Shoulder replacement needed: What can I expect?

I too was told I was too young for a reverse shoulder replacement after a failed rotator cuff repair. That was five years before I decided I just couldn't live with the pain anymore. My Mpls. surgeon also thought I was a high risk for failure and he didn't want to do it. So off to Mayo I went for a second opinion. Showed the Dr. my MRI and he said I see no reason I couldn't do an RSR for you. So last July, I had it done. In my case the recovery was so much less painful than my cuff repair. I really don't think it was bad after the first couple weeks. I am 90% pain free and after being in really horrible pain for five years, I am thrilled with that result. Range of motion is limited, but I don't care. It's my non dominant arm thank goodness. Best decision ever for me. I only wish I had done it sooner.
Good luck to you!

I tried living with the pain for 10 years - physical therapy, acupuncture, medicine, etc. I thought maybe my pain tolerance was too low. I had the reverse shoulder replacement in October at Mayo - and it was the best thing ever!!! It is so important to do the exercises!!!!
Good luck

I had my rtsr last September .
Everything was a nightmare. After the surgery, my surgeon did not prescribe pain medication. He said he forgot.
I hounded the nurses so much they finally found a hydrocodone pill , just one. The hydrocodone did not help with the pain. I spent the night at the hospital without any medication to control my pain. Definitely the most painful night of my life.
I have been in physical therapy since the surgery. The shoulder pain is far worse than prior to my surgery. My surgeon said it can take up to a year before my shoulder is healed. I would be happy if my shoulder would just be as it was prior to surgery. In retrospect, I would not have this surgery. I'm still in constant pain, my right arm is very weak, and my range of motion is extremely limited.
This is my opinion. If your doctor recommends this surgery and your pain is severe enough, listen to your doctor. I came across many people in PT that had a good experience with a reverse total shoulder replacement. It's just didn't turn out well for me.