Success stories: Reverse shoulder replacement surgery

Good evening, I wish you good luck on your reverse shoulder replacement. I have had 4 shoulder surgeries. I don't remember that the reverse was supremely painful. The pain control after surgery was well done and took into account my sensitivities to opioids. I received Dilaudid and it was very helpful.

Ice, ice, ice. as soon as you can.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

I am hoping that when I do have my shoulder replacement (not yet scheduled) the pain levels will be similar to both my total knee replacements. I was very pleased that I never had the sharp pain that I was dreading, instead it was more of just a large achy area. The pain management during and after surgery was very impressive to me. I am a wuss when it comes to pain, and for me the worst was just the achy restless discomfort of not finding a comfortable position to sleep. Narcotics make me nauseous, so I only took the prescription strength Tylenol once I got home after one night in the hospital. I will have my same surgeon, so I am hoping the shoulder pain will be similar.

Good afternoon @ddsack, I think you can count on it....no sharp pain. I have had TKR and 4 shoulder surgeries. My replacement was a reverse procedure so it had a bit more going on with the "hardware" that connected the arm and shoulder.

Sleeping can be an issue. I used a wedge until the "sling" immobilizer was removed. Another member had the great idea to put a t-shirt on without putting your arms through it....just to hold your arm to your body.

Immediately after the surgery and until I left the hospital I was given Dilaudid. It is the only pain med I can tolerate and my surgeon chose well. You will need help with showering and hair washing. My friend and business partner drove up the mountain..and jumped in the bed. She was there to take care of me. We actually had a lot of fun and spent time just reminiscing. We also went out to dinner within a couple of days.

My PT conferred with the surgeon to come up with a good program of recuperation. At the time, reverse shoulder replacements were new and PT's needed to get with the program.

This surgery was such a gift......it took a while to convince the insurance company.....because they were somewhat unfamiliar with it. They even denied the MRI saying that I was too young.

Think positive thoughts....try some mindfulness meditation and follow your medical team's instructions. You will heal and be totally free of pain as I am. Just don't forget to ice, ice, ice.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

I'm a 79 year woman and need reverse shoulder replacement surgery. How long do I have to wait before Physical Therapy? Is recovery painful altho I'm sure the pain during recovery is much less than the pain I'm having now. What about clothes, showers, driving?

How Are you after your surgery?

I was doing arm circles right after the surgery...but your dr. will work with you on that. Be sure to request a nerve block for pain.... It kept my pain level very low for 6 days...then just tylenol.

Did you have general anesthesia or some kind of nerve block instead?

I had both. The nerve block was put in by a specialist..I controlled how much block I put into my body. You wear a ball thing around your neck and move the dial to add block..... Anyway they needed a lighter general anesthesia because of the block. Make sure you get lots of topical anesthesia before they insert the catheter for the block. I went home the same day.

Good afternoon @yardsaler. And I am a 79-year-old woman who had very successful reverse shoulder replacement surgery a few years ago. You do not have to wait long to begin Physical Therapy. Arm circles are step #1......just gentle movement, no weight-bearing. I think your surgeon and/or members of his/her team will discuss your Physical Therapy program and you can have a pre-surgery meeting with the Physical Therapist.

I think I can assure you that your pain during recovery will dissipate with the use of an ice machine and appropriate medication. You may want a sleeping wedge of some kind to keep from rolling over on your shoulder. During the day you can use the immobilizer to keep your shoulder in a comfortable position. One of our members suggested wearing a t-shirt without putting your arms in the holes to keep the surgery arm close to your body during one of your "wild dreams".

It would be helpful to have a family member or best friend to help with showers and hairdos. If this shoulder is on your dominant side, you may need help with eating, dressing, and writing. I actually became quite decent at writing with my opposite hand even if no one else could read it.

Outdoor exercise, a walk around the block or down to the park is very important. Just doing languid meditation walks can be very supportive. After the sling was removed, I wore a vest and held on to the edge with the surgery hand to support the shoulder. My neighbor who was a physician thought that worked very well.

And driving......no....not until you no longer use a sling of any kind. I got a little anxious and hit the corner of the gas pump at the local station. OOPS! Actually, it is illegal in some areas.

Good luck to you....check in with me.....I am here for you. Be prepared to be pain-free even if you can't sign a check yet.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

I'm 11 week's out of surgery, the only pain I ever have is the commitment to any physical therapy, and prescribed exercises to do. You need to be tough and continue with any exercise prescribed, but in general I feel pretty good, and am glad I had the surgery. Sure beats all pain I had before. Thank You! Kathy