Hi,
After years of being told the same thing I got an operation. Without looking up the photos of what was done memory tells me there were 3 different areas repaired with string. I slept on our couch for 2 years so I couldn't roll over on the shoulder, not great in winter! I got used to the pain as there was no option and physical work had to be continued to meet my commitments.
As far as I'm aware tendons don't turn to fat they just depleat, the main problem I was told is shinkage. After 13 years they apparently hadn't shrunk enough to stop a fix. I'm no Dr this is just my experience. Because I had gotten used to the discomfort I had to fake the problem when they did a final pre opp test. I did a good enough job that even my wife believed I was in serious pain. There is still pain but no where near what it was.
Cheers