I am 74. I had reverse shoulder replacements on both shoulders this year. One was in September 2023 and the other was in January of 2024. And fell on some construction and broke my wrist. Doc cleared me to drive after 2 weeks when I was not on any pain meds. I had an ice machine from the hospital and iced it off and on for several weeks. Wore a sling for 6 weeks, but could take it off for getting dressed or showering.They gave me a few simple movements to do at home to do several times a day to keep everything moving. I started therapy after 3-4 weeks, it was all passive or very light assisted movements until the sling was off. After that was only a few more weeks. It was not 6-8 months. They use the deltoid muscle to power your shoulder instead of the tendons.
I needed some help with lifting and carrying things, and cutting up my food for the first week. We bought a remote controlled recliner so I could put up the foot test and lean back on my own.
They do a nerve block of that area so it didn’t even hurt for the first 2 days. I only took pain meds for 3-4 days.
I hope I didn’t give you too much information. I had to do it because I couldn’t even hold a coffee cup or vacuum or carry my purse because of pain and weakness.
If you are cleared for surgery, the success rate is 99%. I have full function and no pain now. Can’t lift anything more that 25 pounds above my head. Well, I don’t do that anyhow. Good luck in your decision and outcomes.