Success stories: Reverse shoulder replacement surgery

Thanks Chris. I'm getting mentally and physically ready for the 19th. Have my covid test scheduled for Saturday and just ordered my pain meds through the mail. Take care.. So cool you had the support of your gal friend. Sally

I have had 2 rotator cuff repairs and I agree.... most pain ever....BUT..... Last Tuesday I had a rotator cuff repair (that was the minor thing) , then they cut some muscle from my back and arthroscopic added two cadaver tendons and the muscle to rebuild two totally severed rotator cuffs on top of my shoulder. I was anticipating pain off the charts.....BUT..... they put in a nerve block and sent me home with the block dispenser. It was set on '6' which meant 6 ml of block was going into my shoulder an hour. I cut it back to 4 on the 3rd day and to 2 on the 4th day. It came out yesterday and I've taken nothing but a couple of tylenols since surgery. The 'block' team has had an anesthesiologist call me every day to see how I'm doing. It is truly a miracle. I'm in a brace for 6 weeks, 24 - 7, and am icing with an ice machine for 4 hours at night and twice more during the day, but there really is no pain. Anyway... Nerve block is my new best friend. Good luck. Let us know how you are doing.

You can see my post surgery post below in response to a rotator cuff surgery. I'll know in 6 months how successful it was 🙂
Thanks.

Good afternoon @itsally, Congratulations, I have been waiting for this post. Hats off to you @itsally. It worked and you got to monitor your own post-surgery discomfort with your BFF. Wow...6 weeks in the brace. I remember and it got annoying. I think I told you that about month 3 I threw the darn thing across the room and collapsed in tears. I felt very much all alone and was emotionally drained. However, here I am, grateful for an appendage that has no pain. Never mind that it could work a lot better. However, at this age. I am just shouting encouragement and saying good for you.

By sharing your experience you will help so many including @starfirey2k. "Fear" has dumped a big load on them and they need support from people they trust, who aren't trying to sell them something and who have medical records to back up their story. Thank you so much, and keep us up to date. You already know I will be checking on you. After all....you are on my list.

Thanks and may you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.

Chris

HI there @itsally, I know it hasn't been six months since your Reverse Shoulder Replacement. However, I just need a high five from you to let all of us know that healing is progressing normally. And to let you know that my wish is that you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

Thanks Chris. I'm patiently waiting the next 3 weeks in my brace before being allowed to do PT. The really surprising thing is that there has been essentially no pain with this surgery. It is so different from my previous rotator cuff surgeries. Thanks for the good thoughts. Hopeful this surgery will do the trick. Take care. Sally

<p>My surgery was 2 weeks ago today. I spent a week in a rehab facility because I live alone. It was definitely the right decision for me. I was there a week. A friend loaned me an ice machine which I wore 24/7. It kept the swelling down and I had none when I came home, In the beginning I was taking pain medication and sleeping most of the time. By the end of the first week my pain was minimal. I saw my surgeon 9 days after surgery and the staples were removed, He said my shoulder looked great and said I could leave rehab. He said to come back in four weeks. I have home health. A nurse and OT. I have OT today. When I'm sitting watching TV, I can take the brace off. Which I do most of the time. I can't wait to get rid of the brace. One thing I did was cut my hair really short so that it did not require any care. Before surgery I stocked my freezer with meals. I am so surprised and overjoyed at how well this has gone.</p>

@gail922, congratulations on the successful reverse shoulder replacement surgery. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion where members are sharing their success stories.

I also appreciate that you shared some of your recovery tips for others who are considering this surgery to help them prepare. I encourage other members like @mimi99 @edithmiller @spinginnie @artscaping @ltsally @marlynn to add their recovery and rehab tips too.

Gail, how did the appointment with the occupational therapist (OT) go today? Aren't OTs great? What did you learn or make easier for you in your home?

He went over my exercises with me and changed how I was doing the pendulums. Gave me some tips for showering: bending over to reach underarm. Drying is challenging. Putting the towel over the unaffected arm and basically air drying and patting the back as best you can. Use a reacher when necessary. Pat my affected arm to dry. I had been showering for a few days before I saw him and was doing okay. Have hand bars in my shower and a hand held shower. Don't rush things. Take things easy. He's going to discharge me Monday. He called back after visit today to say my doctor has written an order that I can stop wearing the brace. Hooray! Haven't done much cooking. Friends have been providing meals. I have been so fortunate.

Hi there @gail922. Wow.....you have done amazingly well. I had to read your post several times ..... it made me pretty happy. You have worked hard, accepted guidance from providers and clinicians and basically followed their guidelines. I congratulate you on respectfully moderating your movements when necessary and being patient until you were really ready to do more and even remove the brace. And yes, I do love OT's.....especially the one who is my current MFR therapist, and the other one did a great job with my second shoulder surgery (other arm in case you are wondering)

The reverse shoulder replacement... a little more challenging especially when running a business but still doable when you follow the guidelines and then evaluate and share the shoulder's response.

Spead the word about your successful recovery. That will help others conquer some fears and concentrate on the positive outcome potential.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris