Reverse shoulder replacement

I have 2 reverse shoulder replacements since a few years, doing very good, but my knee ist starting to hurt more and more.
Most of the pain is caused by arthritis. I am trying to push the knee replacement far out, as far as I can, bought myself a cold laser and oils….will see.
Before my replacements I had on each shoulder a laparoscopic surgery and steroid shots, didn’t help at all.

Good afternoon @denhyg1run. Now you know someone with three implants.....two knees and one shoulder. The second shoulder is waiting in the wings and may be next. My reverse shoulder replacement was a last-resort surgery after a failed rotator cuff repair and an attempted cadaver replacement. And just so you know, the first two shoulder surgeries were required by my insurance company before they would approve the "reverse".

You may want to review my other posts about this surgery. Just use the search bar at the top of the screen and enter "reverse shoulder replacement" in quotes.

There is some great news about this reverse shoulder. It can be robotic. And the replacement can be specially designed to fit your shoulder. That is wonderful. It shortens your recovery because the fit is next to perfect. You won't need to have a hard time with ROM. And you won't hear the cracks and groans because the mechanisms don't line up perfectly. You will probably be able to enjoy an ice cream cone. My elbow sticks out so far that I gave up trying.

Even 10 years ago my recovery was textbook. I went out to dinner with friends 3 days post-surgery. Another friend stayed with me for the first week to help with personal hygiene and finding appropriate sleeping positions.
You will have to wear an immobilizer. I think mine was for 6 weeks. The only issue with that is you cannot drive., at least in CA.....where it is illegal.

I owned an Art gallery then and went back into the gallery in week 2. I had lots of help but at least I was there.
As far as activities, I went back to my annual "trekking" group and we went to Ireland to trek around the Ring of Kerry about 4 months post-surgery. I think one of our female members was able to play pickleball after recovering.

As far as something to think about after your recovery, it is "letting go". As we age we find that "letting go" is a huge challenge. You have to say farewell to activities in which you were successful and where you found friendships and appreciation. You struggle to find replacements that fit your capabilities and desires. What are you concerned about for your future?

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Thanks, good luck with the cold laser, let us know if it helps. I used cold laser on plantaar faciitis and it worked. I would definitely put off knee surgery as long as possible, both my knees are stiff and ache and it's hard to sleep.

Thanks so much, I will definitely check out the other post on the surgery. So glad yours worked out and you were able to trek and enjoy your life. You are right, letting go is so hard, I ride my assist bike everyday because I have to be outside. My shoulder really hurts when I ride so I'm probably going to have surgery but I'm trying PT first. Thanks again!

Hello,
I'm 54 and have had 4 joint replacements, both hips and both knees. It's the osteoarthritis that damages our joints and there's nothing we can do about unfortunately. I was diagnosed at 47 with it and I'm hoping I don't have to get my shoulders next. I'm a casino dealer so there's a good possibility. I pray that I don't have to. 4 joint replacements in 2 and half years is enough for me. I'm over it.
Good luck to you.

Hi, I can relate to your situation. I am 67, am very active (no Iron Mans, though). In 2 weeks, I will have my second reverse shoulder replacement, which will be added to the two successful knee replacements I had last fall. Osteoarthritis was quite a shock to me as it seems so invasive. It's like " what can possibly be next...?"

I feel blessed to have received great care and titanium assists to keep moving, LOL! May your recovery go well.

I have had two knee replacements and two reverse shoulder replacements. The knees were easy compared to the shoulders. I did the shoulders 4 months apart. 17 months of physical therapy. I was in so much shoulder pain that I had the surgeries during Covid. I am happy it is over and I can get on with living. I am 75. Major surgery at 74 is not easy. Go for it and don’t look back.

Well done . You are a trooper.
I am 73 yr old male in Canada. Received two conventional shoulder replacements 5 and 7 years ago. Pain relief and ability to sleep was almost immediate. First joint went well with basic physio. Second likely should have been a reverse and has been a 5 year+ struggle to regain flexibility and strength . Going back in for a reverse has been suggested but as you point out, going under the scalpel at this age is not always a great idea. I now realize that getting the shoulder to stay in correct position is not always a given. I am now in final stages of additional physio and many other activities in attempt to hold shoulder "back and down". Seems to be improving quite a bit. Its all a gift. Doing more and more activities, so the clock is now running much slower!

I had total reversal replacement surgery on my left shoulder in Nov 2020. It seemed to be going well for a while. Now it hurts constantly with a severe sharp pain in both the front and back of the shoulder. I've had the Sprint system placed in the shoulder for 60 days, I've had an Ablation and Steroid shot for the pain. Nothing has worked. Does anyone have a suggestion as what might be the next step?
Thanks.

Hi @dburdette70. I combined your reverse shoulder replacement discussion with an existing discussion titled, "Reverse shoulder replacement" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reverse-shoulder-replacement-7.

You can read through other members' experiences with a reverse shoulder replacement and how they managed after. @rainerhans, @loreleiks, and @momsys have all shared their reverse shoulder replacement experience and may have some input on the pain you are experiencing in your recovery.