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Can I get back to working overhead. Also, paddling a surfboard
I’m 76 years old and very active. I still work (by choice) I’m a commercial door installer. As well as a competitive surfer for the last 67 years. I’ve had both knees replaced at age 65. They came out perfect and I got back to normal activity in 6 months. Now the shoulders (both of them) are shot (wasted!). My knee and shoulder surgeon said. The only way to take the shoulder discomfort (I don’t say PAIN!) away. Is to do a Reverse Shoulder Replacement. BUT. He also said if I do that. You are done working and surfing. I said: then what good is it, if I can’t do anything. I need a 2nd. opinion. Please advise.
Thank you, Mike Ester
Huntington Beach, Ca.
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@mikey1209 i had a reverse total d at houkder replacement 9/28/23 and am still having issues. I was told no more tennis, bowling, frisbee throwing! I still have pain but that’s another story!! At least once a day I do some movement that tweaks it! I’ve had to alter my lifestyle ( active 62 yr old woman, 120 lbs) a lot!! God bless you in whatever you decide!!
If you can now surf with both knees replaced, I would think that a reverse TSR would not change that. As far as working with installing garage doors, it probably will depend on the skill of your surgeon and your end recovery. I had my reverse shoulder done over three years ago at the age of 74. It healed quickly and well and I have good overhead range and strength. I have to keep reminding myself to not overdo picking up heavy objects with one arm that drag straight down, because my arm feels so natural. You would have to refrain from your work til the arm healed of course. Why does your Dr think that surfing will be affected? Balancing should not be a problem, you should be able to carry the board. I guess I can see where a fall in heavy surf could tumble you around and wrench or damage the shoulder, but that's no different than a chance you take with a healthy body. Is there a surfing community chatboard or social media platform where you can ask your question? There must be other older surfers that have had this done.
Sorry, Mike, I missed the part about it being paddleboard surfing though you had it in your headline. I am able to lake kayak as before my surgery, though I know that is different in angle and the force needed than standup paddleboarding and dealing with surf. That said, the force needed is still supplied by the muscles and tendons surrounding the bone or implant, and if you have a fully successful heal with the needed range of movement, I don't see why you couldn't do it recreationally, avoiding more challenging conditions. Every one heals differently, so it's impossible to predict what your success rate will be. It sounds like your knees went well.