pgthom

Today I called my orthopedic surgeon to schedule a shoulder replacement. It was scoped and cleaned up 3 yrs. ago, and surgeon said at that time there was nothing more to do but replace it. I am happy to have gotten 3 more years out of it since then, but at times it is so painful that I can't sleep or do other activities.

I am told I will be in a sling for a week, and that function returns fairly quickly with physical therapy for 6-8 weeks. I would like to hear from other stitchers who have had a shoulder replacement, as I know lots of hips and knees, but no shoulder patients. Thanks
PS I am a R handed RN, and this is my L shoulder.

Jim's Gem

I hope it all goes well. I have never had a replacement, just several repairs.

debbieumphress

My MIL had it done five months ago on her right shoulder. She had her arm in a sling for two weeks but she is 84. And she did great. Minimum pain. I had to help her for two weeks with her baths, that was fun, but she did good. GOod luck.

amma

I didn't have a replacement, but I had about everything else that could possibly be done to my right shoulder, short of replacing it LOL.

The main thing was to stick to the PT and home exercises. Yeah, it could hurt doing them, but it sure pays off in the long run.

I timed my PT and home exercises to be about 1 1/2 hours after taking my pain meds, so they were fully kicked in while doing them :D:D:D

Wishing you a very speedy recovery :D:D:D

Jill

I am facing the same surgery in July this year. I've also had the scope (two years ago) but the pain is getting to be a little too much. Hope all goes well for you. My biggest concern is the amount of time I will miss sewing and quilting! When are you having your surgery?

mamaw

My dad had one in Jan. 2009 and is very pleased with the results.
I had knee replacement in Dec. 2008 and must say it was the best thing I could have done. I am now painfree and it is wonderful!!
Hope you have as good of luck as we have.

GrannyW5

I had a partial replacment of my left shoulder in 2008. I needed a new ball not the socket. The PT is strenous, but I kept telling myself "NO pain, no gain!!" I do not have full range of motion, but I have no more pain like I did and for that I am thankful. I can almost get so that my upper are is out straight from my body, but cannot get my arm up the rest of the way. If I take my right arm and help my left arm up, it will go up all the way without any pain. The therapist could not understand why it wouldn't go up all the way. The doctor did not know why either, but wouldn't admit to doing anything wrong either. I could be a lot worse off than I am,so I am thankful. I had bone on bone and a lot of arthritis and spurs.
Good luck. Just do as you are told and don't overdo. If you want to talk, PM me.

pgthom

Hi Jill: Been away from the board for a while. We had massive power outages in the ice storms, and I got out of the "habit" of checking several times a day! Thanks for your reply about shoulder replacement.
My surgery is scheduled for 3/31. Am a little anxious, but I guess that is normal. Leaving soon for a couple weeks in FL, will have it the week I return.
Hoping I won't be out of commission for too long. Maybe they will view sewing as rehab? LOL!

Penny (pgthom in K'zoo)

pgthom

Thanks Amma for your good words. Surgery is scheduled for 3/31. Hoping for the best, am a little anxious, but I guess that is normal. Penny