Shoulder replacement needed: What can I expect?

Posted by barbkay @barbkay, Dec 14, 2011

After 2 rotator cuff repairs, I have been told I need a shoulder replacement. I have been referred to Mayo in Rochester and will be going there in 2 weeks for a consult. I have been told I need a reversal. Has anyone out there had this procedure? How did it turn out? I'm not looking to have much use of my left arm, since I haven't used it much for several years. I'm mainly looking for pain relief.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

Dr. Sperling did mine 6 weeks ago. I highly recomend him. I already have more movement in my arm then before surgery and much less pain.

REPLY
@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

There are lots of good comments about him. Unfortunately he's in Minnesota, not Arizona. I do have an appointment with Dr. Hattrup at Mayo's in Arizona before the end of the month. Has your recovery been difficult and painful?

REPLY
@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

Very easy! Less pain than before the surgery. 6 weeks out and more movement than I've had in years!

REPLY
@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

Thanks! Your information is very encouraging and motivating for me.

REPLY
@paullueders

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.

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

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. My sister-in-law came and changed the dressing the first time and said it was the cleanest wound she had ever seen. I didn't spend alot of time with Dr. Steinmann but he had a young Dr. as a Fellow, Dr. Juan Simone and he was very nice to talk to. The staff was awesome to work with even after all my phone calls with questions. I think it is the best place to go!!

REPLY
@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

Thanks so much for the info. My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday, and your update is welcome news! Best of luck in your recovery!!

REPLY
@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

I hope all goes well for you as well! Typing with one hand is kind of tricky sometimes! My surgery was done in Minnesota!

REPLY
@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

How are you doing? I have a week and a half left with the sling on and then I have to start using my arm. Kind of nervous!

REPLY
@ripley263

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

Jump to this post

My surgery went really well. Off pain meds in 1 1/2 weeks. Go for first follow up appt this Wednesday. Able to sleep through the night in the guest bedroom. PT is sooooo helpful!

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.