Shoulder replacement needed: What can I expect?

I had a total left shoulder replacement in 2005. I feel the surgery was a complete success. It took care of my pain, and I have good range of motion. It required heavy rehab to get my range of motion back, and this was painful at times, but it was well worth it. I did most of my rehab at home by myself. My insurance co-pay was too much for me to attend professional therapy sessions twice a week as suggested. I went a total of three times spaced out at two week intervals. I got instructed on the exercises I needed to be doing and I had my range of motion measured. This worked out very well for me. However, if cost is not an issue, I recommend professional therapy simply because it will force you to do the required exercises and monitor your progress. I was very motivated though so I did not need anyone to force me to do the exercises.

I didn't have a reversal, but I had a total shoulder joint replacement, two years ago, and I'm back paddling over ten miles in a day in my sea kayak. You're in the best of hand at Mayo Clinic. In fact I just had a total knee replacement 5 weeks ago, and the other to be done in Feburay. Mayo has many surgeons that are true Gods! Have total confidence in your surgeon, and do EXACTLY what they tell you to do post op.

I had a total shoulder replacement by Dr. Sperling at Mayo Clinic about seven years ago. I consider the operation a complete success. Rehabilitation took quite a bit of time and I had my arm in a "contraption" so it could not move for several months. It was well worth it as not only was I in terrible pain before the operation, I had lost almost all range of motion. I am now looking at a rotator cuff surgery and plan to go back this summer and have that done.

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.

Has anyone had shoulder replacement surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona? I am looking for recommendations for doctors.