Reverse Shoulder Replacement

My thoughts are. Go get done and be on road to recovery. I went to five doctors and all said the same thing. Reverse joint replacement. I don’t know how old you are but therapy at 85 is not fun.

@kt4vq I dodged the need for complete RSR and am recovering (9 weeks) from complex rotator cuff repair. I will echo @ranch - go get it done!

I was in less pain 3 days after surgery than the day before (same tears as you plus bone spurs and torn biceps tendon.) I am 3 weeks into rehab and gaining range of motion daily. I lost nearly 2 years trying to avoid surgery, with PT massage and pain meds - not my best move. And I should have known better, as I have had a number of other joints replaced.

Just do your research, and choose the best possible surgeon - mine came recommended by my PT, a friend whose shoulder he had done and my other ortho (who only does lower limbs).

It writes as you need Full Reverse, I waited until I absolutely needed it. I delt with it for 14 years with a full rupture and several other not so major tears. I would not have done it any other way. I'm still recovering (been 7 months now) but at least I didn't have to stop working, stop playing, and other stops. I'm retired and going on 76 now. I have no regrets waiting.

I am 68. I somewhat relate to your comment as I am a very active person. Hands on kind of person doing everything for myself allowing no one to do anything for me that I can do myself. I ride a motorcycle, fix things for myself and adult children and others. This many times means hammering, digging post holes, splitting firewood, cutting trees or fixing their computers.

I can not allow myself to be sidelined until it is simply a medical requirement.

Thank you. I scheduled the surgery for June so I could do all of the research possible and consider feedback from actual patients such as yourself.

Could name your surgeon, that would be very helpful unless it’s prohibited.

I'm glad you scheduled the surgery. I hope yours is as successful as mine was. I had only mid level aching for some weeks after the surgery, which actually felt better to me than the pre-op nagging arthritis pain I felt constantly day and night. I never experienced any of the overwhelming surgical pain that some mention, don't know what types of nerve blocks or anesthesia were used. It took 3-4 months of daily stretch routines to get my vertical reach equal to my non-surgical arm. My rTSR feels so natural that I am not aware of it most of the time, and need to remind myself often to let the non-TSR arm take more weight when dealing with heavy objects.

I am not one to rush into any kind of surgery. I had a frozen shoulder without pain on that arm a couple of years earlier, with PT I got back to 80% mobility, but that did not last. A year later, along with loss of reach to my head for washing or combing, I also developed the constant arthritis pain and could no long pick up a fry pan or coffee pot with my right hand alone.
I've been an active outdoor person, have a large vegetable garden and enjoy kayaking, so a bad shoulder was limiting enjoyment of my normal activities. I think I waited the right amount of time to have my surgery and had good results.

Very encouraging 🤗

My situation is more complicated than most. I have two autoimmune conditions (Crohn’s in remission, on a biologic), and PMR for the last year, currently weaning off prednisone and on methotrexate. I also have advanced osteoarthritis in several joints and lower back. Both shoulders are severe, with the right one worse. Reverse total replacement has been recommended, and I am scheduled for Feb 11. However, I am now having second thoughts. The pain is returning as I lower my prednisone dose (currently on 6.5 mg), but is still not severe. Tylenol and topicals work fine. Range of motion is limited but I can do what I need to. I have mild anemia and osteopenia (with a history of osteoporosis). I have seen my surgeon twice over the last six months and he has no hesitation in going forward (although the anemia is new, but mild). X-rays show deformity of the joint, which I imagine will only get worse. I am leaning towards postponing the surgery until I am entirely off prednisone and the side effects have subsided. As I continue to lower my dose, my arthritis pain may worsen and the decision may be easier. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.