Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Range of motion?

It's my dominant shoulder. I'm not worried about dressing and I can bring in frozen dinners. Bathroom issues are what worry me. How long is it before you were able to drive yourself. I have friends who will stop by but they don't live close enough that I would expect them to drop by every day. I'm sure they would help with shopping. How long is it before I can take care of myself? Use my my arm to brush my teeth, etc.

I've been getting injections in my shoulder for over 3 years. Now they are not lasting and I'm meeting with my doctor next week to discuss shoulder replacement surgery. I'm 76 and live by myself and am concerned how I'm going to take care of myself during recovery which sounds like a long time after reading these notes.

I encourage you to put time and effort in planning for your recovery time. I am fiercely independent but not for recovery. There are a ton of valuable resources for planning and being realistic. Recovery is long but healing begins immediately so each week of recovery brings new freedoms and relief. Don’t try to do this alone, friend.

I had my surgery over 10 days ago. I need help.

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!!

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!!

hi - i had total shoulder replacement in March 2021. And whilst doing physical therapy my shoulder hikes up a bit (sometimes more than a bit) and my scapula is doing some weird things as well - did you experience any issues like this in your rehab?

Thanks for your post. I have been told that I will have no arthritic pain and full range of motion perhaps even golf again after reverse shoulder replacement surgery. These posts tell a different story, range of motion is quite limited with no sporting activity possible. Other posts re. Range of motion after total shoulder replacement?

Good morning @gene924, and a great big welcome to Connect. We are glad you are here and we are here for you. Our mission as mentors is to improve the quality of life for every member. Without a medical background, we cannot diagnose or prescribe medication/treatment. What we can do is share experiences because we have been there.

I do know one member who has returned to tennis adequately. Don't know about golf. If you are a right-handed golfer and it is your left shoulder...it might work. I received my reverse shoulder on my right side, my dominant side. I am very fortunate to have no pain and a good range of motion. I think my right arm is an inch or two longer now than my left arm. That alone can put a stop to your golf game. I no longer have the joy of acing my male challengers. Awwww!

May you be mentally and physically healthy.
Chris

Hey thanks for the prompt reply. I'm a left handed golfer and it is my left shoulder. Several members posted limited motion in raising arm and movement toward the back. Motions necessary for a left handed golfer. Golf is probably out, but arthritic pain relief seems assured.
Also, advice is not to lift more than five pounds!? I like to cook, some if my pots and pans are more than five pounds. Shoulder replacement will be a major life changing event...can I put up with the pain?...not for thecrest of my life.