Does anyone have experience with a Reverse shoulder replacement?

I have had 4 surgeries on my Lft Shldr, the last being a TSR, doctor refused to believe that my rotator cuff was bad, made 3 bad decisions after finally doing the TRR. I continue to have discomfort and pain, it has now gone to my neck, effected my back also, which my regular Dr believes was due to the TSR surgery and them shall we say flipping me so many times, and at this point the other shlder is bad also because of me relying on it for everything. This has been a horrible journey as I am in my 70's. I have now been referred to a specialist in Tampa for review and to see what is really going on. Therapy yes, for 2 years after each surgery, helped I think but not when the wrong surgery was done! Thanks.

Hi Joe,
I had a fast recovery, I thought it was an easier process than my two TKR's , likely because there is no weight bearing involved. It will be 4 years this October and it still feels fine. I kept a few dictated notes on my cell phone in case I had to go through this again with the other shoulder (wished I had done that for my 2nd knee.) I noted my pain levels in the first few days were only at about 2 or 3 of 10, mostly a scratchy burning feel that responded well to icing. Quit tramadol on day three, only using acetominophen, ibuprofen and the aspirin combo recommended on my release instructions. I dislike the wooziness and constipation from the opioids, and pain level didn't warrant it. I did the pendulum swings, and elbow and finger exercises I was given at the hospital up to 5 times a day, 20 reps each direction and circles. I highly recommend a wrist-to-waist immobilizer instead of a traditional sling. By day 11, I was doing tasks by disconnecting the wrist velcro, like cooking fish and making salad. The elbow to waist velcro still keeps your upper arm rigid. Day 15 I went in for my first PT evaluation, staples out and X-ray, my shoulder arc movement was ahead of schedule. Was given a silly putty egg to play with for hand strength while watching TV etc. Quit wearing the sling at night by week 5, quit wearing it during the day at week 6. Started true PT exercises at home, including shoulder blades lifts and wall slides. Week 7, arm getting to near normal, can sleep on it, raise the balky recliner foot stick, should be able to drive - will ask at upcoming surgeon's re-check. Pretty normal use of the arm, but some pain during large awkward swings. (end of my notes)
I can't say if I had an abnormally quick recovery overall, but I think I could have gone on vacation at about two months post surgery, certainly by three moths with no problem. The only negative thing I have to say, is I believe I did get carpal tunnel problems from doing (too many?) wall slides at home. Your wrist is bent at an angle as you push a folded towel up smooth wall to increase overhead reach, with hard pressure on the wrist as you try to push higher. I'm scheduled for the nerve testing in July, and hopefully the simple surgery will take care of it.

I had reverse shoulder replacement done 2 years ago. It was an easy decision because of the constant pain I was experiencing. It was an easy surgery and I literally felt no post surgical pain because my surgeon implanted a pain pump that slowly dispensed Novocain into my shoulder which lasted a week. The most important thing to consider is your PT and the exercises you are shown how to do. Do them religiously and you will be back to normal in 6 to 8 weeks.

Mayo Clinic Rochester
Dr Sanchez-Sotelo
He is fabulous! I had a great outcome with no pain.
Done outpatient. Walked to and from the hospital from/to my Rochester hotel.
No down time but have to wear a sling for three weeks - only bummer.
Be sure to go on Amazon or wherever and but velcro and/or snap clothes to make it easier to get dressed.

So sorry to read about your experience.
If it’s any consolation, this helped confirm my recent decision to refuse the reverse replacement.
Last Nov I injured my left shoulder, probably in the gym, and finally went to the dr in Feb, driven in by pain and weakness, limiting my ability to work out and daily activities.
MRI revealed a rotator cuff tear(infraspinatus) and also arthritis. The dr was unwilling to even try to repair the cuff, and immediately recommended reverse replacement.
I was horrified(had been expecting some sort of repair)and refused-gut reaction. Just told him I wasn’t ready. Only then did he recommend PT, which has helped a lot. I’m still having pain but have regained most of my range of motion and my strength is coming back.
Now that I’ve had time to think, putting a joint in backwards just seems wrong to me. I have no medical training, just my opinion. If I don’t keep improving, I will go elsewhere for a second opinion.
Maybe it wasn’t you who went wrong; it was the medical advice you got.
Can you get a second opinion from someplace like Mayo? Maybe there’s something else they can do.

Had Reverse Total Shoulder done 5 weeks ago...SDS...Intraskalene block...Advil and Celebrex around clock x 2 weeks...experienced NO PAIN...still in Abductor sling...passive exercises 3x day...start PT next week..great experience to date...

My husband had one and has almost 100% mobility. The worst part is a long recovery holding it tight in a sling.

Mine was four and a half weeks ago, and I was released from my sling on day 12. I was told it was optional, for “comfort” only. Now I am feeling somewhat concerned, wondering why my surgeons protocol is so different from your husbands and others commenting here. Can anyone comment?

I had reverse shoulder March, 24. I did great gif 3 months and then began having a m sensation on movement. Still have this ,but I have totally normal use of my arm . In this respect, reverse sh. Is excellent.

I am 7 weeks from a reverse shoulder replacement. I was out of the sling at 5 weeks but actually was doing most things except lifting after 3 weeks. Lifting everything under the weight of a coffee cup was okay. The surgeon said that one reason for using the sling was to remind not to use the arm.