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Shoulder replacement - very scared

(30 Posts)
Sallywally1 Fri 20-Dec-24 08:41:23

Having suffered for several years with shoulder pain I have now been offered a shoulder replacement. My shoulder and arm are agony and movement is extremely difficult, though luckily it is not my dominant hand side. Pain killers do not work. I am terrified both of the operation and the after care and rehabilitation.
Any one else had this?

David49 Fri 20-Dec-24 08:54:42

You should not be so apprehensive joint replacement is very advanced, when the shoulder is replaced the pain will vanish - really, then you will take pain killers and exercise to rebuild the muscles that have become weak, full movement should return within a couple of months.

Look forward to a new lease of life pain free.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 20-Dec-24 08:58:40

A friend had one this time last year, they are currently on holiday in the French Alps skiing.

If you do the exercises as instructed, you should be fine.

Visgir1 Fri 20-Dec-24 09:02:55

Agree you would be fine, you won't regret it. I have had both hips and a knee best thing ever, not having constant pain. I wouldn't hesitate having it done.
Wish you the best.

Aldom Fri 20-Dec-24 09:10:52

I don't have personal experience of shoulder replacement, but a friend had the surgery three years ago. It has been a life changer for her. She is pain free and has a fully functioning shoulder. The operation was straightforward. Hope you have a good experience too if you decide to go ahead with the replacement. Best wishes. smile

Astitchintime Fri 20-Dec-24 09:14:30

Try to look beyond the actual surgery and immediate aftercare and focus on being pain free and having full mobility.

Yes, you will feel uncomfortable for a while and will need to do exercises which will be hard work at first but you will soon overcome all that and eventually, your present pain will be a distant memory. flowers

Calendargirl Fri 20-Dec-24 09:16:29

I’m sure this is the operation my hairdresser had.

She was not too long before she was back doing hair!

Good luck.

Homestead62 Fri 20-Dec-24 10:06:41

My friend in the USA had this done and he has made full recovery and doing fine. Unfortunately, I do not know nuch more than this apart from he was in much pain. He's recently been away to visit his children and grandchildren, pain free.

annodomini Fri 20-Dec-24 10:31:26

Please don't be afraid. You will find it a game-changer. Shoulder pain is agonising, on a par with toothache. I used to wake up during the night crying with it. Then I had this operation 18 years ago and have never looked back. The anaesthetist gave me a nerve block so there was no post-operative pain and very little while the surrounding muscles settled down. I was given pain relief but it didn't agree with me so Paracetamol had to suffice. After six weeks of physiotherapy, and managing to cope with bus travel, I was able to drive and swim normally.
Good luck.

Charleygirl5 Fri 20-Dec-24 10:47:06

Sallywally please go ahead. The sooner, the better. It will feel like a different arm being pain-free after the initial post-op pain.

Professionally, I was around when they were first introduced in the late '60s, and they are now similar to knees and hips; the surgery has been perfected.

Can you remember a pain free day? They will be in abundance- please go ahead.

henetha Fri 20-Dec-24 10:51:45

I haven't had this op, but a friend of mine has, some years ago.
It was very successful.
You will find it a new lease of life, as I did with my knee replacements.
Wishing you all the best.

Judy54 Fri 20-Dec-24 13:53:58

I agree do not be afraid you are very strong to bear your current agonising pain so going ahead with the operation will help with this. Mr J had an ankle replacement last year and it has taken away his debilitating pain and given him a new lease of life. All good wishes.

aggie Fri 20-Dec-24 13:59:36

My friend has had this done and is pain free in that shoulder
She is planning to have the other done as soon as possible

readsalot Fri 20-Dec-24 15:09:57

I had this surgery eight months ago and highly recommended it! It is brilliant! The severe arthritis meant the ball and socket joint had to be reversed but the pain went from day one. Follow instructions to the letter and take all the painkillers they prescribe. Also do all physio as this helps your recovery. Sleeping sitting upright for six weeks gets easier and the sling is a nuisance but necessary. I wished I had had it done a couple of years ago. Best wishes.

MaizieD Fri 20-Dec-24 19:08:11

Definitely go for it!

We have a friend who had one a few years ago. He plays golf and veteran's cricket. . You can't do that with a dodgy shoulder grin

Davisuz Sun 22-Dec-24 11:06:06

Glad to hear all these positive stories as I am also dreading my knee replacement on the 3rd January! Good luck Sallywally1!

meddijess Sun 22-Dec-24 11:17:16

My cousin in New Zealand had his shoulder replaced 2 years ago - he has had no problems, and is looking forward to having the other one done as well He also had 2 knee replacements, and new hips. His only problems are going through airport security! Hope your operation goes as well as his! Good luck!

Giraffe01 Sun 22-Dec-24 11:18:17

I have had both shoulders done, best thing ever. Complex op, mine took over three hours each one. Compared to other stuff I have had done they we’re both a doddle. You will not regret having it done.

Roddi3363 Sun 22-Dec-24 11:30:07

I had to have a reverse shoulder replacement after a trauma during the pandemic. Having had two knee replacements I was confident it would work out well and it has despite the complexity of the damage. Concentrate on doing your physio afterwards and giving good healing in a short time you should feel so much better.

poppysmum Sun 22-Dec-24 11:44:52

my late father had all sorts replaced due to severe Rheumatoid arthritis. it broke my heart to see him in pain often hospitalised with the agony of it all. having the replacements was a game changer for him it took the pain away from the replaced area so gave him some relief most important is to do the exercises and look beyond the first few weeks, i know a lady who had her hips done but ignored the physio no exercises as instructed so is now immobile. she complains but she was given a chance think it is sometimes off putting doing things but you benefit in the end. i shall probably have a few replacements and wont hesitate to agree

winifred01 Sun 22-Dec-24 12:37:30

Agree with readsalot, my experience too. After 2 years of severe pain I had surgery about 1 year ago, wonderful, go ahead you will not regret it!

Annma Sun 22-Dec-24 14:08:45

Have the operation it’s well worth it.My husband had one several years ago after suffering numerous motorbike shoulder injuries.It made a huge difference to him and he would recommend having it done.

Cath9 Sun 22-Dec-24 15:11:57

Good luck, there is so much technology out today.
When my poor Ma-in-Law had cancer in the 1980s all she was able to have was radiology treatment. Also when I had a major operation in 1970 it was all done manually

albertina Sun 22-Dec-24 16:41:16

I can't offer anything here except my best wishes for a successful operation and recovery. All the best to you.

Picklesgranma Mon 23-Dec-24 16:08:45

I haven't had a shoulder replacement but have had both hips replaced. All I can say is the first thing I thought when I came round was the pain has gone. Yes it was sore but that awful pain that nothing relieved was gone. Try not to worry it will be worth it. All best wishes for a pain free 2025 xx