← Return to Success stories: Reverse shoulder replacement surgery

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@dmk

Hi had my RTS in 2019. First thing I did was get educated. Dr told me to find a therapy place I was comfortable with close to home. Called and visited a variety of places and lucky for me I hit the jackpot. Also surgeon recommended pt prior but never did that as I had been discharged by another pt because of pain and inability to make any progress. Found on Etsy And reboundwear websites tops and night shirts having Velcro and reboundwear had multiple zippers. Rebound wear was my fav. You will need help esp if it’s your dominant arm. Recliner to sleep in for first 2 months. Cryocuff ice machine was my lifesaver for pain control narcotics didn’t take but a couple of days cause they didn’t really help me. Took pillow in car cause every bump in road was painful. Also was on antiinflammatories and had lot of nausea and vomiting but had medication for that stool softeners because narcotics and antiemetics very constipating. Lots of pillows, bags of ice for machine. Dedication to what the therapist has you doing. I was in therapy for a year and still do my exercises every day I use set pulleys, one two three four and 5 pound weights and therabands for my regimen daily. Also water aerobics which I didn’t do but was recommended but after my TKR I found a place and do water aerobics. Also used muscle stimulator as instructed for quite a few months after and a spirit stick for exercise. It requires a lot of work on our part. My therapist used hands on where he did the work in the beginning, deep tissue massage not fun but necessary muscle stimulator taping dry needling to name a few. Any issues I had with doing things or pain I told my therapist and he had a way to fix them. I still tape once a month or more with dry needling because there was a bone in a muscle at the acromiun that surgeon said he couldn't fix but I’m not in the pain I used to be in. It did take me 3 1/2 months before was able to drive. Others are able to drive sooner just I waited 12 years after a failed shoulder surgery before I got a RTS pain just got more than I could take so I went to see what could be done if anything surgeon said it’s the second worse shoulder he had ever seen. Oh and was not allowed to take a shower for a week post op couldn’t go to the dentist for 6 months and have to take antibiotics for two years before any procedure dental and anything physical. Did a lot of walking out of boredom. Also you can watch surgery on you tube video, surgeon used a robot with me. Also try to eat anti inflammatory foods such as blueberries strawberries . I’m sure I have left something out, but hope this helps. Still use my pulleys every day, my therabands 3 times a week and my weights twice a week to keep shoulder going.I will continue to do this routine for as long as I have the ability. And last but not least a positive attitude. Best of luck

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Replies to "Hi had my RTS in 2019. First thing I did was get educated. Dr told me..."

Thanks dmk - terrific work. I had both knees replaced last year, also with the Mako assistant. Couldn't be happier but I put in the work, pre and post op. I'm in the gym 6 days a week.

Shoulder is bone on bone, left side. I don't need a replacement yet but have to be careful doing chest presses and some arm exercises. Oh well, no one said getting old was easy. I hope I can avoid a shoulder replacement for a few more years. I will save your reply though for guidance.

Thank you! Joe