Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement

I am using my ice machine from the shoulder surgery.
I see the Ortho doc tomorrow-Tues- He had surgery all day today.
Thanks for your concern.
This is so painful-more than the shoulder surgery.

I am disappointed because I think it will set back my shoulder rehab.
I will just be patient until I find out more tomorrow.

Hi all. I am a 71-year old man with a badly torn right shoulder (dominant side) rotator cuff. I first was seen at the orthopedic department of a major university medical center in my local area. They did not seem too eager to help and scheduled me for PT which will start in 9 days. I then got a consult appointment at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix where they recommended a reverse shoulder replacement. The surgeon I saw explained it quickly but I was not prepared to ask questions, so I am feeling a bit uneasy about all of this. Has anyone here had this surgery done at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona? What was your experience and outcome? Who was your surgeon? I will be alone since my wife has worse medical issues than mine and will be unable to travel with me. I will be flying in from out of state. Has anyone else traveled long distance for this surgery and how did you handle it? Does the Mayo Clinic help with finding accommodations and transportation? Is this the most current and appropriate group for this topic? Any information is appreciated. Thank you in advance.

The wrist fracture on the radius styloid didn’t show up until 2 weeks after the fall. Now cannot lift any weights to do the exercises for strengthening in my shoulder. I have to wear a brace for a total of 6 weeks, then the doc thinks he will have to do surgery and put in some screws in my wrist. When that is healed I need to have a rotator cuff repair on my left shoulder-which is my dominant arm.
I am learning new ways to be patient-lots of patience.

No....this just can't be. Thank you for letting me know. Of course, you can't do your shoulder exercises which will mean a longer recovery. What will the next surgery be....the rotator cuff repair on your left shoulder? You won't believe this and I am just amazed. I also had a secondary injury on my left shoulder and had to have a rotator cuff repair. This is unbelievable! I fell down the outside stairs carrying all the devices and prep materials for a patron dinner at the Art Academy to kick off the Jazz Festival. I had an elevator in my house that ended in the garage. Now I wonder why in the world I didn't use it.

And of course, my surgeon did the best he could but that shoulder is still weak and painful. I have MFR therapy on it twice a week. I am hesitant to have another surgery at 82 years old because that means that the recovery will interfere with my SFN (small fiber neuropathy) tolerance medications and exercises.

All four of my shoulder surgeries were done at Eisenhower in Palm Springs. I am trying to hold off on the next one or maybe just learn to live with the pain. What other questions do you have at this point about your reverse recovery? I do understand that you were not prepared to present questions earlier. You can still ask questions. Hopefully they can present the video so you can actually see what goes on during the reverse surgery.

I have also had two guided pain injections on the "new" issue. They had me look at the rotator cuff repair on the screen as it is now. Looked a bit crumpled up to me and that's the way it feels. I don't want to frighten you but they had to hold me down for the injections.

I am sorry I am not in Phoenix to at least be a little more helpful. Do you have someone at home who can lend a hand with the wrist repair? In my experience at Mayo in Rochester, I was impressed with the amount of testing and explaining that they did for me. What department are you in at this point?

Please stay in touch.........Don't be afraid to call a halt to the procedure until you have images and explanations. There will still be some fear but at least you will know what is supposed to happen and how you can support the surgical efforts.

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

Chris

Your recovery sounds amazing! I am 10wks post op and still not driving! Been going for pt for 8 wks and wish I could have gone before surgery. Unfortunately,my shoulder was broken in 3 places so that was why I needed the replacement. My pain was not bad either and switched to Tylenol after4 or 5 days. Everything else is going well, and we both can be very grateful!

I had a reverse shoulder replacement surgery at Mayo in Rochester. I did not need pain pills after.
I did not do physical therapy but have complete function now 4 months after. I did exercises in our swimming pool instead.
I had delayed for years - big mistake! I am very happy!!

I stayed one night in the hospital after my reverse shoulder replacement. I think the best answers for transportation and lodging would be to call the orthopedic dept there and ask where to get help. At the Mayo in Rochester most hotels have free shuttle service several times a day. I think I read that the Mayo Clinic can give you names of caregivers if you need someone right away.
They do a scalene shoulder block that lasts for a few days, so you are better off if you can get home within that time frame.
I went to an orthopedic clinic and hospital not the Mayo. They wanted to see me at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 10 weeks post op. So you might see if that could be coordinated with your home doctor. They did X-rays each time to check on the implants position.
I am 74 years old and the whole thing went very smoothly and I have good range of motion, no shoulder pain and am working on strengthening the deltoid muscle.
Write down your questions, do a little research, and call them back. The doc at the Mayo Clinic called me and answered my questions. I have added a picture of what my shoulder looks like at 10 weeks post op.

I was wondering what could be wrong in my right shoulder. I had Total Reverse Shoulder Replacement in May, 2023. Now when I reach with that arm or try to pick up something it feels like gravel in my shoulder and a lot of pain. It's 8 months today since my surgery. I was getting along pretty good.

Hello @tammyglover17, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I combined your discussion with an existing discussion on recovering from a reverse shoulder replacement, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/recovery-from-reverse-shoulder-replacement/.

Here, you can meet other members who have shared their ups & downs with their reverse shoulder replacement recovery. @jprust, @nonnahelen and @hsminc have shared different recovery journeys after their replacements.

@tammyglover17, have you been in contact with your surgeon after your recent turn in recovery? Was there a triggering event that caused the change?

I've been back to the surgeon several times but not since this happened. I need to make an appointment now.