shoulder replacement

[Tobymax35]

hi I am a 72 year old F. and I am down To have a total shoulder replacement shortly,, due to RA eating at the joint specialist says it’s a big op , just enquiring if anyone has had this done recently and any advice for me eg what type of pillow do you need and wat sort of clothes can you recommend after the op and and had any home 🏡 things rectified temporarily eg toilet or bed ect advice muchly appreciated ,,

[Jackie1947]

You should be seen by an occupational therapist to arrange any aids before the op.

[Madmusiclover]

Oh gosh. Can’t advise but good luck. X

[sylvi]

Wow all i can say is good luck darling. xxxxx

[springcross]

Hi Tobymax. I can't advise but I wish you good luck and I hope all goes well. x

[Tatiana13]

Had it done mid Jan 2023 , now fully functional , physio x 2 a week for one month and once a week with daily exercise, sling for outdoors first 10 weeks. Can be a nuisance first couple of weeks.

Just used three pillows slept on my back for 4 weeks , stopped pain relief after 4 weeks.

[Tobymax35 in reply to Tatiana13]

can I ask can you drive if so how long was it before u got back to car Did u have to have a raised toilet seat and did u wear button thro tops ect I bet the pain afterwards is horrendous I’ve experienced some of it due to fracturein my clavicle in January this year No fun getting older eh

[Tatiana13 in reply to Tobymax35]

I drove after 8 weeks , and didn't need raised toilet seat . My husband helped with dressing up in the first 2 to 3 weeks . Didn't wear a bra but wore a sport bra for physio . Pulling pants up with one arm isn't easy but you will be surprised how inventive you can become . As for pain ,it wasn't as bad as when I get a flare up with RA. Good luck with your op it is really worth it

[dippyd09]

I had a total reverse shoulder replacement in 2019 due to rheumatoid. I had to wear a sling for a time. I wasn’t allowed to move my arm from the position it was in. It does make washing etc slightly complicated but I was fortunate my husband helped. I bought some metal straws which made drinking tea/coffee much easier as I have problems with my other arm too so bending my arm is difficult. I bought a V-pillow from Argos, I think which helped with sleeping using it with my other pillows. I bought a long handled body scrubber to help with showering. Occupational therapy we’re great but some things they don’t have access to hence buying the “other stuff”. They have tools for helping you in the toilet too.

I will end by saying that having the operation was definitely worth it. The pain has gone. I wish you all the best with your op and if you have any other questions I will try to answer.

[Pulfs]

I had a reverse rt shoulder replacement about 8yrs ago and all has been fine. I found sleeping on back with 3 pillows in a V shape the best . Make sure you do the exercises everyday and don’t push yourself too far. I found pull up trousers the best and I went without a bra which was ok. As I’m rt handed it surprised me how much I could do with my left hand . When going upstairs and had to carry something I got a small shoulder bag to put things in so could hold hand rail. Good luck and hope all goes well.I’ve got near full movement now and pain free x

[HevsK]

hello, I have read all the responses with interest as I’m also booked for reverse replacement of right shoulder, having it done on July 4th. Fortunately I have an electric recliner armchair so will be sleeping in that to start with when I get home as I have no idea how I will get in and out of bed when my right arm is out of use! Wishing you good luck with your surgery Tobymax, we’ll have to compare notes at a later date! x

[strongmouse in reply to HevsK]

Some areas will provide care support / rehabilitation in coming into your home for several weeks after an operation to help you while you recover. Hope it goes well.

[Tobymax35 in reply to HevsK]

hi thanks for replying good luck with your op yea we will have to keep in contact I’m booked in on 27th June got op pre op on Fri hope all goes good for you

[liveinwoods]

I had shoulder surgery to remove a large bone spur and was in a sling for just one week. The worse thing was not being able to wear a bra and getting ready for the shower ( plastic bags and duct tape). Thank goodness for a capable husband! I now have no pain in that shoulder after suffering with it for many years.

I wish you all the best. You will glad in the end because the pain will be gone and the quality of life will be greatly improved.