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Health

Shoulder Surgery

(6 Posts)
Magg43 Mon 13-Jul-26 19:01:59

Hello everyone

I am a lady of 82 years young. In reasonably good health except I have severe osteoarthritis in one shoulder.
I have tried physiotherapy and steroid injections but neither gave me any relief.
I have seen a Consultant who has said the shoulder needs replacing which I am now considering.
I am not too worried about the operation but very concerned about the recovery process.
I have read that recovery takes quite a few months and can be very painful.
Is there anyone out there of my age who has had shoulder replacement surgery ?

Charleygirl5 Mon 13-Jul-26 23:42:42

I have not had a shoulder replaced but in my professional life I had a lot to do with them.

Times have changed and the range of movement must have improved but in those days it took 3-6 months to recover. It was little things like looking after your hair, doing up a bra strap and getting items out of cupboards which were difficult but as I said, times will have changed.

I have no idea what the success rate is. Have you googled it for pros and cons?

Aveline Tue 14-Jul-26 07:07:16

An elderly friend had a shoulder replacement and seemed to do very well after the op. A VG recovery.

Elless Tue 14-Jul-26 08:09:36

I had my shoulder replaced last November (2025). Currently I can get my arm straight up and hold it up. I am still doing daily physio with a 2kg weight. Unfortunately (as usual) I took things too quickly after the operation and just before Christmas I suffered a stress fracture which knocked me back. All in all I am glad I had the replacement as my arm works better than before and the pain has gone. My advice is don't rush after the operation and do your physio religiously. Good luck.

luluaugust Tue 14-Jul-26 09:54:04

I had a reverse shoulder replacement some years ago and the recovery does take a while because you have to wait sometime before starting physiotherapy. The replacement will deal with the osteoarthritis pain and the movement will probably be down to how much physio you can do and how well it works.

Magg43 Tue 14-Jul-26 12:09:48

Thank you all for your messages.

A lot to consider.