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Reverse Shoulder Replacement
In June 2024 while at the gym I heard a muscle tear in my shoulder while doing hammer curls. Being the knucklehead I am I rubbed some dirt on it and went about my business. By November 2024 the pain and function in the arm had not return to normal so I gave in and set up an appointment with the doctor. The tear was my Rotator Cuff. Apparently, it was not the 1st time I had torn muscles as he said I had tears that were years old based on the atrophy. Since I have a complete tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, I am being told a RSR is in order as a repair of the rotator cuff will not be successfully. The 1st Dr said a Complete Shoulder Replacement without much discussion, so I went to another doctor for a 2nd opinion and was offer the RSR as recommend for complete tears.
I say all this for background to ask this question of those that have had the RSR and might have lived with issues before deciding to have the surgery. Today, I have full range of motion, some pain if I allow the arm to remain motionless for an extended period of time. I do have a loss of strength in certain directions and the arm is beginning to come out of socket a bit now. Can I postpone this? Any reason to push forward? Or wait until the condition forces me to take action?
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@bluebirdsings with your great attitude and partner, go for it! I think this plan makes sense.
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3 Reactions@debhunter
thanks Deb. You know partners sometimes are not as "mothering" or "Nursey" as we wished. The- "would you like something while I am in the kitchen"- isn't on automatic.
Not complaining...just realistic. And for the first time in my life, I have a few friends I know I can count on.So...I am very lucky and grateful. It is the fear and uncertainty that catch me . Will things go well? Will I be left with pain and limitations that are not part of my so called realistic expectations? I nod when the doc says '"you know it will never be like new & there are chances of x/y/z." But on the inside, I still want to be a healthy 20 year old. And I get scared of unexpected consequences. And then I do being brave. Thank you for listening and caring. bluebirdsings
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1 Reaction@bluebirdsings yes, in later years who is the carer comes to mind as problematic! Good luck, and be kind to yourself.
I had a rsr last October. I went to Physical therapy for 6 weeks. It all came out very well. I kept wondering why it took me so long to do something. It's wonderful to be able to move without the pain & crunching sounds from my shoulder!! It prompted me to get the other side done also a reverse shoulder replacement 7 months later. Again Physical Therapy for 6 weeks. It all came out great!! Now I have 2 functioning shoulders without the pain & noise from the severe Osteoarthritis & rotator tears on both sides. Trust your surgeon. If needs be get a second or third opinion. That way you can make an educated decision about what you want to be done. I keep wondering what took me so long to get them done!! I feel 110% better than what they were before!! Good luck with making this decision, not an easy decision to make!!!