When to get a shoulder replacement?

Posted by julesolo @julesolo, Apr 20 3:37pm

I am a 78 yo male - active, play squash, pickleball, golf - swim every morning.
Have a ten year old injury to my left (dominant) shoulder that has caused it to become arthritic. I still have all the strength I need to play my sports, but am in constant mild to moderate pain in the shoulder.
Have tried PT to no avail. Am considering a PRP injection, but that is only a temporary fix.
The nuclear option is a replacement, but I am concerned about both the initial and ongoing pain, and recovery time.
I know everyone is different, but for some one who is pretty fit for his age, and able to do any exercises to regain strength that PT prescribe, what is a reasonable expectation for recovery time back to a normal lifestyle?
I know there are no guarantees, but any and all input would be very gratefully received - thank you.

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kahyo | @kahyo | Apr 24 8:49am

Unbelievable. My husband is on his way into the surgery even as I sit here. Reverse shoulder joint replacement.

julesolo | @julesolo | Apr 24 10:31am

In reply to @kahyo "Unbelievable. My husband is on his way into the surgery even as I sit here. Reverse..." + (show)

Let us know how it goes and his progress in time - good luck!

loriesco | @loriesco | Apr 25 10:28am

Only a qualified orthopedic surgeon can help you answer that question! They need to take an MRI. They need to do an x-ray and they need to figure out if scar tissue from your injury is the problem or it’s time for a new shoulder or rotor cuff. I know many people who’ve had the surgery and they go back to their life really quickly and are very happy because they don’t have pain. My pain doesn’t qualify for surgery, but you do want to visit an orthopedic surgeon so they can tell you if there’s something that qualifies down the line for your foundational make up.

kar50 | @kar50 | Apr 28 12:05pm

In reply to @julesolo "Thank you so much for an informative response. Very helpful - my biggest concern is the..." + (show)

That is exactly my reluctance to get shoulder replacement. The long recovery time. I'm looking into PRP and have conferred with the sports medicine doctor who does this procedure through my health plan, although it is private pay. He did caution that the pain during and after the procedure varies considerably from patients, but is often quite painful yet no NSAIDs etc. to be taken before and after. (1 week before and 2 weeks post) The results vary. I'm interested in responses from those who have tried it.