Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Range of motion?

Best option is to sleep in a recliner. I refuse to own a recliner, but it's possible to rent one for use during the six-week post-op period.

Yeah I would have to because mine is not that big or comfortable but thanks for the idea

I virtually always sleep in my recliner. My shoulders hurt worse when lying on them. I was also warned my Range of Motion might be worse after replacement surgery and I can only raise my arms up to my eyes. Good thing I’m bald.

Bless your heart ! I’m glad I haven’t had it done cause I do have to do my hair lol

@jfsherley, I just had my rotator repaired because of a partial tear, and I can report that the pain subsided to tolerable rather quickly, but sleeping is indeed what I am struggling with. It is getting better each night as the shoulder I assume is healing more each day, but the immobilizer sling is a rather cumbersome object that I am growing to loathe more each day! However, had I not had the surgery I would have ended up having a full tear at some point and the recovery would have been even longer, so in the end, I hope 6 weeks of discomfort proves to be worth it in comparison to letting the problem get worse and the potential for a longer recovery.

Hi...I'm 78 and eight weeks ago I fell and shattered my shoulder. X-Ray show it healing but out of proper alignment. I've been doing exercises and they're helping some but I still have very limited strength and movement. Dr says he could do a complete shoulder replacement but healing time would be up to a year and results may not be any better than if I just left it alone. At 78 I don't really want to spend a year healing! Has anyone experienced this?

Hi @maxiesmom, at 78 years old, I think weighing the pros and cons of surgery is very wise. To connect you with others, I moved your message to this existing discussion called "Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Range of motion?" in the Joint Replacements group. Click VIEW & REPLY and you can read how members @jakedduck1 and @jfsherley were also considering this surgery and the experiences of @steeldove and @edithmiller, who decided to do the surgery.

Maxiesmom, I'm glad to hear that you're exercising the healing broken shoulder. It's so important to do that whether you will have surgery or not. Do you go to physiotherapy?

Good morning @maxiesmom, I was in this transplant neighborhood and saw your "should I or shouldn't I" post. I went through that process of deciding a few years ago after a fall down the mountain. So I decided to jump in and share our support on Connect.

At the time of the fall, there were 3 fractures in the elbow and a dislocated shoulder. The elbow healed rather quickly or so I thought. The shoulder appeared to be more of an issue. The first repair surgery failed because, as the surgeon said, "you've got the Grand Canyon of holes in there". The incision healed and the shoulder kept the arm immoveable. Surgery #2 was a cadaver attempt to block the hole. No luck. Finally, the pain level kept climbing and I agreed to a replacement.

Where are you in terms of repair and rebuilding? You mention that your strength and movement are limited now. Your surgeon couldn't be specific about the outcome. So that sounds like it is up to you.

I hung in there because I owned a business as a sole proprietor and had to be there, or so I thought. And then the pain began knocking on my door again to join limited movement and strength.

So...I went ahead with the surgery idea and mine turned out to need a reverse shoulder implant. The outcome???? I am totally pain-free from the shoulder. I was out to dinner with friends a day or so after a hospital stay of 2 days. However, the realities of modifying the body we have been given didn't enable much improvement in function and strength. What do you want to do at 78 that requires more strength? I am also 78 and have a strong human-machine that brings me my orange juice every morning. Seriously, you will need help. And you will need to revisit my surgeon's farewell as I left. "Don't fall.....I can't fix you."

And so @maxiesmom, you know that you can ask any and every question right here on Connect. The only question that is reserved for you, is should I or shouldn't I? We are here for you.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Hi Colleen, I've had PT coming to my home for several weeks but insurance now wants me to go to a center, costs them less! I'm a widow and use a walker that is too heavy to lift into my car with my bad shoulder. My sister can usually help out but now her sciatica requires her to use a walker too. Such is life, one day at a time!

Hi Chris, thanks for your input. My sister and I live together but she has health issues too. We tried living in a lovely senior apartment complex with all services provided but hated it, I think my mind isn't ready to accept being as old as my body.