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Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Posted by kt4vq @kt4vq, Dec 31, 2024

In June 2024 while at the gym I heard a muscle tear in my shoulder while doing hammer curls. Being the knucklehead I am I rubbed some dirt on it and went about my business. By November 2024 the pain and function in the arm had not return to normal so I gave in and set up an appointment with the doctor. The tear was my Rotator Cuff. Apparently, it was not the 1st time I had torn muscles as he said I had tears that were years old based on the atrophy. Since I have a complete tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, I am being told a RSR is in order as a repair of the rotator cuff will not be successfully. The 1st Dr said a Complete Shoulder Replacement without much discussion, so I went to another doctor for a 2nd opinion and was offer the RSR as recommend for complete tears.

I say all this for background to ask this question of those that have had the RSR and might have lived with issues before deciding to have the surgery. Today, I have full range of motion, some pain if I allow the arm to remain motionless for an extended period of time. I do have a loss of strength in certain directions and the arm is beginning to come out of socket a bit now. Can I postpone this? Any reason to push forward? Or wait until the condition forces me to take action?

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debTrog | @debhunter | Sep 26, 2025
In reply to @bluebirdsings "Thank you for this group. I am 76 and dealing with a variety of problems from..." + (show)
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Thank you for this group. I am 76 and dealing with a variety of problems from post fusion lumbar back pain with scoliosis taking a post -op toll after a few years, chronic migraine and brain fog etc multiple areas of arthritis and degenerative signs and symptoms throughout my body. I have waited until now to go ahead with reverse shoulder replacement. I need both shoulders done. ugh! I feel good about the skills of the surgeon. and altho I could probably live a bit longer without the surgery, I am convinced that doing it now, while I am strong enough , will give me time to heal and strengthen ...before the back goes and I am dependent on shoulder strength to move / support weight etd if I need another back surgery. The surgeon said planning ahead like that is not the standard they use but my degenerated condition and risks of weakness and nerve /tendon damage is right now a real problem & more than enough reason to do the surgery. I don't have a wedding to go to or a trip planned so...no excuses to postpone.
I am a bit scared of intense pain but perhaps I will get lucky and be able to manage with proper pain medication to endure the healing . I really don't like the irritability that pain brings to my personality. Now I have to practice Embracing the privilege of getting good care and kindness of my partner and self compassion. Easiser to take care of others IMHO. thank you for allowing me into this group.

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@bluebirdsings with your great attitude and partner, go for it! I think this plan makes sense.

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bluebirdsings | @bluebirdsings | Sep 27, 2025
In reply to @debhunter "@bluebirdsings with your great attitude and partner, go for it! I think this plan makes sense." + (show)
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@bluebirdsings with your great attitude and partner, go for it! I think this plan makes sense.

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@debhunter
thanks Deb. You know partners sometimes are not as "mothering" or "Nursey" as we wished. The- "would you like something while I am in the kitchen"- isn't on automatic.
Not complaining...just realistic. And for the first time in my life, I have a few friends I know I can count on.So...I am very lucky and grateful. It is the fear and uncertainty that catch me . Will things go well? Will I be left with pain and limitations that are not part of my so called realistic expectations? I nod when the doc says '"you know it will never be like new & there are chances of x/y/z." But on the inside, I still want to be a healthy 20 year old. And I get scared of unexpected consequences. And then I do being brave. Thank you for listening and caring. bluebirdsings

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debTrog | @debhunter | Sep 27, 2025
In reply to @bluebirdsings "@debhunter thanks Deb. You know partners sometimes are not as "mothering" or "Nursey" as we wished...." + (show)
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@debhunter
thanks Deb. You know partners sometimes are not as "mothering" or "Nursey" as we wished. The- "would you like something while I am in the kitchen"- isn't on automatic.
Not complaining...just realistic. And for the first time in my life, I have a few friends I know I can count on.So...I am very lucky and grateful. It is the fear and uncertainty that catch me . Will things go well? Will I be left with pain and limitations that are not part of my so called realistic expectations? I nod when the doc says '"you know it will never be like new & there are chances of x/y/z." But on the inside, I still want to be a healthy 20 year old. And I get scared of unexpected consequences. And then I do being brave. Thank you for listening and caring. bluebirdsings

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@bluebirdsings yes, in later years who is the carer comes to mind as problematic! Good luck, and be kind to yourself.

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barbarasolinski | @barbarasolinski | Sep 28, 2025

I had a rsr last October. I went to Physical therapy for 6 weeks. It all came out very well. I kept wondering why it took me so long to do something. It's wonderful to be able to move without the pain & crunching sounds from my shoulder!! It prompted me to get the other side done also a reverse shoulder replacement 7 months later. Again Physical Therapy for 6 weeks. It all came out great!! Now I have 2 functioning shoulders without the pain & noise from the severe Osteoarthritis & rotator tears on both sides. Trust your surgeon. If needs be get a second or third opinion. That way you can make an educated decision about what you want to be done. I keep wondering what took me so long to get them done!! I feel 110% better than what they were before!! Good luck with making this decision, not an easy decision to make!!!

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sstopalian | @sstopalian | Mar 18 7:27am

My understanding is it is better to do it sooner rather than later which can lead to erosion of the joint, not good, and muscle atrophy and weakness. Not good.

Also important to know your osteoporosis status. I will be on Evenity for two months bf surgery. Concern is stress fracture. being RX at HSS NYC.

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mayers | @mayers | Mar 19 4:54am

Get the RSR and get back to life. I'm 91 years old and had knees, and hip replacement. I'm am physically active playing pickle ball tennis and bocce in leagues. It was my easiest surgery. I had PT after and was back on the courts in 8 weeks. You won't regret it. Margie

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debTrog | @debhunter | Mar 21 2:25am

I had RSR May 2025 and it made things worse. Early days though. I can see that it either works a charm or is a disaster. Nothing in between. Ask questions of your surgeon and get support lined up for post surgery in case you have trouble rehabilitating. That's my advice. All the best.

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