That is great news to hear. I may be having to have a shoulder replacement also. My rheumatologist took x-rays of my left shoulder and it showed extensive damage to that shoulder and some damage to my right shoulder. My elbows are bad also. I have been debating on where to go. I haven't seen an orthopedic doctor yet. I work retail in a dept. store where we sell luggage and cookware,etc. I am wondering how long it took for the rehab and are you able to lift most anything after the rehab or are there limitations? Thanks

Rehab took me about 6 weeks. Mayo gives you excersizes to do at home so no need for professional pt after you get home. I'm back to paddling over 10 miles a day when I can in my sea kayak, and NO pain!

I also had Doc Sperling do my shoulder.

Thanks for writing back. My shoulder problems are from rheumatoid arthritis. It really sounds like Mayo is a great place to go. I have a sister in law that works there so it would help to have someone close by. Can you tell me a little more about the surgery? How long did it take and how long were you in the hospital? Thanks

Surgery was a couple hours I think? Just one night in the hospital after surgery. I would recommend staying at the Microtel the following night so you have another day of rest, and then drive home the day after that, if you have a long trip. We had a 6 hour drive. The Microtel is a new hotel/motel about five miles north of the city. It's pretty basic, small rooms, etc., but who cares, it's a place to stay. Cheap too, about $60/ night. It's new. It's clean, Nice free breakfast, and best of all you can take the shuttle, (free) to the Gonda building or the hospital right from the microtel. Can't beat that! You can get a copy of the shuttle schedual at the Microtel. Good Luck, Bionic Joints! the only way to go! LOL!

Well, I made my appointment today for my shoulder replacement surgery. I will have it done June 6th. They are supposed to call back again today with more info and will send me some information about the surgery and a DVD as well. My doctor will be Dr. Steinmann. I really only talked to him for about 10 minutes. He looked at the x-rays and said I was a good candidate for the surgery. He didn't seem to recomment the arthroscopic proceedure. That didn't seem to be worth the bother. I have to be there the 5th for some pre-op information class. I have a sister in law who lives near there and works at Mayo. She said we could stay there so that is good. Forgot to ask about the bionic joints!! That would really be cool.

My surgery was done a week ago and I am getting along quite well considering. I had Dr. Steinmann for my surgery. So far so good. I am stopping the prescription meds today and am still taking x-tra strength Tylenol 4 times a day. I thought there would be alot more pain. I think it is harder on my husband than it is on me!! I will see the Dr. in 1-1/2 weeks for an x-ray and consult. I will also have my stitches taken out. I hope it all goes well. The sling is uncomfortable on my stomach when I try to sleep. I sometimes get up and sit in a rocking chair during the night.