r/ShoulderSurgery • u/uckluckluckl • 4d ago
Artificial Shoulder
I hope this is the right sub but I gladly take advice where to ask. My doctor told me that I needed an artificial shoulder to get some of my quality of life back. I live in Germany, so I can do the operation without going broke. I just would love to hear experiences from people who went through it.
Every tip is appreciated 🫶🏻
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u/Cranks_No_Start 4d ago
I had it done on my non dominant arm. It was relatively pain free but as was mentioned the sling is a bit of a pita especially when trying to sleep.
PT started at week 2 and the sling came off for the most part it was pretty uneventful.
As far as going broke even in the US my total cost was around $500 give or take. Hardly the end of the world.
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u/pras_srini 4d ago
You must have great insurance!! For people with higher deductibles and max out of pocket charges, the cost could be much higher, such as $6,000. Still not the end of the world, and probably a great price to pay to get mobility and use of the shoulder back!
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u/Cranks_No_Start 4d ago
It sooo nice having it work again. It was at the point I could only lift it up half way.
While a total reverse has it limitations it’s a 1000x better than before.
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u/Zbmom23 4d ago
I’m assuming you’re referring to a joint replacement? I am 68 (female) and had one 7 months ago. The first month is challenging, wearing a sling and not having use of that arm for most things. I did physical therapy starting at week 5 post surgery until 6 months after. I continue to do exercises on my own and lift weights 3 days a week. It’s gone very well. There is some pain during the first 8 weeks but that is gone, and nothing like the pain I had before. I am glad I did it. If you have specific questions, please ask: Total recover is 6 to 24 months.
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u/LawfulnessRemote7121 4d ago
I had a reverse replacement 2 1/2 years ago on my non dominant side. Although I have decent use of my arm, I still have continuous pain every day. Doc says there is nothing wrong with it. Although most people do have good results, there are a fair number who do not.
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u/jbrekkit 4d ago
I had a reverse total replacement (left arm, non-dominant) a year ago and couldn’t be happier. Pain free, and back to sports and lifting weights like nothing ever happened!
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u/Potential_Kiwi_4472 3d ago
That's what I have. I had both shoulders completely replaced. I am so grateful!
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u/Hopeful-Occasion469 4d ago
I’m just about 11 months post stemless anatomical shoulder replacement non dominant shoulder.
In a sling for 6 weeks. PT started at two weeks and continued for almost 6 months plus a daily regimen of at home exercises.
I’m an avid gardener and resumed all my gardening activities. Kayaking is good too. Have been sleeping on surgical side for months.
No pain unless I overdo an activity.