Shoulder surgery

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

Coming to the end of the frozen shoulder saga I think. The freezing went - but the pain didn't, so a couple of weeks ago I had surgery. They did a subacromial decompression and a bursectomy and found arthritis grade 3 in the centre and some more minor arthritis elsewhere.

The arthritis hadn't shown up in a scan I had. There was also general nflammation - but hey - SjS can do that.

Due to start physiotherapy later this week. I already have a much better range of movement and less pain but I am wondering whether it will ever be painless. If it has arthritis - it is liable to keep hurting - isn't it?

It IS better than it was though so I feel it was worth doing it.

Anyone any opinions on shoulder arthritis?

Thanks - Scottie 

[Carolina]

My orthopedist tells me the only option left for me is a shoulder replacement.

I know that is a very difficult and rare surgery, and I don't want it at all. 

If I have the right combination of medications (my beloved Cymbalta worked perfectly, but isn't good for me now) I don't have so much pain.  But I cannot reach behind me for anything, and I can hear both shoulders as they rub bone on bone and sometimes seem to slip out of alignment.

My knees are the same.  I will probably risk the knee replacement, tho' with my neuropathy I cannot imagine how I can do the rehab properly?  I wear leg/foot braces so that I can walk, and standing in the braces creates stress on my knees, I can hear and feel them slide and crunch.  I guess I say 'ouch' a lot!

I got through simple back surgery last year, which I never thought I would need or be willing to try.

So I guess I can 'never say never'!

In 2003 I had surgery to remove a bone spur that impinged on my rotator cuff.  It was arthroscopic since the rotator cuff hadn't been torn, and it went so well.

I had hoped that was the problem now...but of course it isn't.  The joints in my shoulders are beyond any sort of simple intervention.

Scottie, I wish you the very best.  I'm already so limited in what I do, so I only exercise in the pool and on the Nu-Step in the machine room.  I am 75, and nearing my absolute 'sell by date'!

But I haven't given up at all, really.

I'll probably address my knees first....maybe in 2018?

Regards,  Elaine

[Jenny]

I had total shoulder replacement a couple of years ago. It was painful, but controlled pretty well by meds. I now have full range of motion. The most important things are to use a surgeon who specializes in shoulders, not just a general Orthopedic. And also to really push yourself in PT.  Knee and hip are next.

[Carolina]

Thanks, Jenny.  Wow, you had shoulder replacement surgery.......  and survived to be optimistic about it.

I do well in PT and know how to push through pain, so I AM encouraged.

I'll check to find shoulder replacement orthopedists, I guess.  As long as I have the pain controlled, I will wait, of course.

I do have 'full range of motion' but with pain.  Does that count?

Regards, Elaine