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Shoulder replacement surgery

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Posted 4/9/2011 2:05 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all, I'm new to this board, but don't know who else to ask. I don't have R. arthritis,,,just regular bone on bone in my right shoulder where the doctor said it is time I considered a total shoulder replacement. I know 3 people who have had that, and are not happy. One person's broke,,the other got a staff infection and the other is just miserable with hers. Has anyone ever had a GOOD outcome for this? I'm 68 and sure don't like the idea of living with this crunching painful shoulder for the rest of my life but am afraid to have the surgery. The surgeon is well renowned and has great success with knees and hips,,,but admits he doesn't do as many shoulders because there isn't as high a demand for them... Does anyone know if those pills they advertise to help grow cartiledge back in your joints really work or just junk? Thanks for any advice.
Posted 4/9/2011 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I have a friend who had a shoulder replacement a couple of years ago, at the age of 68, and she is very happy with it. She was in a lot of pain and the pain she had after surgery was not as bad as before surgery, she said. I, too, have arthritis in both shoulders, and I can understand your fear of surgery. If it were me, I would go to a surgeon who does a lot of shoulder replacement surgeries. Practice makes perfect! :) My friend had hers done at a University Hospital. That is often a good choice because they are usually up to date there and are training new docs in new methods, etc.

Best Wishes,
V
Posted 4/9/2011 6:07 PM (GMT 0)

Vanny, thanks for the reply. My brother in law, had his done at the Washington Hosp, Center in D.C. and that is where he got a severe staff infection that totally ate away his shoulder muscle and now he can't even raise his arm. I was reading your other problems..and it sounds like mine.. I have bad disks,,sciatica and arthritis in the knees n ow too. I am beginning to wonder if I don't have fibromyalgia too because I just ache all over... I go to an accupunturist now hoping for relief, but so far nothing.
I also have periphyial neuropathy and chronic vein insuffientcy. They tell me that nothing can be done for that, so what to do, what to do..just suffer I guess.
Posted 4/9/2011 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, again. Please don't give up. You need to get yourself to a place where you are not in so much pain, and then you will be able to weigh your options and make good decisions for yourself. I do have a lot of joint issues. There is a debate between docs whether or not I have RA. I had a really bad weekend last week. I was at a level 9 pain, and I never want to go there again. I didn't sleep for two days. Finally got ahold of my orthopedic who "saved" me. I am now taking Celebrex and prednisone along w/Tramdol and my pain is back under control. I am having an MRI of my knee next week to see if therei s anything they can do arthroscopically to relieve the pain. I also found out recently that I have hip dysplasia and torn cartilage in my left hip. I know that all of these things can be overwhelming, but please make the time to call until you get a doctor who will help you get better so that you can enjoy your life.

Peace,
V
Posted 4/10/2011 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
I was recently at physical therapy for my shoulder (torn rotator cuff) and saw many people who have had the shoulder surgery. Everyone was happy with the outcome of their surgery.
I hope you find and experienced shoulder surgeron.
Posted 4/10/2011 7:57 PM (GMT 0)

Vannie and couchtater.... Thanks for your replys. I'm so glad to hear people DO have good outcomes. As far as the knee arthritis, I know folks who had those
injections to help lubricate the joints, and they say it is GREAT and worked wonders for the pain. Maybe they use that for hips too. I know my doctor said the FDA
has not approved it for shoulders. Maybe because shoulder joints are more complex...who knows.... I took some Tylenol for arthritis,,and that takes the sharp edge
of any pain. Good wishes to you both,
Posted 4/12/2011 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
I had a shoulder reconstruction, it took a long time to heal but it is good now. Probably took a year of therapy to get it right though, now its brilliant, no pain really strong, don't think I could play tennis but I can swim and hang out the washing, make beds etc. Very usable joint compared to what I had.
Lost a lot of muscle in my back initially, so it took a good physio to work out if they built up the back muscles it would allow me to build up the shoulder ones again. Maybe if I'd had a better physio from the start it wouldn't have taken me so long to recover.
Anyway, I don't regret it now. Good luck, golitho
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