Does anyone have experience with a Reverse shoulder replacement?

Posted by djfrostj @djfrostj, Apr 30 11:36am

I am scheduled for a reverse shoulder replacement in September because the rotator cuff repair (3.3 cm) did not work. The idea of reversing parts is a little unnerving.

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Profile picture for prestol @prestol

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?

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I think it is mainly to keep your arm from being accidentally bumped. I suspect that natural, gentle movement is probably beneficial in returning to better end results, rather than keeping the elbow cranked up all the time, as long as you don't put yourself in situations where you might wrench it. I had an immobilizer instead of a traditional sling, which allowed me to disconnect the wrist strap and use my hand in the forward position, but still kept my elbow strapped to my waist. My surgeon said to keep using my immobilizer when going outside the home for a couple of weeks after discontinuing it at home so that well meaning people would not bump or grab your arm.

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I have had bilateral total reverse shoulder replacements. I lived with severe pain for several years before surgery. It is one of the more painful surgeries but the end result is why it is worth it.

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Profile picture for enelra03 @enelra03

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...

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Thank you for this ecouraging post. Helps in decision to have shoulder replacement. Can I ask you old you are?

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Profile picture for shanamansion4 @shanamansion4

Thank you for this ecouraging post. Helps in decision to have shoulder replacement. Can I ask you old you are?

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69 years young

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I am currently 14 weeks post Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement...LARGE rotator cuff tear...biceps tear.....finishing last week of PT and couldn't ask for better results....great motion...no pain... doing prescribed exercises twice daily....very good results....good luck!!

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I had reverse shoulder surgery June 25

I think the side that was removed looks smaller in scale to the other side and my shirts do not fit properly
anymore

I still have pain and see the surgeon this week...I feel something odd

I can reach the top of my head but cannot go straight up in the air or anywhere near behind my back

I was intubated not by choice and have been coughing since I got home the same day..Took cough meds to no avail. Today I had a chest xray which was clear so I have no idea what this chronic cough is

I somehow thing a complete replacement is the way to go unless the Dr feels otherwise

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Profile picture for shanamansion4 @shanamansion4

Thank you for this ecouraging post. Helps in decision to have shoulder replacement. Can I ask you old you are?

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Had a left reverse in Feb. Great Dr great PT. Still doing self pt and moves good. Only restriction is moving arm to back, ie bra etc. Doc said it will probably never return totally. Still minor soreness if I over do. It has only been 6 months. I tore 2 tendons and was in severe pain before surgery. PT and Doc both said I would have some limit movement but I still do exercises. Good luck.

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I HAD A TSR DONE 2 YEARS AGO AT AGE 74. PERFECT RESULT. REHAB AT HOME. NO PAIN EVER AGAIN AND VERY GOOD RANGE OF MOTION. CAN LIFT ARM EASILY TO THE CEILING. I AM HAVING THE OTHER SHOULDER DONE IN OCTOBER. EASY OPERATION. I ALSO HAD TKR AND IT WAS A LONG JOURNEY BACK. GOOD LUCK.

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I had a reverse Shoulder replacement in 2021, after my TSR failed after 9 years. Unfortunately, I had a bacterial infection that corrupted the glenoid prosthesis earlier this year. At the age of 71 I had 3 surgeries this year to remove the glenoid piece, then another to remove the rod from my humerus and place a spacer with antibiotics in the humerus. The last surgery was a revised reversal, four weeks ago tomorrow. Third time is a charm. I'm in PT and have very little pain. I've already achieved 135° rotation. I think i have 6 to 8 weeks of PT before full recovery. Best of luck with your reversal.

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I am considering a rt shoulder replacement. The doc suggested I had an option of a reverse shoulder replacement but those ALL restrict ability to reach around the back of your waist and zip a dress or hook my bra. That is the reason I am getting a shoulder replacement in the first place, so a reverse one, no thanks. 🙂‍↔️
I want full range of motion which a total replacement allows; not what I already am restricted to before surgery...

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