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Question regarding complete reverse shoulder replacement
On May 7 2025-I underwent a complete total shoulder replacement on my right side. There were complications following the surgery, including the fact that they put me in a shorter splint than my arm. However, I have been discharged from occupational therapy even though I still do not have full use of my right hand. They are telling me that it may take six months to a year before I regain full use of my right hand. This is frustrating for me because before the surgery I had full use of my right hand. The biggest drawback of the way that my hand is now is I cannot drive. I haven't driven now for two years due to the pain in my shoulder. Which has nothing to do with my hand. They keep insisting it's arthritis. I have argued with them that this has nothing to do with arthritis. It even hurts when I wash my hand. I am just wondering if anyone else has gone through anything like this.
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I had complete left shoulder replacement due to several conditions arthritis, birth defect and scoliosis. I complained for years and when they looked at test results it looked minor. I went to a shoulder surgeon to try to get help and brought x-rays. I really begged him to try so he sent me for a test that took three hours to numb.
It is when a camera is inserted and can see underneath the bone. Couldn't have MRI because of Morphine pump.
When I returned for an office visit a resident was with the Dr. he looked at it and said the first image didn't look severe and DR said look at 2nd page. The resident did and said, OMG that is unbelievable, the test revealed the whole socket was deformed and it was severe. The Dr. said okay I'll operate on you. He did and my outcome was fabulous. I was up to par in no time. Overall, I have had 8 joint replacements on 8 different joints. I've had over 25 years of arthritis. Replacement surgery isn't like stiches it involves a lot of muscles and nerves being cut-then the recovery time. It takes at least three months to feel OK and one year to completely heal, and each outcome is different. I listened to the doctors they caution not to punish you, but to achieve a good outcome.
I know it's hard but why mess it up? I don't know your age, but you have to slow down. I haven't driven for 4 years; I know it is frustrating but if you need help ask for it. Good luck!
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