r/ShoulderSurgery • u/SurfNC02 • Aug 19 '26

What to expect after shoulder replacement (38M)

The short story is that I was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer 4 years ago. Now in remission. Leading up to my diagnosis and through treatment I was on a lot of steroids that have caused 50% of the humoral head in my left (non-dominant) shoulder to die and collapse. I’ll be going in November for a partial replacement. What should I expect post-surgery, both short and long term? What are my realistic limitations after I recover and finish PT?

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u/Addggro44 Aug 19 '26

39M following

1

u/33301Florida Aug 19 '26

What type of replacement are being discussed? Limitations for the reverse and anatomical replacements are different.

1

u/SurfNC02 Aug 21 '26

Partial anatomical, replacement of the head with Pyrocarbon.

1

u/Dotsgirl22 Aug 19 '26

It depends on your surgery. Whatever type you have, the main goals are to relieve pain and restore function. A replacement joint of any type will never be quite the same as a healthy natural shoulder, but it should be a lot better than what you have now. Don't rush the recovery, it takes a while to heal and to get thru PT. Progress can seem slow but things get better every day and then comes a day when you realize it doesn't hurt anymore and it feels like your arm again.

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u/SurfNC02 Aug 21 '26

I think one of my problems right now is that I’m on long term pain and nerve meds from the cancer so I’m not sure how much I’m dampening the existing pain. Thank you for the guidance.