I had a total shoulder replacement of my right shoulder in July 2019. My shoulder was hurting quite a bit though the pain often felt as if it were down my right arm as far, at times, as my elbow. I learned that was normal and related to the nerves being impacted by the damage in my shoulder. My shoulder had significant damage directly related to arthritis. Years ago I broke my right arm just below my shoulder. I did not receive physical therapy at that time. My range of motion was impacted from that injury. Not severely but noticeably. I was convinced a shoulder replacement was going to be a difficult surgery with a painful recovery. My experience was almost startlingly different. The surgery went well. Recovery went well. Physical therapy went well. Range of motion is good with a bit of pain when reaching behind. I believe, for me, the success I had was directly related to me following all the suggestions for resting, taking meds, using shoulder sling all the time required, etc. I used YouTube to show me how to position my arm while sitting and sleeping and changing clothes. The warnings about being slack in these areas got my attention. I also stayed with friends for several weeks so I was safe and free to recover. Of course physical therapy was critical also. Yes, it was painful. Yes, recovery seems to take forever. Was the surgery successful and worth it? A thousand times yes!!

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