Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Range of motion?

@jakedduck1, I apologize for the delay in my response as I am actually recovering from shoulder surgery myself. I just had a partially torn rotator cuff repaired and am now in the wait in a sling phase of my recovery. I was also just informed that the overall recovery period before I might get back to feeling "normal" could take up to around one year as well.

I'd like to invite @amber67, @lynnmorgan0916, @mschock, @peterauen, @jpdunlap, @rosysharon, @annmerc to this discussion as they have all discussed needing or having a shoulder replacement on Connect in the past.

@jakedduck1, if your are comfortable sharing, what in particular was your physician concerned about regarding the seizures and your recovery? Is the involuntary movement that may occur when you are supposed to be immobilized in a sling?

I've had both of my shoulders replaced at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota by Dr. Joaquin Sanchez-Sotelo, the left on April 30, 2012, and the right on December 13, 2016. I have no pain in either shoulder and have total range of motion. After both surgeries, I was back in the swimming pool exercising after 6 weeks. Be sure you find an excellent surgeon and follow to the letter the instructions for exercising your shoulder for 6 weeks following surgery. Good luck!

Certainly no apologies needed Justin. Hope your surgery went well and wasn’t too painful afterwards and now during your recovery. Afraid it’s going to be a long year. How did you tear your rotator cuff. Bet that was painful when it tore. I welcome reading others stories so thanks for bringing them into this post.
I remember when my shoulders got dislocated it hurt if I moved my toe. In answer to your question re my doctors concerns were mainly that if he put a replacement in I might have a seizure and dislocate it which he claimed would require surgery. I’ve wondered why reduction wouldn’t work. But the dope wanted me seen at the Mayo Clinic’s Neurology department to verify my Seizure’s were under control and I wouldn’t have anymore which no one could do. It’s amazing to me as smart and educated as doctors are that they can be so stupid sometimes. I’m sure the involuntary movement may have been an issue with him but dislocations seldom happen during seizures. Although long term seizures can cause glenoidhumerous (sp) instability which I had numerous surgeries to correct. I had bone taken from my hips put in my shoulders but because of many additional seizures those graphs were destroyed and replaced with pins. Not a bad idea to ask your doctor for a Vitamin D level. It can help your inflammation and pain.
Wishing you all the best in the following year Justin.

@steeldove
The exercise part is what I’m worried about. Did you have previous surgeries on your shoulders? How did you injure them?

No prior shoulder surgeries, and I didn't injure my shoulders, they just wore out (osteoarthritis)! My secret was exercise. Both shoulders were very strong before surgery as a result of many years of water exercise while wearing webbed gloves. The stronger your shoulders are going into surgery, the faster you will recuperate.

@steekdove
Exercise is what I’m worried about. I use to swim 5 miles a day but that was long ago. I’m really weak now. YIKES!!!

Find a local YMCA or other facility that offers water aerobics classes and get yourself a pair of Speedo Aquatic Fitness Exercise Gloves. And start taking daily walks. Good luck! Incidentally, I'm 80 years old.

80 huh!! I’m an old 65, I hate to walk but have been giving it a try. I know a man who walks 3 miles after each meal. I’m lucky to go 3 feet. I’ll try and take your advice, excruciatingly painful as it’s going to be for awhile. Thanks!!!

I have had 3 surgeries in my shoulder and lastly a replacement. I was told after one surgery that I would never have full range of motion. I proved them wrong. I got into the swimming pool and swam and exercised. It was the best for gaining strength. I still get into the pool for exercise. I am 83 years old.

I also have shoulder pain and need surgery but I don’t want to do it because they say you can’t lay down to sleep with that thing they give you to support the shoulder so with this back pain I just feel that it would be to painful. I really have to be where I can do my stretches for my back or I’m going to be in trouble