Torn Rotator cuff & arthritis

You and I are close in age: I turned 76 in August!
Not sure what "reverse shoulder surgery" but I gather your doctor has assessed that it will be a beneficial solution for you. I'll definitely pray for you.
I used to get pain in the arms that felt like it was the bones that hurt. And yes, unable to even move the upper arms due to the "sharp knife" sensation. I used to do all the painting in our home, including getting on scaffolding to reach 16' ceiling in the living room and the stairs leading to second floor. I removed ooogly (that's how we pronounced "ugly" for emphasis!) wallpaper from three rooms, skim coated the walls and then painted them. Yes, I was involved even with helping my husband install wallboard and learned to tape and apply the "mud"...took a while to achieve smooth finishes but all became better and better! I found it satisfying that I could do that type of work. That was all in my 20's to mid 50's....No way I could do any of that now! Actually, I had purchased paint and materials to do the kitchen and dining room just 2 weeks before I had that horrid fall onto concrete. Even though arm/hand-fingers/ are without high level pain now, no way that I would consider painting again. Those body parts will not be tested that's for sure! We are hiring a highly recommended painter to do the work. Serious balance issues that have evolved over the past 4 years is another reason not to climb onto ladders😱! Had to give up gardening and yard work also.

I am so sorry that you have such pain, especially when engaged in the work that you enjoy.
Perhaps you can update us if/when you do have the surgery? 🤔🌺

Delia - you sre so sweet! I did all our house painting etc too - heavy bags of dirt etc, clipping rows of stubs, etc. biking, kayaking, tennis, golf, boating, loved to walk and hike. 3 kids- 8 grands…and all that goes with all that! So hard to give that up ( always in pain but could do it - till I couldn’t!).
Artistic painting is now my happy place since retiring at 71 ( own art agency). That and reading, are hugely important to me. So have to take a chance at this point. I will certainly share after - if I can type with my left hand! lol

Catartist and @delia74 Yes, I also thought I was indestructible - sheetrocking, taping, mudding, painting, gardening, racquetball, wallyball, running, disc golf, skiing- my first shot of reality was a blown knee at 44 from a collision on the wallyball court with a guy who outweighed me by 100 pounds. My second was bilateral hip replacement at 54, when the surgeon snidely remarked "you have the hips of an 85 year old." Since then innumerable ortho surgeries to hips, hands, wrist...
I hired the heavy part of my fall garden cleanup this year for the first time ever. Today my 5 & 8 yo grandsons helped me pull out the vegetable garden, put away the drip irrigation & plant stands, empty annual pots, pick up the landscape lights and a lot more - two solid hours of help without a whine. Their reward - tonight in a hotel with a pool and pizza before a family wedding tomorrow.

Sounds like a life well lived! Good for you Sue!

Kids and animals - often know when you need them most! How you aren’t hurting today!

I learned a lot about myself when you are dependent upon others to help you do everything Am left handed so learning to do things with right hand is interesting. Before surgery learn to sleep on your back.

I know exactly what you are talking about in regard to the prednisone which I also have been on and off for many years. When I am not taking it my body aches and I can’t move my shoulder . I live with a heating pad much of the morning. I am a painter but my hands particularly the knuckles sublox so I can only work short periods. I am in my sixties and also fear a wheel chair even tho I try to walk daily and excersize at home.
No one can possibly comprehend the agony and pain along with emotional wear .
My heart goes out to you , I so relate to the journey. Please let me know if you do the surgery and where.
I have also considered going to Mayo clinic but unsure about insurance. There has to be a better way.