Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Range of motion?

Chris,
I consider my surgeon "great" because I have gone through three different surgeries with him, two knees, one shoulder, and all have been with less pain than I could ever have imagined, and with successful recoveries to as full a range of movement as one can expect with artificial parts. This is a small town with a regional medical center, and it was easy to find neighbors and acquaintances by word of mouth, with whom I could discuss their recent ortho surgeries done by my surgeon. All that I spoke to were very happy with their surgeries, as well as his nursing team and physical therapy follow up care. His skill was also praised by my internist, and other local doctors I spoke with. He refers cases to Mayo that he feels need intensive specialized treatment.
We did not discuss much about Mako. At time of my surgeries and as far as I know, that equipment is not available in our hospital. I had no interest in being referred elsewhere in the state, being confident my surgeries could be done successfully here.
I constantly marvel at the many advances in medical technology that are now available to patients and if you are in a position to take advantage of them, you should certainly advocate for yourself and do so. That said, the personal skill, medical knowledge and care with which an experienced surgeon conducts his operation is still probably the biggest factor in the patient's successful recovery, in my mind.

On a note of interest, I recently received my itemized Medicare summary notice from the time of my TSR surgery and I was struck by how expensive everything is.
I was incorrect in my previous post, I had two CT scans, and one MRI. The 2nd CT was for calibrating the shoulder prosthesis. Each CT was $1,712 and the MRI was $3,188. The pre-op set of 3 x-rays were only $558. Now, I have both Medicare and a supplemental insurance, so I did not have to pay out of pocket, but I can understand where unless a doctor sees a special need for a $3,000 MRI, he may not request one for routine knee surgery if he already sees what he needs to from the set of x-rays.

Extension request comes up next week and it will be done....I am making progress with the PT so likely recommendation to continue for a while. I am not feeling very optimistic about recovery even though my range of motion has gotten better. I hurt alot and it seems in different places from the last hurt.

Do you or others wear a sling? Something to hold your shoulder/arm still? Thank you in advance for information xo

Hi there @dedehans. Are you thinking of an immobilizer? . I used one for my reverse replacement and it did a great job…..even at nighttime. Just remember, you may not be able to drive with one on your arm. At least, in CA you cannot be behind the wheel of a vehicle with one.
What do you use for support while sleeping?

May you be safe and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

Good evening @dedehans. I am sorry that you are feeling less optimistic about your recovery. You ask about a sling. Yes, I wore an immobilizer for about 6 weeks. Hope it helps. Are you still using ice and elevation?
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
How can you have more hope for your recovery?
Chris

I am trying to recover without anesthesia shots and without surgery (shoulder replacement). I do my therapy, try to stay active. I am rather type A so I can't stop using it and if I am not thinking....OWWWWwwwww.

Thank you. I am having real regrets about my surgeries. Silly to say I almost regret having to see him again because I am so angry. I am angry at myself for what happened but I didn't know much about surgery and what I found on line went along with what he said b4 the surgery. It is what he did and what he did after that is the problem.

I had seen a PA there for Spur shots, that were working, b4 I was transferred over to this surgeon, which really came as a complete surprise.

Thanks for thoughts!!!

I had right shoulder replacement and humerus fixed as well about 6 weeks now. Have had constant extreme pain throughout entire arm and constant shaking and tremors to where I can’t even use my dominant hand anymore . Is there anything to expect or does this get any better ?

Yes. That’s what I’m doing but make sure it has electric recline buttons and not manual. I found one in my neighboring town in MA for sale for $100. Much cheaper than renting and big and
Comfortable. Now all I have to do is get it here.

Yes, everyone had told me that. I just texted my surgery coordinator to tell her I definitely want that.
Also, ask if your insurance will cover 4 or 5 days recovery in a rehab facility. I did that for a week when I had knee surgery. Just tell them you have no one to help. Also, contact your local se our citizens group to see if they can offer help like meals, and visits and driving you around later.