Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement

Posted by jprust @jprust, Oct 18, 2023

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.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

spiderbobr | @spiderbobr | Oct 2 10:13am

I had the same replacement as you (Reverse Shoulder Replacement) last June 10, 2024. I do not have the pain that started all this which at time was severe. It has been almost 5 months, I have gone to PT 1 to 2 times a week. I have gotten a lot of motion back (except around the back) and every day it seems to be a bit more. I don't go to PT anymore, but I keep up the stretching exercises. I have read that it takes a good 6 months to completely heal, as my doctor also told me. However I still have one concern, I still have pain at the top of my shoulder, not extreme pain as I used to have everywhere in my shoulder, just there on top. Through the day is lessens and then back again by morning. I am 75 years old, but was told with all the prior testing I had to have, that I have the body of a 65 year old, not really sure if that is good or bad, lol. But, I am getting a bit concerned over the pain at the top of my shoulder after nearly 5 months. Last month my doctor told me to come back in a year from surgery. I'm thinking I'll just let it go until that time. Any thoughts.

didi01 | @didi01 | Oct 26 10:33am

Would love to hear how surgery went and afterwards

alumate | @alumate | Oct 27 11:38am

In reply to @didi01 "Would love to hear how surgery went and afterwards" + (show)

I had an RSR on July 23rd, after dealing with severe chronic pain for 5 yrs, and am 90% better than I was previously. I waited 5 yrs after a failed rotator cuff surgery. My surgeon in Mpls. didn't think I was a good candidate because of the condition my shoulder was in. I tried PT, acupuncture, trigger point injections, steroid injections, etc. Nothing worked. Finally at my wit's end, I asked for a referral to Mayo. I feel like a new person. Recovery for me was much easier than my rotator cuff repair recovery!! My range of motion isn't great yet, but I'm working on it. I am so happy with my results. Just do it!

zimmy1998 | @zimmy1998 | Oct 28 9:07am

In reply to @didi01 "Would love to hear how surgery went and afterwards" + (show)

That is my exact story!! 10 years ago the doctors gave me options - PT, injections, acupuncture- the pain only got worse and I finally went ahead with a RSS last week. I’m 6 days out and I’m struggling a bit - trying to get comfortable- concerned that my movements are what causes me to be putting stress on my shoulder and causing the pain?

marci5 | @marci5 | Oct 28 10:00am

Hello Did you have a polar ice machine for recovery? If so did the hospital provide it or did you need to buy it?

didi01 | @didi01 | Oct 29 8:23pm

In reply to @alumate "I had an RSR on July 23rd, after dealing with severe chronic pain for 5 yrs,..." + (show)

I have heard it can be easier than a repair. Approx how long was surgery, did you sleep in a chair? , was there a block? And rate the pain level that first week. I’m interviewing Drs… know I need to just do it!

alumate | @alumate | Oct 29 10:08pm

In reply to @didi01 "I have heard it can be easier than a repair. Approx how long was surgery, did..." + (show)

It definitely was easier for me! But my repair had complications. The actual surgery was only about an hour. But at Mayo there are lots of pre op steps and waiting for surgeon. I had to be at the hospital at 10:00 am and surgery didn’t start until almost 3:00! I did sleep in a recliner. It helped for the first couple weeks. My pain level the first week was at most a 5. Pre surgery my pain was a 10+! I had constant severe pain. Now I have only minimal pain every so often. I did have a block and it lasted 48 hrs! My surgeon (Dr. Sperling) keeps his patients overnight. Some do outpatient. I was definitely happy I stayed for a night! Best of luck to you!

alumate | @alumate | Oct 29 10:10pm

In reply to @zimmy1998 "That is my exact story!! 10 years ago the doctors gave me options - PT, injections,..." + (show)

I felt the same way. I knew you weren’t supposed to move your shoulder at all, but sometimes I did and I was afraid I would dislocate it. I still worry about that a bit!

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Oct 30 8:17am

In reply to @didi01 "Would love to hear how surgery went and afterwards" + (show)

Hello @didi01, I combined your discussion with an existing discussion titled, "Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recovery-from-reverse-shoulder-replacement/.

It is a discussion dedicated to how members recovered, rehabbed and coped with the surgery after it is done. @jprust, @spiderbobr, and @twinkie23 shared their experiences after the shoulder replacement.

@didi01 - If you are comfortable sharing, what are your concerns about the reverse shoulder replacement? Are you looking for some advice on what to expect and maybe some tips about how to best recover or prepare?