Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement

Posted by jprust @jprust, Oct 18, 2023

What are others experiencing after a revere shoulder replacement?
I am 3 weeks post op today from the surgery. I had one Physical Therapy session with only passive range of motion activities. I was cleared for driving as soon as I was not taking pain medicine. I quit hydrocodone 5 days after surgery. My sling was never an immobilizer like I had after rotator cuff surgery. It is just a cloth holder to keep my arm close to my body and take the weight off my shoulder.
I am doing pendulum and swaying exercises 5+ times a day and bending my elbow. I start more active range of motion exercises next week.
I wanted to write this to give people encouragement if you are going to have this surgery. I needed a little help the first few days. I cannot lift anything that requires two arms, so heavy pans, etc. I have been showering, dressing myself, washing my hair, cooking, driving since 5 days post op. I am 74 years old.
One thing that might have helped my recovery. I went to physical therapy for 6 weeks before surgery to strengthen both shoulders.
Here’s hoping that all of us have successful outcomes and restore our function.

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Profile picture for dmk @dmk

@joannee
I had RTS 2019 always felt like there was a small impingement. Then a few years into it my arm started to lock up with severe pain. Surgeon sent me to different surgeon who said I had conjoint tendonitis and offered me a one time injection which was awesome. It lasted 3 months and 2 weeks and came back again as he predicted. My surgeon sent me to another surgeon who did the new surgery that’s been done for last 4 years or so. He hadn’t done it before but felt comfortable to do, but other surgeons did not. Had surgery in August where he released the conjoint tendon and decompressed my distal clavicle again.
Still in pt don’t have issues I’d been having before so I’m hoping it lasts. My RTS has had its issues but my TKR has been awesome.
Having said all that even with the issues with my RTS it’s still more functional than before any of the surgery

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@dmk Thanks for sharing!! God bless !!

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Profile picture for dmk @dmk

How far out from surgery are you

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@dmk 4 months

Can reach up
Somewhat out to side
Cannot put both hands on hips still

Cannot go behind my back whatsoever still

Still have pain in bicep area and pulling near neck

No answer from anyone

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Your post has given me what i needed
Shoulder replacement scheduled for Dec 16th.
I know I can do it!!!
Thank you

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