RTS ( reverse total shoulder)
After a failed rotator cuff surgery many years ago and then osteoarthritis set in I had my RTS in 2019. Indeed I have a life again. The pain post op was nothing compared to pain preop. No your tendons and rotator cuff muscles will be gone and the deltoid will learn to do all the work. There are u tube videos of surgery if you want to watch. I hope you are in therapy now to strengthen your muscles before surgery. I wish I had done that as my surgeon has suggested but I didn’t find therapist in time. I did do therapy prior to my Total knee replacement in 2021 and I rehabbed much quicker. Having said that this is major surgery and is not a sprint but a marathon. I was in therapy for a year. I still do dry needling and taping every month and do daily exercises to keep shoulder going but I have quality of life now. This surgery requires a great surgeon, a great doctor of physical therapy ( I hit jackpot on both) and hard work on our part. I am only allowed to lift 5 lbs for rest of life with that shoulder even though I forget sometimes

Here is my experience
Had my RTS 2019
 Motorized cryocuff machine for pain management, an awesome ice machine,
 Rebound wear shirts have oodles zippers easy access for therapists, Velcro tops and pjs or night shirts. 
Carry pillows in car for arm you will feel every bump
. Constipation can be huge issue with narcotics so stool softener, etc I found narcotics didn’t really help pain only took one at night for about 4 or 5 days
Finding a great therapist prior to surgery is a must just as important as a great surgeon. Preferably a place that you have a DPT where you will have the same therapist every visit.
You will need help as I was not allowed to use arm at all to lift anything for 2 weeks. Even after took a while
Lots pillows
Recliner for sleeping
Dry shampoo as I was not allowed to shower for a week, was miserable!
Eventually get set of theraband pulleys for home but wait til therapist has you doing it. As long as surgeon has done their part tell therapist any issues you are having they know when to send you back to the surgeon, if need be
It’s not a sprint but a marathon
Positive attitude goes a long way, it’s a long recovery
. My therapist gave me a lifetime exercise regimen for my shoulder which I still do today! Eventually a heating pad can come into play but not for a long time.
 Lot of work on our part but well worth it!
 For some reason I had a lot of nausea and vomiting for a while post op so I carried my anti nausea meds with me, but haven’t heard that happening to anyone else.
 Good luck

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