Shoulder replacement

Karenb1956
Karenb1956 Member Posts: 11
edited 8. Apr 2013, 04:41 in Living with Arthritis archive
I have osteonecrosis of the shoulder and will have to have a replacement eventually
Has anyone had this done and if so how long were you off work for unable to drive etc etc and more importantly was it a success ?
Many thanks everyone

Comments

  • DebbieT
    DebbieT Member Posts: 1,033
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Karenb1956,

    I'm afraid I don't have any answers for you but I wanted to offer my support for this crazy time ure going thru. I'm sorry I couldn't help you.x
    Healing Hugs
    Debbie.x
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Karen and welcome
    Sorry I wont be much help, but we do have a friend that has had his shoulder joint smoothed out and then flushed out has he put it, they did say if this didnt work then he would have to have a replacement ..but so far so good he is very pleased with it.
    I will be interested to see if anyone come up with more info, and I do wish you well with it. x
    Love
    Barbara
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Karen,

    I know of someone who had a shoulder replacement and she said all went swimmingly well and she has been most pleased with the outcome. She went back to driving but I do not know how long it was post op, before she did. Everyone is different in their recovery of operations.

    This is what I read on the net:

    Q: How long until I can drive?

    A: You must be off all pain medication before you consider returning to driving. Patients with minimal discomfort and access to a vehicle with an automatic transmission can usually return to driving between three to six weeks following surgery.

    Q: How soon can I return to normal activities after surgery and will I have any restrictions?

    A: Most people are able to return to normal everyday activities such as dressing themselves and grooming within the first 2 weeks after successful shoulder replacement surgery. Washing in the tub is often recommended for the first few days, and you can typically begin showering after 5 or 6 days. Your doctor will advise you on specific limitations, including the amount of weight you can lift using the arm that was operated on. Many surgeons restrict their patients not to lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee or a glass of water for the first 4-6 weeks. Your doctor will also let you know when you can begin doing household chores such as raking, sweeping or mopping, and when you can return to other activities. Contact sports or repetitive activities such as chopping wood or heavy lifting may be restricted in the long term.


    Q: How long until I regain full use of my shoulder?

    A: The total recovery period generally is 3-6 months. After about 3 months, the range of motion you experience is generally at its maximum level, provided you followed the recommended physical therapy regimen. Further strengthening exercises can continue to improve the function of the shoulder as you regain use of previously restricted muscles. Most improvements are maximized by six months after surgery.

    I would ask your surgeon any questions but in the meantime the above could be a rough guideline. Hopefully people on the forum will share their experiences of having a shoulder replacement.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • gezzas
    gezzas Member Posts: 18
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I had my right shoulder totally replaced 12 years ago and it was very successful I had a good 9 years use but due to problems with my left I probably overused my right shoulder and it is now nearly finished unfortunately I am being told they are reluctant to do a replacement for fear of damaging what bone I have left when they remove it I never regretted having it done it worked really well l was off work 3 months but I did a manual job It was 6 weeks before I was strong enough to drive I was in hospital 2 weeks but this was 12 years ago and I had complications I think they are better now with my left shoulder I was in for 5 days