if it's just awkward) getting up and down out of bed or a chair. My mom used one after her knee surgeries and it really helped with that. I ordered it on amazon for less than $25.

Good luck. Isn't it funny how specialized surgeons are? DH had a doctor who specialized in just hands up past the wrist. He didn't touch elbows or shoulders.