Need a shoulder replacement, my specialist told me I am quite unique as not many people need shoulder joints replaced, is this correct,

[Nanapapa6]

My specialist tells me I am unique in needing shoulder replacements as these are not so common, is this true?, I have RA

[nomoreheels]

No, shoulder replacements in people with RD or other inflammatory diseases aren't that usual, it's a joint that can be affected like any other arthritisresearchuk.org/art... & magonlinelibrary.com/doi/10... & is the third most common joint replacement after hip & knee. If you look to the right of your post you'll see other posts ("Related posts"). To be pedantic one can't be quite unique, you're either unique or you're not & you're not in this instance as you'll read, that's a positive thing of course! I hope you're not in too much discomfort as I know it can be very painful. My dad was offered a shoulder replacement many years ago, must have been in the '80's, once steroid injections became ineffective but in his case it OA as a result of an old goalkeeping injury.

[Nanapapa6 in reply to nomoreheels]

Yes I've had steroid injections but think it may be time to get the joint replaced and hopefully be pain free

[cathie]

Please post about this as its so unusual that we'd all learn a lot.

[cathie]

I hope you get some movement back

[Bournemouth-belle]

Hi Nanapapa6, I had my right shoulder replaced 12 weeks ago, it's the best decision I've made. 

been having problems with shoulder for years due to RA, then had a fall breaking it in 3 places, spent a year in Physio trying to treat it conservatively... I couldn't  lift my arm and in a lot of pain. 

Like you reluctant and looking for answers to my questions.. Physio's all had different opinions.  It's not as common as hips or knees replacement there are two types of replacements, I'm sure your surgeon will discuss these with you.

Mine was a reverse total replacement, as all my tendons had snapped. For me it's been the answer, no pain I can lift my arm above my head, the only thing I cannot do is but my arm behind my back.

Hope this answers your question,

Anna 

[debsy29]

Hi I have had my left shoulder replaced 6 years ago after 2 failed resurfacing (half replacement), although it is much less mobile now, I no longer have any pain.....good luck 🙂

[magglen]

A friend of mine has had both shoulder joints replaced.  She recovered very quickly from the first one but the second one is taking a bit longer but that is, I believe, because the joint was in a worse condition. In spite of this she is still a regular weekly rambler with our group!

[Barrister]

I had a fall nearly 18 months ago with pain ever since. MRI after 4 months didn't show much more than mild arthritis so had physio and steroid injection. But at the beginning of the year, pain became absolutely unbearable although movement was only restricted by pain. Saw rheumatologist who felt that I was flaring (PsA) and Humira not working as well as it should be. Started Enbrel and had more steroid injections one of which worked so quickly and a lot of the pain was reduced. Had MRI last month which now shows a tear and severe arthritis. I'm getting an arthroscopy etc and hope that will make all the difference. At the moment the pain is bearable so hoping that will last for a while.  I hope you shoulder replacement works well for you. Clemmie