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Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Recovery process

Posted by mimi99 @mimi99, Aug 1, 2018

I am scheduled for this surgery in September. I have been putting it off as long as possible, because I am worried about recovery. I don't have a lot of help and am very concerned with how well I will be able to handle daily living activities with the shoulder immobilizer. If anyone has gone through this recovery process, I would appreciate any advice or input you may have.

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tfarizona | @tfarizona | Sep 22, 2022

I'm scheduled for shoulder replacement surgery at Mayo in the end of November. My surgeon said that is unlikely that I have a bad rotator cuff, but I have bone erosion on the socket and subluxation. He said that in cases like mine, the ball could slip out of the back after TSR. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I sure don't want to have to do a revision surgery. Because of those issues, he said that rTSR might be the best option and would be decided after a CT scan.
I watched a video discussion by another Mayo surgeon that said that although rTSR has been done for only about 20 years, the majority of shoulder replacements done at Mayo are now reverse.
I of course will follow the guidance of my surgeon regarding the best option for a successful surgery.
Has anyone on this blog had rTRS and later wished that they elected TSR? Has switching to the deltoid muscle been an issue? Are there any other things that I should consider if the surgeon provides both options?

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1 reply
bwalk | @bwalk | Mar 17, 2023
In reply to @abelew "I had reverse shoulder replacement on my non-dominant arm six weeks ago. I also have several..." + (show)
@abelew

I had reverse shoulder replacement on my non-dominant arm six weeks ago. I also have several rotator tears in my other shoulder. I have needed help since the surgery and will need help until my muscles become stronger. I wanted to go to rehab but medicare insurance will not pay for it, God help us if medicare for all is passed. I had to rely on my 92 year old father for help who is use to me being his caregiver and my 88year old spouse who continues to work and is use to me waiting on him when he gets home each evening! It has been quite stressful as they are not very attentive, yet I am very grateful for their attempts and the help I did get. You will definitely need help since one cannot drive for six weeks, unless you can get delivery service for your groceries and pharmacy, as well as transportation for follow-up doctors appointments. It was difficult opening jars, food packs,& etc for the first 4-5 weeks or more. If you have no family to help, maybe some people from your church could help. I plan to drive to PT tomorrow, this will be my first attempt since the surgery as my husband has been my driver up to date. I do hope this has not discouraged you from having the surgery as I believe the end results will be much better than the pain I was having prior to the surgery!

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I appreciate your honest report. I expect to be in your same situation in several months. I will start now to recruit helpers and delivery services.
God speed on your recovery.

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kolady1 | @kolady1 | Mar 18, 2023

I had a reverse shoulder surgery 2 years ago. Best thing I have done! Do your PT and follow Doctors orders for home recovery. You will need help at home for a few weeks..

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Mar 18, 2023
In reply to @kolady1 "I had a reverse shoulder surgery 2 years ago. Best thing I have done! Do your..." + (show)
@kolady1

I had a reverse shoulder surgery 2 years ago. Best thing I have done! Do your PT and follow Doctors orders for home recovery. You will need help at home for a few weeks..

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Thank you!!!!! I'll need a shoulder replacement in the next year or two. I'm 68 and just had both knees replaced with a lot of success.

Question - when is a reverse shoulder replacement done, as opposed to the conventional method? Thanks!

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frenelle | @frenelle | Mar 18, 2023

I just had a reverse shoulder replacement on October 13, 2022, so about 6 months ago. Best thing I did! I am a very happy patient. It was my left shoulder and I am right handed. I did not need much help, only 2 weeks just getting the immobilizer on and off. I could shower myself after 2 days and get dressed. I ordered before the surgery 3 big, very bid t-shirts and watched a video on line how to put them on after shoulder surgery. I practiced before the surgery to dress myself with one hand. The first week I wore a long skirt and no underwear... worked perfect. My surgeon told me to sleep on a recliner and that worked out also fine.
I hardly had pain. The first three days I had a nerve block and after that I only took once in a while (before sleeping) 2 tylenol.
Now I finished PT. I can lift my arm nearly straight up, I drive my car, wash my hair with 2 hands. No problem whatsoever. No pain at all. Looking back: it was 6 weeks a little difficult to have the immobilizer, but not a big deal. Prepare yourself is the major part. Oh, by the way: I am 85 years old!

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3 replies
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Mar 19, 2023
In reply to @frenelle "I just had a reverse shoulder replacement on October 13, 2022, so about 6 months ago...." + (show)
@frenelle

I just had a reverse shoulder replacement on October 13, 2022, so about 6 months ago. Best thing I did! I am a very happy patient. It was my left shoulder and I am right handed. I did not need much help, only 2 weeks just getting the immobilizer on and off. I could shower myself after 2 days and get dressed. I ordered before the surgery 3 big, very bid t-shirts and watched a video on line how to put them on after shoulder surgery. I practiced before the surgery to dress myself with one hand. The first week I wore a long skirt and no underwear... worked perfect. My surgeon told me to sleep on a recliner and that worked out also fine.
I hardly had pain. The first three days I had a nerve block and after that I only took once in a while (before sleeping) 2 tylenol.
Now I finished PT. I can lift my arm nearly straight up, I drive my car, wash my hair with 2 hands. No problem whatsoever. No pain at all. Looking back: it was 6 weeks a little difficult to have the immobilizer, but not a big deal. Prepare yourself is the major part. Oh, by the way: I am 85 years old!

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Very helpful and thank you!

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dleeowen | @dleeowen | Mar 19, 2023

Have had a reversed shoulder replacement. Have a ton of aggravation to date--constant aches and stingers since the surgery in mid-December 2022 and now, it is mid-march 2023. PT is slow in improvement. So far. I have Deltoids that won't fire and numbness in my right non-dominant hand, so I think those factors slow PT progress. My surgeon is planning on a nerve study soon, and I will be "glad" to do so. But getting a bit down about a possible failed surgery

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2 replies
cjcatmom | @cjcatmom | Mar 20, 2023

I had a reverse shoulder replacement in 0ct 2021.
I have had no trouble with my shoulder. No pain after the immediate surgery and good motion recovery, just limited range (up to 180 degrees lift).
I still have my right shoulder in tact.

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Mar 20, 2023
In reply to @frenelle "I just had a reverse shoulder replacement on October 13, 2022, so about 6 months ago...." + (show)
@frenelle

I just had a reverse shoulder replacement on October 13, 2022, so about 6 months ago. Best thing I did! I am a very happy patient. It was my left shoulder and I am right handed. I did not need much help, only 2 weeks just getting the immobilizer on and off. I could shower myself after 2 days and get dressed. I ordered before the surgery 3 big, very bid t-shirts and watched a video on line how to put them on after shoulder surgery. I practiced before the surgery to dress myself with one hand. The first week I wore a long skirt and no underwear... worked perfect. My surgeon told me to sleep on a recliner and that worked out also fine.
I hardly had pain. The first three days I had a nerve block and after that I only took once in a while (before sleeping) 2 tylenol.
Now I finished PT. I can lift my arm nearly straight up, I drive my car, wash my hair with 2 hands. No problem whatsoever. No pain at all. Looking back: it was 6 weeks a little difficult to have the immobilizer, but not a big deal. Prepare yourself is the major part. Oh, by the way: I am 85 years old!

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Good morning @frenelle, Wow.....what a wonderful result you appear to have. Let's all thank your surgeon and caregivers. Where did you find the video about the T-shirt at night? It appears that you have experienced a rewarding result from your efforts. thanks for sharing it with Connect members.

May you enjoy happiness and contentment.
Chris

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frenelle | @frenelle | Mar 20, 2023

Thank you for your nice reply. And yes, of course I am very, very grateful to the doctors and nurses. There is a very good short video on you tube from the Panorama Orthopedics & Spine Center. : “How to take your shirt on and off after shoulder surgery”. When I “Googled” the above sentence I got the link immediately. If you have trouble finding it, send me a message.

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