foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

This is not rotator cuff surgery. It is complete shoulder replacement. Titanium ball and socket. I have had six previous orthopedic surgeries with a 22 years separation between those and this one. Same surgeon. Always did the PT vigorously and obtained full motion. Am hoping for same this time.

Again, thank you for your help and good wishes.

Quixdraw Loc: x

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I've never had it, but I have friends who have had knee replacements. Good luck.

Cmbtvet Loc: Elmira, NY

Hey foggypreacher, 1st I wish you the best of luck with your shoulder surgery and prey for a speedy recovery, I've had both shoulders done, the left shoulder due to injuries in 2008 from my job as a combat engineer in the Army, had rotator cuff, slap repair, bicep reattachment and something else done to it but it turned out fine recovery from that took about 6 months to get me to about 85-90% but my shoulder was really messed up pretty bad, most of the pain now is just arthritis's and I can tell you when its gonna rain to a T lol, my right shoulder I had done in February of this year and that was just the rotator cuff stemming from everyday wear and tear from the Army and wearing a 45-50 lb ballistic vest everyday for all my deployments, and that is doing well. I did about 2 months worth of physical therapy and I have no problems a little arthritis but that's normal, I suggest you start drinking high protein drinks it will help cut down your recovery time. I wish you the best of luck on a speedy recovery

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Rotator cuff surgery to repair a partial tear that I'd had for many years, as well as a fractured upper arm incurred in an auto accident.

My recovery was relatively quick - I was back to "bionic man" level, much better than I was before the surgery in about six months. It required intensive physical therapy, as others have said, but my arm strength and functionality are better than they used to be just living with the shoulder pain. If things have deteriorated to the point where you need replacement surgery, it's likely that you are already living with most of the restrictions that you'll face during recovery.

One thing I haven't heard mentioned - after most shoulder surgery of any kind, the bigger problem is likely to be range of movement rather than weight carrying. I could pick up even a heavy medium format film camera shortly after the surgery, but lifting it to eye level was painful and I could only hold it there for a short time. Turning a 35mm or DSLR from landscape to portrait orientation with one hand was virtually impossible, and even a two handed grip on a heavier camera was impossible to hold for more than 30 seconds or so.

I was able to adapt to all of those specific challenges, and to keep up with the demanding PT schedule. I never stopped taking pictures, just lowered my endurance expectations, and today I walk around with all sorts of heavy gear. Don't get too discouraged by what others might have said to you. It's a relatively short curve to full function, and the pain decreases rapidly after the first few weeks.

Andy

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Listen to your Doctors, be religious with your physical therapy, and most importantly, do not rush your recovery. You will regain your previous range of motion.

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

There are too many of you to thank each individually, so I thank all of you collectively. As I mentioned before, this is my 6 or 7 th orthopedic surgery, plus a pulse generator in my hip attached to my spine and a pump under the skin above my stomach with a catheter running up the core of my spine. Soooo, I do have experience with post -op requirements and PT. Doc asked on one surgery, how much range did I expect ?I show him on the opposite limb which was normal. He said not to be disappointed if I was not able to reach that. I did and beyond.

All of the various tricks and helps for how to shoot while doing PT will be very helpful. This is a great site for receiving wonderful help. Appreciation beyond expression.

anotherview Loc: California

After an MRI of my torn rotator cuff, I became a candidate for shoulder replacement. An operation could not re-attach the torn ligaments. The doctor told, me, however, that with the replacement, I could not lift more than 15 pounds with my arm. I replied that even with the shoulder injury, I could lift more than that. I passed on surgery.

For the pain from the injury, I take Acetaminophen. I take two 500mg tablets in the morning, to begin my day. I take a single 500mg tablet at bedtime to quell the pain so I can sleep. I may take a tablet or two during the day for pain.

You can buy Acetaminophen off the shelf. This painkiller does not addict the user, and the user does not develop a toleration for it. I found that this pill more directly targets the pain without noticeable side-effects from its use.

Obviously, being able to lift only 15 pounds with my right arm -- I am right handed -- would likely interfere with my photographic activity.

Interestingly, with the reduction of shoulder pain from this painkiller, I have far more range of motion in my arm. Of course, I still have to take care when I use my right arm. I do not find a serious limitation in doing my photography from the shoulder injury since I began taking Acetaminophen.

Flickwet Loc: NEOhio

Reverse replacement on both, sold my nikons and went all in on M43, that was two years ago, now I sold the M43, and I am back to slogging Nikons again.
Buy a used m43 for the mean time and sell it when your healed, or do what I did and keep one for the fact they’re small

gcolegate1

Just be diligent with your rehab. Once your allowed hold a 5 to 8 pound dumbbell and hold it like you would a camera. Work up to one heavier than your camera, than should making taking pictures a breeze. Remember the rehab is the key.

d2b2 Loc: Catonsville, Maryland, USA

I had a shoulder reconstruction in 1995, and a replacement in 2017. From my perspective, it is all about your personal dedication to physical therapy and rehab regimen. For both surgeries, I was using a camera after two weeks with a tripod, and hand holding a D7100 with a short zoom and battery pack in three. My photography is no worse...but unfortunately no better as a result of either surgery and I feel great.

drharveys Loc: Holly Springs, NC

I had a completely torn rotator cuff repair some years ago, and it was the most painful recovery. PT absolutely necessary- did that 3 x week for 8 weeks. Eventually returned to carrying and using DSLR, but it was months. Best wishes and do the PT!

WvomSaal

I had a total reverse shoulder replacement and now have excellent range of motion and good strength. But it took months of rigorous work following the recommended physical therapy regimen after surgery. My advice is to be religiously compulsive about following a physical therapy regimen and be willing to put yourself in a bit of pain every day. The people I know who did that recovered well, those who we're not willing to do it had real limitations. Good luck!

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

I am not able to take any of the NSAIDs due to liver and kidney issues. My doc did not say I would have any restrictions after the surgery and PT. Anyway, I am committed and will tell y'all what happened.

foggypreacher Loc: Dickinson, Texas

That is the type of replacement I am having. I will take the PT as if my life depends on it. Thanks.