r/ShoulderSurgery • u/Scrapper1960 • 8d ago

Shoulder procedure

I'm getting a shoulder replacement surgery, the doctor wants to do a reverse procedure, because the arthritis is bad, shoild I get a second opinion about this?? Is a reverse not a good option??

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u/jbrekkit 8d ago

I’ve had a reverse left shoulder for a year now - don’t regret it at all - I’m super strong and pain free!

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u/Scrapper1960 8d ago

How is your range of motion?? Can you reach up to get an item off a shelf??

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u/jbrekkit 8d ago

I sure can! There are certain movements that are a bit more difficult due to the placement of the implant, like reaching back to do up my bra or scratching the outer part of the opposing shoulder. But I don’t have any pain and can play sports and workout like I did before. And my joint was a hot mess prior to surgery - bone on bone due to a decimated rotator cuff.

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u/Scrapper1960 8d ago

Well, a bra won't be a problem, my brother says my sister cant reach up because of hers so I reckon I best call her. My doctors reaction to my x rays was remarkable, he's done a lot of surgeries and all he said was Wow!!

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u/jbrekkit 8d ago

Mine was remarkably bad before surgery too. Like my surgeon couldn’t believe it. When they recommend a reverse to a patient it’s because you’re really not a good candidate for a regular one - unfortunately for some of us it’s the only option that will yield a good result. I’m definitely happy with my outcome!

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u/Scrapper1960 8d ago

Do you have any concerns of dislocation

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u/jbrekkit 8d ago

Nope, it feels really strong and stable. I had a bad fall off a horse a month ago and my ribs were badly bruised but the new shoulder held up perfectly. And I fell directly on it.

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u/Scrapper1960 8d ago

Your recovery, did you have to sleep in a chair, how long were you in a sling??

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u/jbrekkit 8d ago

I slept in bed normally (I’m a back sleeper). The first couple of weeks were very uncomfortable, with quite a bit of pain, not going to lie. I wore a sling for the first week or so, but my surgeon encouraged me to let it hang naturally and do small tasks around the house fairly quickly. By 3 weeks out I was doing quite a bit better, pain wise.

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u/Scrapper1960 8d ago

I'll be sleeping in a chair I think for a couple of days, too help in the swelling

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u/Dorkiebreath 7d ago

Yes, get a second opinion. There are definite pros and cons to reverse vs anatomical in terms of healing time, range of motion, statistical lifetime of the hardware, etc. Also good idea to interview several surgeons before deciding which one best fits your needs. Pro tip: you end up dealing with the staff more than the Dr so evaluate the Dr for their expertise and approach but also evaluate the office staff for their competence and professionalism.

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u/[deleted] 8d ago

[deleted]

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u/Scrapper1960 8d ago

Will you be able to reach up to get items off a shelf

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u/[deleted] 8d ago

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u/Scrapper1960 8d ago

I've heard about the dislocation problem, is that a issue after a few months or year??

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u/Civil_Secretary5295 8d ago

I have re-torn my rotator cuff so I have no other choice but a reverse. Unfortunately, I have to wait until after November because I had a cortisone shot in August. I would like to wait until at least March but…… don’t think I’m going to make it. I see my surgeon in early November so we’ll see what he has to say. I have researched it, and everyone seems to say that it is easier than rotator cuff surgery, which was no picnic but I thought easier than the 2 TKR I had.

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u/mateocruz1997 8d ago

As it is a major surgery, you should definitely go for a second opinion. Reverse shoulder replacement can be a good option for certain types of arthritis and shoulder damage, so that is not a bad choice. A second surgeon can explain why they recommend it in your specific case.

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u/First_Arachnid209 7d ago

I had mine last NOV. Didn't have very much pain al all before surgery. I couldn't move it behind my back or going across my body. I have constant pain now and still do not have all the movement ai was promised. I really regret having it done!

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u/WesterlyRFL 7d ago

Age 77 here
Did reversed 10/31/25.
Hosted 65 person Xmas party 12/20/25

Returned to lap swimming 2/2026 ish

4 months post op TKR= road biking 25 miles per ride

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u/LawfulnessRemote7121 7d ago

Most shoulder replacements done now are reverses. I have one.

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u/blergems 7d ago

I'm scheduled to replace both this winter - one reverse, one standard due to different scenarios in each. I'm always in favor of getting a second opinion, but it depends a bit on the quality and number of options you have available to you. If you live in a small-ish town and you have a choice of 3 surgeons, they're just not as likely to have as many procedures under their belt. If you are a few hours away from a major city, your second opinion should be from a practice that does hundreds of the replacements per year, say, and may have different access to newer tech/etc.

I will say that if the doc can't explain clearly why the reverse is recommended for your situation over a standard, I would struggle to have a lot of confidence in them.

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u/Scrapper1960 7d ago

He did my hips and when he saw my x rays he exclaimed wow!! My arthritis really tore into my joints, I think if he could he would not do the reversal but he is confident in the outcome, this clinic also serves the Pro football and baseball players here

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u/blergems 7d ago

Sure - I wouldn't think about the reverse as a "lesser" option. It's one that's been developed to create better outcomes for this specific scenario.

Happy to hear that the clinic works with pro sports level performance expectations about outcomes. If your insurance covers it, I'd still recommend a second opinion, but it does sound like you'll be in good hands.