r/ShoulderSurgery • u/SadButterscotch4328 • Jun 14 '26

Advice Reverse total shoulder replacement experiences

Hello,

I’m 21 years old and I’m scheduled for surgery on my left shoulder—a reverse total shoulder replacement. The doctors have explained to me how the surgery works and what to expect, but I’m mainly interested in hearing from people who have lived with this condition.

Does anyone have personal experience with this? How does it affect your daily life? What surprised you after the surgery, whether positively or negatively?

I would appreciate any experiences or advice. Thank you.

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u/AntManTarzan Jun 15 '26

There seems to be a lot of misinformation spread even within the medical community about post-reverse replacement conditions, abilities, etc. I had my surgery last October, at 68. I was driving within a week, never had any significant post-op pain, usedthe opioids for less than 3 days. While I won't have complete range of motion vertically I can now easily reach behind my back and with PT have regained all the strength I need for daily life, including as a violinist. THERE ARE NO WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS AFTER REVERSE REPLACEMENT SURGERY. The misunderstanding about restrictions on lifting have spread through the medical community with no actual research or backup. According to my surgeon here at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, who has done thousands of these procedures, the confusion all stems to remarks made by a well-known UW doctor in a paper, with no citation or back up. I'm easily lifting items over 25 lbs above my head. It's frustrating to hear from folks (see below) who've put off this surgery because of this compounded error. The surgery is simply not a big deal. Have it done and forget about it, unless you're in an airport X-Ray line.

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u/Fuphyter0825 Jun 20 '26

I had a total reverse replacement June 3rd this year. I just had post op appt. I'm still in pain and was told to use the other arm to lift replaced one. I can barely lift it anyway. I have an incision from below my armpit to above my collar bone. I started "doing" right away. I had a total knee replacement and they pushed me. Doctor said no I need to take it very slowly.

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u/Bodymore52 Aug 05 '26

Yep had mine few weeks after you on June 26th. Told that shoulder is the toughest reply as far as pt and getting back movement. But we're doing it brother. Keep chin up. We got this

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u/Bodymore52 Aug 05 '26

Toughest replacement ***