Shoulder replacement needed: What can I expect?

Why would my Dr say I was to young 58 for a shoulder replacement?

Good afternoon @swarne1011 and a big welcome to Connect. As mentors, we are here to share our experiences and help you find answers to your questions. As I read your question, I think that you are asking if there is evidence to back up your doctor's comment about age-appropriate shoulder replacement surgery.

I have had multiple shoulder surgeries including a reverse replacement. Let's begin with my general knowledge. Does it make sense to say that older patients notice a greater improvement in function than the younger patients and with less discomfort? Essentially the thinking is that older folks have had more pain and loss of function for much longer than younger patients. Their expectations may not be as high as the younger folks who want to play basketball again in six weeks. They would accept being pain-free as a good outcome.

Are you considering a shoulder replacement? At 58, was this from an injury or accident? Have you previously had rotator cuff repair?
Be well and at ease. Chris

I had my reverse total shoulder replacement in September. Had a frozen shoulder for years with therapy and injections that didn't help. Finally had an MrI and found a rotator cuff tear. Had that repaired along with a bicep cut to a 1-cep and a manipulation for the frozen shoulder. Frozen shoulder came back, had 2 more manipulations and lots of therapy. Continued on that path for several years, and finally last year I came across a procedure for the frozen shoulder that I hoped would work. Too late, my shoulder was a disaster and replacement was my only option. Outcome, so glad I went this route. Daily pain is gone and with therapy I am using the arm again. I had a week or two of pain at about 4 months, which scared me, but went away with icing, anti-inflammatory drugs and rest. Got back to gentle stretching and am back on my routine. I bowled two nights ago!

Good afternoon @mayoclinic4sale. Thank you for that positive and thorough review of your replacement journey, Bowling??? with which arm? I too remember feeling that as long as the pain is gone, I can work on the function over time. Other than a couple of bumps when I caught it on my snow jacket.....everything is fine. Can you describe for others your rating of the rehab process?

How long did it take before you were able to determine that the surgery was a success? How has your surgeon responded to your
pain-free assessment. What was significant about your rehab treatments? What worked best? So happy for you. Be content and happy now. Chris

In reply to your follow up. I started therapy at rehab facility after I had been home for a about 2 weeks and felt I wasn't getting where I needed to be on my own. Oddly enough, I ended up with an Occupational Therapist whose specialty was shoulders, so I was told. Having had years of Physical Therapy, I was skeptical. But I have to say, this gal did a marvelous job with my shoulder and my overall feeling of well being. She did a lot of hands on manual stretches, pulls, adjustments, alignments, and I in turn stayed on her exercise program at home as we progressed. I was sad to end our relationship, but I have done very well and thank her for showing me a new path. I try to stretch daily, and every other day maintain or increase my strengthening program. I feel certain this was a great outcome for me. You asked which arm I used for bowling? The replacement shoulder of course. Now back on my team as a sub, as needed, as I figure things out! Next season I hope to take back my full time slot.

I am scheduled for reverse shoulder replacement on February 3. This journey has put me in such a depression because I used to be so active, even at 75 years old, and now I have to depend on people to help me. I even have someone coming over my house every morning just to slick my hair back in a ponytail. Can somebody please convince me that going through the surgery will give me back my quality of life again? Thank you

Good evening @scootergirl, welcome to Connect where the mission is to improve the quality of life for every member. February 3 has the potential to be a game-changer for you. Yes, you may have to find new and different activities. I was very fortunate. I am a trekker.....for years a group of us who lived on a mountain would take off to another country or just another area and spend 7-10 days walking on an Inn to Inn adventure. After a fall down a mountain, I went through two surgeries, an attempted rotator cuff repair, an unsuccessful cadaver fusion and finally a reverse shoulder replacement.

The reverse shoulder replacement was quite successful. Just being free of pain and restriction in movement jumped my quality of life to a new and rewarding level. I never have any pain. I can do almost everything with my right arm. I wouldn't say that my range of motion was perfect. Sometimes I have to use my left arm to help support the right arm but that is seldom.

I am 79 and have been struggling with trauma related neuropathy (SFN) for several years. I still am having quality of life procedures like a knee replacement on my right side to match the left and soon....on Dec 9, a thumb joint replacement. I used to think I was too old to bother. However, technology, robotic and minimally invasive surgeries, and the introduction of MFR, myofascial release therapy, have made considerable progress in my quality of life efforts.

Yes, you have to go through recuperation and recovery at a time in life when we don't really want to be bothered with pain, PT, and temporary limitations.

You will make the right decisions. And I will be right here to support and help you in any way possible.

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

Thank you for your response and for bringing me to a positive frame of mind. Sometimes I have no one to turn to, my boyfriend doesn’t understand my situation and friends are just asking me if I need any help. But I need to hear it directly from someone who has gone through it and that’s why I thank you and this group for having a platform to vent and find hope.

Just ready your plea Scootergirl and was surprised how much we are alike in that I am 74 and will be undergoing the same procedure as you on December 9th. Please do not lose any sleep over worry or fret about 'what might happen' as it will do nothing positive for you. Instead, please envision 3 weeks post operation - maybe less - when the pain you had is now replaced with the soreness of healing. I've read up on this surgery, what to expect, etc, etc, etc., and am only looking to the future. I've had a spinal fusion (some say, horror of horrors) but I do believe my positive attitude was the key in getting on my feet in record time. First, your doctor / surgeon is not doing you justice if he has not had you go through a Joint Camp or an intensive program that provides you with all you need to know. BTW, the hospital I will have my surgery, 7 Rivers Bayfront in Crystal River, FL., requires everyone scheduled for hip, knee or shoulder replacement to go through a 2 hour Joint Camp program where everything is explained and a notebook of information is given. Hope this helps. BTW, your boyfriend is not helping by discounting your concerns and he needs to know about it. The day will come and he will need support. Blessings & Health!

YES YES YES. It is worth it. My surgery was just over a year ago and I've been pretty pain free since the surgery. I still struggle with lifting 3 heavy plates up to the cupboard, but one or two no problem. I can use my newly extended arm (It will be a bit longer than your other arm) to reach the top shelves with no pain. I can hit the tennis ball on the machine but my serving is still problematic so I am working with a trainer to build up strength. Just got home from 6 weeks in Europe and Florida where I schlepped my own suitcase of about 35 pounds everywhere we went. I am 68, active, and highly recommend it. Just make sure you get a nerve catheter as part of your pre surgery medication for the pain and an ice machine to keep cool water packs on the site. YOU GO!