Connect
Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement
What are others experiencing after a revere shoulder replacement?
I am 3 weeks post op today from the surgery. I had one Physical Therapy session with only passive range of motion activities. I was cleared for driving as soon as I was not taking pain medicine. I quit hydrocodone 5 days after surgery. My sling was never an immobilizer like I had after rotator cuff surgery. It is just a cloth holder to keep my arm close to my body and take the weight off my shoulder.
I am doing pendulum and swaying exercises 5+ times a day and bending my elbow. I start more active range of motion exercises next week.
I wanted to write this to give people encouragement if you are going to have this surgery. I needed a little help the first few days. I cannot lift anything that requires two arms, so heavy pans, etc. I have been showering, dressing myself, washing my hair, cooking, driving since 5 days post op. I am 74 years old.
One thing that might have helped my recovery. I went to physical therapy for 6 weeks before surgery to strengthen both shoulders.
Here’s hoping that all of us have successful outcomes and restore our function.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.
Connect
@dmk Thanks for sharing!! God bless !!
@dmk 4 months
Can reach up
Somewhat out to side
Cannot put both hands on hips still
Cannot go behind my back whatsoever still
Still have pain in bicep area and pulling near neck
No answer from anyone
Your post has given me what i needed
Shoulder replacement scheduled for Dec 16th.
I know I can do it!!!
Thank you
I had a reverse total shoulder replacement on the left side for severe Osteoarthritis. Started pt post op and needed 6 weeks of therapy to regain function of my shoulder & arm. It came out so well that I had a reverse total shoulder replacement on the right side 7 months after the first one. Again for severe Osteoarthritis. Again pt post op with the same Dr and Physical therapist for about 6 weeks. The second shoulder replacement is doing so well! I kept wondering why it took me so long & enduring the awful pain and lack of movement. Now I manage everything with both shoulders free of pain and normal range of motion!! Best of luck!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsFollowing shoulder surgery rotary cuff, I developed this condition where if i sat back against a chair, or laid on my back, I would have pain when my scapula area would make contact. It is one year later and and I still have the same issue. I am unable to sleep for more than an hour. The Doctors can not explain it. Anyone else out there experiencing the same problem.
Also, I am six weeks out and still retaining water.
Also, 5 weeks out I developed a bulge on my elbow. They drained it. It was blood. Two days later it developed again. The Dr said not to do anything with it, as it will disolve on its own.
@mpinelli12 I totally understand the “unnatural feeling” in your shoulder! I had RSR on my dominant arm in Sep 2023 and had extra therapy, cortisone, trigger point, nerve block ablation, and I still have pain doing everyday movements. I can’t sleep on my stomach as the hardware doesn’t “relax” in that position. I have gotten to the point now where I just “deal with it”. I await my pain management dr for followup to try something else. It’s amazing ppl on here either have great results! Don’t be discouraged, do what you can do, and keep praying!! Best of luck to you!!
@joannee
Right-I’ve also noticed that people either are so glad they did the rsr or regret it.
Nothing in between it seems.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@joannee The individual and doctor both might tie into the outcome. I had the RSR by Dr. H at scripps hospital in san diego. Overall I had about four days of surgery pain to overcome but since then it’s just retraining the muscles to the new movements.
Talked with three men who had the same results from this doctor and none of us would hesitate to do it again, That said; my wife had a hip replacement by a different dr. and she would never do it again, even though a different doctor thinks he could get her back in motion. she is almost wheelchair bound, both hips now are basically frozen,
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was set up to do the total replacement reverse on my left shoulder. Last August injured it went to orthopedic doctor. MRI indicated rotator cuff could not be repaired. Damaged too bad so recommended this total shoulder replacement reverse. First did 6 wks of therapy and it really helped. Only so much though as to this day movement is limited. After googling up the procedure and talking with Dr. I decided to put off the surgery for now. I understand all the ups and downs of the procedure and end results. Right now I can still reach behind my back to tuck in a shirt or something . This surgery may take that option away. I can't lift my arm more than 6 - 8 in out from the side or lift over my head. I have learned to live/with these limitations for now. I'm 73, retired. I feared the surgery could limit even more in my case, maybe maybe not. Doctor did indicate main reason most have this surgery is because of the pain currently living with. In my case my pain is when I over extend my current movement limitations. If it gets worse I can always have it done later. Right now my left knee will probably get replaced 1st as it does ache/burn/stiff. Thanks for all the info here, good stuff
@warrend
Good thinking. Once it’s gone, you can’t put it back.
Also consider whether or not you would regain full strength after rsr. I always read posts about pain relief, but not about regaining strength.
I too went for pt which helped, and my pt admitted she’d never seen anyone regain complete rom.
I opted for prp to try and heal the rotator cuff and torn ligament(both partial but rotator is high-grade).
Insurance doesn’t pay for it, but please consider it.