Does anyone have experience with a Reverse shoulder replacement?

Thank you! That's a big difference from 5 lbs. We'll definitely be seeking a 2nd opinion from a different doctor. Appreciate the response.

I had that surgery on my dominant (right) shoulder 2 weeks ago. (4/23/25). Most difficult for me has been the lack of good REM sleep. And trying to adjust to constantly wearing a sling. However, I had my first post-op today and after a review of the precautions I am taking to protect the shoulder, my diligence about following home PT and care routines, and the fact that I'll be working with a PT person regularly starting tomorrow, I am allowed to stop wearing it all the time when I am home or sleeping. I do need to wear it when I am out.
And just so no one thinks it has been a piece of cake for me, the first week was pure hell and EVERY DAY I wished at least once (and often more) that I had not gone through with the surgery. I think part of that was one of the very unpleasant side effects of the hydrocodone. I stopped taking it on day 8 post-op, refocused my perspective and set realistic goals and things have improved. Just doing the one-foot-in-front-of-the-other, one-day-at-a-time approach.
Joining this support group is helping me, so thanks to the contributors.
BTW, I am a 74 y/o female who is fairly active and in pretty good health overall, with two other successful joint replacements in my past (right hip in 2018 which WAS a piece of cake, and left knee in 2022 (w/ months of PT)

PS- My surgeon was Dr. Sperling at Mayo Rochester.

I just had my 2 yr appt. Right shoulder reverse. First total shoulder failed. Rod came out. Hardly ever happens I just got lucky I guess. Doing well. The only thing I can’t do is go up the back with my hand or do some exercises overhead in my exercise classes but easy enough to make accommodations. I would say 95%. Strength is good.

I had reverse should surgery in Nov 2024, I still have pain in my shoulder in my back and also in my shoulder. He did rotator cuff in Nov 23 and it failed. I thought the reverse shoulder surgery would fix the problem but I still have pain. This can't be common, is it? Is there anyone else who still have pain almost 6 months later? He wants to do my right shoulder now and I'm scared. Think this problem has occurred due to a traumatic car accident (passenger) I was in at 21 years, got a fractured pelvis (3 places) & sacroiliac. Have had 18 major surgeries since then, 2 of which were c-sections due to my pubic bones smashed together. Now also have lower bowel problems due to accident. So frustrated and angry!!!!!

I had a reverse shoulder replacement in October 2022 after a several rotator cuff surgeries that didn't help.
I am still seeing my doctor and surgeon for constant pain and burning.
They have completed every test imaginable and can't explain why.
The only thing that helped me was being put on 300mg Cleocin (clindamyacin) 3 x a day.
It worked but was taken off after about twoonths and the pain and burning came back. More tests done, even the Infectious Disease doctor doesn't know why I'm having so much pain.
I was put back on the antibiotic Cleocin about 2 weeks ago and told that if it helps again, I will probably have to take it for maintenance everyday.
Our last option would be to go back in and try to find the issue.
They used the Exactech parts for my surgery.
Prayers you get some relief very soon.

My RTSR was last September. It turned out to be the worst decision I ever made. I had to stay in the hospital overnight after the surgery. My surgeon forgot to order pain medication. I begged the nurses for something for the pain,and I recieved two Tylenol. That didn't help at all. That was the worst night of my life. I got up from my bed and paced the room. The overnight nurse told me to get back in the bed, because she had to write a report. I told her she was going to do a lot of writing because I'm doing what I want. In the early morning hours I requested medication again, I was in agony. The nerve block was no longer providing any relief. The nurse reprimanded me for getting out of bed again, and stated I'll call the doctor and see what he can do. That was it. I dressed the best I could, called an Uber and went home. I had Hydromorphone that was prescribed earlier. I finally was able to relax and fall asleep.
My recovery is not going well. I did six months of PT, that helped with my range of motion. The pain in my shoulder is worse than prior to my RTSR. The surgeon said my recovery could take upto a year and a half. That's forever to me.
I living now with limited use of my dominant right arm. I still do exercises to strengthen my arm. The exercises are painful
and aggravate my shoulder. I don't know were I went wrong.
Certainly, by my experience I can not recommend a RTSR.
Good luck to anyone that decides to have one.

I'm one of the RTSR patients that are still in pain. This is after eight months. It's worse than before my surgery.
See my post.

Sorry to hear these experiences.
I had my shoulders done 9 years ago and enjoy my new strength every day.
Yes there is a lot of pain in the first weeks, but I had an ice machine running all the time and for the first days strong pain medication every 4-6 hours and PT from the 2. Day on.
You have to do your exercises months and I still move my joints a lot, enjoy gardening, painting and sewing.
You might get a second opinion or choose your PT wisely.
What helps me also is water aerobics.
Good luck for you ♥️

@belgagrande, I’m encouraged to see this about your surgery. I’m having reverse shoulder surgery on May 30th.
I’ve had both knees replaced and my left hip and have been told that the shoulder surgery was by far the easiest in terms of pain and recovery,They said the worst thing was having to wer the sling!