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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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basslakebabe19 | @basslakebabe19 | Apr 20, 2023

I agree that shoulder surgery requires the most patience. But I am recovered at 80 and am back to swing dancing!

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1 reply
klarsen70 | @klarsen70 | Apr 20, 2023
In reply to @ddsack "@klarsen70 My left arm was long enough and flexible, so I didn't have this problem. But..." + (show)
@ddsack

@klarsen70
My left arm was long enough and flexible, so I didn't have this problem. But maybe you could get a wire coat hanger and and pull the sides down parallel to each other to make a long handle. Bend a curve in it if straight puts it too hard to reach the waistband. Use a little duct tape around the hook if it seems like it's going to scratch her skin.
Or would some long salad tongs work? Guess it depends how tight or stretchy the waistband is.

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Thank you, I appreciate your time!

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klarsen70 | @klarsen70 | Apr 20, 2023
In reply to @nellam "In reply to @klarsen70 I had the same problem. I wore only button up duster and..." + (show)
@nellam

In reply to @klarsen70
I had the same problem. I wore only button up duster and bathrobe for first week or so, no pants. Then I used next size up nylon underwear and 2 size up loose fitting workout pants with elastic band waist that I had to secure with a sturdy chip bag clip. ( light plastic didn't hold) I had to yank and pull up almost to my chin but it worked. I then progressed to my own elastic loose pants and did the yank and pull technique. I tried hangers bent, tongs, plastic hangers, and a dressing stick with a hook on the end to pull up my pants but none worked because there was no belt loop to pull on and the curve around the hip didn't cooperate. I am at almost 6 weeks after replacement surgery and it is getting easier. My sympathies, it is really frustrating!

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Thank you!

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klarsen70 | @klarsen70 | Apr 20, 2023
In reply to @jholland "I sat down and pulled pants to shoe knees, leaned forward and wriggled them up one..." + (show)
@jholland

I sat down and pulled pants to shoe knees, leaned forward and wriggled them up one side ATA time, spread knees and stood up to snag with bad arm and manipulated pants up. Elastic waistbands easiest.
Best of luck

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Thank you!

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basslakebabe19 | @basslakebabe19 | Apr 20, 2023

Shoulders are indeed the most difficult recovery. I was patient , did my exercises, and now can return to swing dancing. I’m 80.

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ljgraham166 | @ljgraham166 | Apr 20, 2023
In reply to @momsys "I did two reverse shoulder replacements…4 months apart. It was much harder than my knee replacements...." + (show)
@momsys

I did two reverse shoulder replacements…4 months apart. It was much harder than my knee replacements. I had help for 10 days after surgery. The recovery process is longer than I anticipated. I did physical therapy for over a year. Patience is the main thing with this surgery.

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Had total shoulder replacement in 5/22. Tore a muscle and prosthesis dislocated. Had a reverse procedure yesterday. Saw the therapist today. In for another 6 months of pt.

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ljgraham166 | @ljgraham166 | Apr 23, 2023

3rd day post open, pain not to bad. Bruising all over my back and rt. Side. Hurts worse than the surgery. You will need help after surgery. PT his coming to my house since I can't drive, bought lots of frozen meals no lifting any pots or pans. Sling stays on 6 weeks that the worst part. I have severe bruising under my arm and the sling irritates it, get a rolling laundry basket no lifting. No housecleaning with the injured arm. A maid service would be nice. I sleep in a recliner lying in a bed is to uncomfortable. You will need someone to stay with you. Glad to answer anymore questions

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zhigirl2023 | @zhigirl2023 | May 9, 2023

Try to freeze foods in advance also I hear an ice shoulder machine is good.

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zhigirl2023 | @zhigirl2023 | May 9, 2023
In reply to @basslakebabe19 "I agree that shoulder surgery requires the most patience. But I am recovered at 80 and..." + (show)
@basslakebabe19

I agree that shoulder surgery requires the most patience. But I am recovered at 80 and am back to swing dancing!

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Inspirational.

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hsminc | @hsminc | Sep 22, 2023
In reply to @bernster "Hi, I've been told that I need reverse shoulder replacement surgery on my dominant left shoulder...." + (show)
@bernster

Hi, I've been told that I need reverse shoulder replacement surgery on my dominant left shoulder. I'm interested in someone who has had this procedure and whether they still feel that they made the right choice. I'm concern what my final range of motion will be like. Currently i have good motion with minor pain and have mixed feeling whether the surgery will increase or decrease the present mobility in the shoulder.

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If you were told you need reverse shoulder replacement surgery, there is probably a lot of damage. I was told in 2015 that I needed a total shoulder replacement. It was scheduled for 2016 but I backed out. I had undergone two knee replacements in 2015 and I just felt adding a third surgery would be too much.
I exercised in our heated pool and really did not have any pain. When I asked a surgeon why I had no pain, he said that my bones had fused together so there was no osteoarthritis to cause pain. I am not sure I understand that.
So, finally, in 2023, I had reverse shoulder replacement surgery on my left non dominant shoulder. I had no pain with the surgery nor after the surgery. I think it is common now to give you a type of lidocaine that gets pumped into the nerves going to your shoulder. You wear it for 2 1/2 days and by that time, the pain is pretty much gone.
I did not need pain meds - just tylenol. I also took celebrex. Celebrex may interfere with healing but I have taken it for a long time.
I don't know what my final range of motion will be. I am concerned that I have been a little aggressive about lifting stuff and also using that shoulder. Would I know if something is out of whack?? Not sure.

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