Shoulder replacement - very scared

Just realised I didn't fully answer your question: yes, I have had this op. I now see that my reply might be seen as being theoretical rather than based on personal experience. I focused on rehab because I suffered unnecessary musculoskeletal problems for months due to ineffective rehab, and I don't want anyone else to experience that. Incidentally, I tried private physiotherapy as well as NHS but that was no better; only difference is having a private room rather than a small area curtained off from other patients. Physiotherapy just isn't what it used to be. So I recommend Shoulderdoc exercises, hydrotherapy, shoulder pulley exercises, and generally moving about, e.g. swinging your arms while walking down the street.

If you are really stressed out the GP can give you a few months on anti anxiety tablets at a low dose. Also just before the op 10 or so 2 mg Diazepam. As everyone says the op is really worth while.

If you go ahead with the operation, get the Shoulderdoc Shoulder Exercise Book. The exercises in it are far more effective than the ones given by physiotherapists. They are classified by type (range of movement, proprioceptive, strengthening, core stability) and intensity level (1–3). It’s small and comb-bound so that you can fold it flat and easily see it while exercising. … Oh dear, I just checked and found that the 2008 printed edition of the book no longer exists but you can get free access to an online version on shoulderdoc.co.uk.

Attend physiotherapy anyway because, if you don’t get the range of motion you expect, they can refer you to hydrotherapy, which is amazingly good for shoulder rehab. The NHS typically gives you only a few sessions. But once you have learned how to do exercises in the pool from a hydrotherapist, you can try to find a private hot pool and continue do the exercises on your own (if there is such a pool near you and if you can afford it).

Also, get a shoulder pulley and find videos showing exercises to do with it.

People get shoulder replacements for two reasons: for pain or for trauma. People who have pain, like you, are more pleased with the outcome than trauma patients because they are so relieved not to be in pain any more. People who have had an accident are less pleased because one day they have normal strength and range of motion and the next day they are severely limited and the operation does not restore perfect function. This means that trauma patients are quite motivated to do the exercises, whereas some pain patients don’t push themselves to do all the exercises because they figure that the level of recovery they have achieved is good enough. But if you accept significantly reduced motion/strength post-op, you may have problems later on; you may be more prone to falls and less likely to be able to get up if you do fall; you may no longer be able to reach things on a high shelf; you may not be able to do an action requiring you to twist your arm around something; you may not be able to carry your shopping home. So I hope you can find the motivation to do the post-op rehab exercises every day until you reach a plateau – and then continue in case that’s just a temporary levelling off of progress!

Good luck.

I’ve not had this particular operation but have had others and, if it is the actual operation you are worried about don’t be as I promise you that you’ll know nothing about it. One little injection and you’ll have the best sleep of your life. As others have said do the exercises and
you’ll be fit and well in no time. Best wishes

I have not reached this point yet but I know a few with replaced joints and the recovery was good when they followed all the advice about movement. Now they are far more mobile and enjoying life. I really do hope your experience is positive and healing fast. Being anxious is entirely normal, try to keep your mind elsewhere while you wait.

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Good luck.

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.