Shoulder Replacement

[Johnny Buck]

The shoulder has finally given out and needs to be replaced.  I tried to find some old threads of those who had surgery, but nothing came to light.  I am aware of the "reverse" surgery and wanted to find out what your experience was like and when you could return to shooting (especially if it was your strong side).

 

Thanks

 

JB

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

I have 2 replacement shoulders....not reverses tho. Reverses are more limiting in their movement. I did both of mine in the same year and was away from shooting for about 10 months. The PT is pretty tough too. I had both of mine when I was in my mid 70's and I am 83 now. I still shoot and hunt. 

[Indy Kid, SASS #4638]

My Brother and my wife have both had reverse shoulder replacements. My brother was (75+) was back playing golf and riding his motorcycle in less than 6 months. My wife has health and back issues and managed to chip the bone around one of the screws and things have not gone as well. Talk to multiple surgeons and ask what is best for you because everyone is different!

[irish ike, SASS #43615]

I have the reverse replacement. PT is tough but if you stick to it you'll recover faster. The reverse changes the geometry of movement in you arm. I can't raise my arm straight up. Or reach behind my back to tuck in a shirt.

 

It was my strong side shoulder. Shooting SASS was not limited other than,,,,, if I shoulder my shotgun to close to the actual joint it hurt. I had to learn to mount the buttstock closer to my head.

6 years and no other issues.

[watab kid]

whatever you do follow the PT therapy ro the letter , i know a few that didnt and they have paid for it in the end , 

[Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L]

I had reverse shoulder replacement on my right shoulder after a failed rotator cuff surgery. Doc said no shooting for 6 months, I did start shooting .22 Benchrest after 3 months with his blessing. Contrary to his description I can still get my arm back to tuck in my shirt or get my belt in place. I thought PT was easy compared to Rotator Cuff recovery. Mine was done Oct 2022, no problems. Yes, it changes the geometry, but that's not been a problem.  I sold my 45-70 Sharps , fearing it wouldbe hard on it and got a 40-65 with no problems shooting it.  

[Johnny Buck]

Thank you everyone!

[irish ike, SASS #43615]

4 hours ago, Boulder Canyon Bob# 32052L said:

40-65 with no problems shooting it.  

I also sold my 45-70 and bought a 40-65. I still use a shoulder pad though.

[Judge Gardner]

I just had the ball replaced in Nov 23 and was shooting my 45/70 back and smokeless at 24 EOT. It depends on the DOC there is good ones and bad ones.

[Buckeye Pete, SASS # 29941]

13 hours ago, Johnny Buck said:

Thank you everyone!

JB, just for another opinion, I had both replaced, one in 2017 and the other in 2021.  My Doc said that there was little to no difference in recovery with regard to physical therapy or not.  I was off shooting for about 6 months for each surgery.  I have full range of motion and really no limitations.  Good luck.

 

Buckeye Pete

[Scarlett]

Tommy had the reverse shoulder replacement surgery in 2018. It was a rough while - but he did EXACTLY what his Dr and Physical Therapists told him to do.  He has ZERO pain or discomfort now.  He never was a cowboy shooter - so I can not tell you that however, his Doctor told him it would be one year before he was 100% - and he was right.  He did do PT PRIOR to the surgery... for at least 6 weeks.  That helped a LOT so that he was at least in the best shape for AFTER the surgery.  I wondered where you were at the NC state match!  Sending you and Jewel BIG hugs!

 

Scarlett

[Johnny Buck]

Thank you, Scarlett!  Jewel and I miss you.  We moved to Pennsylvania to be closer to family and fly fishing.  With all the back surgeries (one more to go in February) we decided that it would be best to focus on fishing.  Not saying we are done with SASS, but it has been almost 3 years since I touched a gun due to continuing back surgeries.  Once you get started it doesn't stop unless you stop!  And I refuse to quit living!

 

JB

[Erasmus]

On 11/17/2024 at 7:10 PM, watab kid said:

whatever you do follow the PT therapy ro the letter , i know a few that didnt and they have paid for it in the end , 

 

And keep doing it. 

 

PT isn't something you do for a few weeks and stop because you're all better. You will maximize the benefits of PT by continuing to do PT. That doesn't mean going to the office and paying someone else, they should be teaching you what exercises to do and how to do them at home. 

[watab kid]

3 hours ago, Erasmus said:

 

And keep doing it. 

 

PT isn't something you do for a few weeks and stop because you're all better. You will maximize the benefits of PT by continuing to do PT. That doesn't mean going to the office and paying someone else, they should be teaching you what exercises to do and how to do them at home. 

Agreed , these are a new starting point in life as you have now reached a whole new point in life , im near 75 and today i was on both a one story ladder and a two story ladder - then spent some time on a 8 foot scaffold , not that i wanted to but it needed doing , 

[Kirk James]

I had my right shoulder replaced and had some problems, which made my recovery longer.  Everyone is different.  I highly suggest therapy.  I am doing well, and it does not limit my shooting.  I have also had both hips replaced and my right knee, which is not going well.  After a year and 6 months, I am still going to therapy for my knee (swelling and pain).  I do not think I would have continued if not for my therapist. She has taught me I can do more than I thought I could.  I wish everyone well and a speedy recovery. 

[Bison Bud]

I could be wrong, but it is my impression that they only do the "Reverse" implant if the rotor cuff is badly damaged.  Anyway, I had my right shoulder replaced with the normal implant back in 2018 and it has worked out pretty well.  I do have some trouble reaching behind my back and had to install bidet attachments on my toilets to clean up afterward.  Frankly, after using one, I've never been cleaner, and would not go back!  As for shooting, I was back to shooting lower recoil stuff in about 4 months and was cleared to shoot whatever I wanted to shoot at about 6 months.  However, it can be painful shooting my two 45/70 rifles and heavy hunting loads in my shotguns.  So, I have cut back on shooting them and worked up some lighter loads for when I do shoot them.  All in all, my overall shoulder pain has been significantly reduced and I can do pretty much anything I could do before the surgery with some possible exceptions.  I consider the procedure a full success and I'm glad I got it done!  However, I would recommend getting a second opinion and doing the therapy excercises even after you give up going to the physical therapist.  Good luck to you and yours.   

[Johnny Buck]

Thank you everyone!

 

JB

[Texas Jack Black]

2 hours ago, Johnny Buck said:

Thank you everyone!

 

JB

 I have two new hips and after 3 back surgeries and a recent back  fusion I am back to about 60% and should be able to shoot come spring. Took a total of 4 yrs . You will do great do what the Doc says and stay well. I am about 75%  and happy with the outcome.

 You will be up and running in 6 mo

 

 Best Wishes

Edited November 23, 2024 by Texas Jack Black

[Johnny Buck]

Pretty soon I'll be bionic!  That was my 5th operation.  I took a fall back in the summer and shattered a vertebra, so we have go in and do some fixin before the shoulder replacement.  I agree PT can be tough, but is well worth the time, energy and pain.

 

Jb

[Jack Tar, SASS# 15099]

I had a full shoulder replacement on my left side in March, 2012. Be prepared, it's a bear and maybe the rehab is worse but in the end it's worth it. Just make sure you do exactly what they tell you to do. You have to be patient. When the Doc took the sling off for the last time and said I could now start using my muscles to move the arm again I was shocked to find that I couldn't lift my hand up. Muscle atrophy is fast!

 

I'm 79 now and doing pretty good. Still wary of overtaxing that shoulder. Before the surgery I had done all the diesel repairs on the engines in my commercial passenger vessel. I asked the Doc what the ultimate strength of the new joint would be. He said 50%. Then he said I was done with doing my own diesel work. Wellllll, I figured out how to do it smarter rather than the "BULL IT" method I was using but when it came to the really heavy stuff of torqueing head bolts etc. it was wiser to use the check book and have it done for me.

 

So, good luck, be patient and remember that "Ice is your friend!"

[Kirk James]

We should have our own category!  Just kidding!!!!!

[Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life]

Regarding PT....I have 5 replacement joints (both shoulders, both knees and an ankle) and did PT after every one of them. I also did pre-op Pt on one knee and both shoulders and highly recommend it. My recovery was quicker and less painful. If I had a Dr that recommended no PT , I'd get a second opinion for sure.