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Shoulder replacement surgery

Joint Replacements | Last Active: 3 hours ago | Replies (18)
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Profile picture for warrend @warrend

I agree with your friend. I too had damaged rotator cuff inoperable. Was recommended reverse replacement on that shoulder. After 6wk therapy, it helped but I'm not fixed. Limited use but am learning to live with the inconvenience for now. From what I've researched on the procedure, end result would leave me somewhat more limited than I'm currently dealing with. Everybody different. I can always get it done if it gets unbearable. For now I'll live with it. I'm 74

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Replies to "I agree with your friend. I too had damaged rotator cuff inoperable. Was recommended reverse replacement..."
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 1 day ago

Thanks for your reply Warren.

I'm sorry your shoulder replacement has not helped, although 6 weeks post-op is not a long time. Due to the nature of a reverse replacement, you'll always have some limitations, primarily in how far up you can reach your arm. It should not interfere substantially in your daily life - after recovery which can take 8 months to a year.

So please give therapy a chance to work. What I found when I had my left shoulder replaced was that I needed to 1) follow all the PT exercises at least 2x/day at home, everyday and 2) have patience for the lengthy recovery process.

And a reverse TSR takes longer for recovery because the deltoid muscles now handle shoulder stabilization, rather than the rotator cuff muscles. That transition just takes time, and a good therapist can guide you through that.

All the best to you Warren.

Joe

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