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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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My surgeon does not have his patients use them .
I really didn’t need it though.Just used ice packs.
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1 ReactionI’m about 2 1/2 months into PT. It’s going fine. I just have 1 major problem…I can’t form a ninety degree angle with that arm. My elbow keeps bowing out.
None of the PT has helped this problem!
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1 ReactionOK, so it's been 6 months on the tenth. I'm feeling really good, I have progressed almost every day. Yesterday, while driving I noticed I had been using my fixed arm like it had nothing done to it. I still can't lift my arm straight over head, but then I have to say that injury was over 12 years ago and quite frankly, I can live with that. No arm behind the back, that was a given, I'v 75 and don't plan on getting arrested in handcuffs. Just took a trip by air away from the mainland, noted that the rule is tell them you have an implant and they will do the body pat down - no big deal.
I still feel a tightness at the top of my shoulder, but I really believe I'm feeling what the norm will now be, I now have no original rotator cuff.
So all in all, I feel pretty good about the whole deal, and yes, I would do it again if needed.
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5 ReactionsI recently had a reverse total shoulder replacement done on 10/28/2024. So not even 2 weeks ago. The first 4 days were rough but now it is feeling better that preop!! Day by day it seems to be feeling better!!! I start therapy in another week. Looking forward to starting to move it more again. I'm at the point where my "good" shoulder is hurting as bad as the one that's been done. Only problem is the sling that I'm to wear 24/7. It pulls at my neck where I have numerous pinched nerves in my neck which is hurting more because of the sling strap. I have tried padded seat belt pad to keep the sling strap from rubbing my neck but still pulls at it!! Any suggestions 🤔??
What about a piece of fleece fabric, double folded, As a I remember, I used a small towel, where ever it hurt, hope this helps.
Yes thanks for the idea. I am using a "seat belt" fuzzy covering that helps somewhat but still having problems. It's due to cervical spine nerve impingement with pain & numbness down both arms.
I was sent home from the hospital with an "immobilizer", not a traditional sling. You have a wide belt that goes on with velcro, it has an arm band attached on the side, just above the elbow, that keeps your arm rigid. Then there is a small wrist band with velcro, that sticks onto the stomach belt, keeping your elbow bent in the traditional sling position. But it's easy to detach for small tasks, still keeping your shoulder steady via the elbow band. There is no shoulder sling, so no pressure the top of your shoulder. Here is an example sold on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZGNW2Q5/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfc2hhcmVk&th=1
I am scheduled for December 30. Does anybody use a slanted pillow after surgery? Do folks generally sleep in a recliner after surgery?
Thanks
Following:
Surgery 1/15/25
I just had complex rotator cuff repair (3 tendons repaired, one trimmed off and bone spurs debrided.) We have an adjustable bed, and set it in the zero gravity mode so I was able to sleep there from day 1 with a pillow alongside to support my arm.
I have had numerous surgeries and have NEVER been able to sleep in any of our 3 recliners - I used a wedge several times, supplemented by a pillow under the knees and others as needed.
If you have a cold-pump machine or can buy, borrow or rent one, I strongly suggest using it, letting it cycle on and off all night - this helped keep pain at a minimum without having to change out ice packs during the night.
Also, if you can, figure out a way to position a table for necessities on your non-operative side.
Finally, keep the pain under control - if you want to wean off opioids, start by alternating pain med with tylenol or ibuprofen, gradually reducing the stronger meds one dose at a time with the lesser ones.
And be sure you have someone to help you - even the most common tasks can seem daunting with one hand.