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Shoulder Replacement: Still having pain
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jun 10, 2023 | Replies (80)Comment receiving replies
Today is 5 weeks post total shoulder replacement. I am still having chronic pain in my shoulder, biceps/triceps, forearm and the top of my hand. I have taken Tramadol along with 3 extra strength acetaminephen at a time and that doesn't touch the pain. My ROM, in my opinion, doesn't seem to be improving. PT is grueling. By the time I get home, I can't do anything else. It truly is discouraging. I am also supposed to have my other shoulder done. That is out of the question. The pain I'm in now is more than the pain prior to the surgery. I tried taking Naproxen, which helped, but I have stage 3 kidney disease and am not supposed to use it.
Replies to "Today is 5 weeks post total shoulder replacement. I am still having chronic pain in my..."
Hi colski,
I can only offer my experience and suggestion to have frank and open conversations with your PCP and surgeon.
I had fairly severe pain for only a few days after surgery. I was able to get by with NSAIDs for the most part with only occasional use of an opioid. I have kidney issues also but only stage 1 and am also encouraged to avoid NSAIDs but I cheat. I probably wouldn't do that if I had more severe kidney problems.
I'm not a doctor or a physical therapist but I think it is much too early to be concerned about ROM. For both a rotator cuff surgery 10 years ago and my recent total shoulder replacement, all therapy was passive movement by the therapist. After six weeks I began assisted movement also with a PT. Only then did I start to find out where I was with ROM. I was more or less finished with therapy at about 16 weeks post surgery and I've tried to continue stretching and weight work.
If you're seeing a physical therapist, have an open conversation with him/her about your problem.
I think if you get your pain level tolerable, with patience, everything should go better.
Just remember I'm not a doctor and hopefully my comments might give you some encouragement but they can't substitute for proper medical advice from a physician.
God speed and best wishes.
Mitchell
Good morning @colski, Thanks @johnbishop for the introduction. Welcome to Connect. Yes......total shoulder replacement. I must say that the level of pain you are experiencing at 5 weeks is unusual. Before we dig a little further for appropriate feedback, please tell us if you have had discussions about the status of your shoulder with medical practitioners. Has a PT indicated that s/he recognizes anything that might require a visit with the surgeon? Sometimes PTs notice and can engage the medical team.
By the way.....how many pendulums are you doing? They do help. Are you using any electrical stimulation with ice around your shoulder? Is it your dominant arm? How are you sleeping......and in what position? Do you use wedge support of any kind?
And the last one........are you wearing a brace or mobilizer of any kind?
There will be brighter days @colsk. As soon as I see your reply, I can find some members with similar experiences to share. We are a very happy family with lots of ideas. None of us have medical backgrounds or training. We have just been there!
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
Connect
Hello @colski, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I've only had a knee replacement which went pretty well as far as pain. From what I've read persistent pain is common for 1 to 2 years for a shoulder replacement. @sueinmn @basslakebabe19 @artscaping and others may have some suggestions for you to help relieve the pain.
Are you still in contact with your surgeon or care team and had a chance to ask them what would help?