Hi kathimarquette,

I'm a 71 y/o male and had my left shoulder replaced last August. However, I had an anatomical TSR, unlike the reverse procedure you need.

While I don't have experience with the reverse procedure, I think these are the ways it is different from anatomical:

1) the glenoid (shoulder socket) is placed on top of the humerus (upper arm bone), and the ball of the joint is placed at the end of the clavicle.

2) initial recovery is usually "easier" than anatomical, as the rotator cuff is left alone during surgery (the reason you are having a reverse is likely because one or more of your rotator cuffs is damaged and can't be repaired surgically). In an anatomical procedure, the subscapularis muscle is detached and reattached, and this slow downs the recovery process while the stitches into the scapula and humerus heal.

3) in a reverse replacement, the deltoid muscles take the place of the rotator cuff in stabilizing the shoulder. So it is likely rehab/PT will involve exercises for the deltoid muscles.

Immediately post-op, my bicep was swollen to twice it's normal side. I had a lot of bruising down my left side. It looks worse than it is!

One suggestion - check with your surgeon to find out if pre-op PT for your deltoids, or anything else, would make recovery easier/faster.

Rehab from either type of TSR requires a lot of patience. The first phase of rehab/PT is to regain flexibility in the shoulder (one month to about 6 weeks). The second phase is to rebuild strength in the shoulder (about 6 weeks after the first phase).

As far as post-op pain, well I was kept overnight on a diluted ketamine drip (opioids don't work for me). I had to sleep propped up on my back with my operated shoulder supported. This may have been the hardest part, although I am still sleeping on my back because I have come to like it!

I had noticeable, sharp pain, especially in the morning, for the first 2 or 3 days. It is painful but not debilitating, and whatever pain meds they give you will help.

(I was also given an ice machine. I found cold gel packs from the freezer to work better. You'll also spend time in a "continuous passive motion" chair. Bring a good book!

So recovery, as far as feeling "normal" is around 3 to 6 months. Patience is required to stick with the rehab/PT for an extended period of time, probably 3 months post-op. But it is in your best interests to stick with it and avoid scar tissue.

I hope that helps. In my experience, all the pain I had pre-op, and it was bad, was relieved after the replacement.

(For what it's worth, I'm in very good shape for someone my age. I'm in the gym every day and do spinning for cardio and also resistance (weight) training. My weight is normal for my height and I just tend to heal faster than most. Just full disclosure as we're all different!)

I wish you all the best! Please let me know if you have other questions.

Joe