Shoulder Replacement

I may be looking at having this done at some point in he future. If anyone here has ever had it done I would be interested in your thoughts about the procedure and recovery. Thanks!

Not sure of your situation, but I had both shoulders pop out of joint, and one that does it pretty regular. The cure for me was exercise. Your joints need muscle to hold them in place. The more the merreier.

surgery is the last resort. What are you doing right now to increase your shoulder health?

i was told by my doctor to hold out as long as i could ,

This.
My brother was told OF he had his replaced, 15-20# was about all he could lift.
Looking at rotator cuff work myself, IF AND WHEN they get my lower back stabilized.

I had it done in November of 2021. I am glad I did it. The doctor told me some patients think they are going to obtain complete mobility like before their shoulder went bad. I am glad he told me this before surgery so I didn’t expect it. However, I gained about 80% mobility back and 95% of the pain went away. I have some discomfort when I reach behind my back but very little. Before surgery, I could only lift my arm straight up in front of my chest. Now I can lift it over my head but can’t quite straighten it all the way The surgery itself went well with very little discomfort. The most discomfort was doing the PT exercises. Make sure you go to PT at the therapy clinic and do your exercises at home. This is crucial to get your mobility back. I went to the therapist office 2-3 times a week for almost 4 months and I am glad I did. Recovery went a lot faster. I think most people could get by on 2 times a week for 2 months. Your therapist will know. This is something you are going to have to push yourself to do. I had a hip replacement two years ago and the shoulder took longer to recover. I wore a sling for the first two weeks or so then weaned off it. I hope this helps some.

My brother in law does these surgeries, He highly recommended to not have it done unless you could no longer stand the pain...

A orthopedic I consulted with said the same on the amount of weight you should pick up, and that you won't have the range of motion you had...but the pain will be gone... Also said an emphatic NO to recoil from firing guns, and that if the surgery fails, it's a mess to "maybe" fix it. And to make it even more fun, the rehab was difficult.

It wasn't an awe inspiring visit....

I have three friends who have had this done. The pain is less and the recovery seems quicker than rotator surgery. The last friend had one in October and the other this month. Outpatient. Came home at noon. Imagine that.

Good luck. Hope all goes well. Sleep in a recliner the first week.

Are you just talking about long guns? I shoot handguns all the time with no problem. My family doctor also told me the same thing about waiting for surgery until it got to the point I couldn’t do every day activities very well. I waited 25 years when I was first diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. It was finally time for me and as I said, I am glad I did it. I am a lot better for it but everybody and surgeries and recovery can be different.

Just had my right shoulder replaced January 9th. Had a complete massive rotator cuff tear and bicep. Tried having the cuff repaired four years ago. It didn't hold. After three weeks my right shoulder is better than my left arm, which has the same tears. Actually some of the therapy is tough because my left shoulder is so bad. Can't wait to do the left one.

Mine was done a few years ago due to an accident.

No one can know a solid answer to your question other than the doc. No two are exactly the same. Depends on what’s torn up.
The one sure thing for all is do the PT just exactly how they tell you to and then some. As said you’ll be sleeping in a recliner the first week or so after. If you don’t do well with pain make sure you stay on top of your meds, don’t get behind.

It’ll work out.

Osky

Yup I had it done, hurts like a, do the therapy, did I mention you gotta do the therapy. Good luck.!!

Thanks everyone for the input.

I have have four rotator cuff surgeries. Two on each side. Been good now for a dozen years. Don’t know if a doctor can do another. Skinning deer makes my shoulders hurt for weeks. A recent cortisone shot worked wonders.

I had what is called a total reverse shoulder replacement surgery 6/1/22. A result of a fall on the ice that completely detached 2 of the shoulder muscles and tore a third muscle. My shoulders were both arthritic and my surgeon said the replacement was my best option and I have no regrets. Surgery was easy, in and out of hospital same day. 2 weeks in I started PT and that was no big deal. That lasted 8 weeks. Now at the 7th month I can say I do have a couple of issues. Because of my arm being in a sling and immobile so long arthritis has really set into my hand, so make sure you keep moving your hand and fingers. Another thing is the strength is coming back slowly but it is improving. Lastly is I can not reach around my back and the Doctor said I may never be able to. I'm a 2XL size man that is still quite active outdoors and I'll admit that falling down is constantly on my mind. Surgeon told me with this type of procedure a fall could easily result in a fracture or dislocation. For me, so far this has been life changing. Good luck and don't worry and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions.

I had a complete shoulder joint replacement in January 2020 due to arthritis. It was bone on bone. It would click and pop. Very painful. Surgery went well. PT was painful but the pain subsided after 3-4 weeks. I have almost full range of motion and the more I use it, the better it feels. Glad I did it! 6 months later I got my left knee replaced and on Friday I will have my right knee replaced. All because of osteoarthritis joint degeneration.

My wife is an OT. She said there’s some pain but it can be managed. As mentioned, do your exercises or your mobility will not return!

I’ve had both of mine replaced. The amount of strength and range of motion you regain is proportional to how hard you work at rehab and physical therapy. I have about 85-90% range of motion . Strength returns as you work the shoulder. I shoot shotguns and rifles up to a 300 WSM with no problems. I highly recommend it if you are to the point the pain restricts what you are able to do, including sleep.