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Considering PRP before agreeing to shoulder surgery
How many shoulder replacement candidates are considering trying PRP injections first? What do you see as pros and cons? I'm especially interested in personal experiences with the. injection/s. Many thanks.
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Read the literature. Not enough evidence that it works for shoulders imo. Get a second opinion? Just had the replacement and alls well.
Thanks for your response. I had my surgery scheduled and did a lot of research (non-anecdotal). I met with my favorite orthopedist (a physiatrist). I shared my findings and he was aware. Especially about the under-reporting of post-op complications, often many months or years out. He was optimistic about the PRP. I can always have the surgery later. I don't have much pain and I have almost full range of motion now. (The images are scary looking though.) His practice doesn't administer it, but he's referring me to Dartmouth.
@daveyjanes
I tried PRP after I could no longer receive cortisone shoots in both my shoulders. It didn’t help. I can’t take NSAIDs due to only one kidney. Since the recovery for shoulder surgery is too long, (I am 80) I have begun low dose radiation with an oncologist. Information is on line. It’s for 2 weeks no side effects. It’s used extensively in Germany. I successfully had both knees replaced when I was in my 60s. Hope this helps.
@maylbee Thanks for your post. I'm sorry your PRPs didn't work. Are you having radiation due to cancer or is it used for your shoulder?
Not for cancer. Please read on internet about low dose radiation. It is used by Cleveland Clinic and Loyola Medicine. It does not cause cancer. Over half of radiation in Germany is not used to treat cancer.
Thank you for this! I'm waiting for my PRP consult and will mention this to my doc, who is an expert at a well-known teaching hospital.