Shoulder Replacement Support Group

I would be interested in one also. I am scheduled to have a replacement in
April.

Hi @hbartels - Welcome to Connect! I have not had shoulder surgery... my problem has been my knees. But I know there are a number of people here on Connect who have gone through it. I'm going to tag a few to see if they can share some insight @edithmiller, @seniorsoftball and @mimi99. I would suggest calling the orthopedic surgeon's medical secretary and asking about whether a support group is available. It sounds as if you are considering the surgery but not yet scheduled. Are you in considerable pain at this point? Are there specific questions you were hoping to discuss in the support group? Hopefully, we may be able to get some conversation started here that might help. Wishing you the best!

Hello @debbraw - I am actually a Musculoskeletal Program coordinator with Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee Wisconsin. It has been brought to my attention that a lot of hand and upper extremity patients that are considering the shoulder replacement procedure would like to talk with others that have gone through the process to hear about the pros and cons on a personal level rather than the statistical data that comes at them during a doctor visit. Since The Mayo clinic sees the highest volume of shoulder replacement patients in the United States, I felt as though it would be best for me to reach out to you guys and see if you have any contacts of people I can reach out to in order to hear their take on a shoulder replacement support group program and reasons as to why you do, or do not have one!

I see you have mentioned for me to reach out to the Orthopedic Surgeon's medical secretary. would you happen to know where I can find their contact information?

Hi @hbartels - I'm in FL so not really familiar with the MN campus. I'm trying to get some additional information for you - so hang on. Hopefully we can get someone to answer your question more accurately!

@debbraw - Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing about what you find! Please let me know if there is anything that I can do in order to assist!

Hi @hbartels, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Online support groups like Connect offer support free of geographical barriers, and I suggest that the Joint Replacements group on Connect might be the solution you are looking for to recommend to people looking for support regarding should replacement.

Here are several related discussions:
- Shoulder Arthritis Options https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shoulder-arthritis-options/
– Shoulder Replacement Surgery, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shoulder-replacement-surgery-1/
– Reverse shoulder replacement, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reverse-shoulder-replacement/
- Stem Cell Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears or Arthritis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stem-cell-therapy-for-rotator-cuff-tears/

Hannah, please send me an email using this form if you would like to discuss options: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

Hello, I am a 65 year old woman living on the coast of North Carolina. I am scheduled for a total shoulder replacement of my right shoulder on July 30th.I have had a number of surgeries over the years but am a bit intimidated by this one for some reason. I have heard from others locally that it is not that bad and that it is very painful. If someone would care to share their experiences i would appreciate it. Also, what did you wear for shirts that would accommodate the shoulder and the sling? Thanks for any info provided.

Just so it's not in Southport by Dr Kelso. In 2017 my husband had reverse shoulder replacement. During surgery his humorous was broken . A 8 in metal rod was put in to put it back together held by 4 cables. When he woke he had wrist or hand drop. It literally just was limp and dr. Said he was careful putting cbles around metal. The radial nerve is embedded at some point with the humorous bone. He said the nerve could be entrapped but , hopefully, would come back. Needless to say he kept saying this for months. We suggested some physical therapy and braces. Which should have been his call. He said no one could go back in to fix it.
Anyway, finally we found out Mayo's Dr Spinner and team could go back in to check nerve. And they said it should have been done by dr. Kelso and a nerve shoulder specialist within 1- 2

Monthe after mistake was made. They did Dec 12 2018 and one cable indeed was entrapping the nerve. It was removed but because time had passed. He had to have a tendon transfer in hand. The pain from entrapment is less and his arm is still numb. His hand still hangs some but has gotten about 50% normalcy back. His shoulder is doing fine by the way.
Lesson is make sure your hospital and drs have other drs to help if mistakes are made.
Clothing....buy bigger size, buttons down the front and cut up the arm if needed.
Also a good physical therapist is key.
Good luck

Hi @wdsps - Welcome to Connect! I was so sorry to hear about what your husband went through with his surgery. I have only had knee replacements (not shoulder) but my experience was that I continued to improve for about a year. So... maybe your husband will see some additional improvement. I hope so. Also, thanks for helping answer from @anncgrl about what kind of clothing to wear. Having no experience with that surgery, I couldn't help! You mention Southport and she mentions being from the NC Coast. I'm a NC native, too - from near Charlotte! Back to you... is your husband doing PT now?

Wow at @anncgrl - your surgery is tomorrow. I see you got some response on what to wear. Also, I'm going to tag a couple of others who may have some insight @edithmiller, @seniorsoftball and @mimi99. I wish I could help but I've only had knee replacements. I'm wishing you the best. Will you check in afterwards and let us know how you are?