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Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement
What are others experiencing after a revere shoulder replacement?
I am 3 weeks post op today from the surgery. I had one Physical Therapy session with only passive range of motion activities. I was cleared for driving as soon as I was not taking pain medicine. I quit hydrocodone 5 days after surgery. My sling was never an immobilizer like I had after rotator cuff surgery. It is just a cloth holder to keep my arm close to my body and take the weight off my shoulder.
I am doing pendulum and swaying exercises 5+ times a day and bending my elbow. I start more active range of motion exercises next week.
I wanted to write this to give people encouragement if you are going to have this surgery. I needed a little help the first few days. I cannot lift anything that requires two arms, so heavy pans, etc. I have been showering, dressing myself, washing my hair, cooking, driving since 5 days post op. I am 74 years old.
One thing that might have helped my recovery. I went to physical therapy for 6 weeks before surgery to strengthen both shoulders.
Here’s hoping that all of us have successful outcomes and restore our function.
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Hopefully you’ve seen your surgeon about this. If you haven’t had a follow up X-ray you should
Here I am 75 and considering reverse shoulder replacement. I am feeling encouraged and happy to read these comments. I knew Mayo’s website would help more than any other. Praises for these positive comments everyone and God bless you.
Joanne
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3 ReactionsHi! 7 months post op reverse shoulder replacement. 6 months of therapy and still weak and in pain. Dr recommends a nerve block. Does anyone know how long this will last?
I haven’t had that, but it sounds terrible. Hope you can find some relief.
Hello @joannee - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I moved your discussion and co@mbined it with an existing discussion titled, "Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recovery-from-reverse-shoulder-replacement/.
Members @jprust, @jojo751948, @rainerhans, and @michelleperryman all shared their reverse shoulder replacement and recovery experiences in this discussion and may be able to offer you some insight.
@joannee, like you mentioned, nerve blocks are temporary, has any insight been presented to you as to why you are continuing to have so much pain? How is the mobility in your new shoulder?
You are so lucky! I am still in pain 7 months post op and still limited mobility. I’m in pain doing simple things. Injections and or acupuncture coming up. I’m struggling! (61 yrs old)
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1 ReactionI’m so sorry you are having so much difficulty with your recovery. Has your surgeon taken an mri of your replacement to make sure everything is in place and healing correctly? I would insist on that if it were me. I also had a reverse shoulder replacement last year and had less pain than the previous rotary cuff surgery with complete healing and no pain within 6 months. Are you icing and heating your shoulder often? I found that this reduced my pain while I was recovering. I wish you much more comfort and healing.
Interesting stories about shoulder replacement. I've had both done. Right shoulder 9 years ago. Did great with 6 weeks Pt. Sadly, a year ago I started having pain. After prayer and CT Scan it shows that a screw is coming out. Option, new totally redo replacement or just live with it.
Left shoulder done 6 years ago. Another problem, there is a fracture in my scapula where there is a screw. Option, minimize movement and no lifting. Now the fracture is slowly healing.
I have not been lucky with my replacements but I have heard that others have done well. Doctors have no idea why my replacements have not been survived.
Good luck to all of you. Don't give up. Be consistent with your PT. Don't cheat.
Thsnk you so much!
Thank you!!