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Considering Shoulder Replacement due to Osteoarthritis

Posted by beatricefay @beatricefay, Apr 4, 2023

I'm considering having a shoulder replacement due to osteoarthritis. I've tried PT, but my range of motion is very limited. I'm 78 so worry about it getting worse and affecting my quality of life. Anybody have any comments or suggestions regarding the procedure?

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zhigirl2023 | @zhigirl2023 | May 12, 2023

It's best to fix it before it gets further along... sending you good wishes.
Mara

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | May 13, 2023

One good thing about shoulder and hip replacements, they are anatomically the same as what they are replacing. A reverse TSR is certainly different than how we are built, but the result is the same.

Total knee replacement is not the same as the original knee. The big difference is the very hard plastic in place of meniscus and other cartilage. So you can do almost anything after a TKR, but no impact - no running, tennis, basketball.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Feb 17 1:22pm
In reply to @beatricefay "I had a cortisone shot but it didn't help much. Now that dressing is getting more..." + (show)
@beatricefay

I had a cortisone shot but it didn't help much. Now that dressing is getting more difficult, I'm cautiously looking forward to getting the replacement.

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Beatrice - I've had both knees replaced at age 68. I did work with a trainer pre-surgery so my supporting muscles were as strong as possible. Surgery went very well and now I'm in the gym every day.

Like most people here, my knees were bone-on-bone and it was painful to walk. Osteoarthritis..... Thanks Mom!

My left shoulder is bone-on-bone but manageable for now. Even so, in a few years I'm sure I'll get a TSR.

Can anyone describe their recovery experience? Did you have to sleep in a recliner? How long? Did you regain a normal range of motion post surgery?

Thanks all and best wishes to you Beatrice!

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1 reply
pworley1955 | @pworley1955 | Feb 18 7:48am

My husband had reverse shoulder replacement surgery in November. He did have an exceptional Dr, but it went so much better than what we had been told. Pain meds needed for only one week. Physical Therapy at home then at Center. He had little pain week 2 to present. So much relief.

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2 replies
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Feb 19 2:14pm
In reply to @pworley1955 "My husband had reverse shoulder replacement surgery in November. He did have an exceptional Dr, but..." + (show)
@pworley1955

My husband had reverse shoulder replacement surgery in November. He did have an exceptional Dr, but it went so much better than what we had been told. Pain meds needed for only one week. Physical Therapy at home then at Center. He had little pain week 2 to present. So much relief.

Jump to this post

Now that is great news!

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beatricefay | @beatricefay | Feb 19 2:48pm
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Beatrice - I've had both knees replaced at age 68. I did work with a trainer..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

Beatrice - I've had both knees replaced at age 68. I did work with a trainer pre-surgery so my supporting muscles were as strong as possible. Surgery went very well and now I'm in the gym every day.

Like most people here, my knees were bone-on-bone and it was painful to walk. Osteoarthritis..... Thanks Mom!

My left shoulder is bone-on-bone but manageable for now. Even so, in a few years I'm sure I'll get a TSR.

Can anyone describe their recovery experience? Did you have to sleep in a recliner? How long? Did you regain a normal range of motion post surgery?

Thanks all and best wishes to you Beatrice!

Jump to this post

I had the conventional shoulder replacement. I was in a sling for 6 weeks with no PT until after this time. This approach depends on the surgeon. The good part is I didn't have a lot of pain, the bad part is I fell behind those who started PT earlier. Initially I slept in a recliner but wasn't very comfortable. I also tried sleeping in my bed, but also had trouble sleeping there. That was the hardest part, getting enough restful sleep. Eventually that improved. Now I am happy with my range of motion even though it took me longer to get there.

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old_man | @jetjock | Feb 19 4:44pm
In reply to @pworley1955 "My husband had reverse shoulder replacement surgery in November. He did have an exceptional Dr, but..." + (show)
@pworley1955

My husband had reverse shoulder replacement surgery in November. He did have an exceptional Dr, but it went so much better than what we had been told. Pain meds needed for only one week. Physical Therapy at home then at Center. He had little pain week 2 to present. So much relief.

Jump to this post

I've also been considering reverse shoulder replacement. Could you please share the doctor's name, hospital name and location? Thank you.

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