Welcome @sandradibble. So happy to see your post on Connect. As you will realize, we are folks who believe that by sharing our experiences, we just might be able to help others. Knowledge from everywhere rolls in and out......you will meet some very supportive folks.

So let's review what you are looking for.......and that appears to be about timing for a RSR on your right shoulder. Your second opinion clinician feels you should wait about 18 months until you are 70 so you won't need a second surgery as you grow older.

I will share this with you.......I had my first and only reverse shoulder replacement when I was 68 and I am now 80. I should tell you that the reverse was my third surgery on my dominant shoulder. The attempt at repairing the rotator cuff failed. My surgeon called it the grand canyon of holes. My second surgery was a failed attempt at using cadaver material. And at the time, the idea of the reverse was just arriving in the US from France. Only the Univ. of Washington was performing that surgery. It was a pretty big deal then and getting insurance to cover it was a huge challenge that my surgeon took on personally. The insurance companies did not want folks who were too old and who might need some repair work done.

So the party began in the surgery room, complete with engineers from the manufacturer and other curious onlookers. The surgery went well......my surgeon came to my room in the evening to make sure I was o.k. and would be able to sleep. The recovery with PT was interesting because there wasn't any regimen yet. My PT and my surgeon would review my progress and decide what was next.

Here's the bottom line Sandra......my shoulder continues to be strong and healthy. In fact, since then I have had another fall and am just starting to discuss a second reverse on the left side. The rotator cuff repair has begun to falter.

I hope this helps you choose the option that will be best for you. And I will be right here along with others on Connect who have had this surgery. We all can share some "tips and tricks" for pre and post-surgery suggestions that just might be helpful.

Do you have help at home? One of my best friends just drove up, came into the house, and jumped in the bed with me. The next day she had me out walking the puppy dogs.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

In my experience , I had injured my dominant arm bowling in 2002. After couple years trying to get it better on my own (1st bad choice) pain got so bad went to dr. Eventually had shoulder surgery where dr said it was very bad and would take a year to rehab. Did not have good therapy only 6 months pain free. Dealt with awful pain many many years couldn’t even be at rest without pain. Fell went back to therapy, he sent me back to dr. Got to ortho surgeon who said I needed a reverse total shoulder and year of therapy. I was only 62 years old . He explained it was the most difficult replacement to get through and I would have to work hard. After surgery he said it was the second worst he had ever seen, there was an area he couldn’t fix because he said I wouldn’t be able to use my arm. I went to search for a therapist before surgery as the physical therapist is as important as a great surgeon. I have my life back now! It was hard but totally worth it. I can wash my hair reach for things etc now. Length of time before one needs a second replacement varies. I have a friend who had one done over 25 years ago and still is doing great with her original. I wish I had my done sooner as i feel I waited too long. Same experience with knee injured bowling surgery for a meniscus tear, fell years later just had a total knee last year awesome experience with that. Same surgeon same therapist. Don’t think there is any right or wrong answer. Do what works for you. Good luck! Find a good therapist before surgery!

I had reverse shoulder surgeries as a senior and never regretted it. I have been swing dancing ever since.