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Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Recovery process
I am scheduled for this surgery in September. I have been putting it off as long as possible, because I am worried about recovery. I don't have a lot of help and am very concerned with how well I will be able to handle daily living activities with the shoulder immobilizer. If anyone has gone through this recovery process, I would appreciate any advice or input you may have.
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I had a right arm reverse shoulder surgery about 5 years ago and I am very glad I did. I had terrible pain from arthritis and when you have arthritis the reverse shoulder operation is the appropriate one. I was not able to lift my arm in front of me before surgery and the morning after surgery could extend it fully.I did not wear a sling. Just kept my arm protected as much as possible. It was nearly a year before I could sleep on my right side but eventually it was no problem. In my experience and research it is nothing to be afraid of and can bring critical relief to you if you are in constant pain as I was. As mentioned doing the PT and using opoids as little as possible is a good idea. I wish you the very best in your decision , surgery and recovery. Suzanne
You and I need to talk! I am having the very same problems as you. Went to my doctor today and he released me, no more he can do. I am getting further tests and seeing a peripheral nerve specialist next Monday to see if he can do for me. Let me know what you've been through.
Will do. Especially after EMG test and where that goes. Thx for the feedback. Hope we both make it.
Contact: are you on any social media?
We could do a private conversation there
And exchange emails..
Deltoid muscle and the bicep and tricep muscles are really important for a good recovery.
Had totally replacement in shoulder ,mri showed no rotator cuff tears just severe arthritis. so a reverse wasn't an option. I never did get total pain relief after surgery. Done May 6,2022. Went back to see ortho few weeks ago. Took x-rays said my shoulder was dislocated .asked if I fell etc, told him no nothing to cause an injury, never felt like I had full control of my biceps . So now they want to take all the hardware out and redue revision doing a reverse.replacement. needless to say I'm scared to death.i am 74 and to me surgery at my age is risky. Did find out my insurance will cover medical transport to pt so that's a relief. I think I started to drive to soon, make sure you rest it the whole 6 weeks and exercises daily,
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1 ReactionGood evening to both of you, @ljgraham166 and @tfarizona. These are very serious issues and I think you will find that Connect, because of its sharing mission, can help us all understand the options better.
So, the first response is to @tfarizona. I had an rTSR 13 years ago and have never wished that I had elected a TSR. Most important....after the post-surgery recovery I have never had any pain or discomfort. Do I wish I had a little better ROM....yes I do, but the damage to my shoulder from a fall down the mountain was way too extensive. I consider myself to be very fortunate.
And now to think about a response to @ljgraham166. Whew......you are dealing with a decision that is quite concerning to me. Why? Because my major issue was a dislocation from the fall. Although the insurance company didn't want to cover the cost my surgeon worked very hard to get them to come around. The insurance company insisted that I go through two rotator cuff surgeries (one was a cadaver attempt) and opioids followed by acupuncture before they would approve the rTSR. Because this was a relatively new surgery (originated in France) they wanted the patients to be much older so they wouldn't have to cover any repairs. You will understand.
Now...here is the great news. You can now have a reverse with a custom-made replacement made expressly to fit your body. Using imaging, a replacement can be designed that is precisely for you. When I had mine, there were a couple of different sizes of replacement hardware and one of the engineers actually flew to CA to be there during the surgery to help with the "fit".
The result is a bit of grumbling and groaning of the mechanics and a reduced ROM along with the freedom from pain. I'll take it!!!!
I hope this gives you both some input from an 81-year-old who is very grateful to France....to my very supportive surgeon, and to the advancements that have already been made on an amazing surgery.
Please let me know if you have additional questions. I would like to know what you choose and how things work out for both of you. If I was close to you I would be there to do some hand-holding.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
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1 ReactionThanks for your reply. When I had the original tsr there was no tear. I have no idea how it became dislocated. I'm afraid when they take it out to replace it with a new device my arm bone may break, the original is attached to the top of a humerus with a long rod. My second worry is my surgeon. I never felt like it was done right. Now I have to trust him again. I don't think another surgeon would want to do it. Just in case the 1st one messed it up. The responsibility would be alot to take on. The one thing that gives me peace of mind is that a manufacturer of the device was present to overlook the procedure so maybe they can figure out what happened.
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2 ReactionsGood evening once again. Now you have me worried about you. Trust is so necessary. I would not be able to continue with a clinician that had not earned my trust. What you can do is ask for a "consultation" with a second surgeon. I recently did that when my endocrinologist led me down a fragile path and did not give me enough information to be able to understand the differences in medications. I simply told my PCP how I felt and she helped me secure a second opinion during which the cards were all laid on the table.
Please don't take risks that you do not need to endure.
Chris
When I had my RTS I had a lot of issues I had an exceptional surgeon and physical therapist. When having so many issues my therapist used a muscle stimulator to get my deltoids finally firing. Insurance paid for one for at home use. Didn’t like using it but followed pt instructions to use with my exercises. It allowed me to do the exercises prescribed. That was in 2019. Because surgeon said it was the second worst shoulder he had ever seen and because there is a bone still where it doesn’t belong in the ac joint I still have minor issues that dry needling and taping get me back in shape again. Takes aching away and relaxes my angry muscles. Have done this now once a month and keep up my exercises. Am never suppose to lift over ten pounds but I am way better off than prior to surgery. Best of luck