Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Shoulder replacement surgery

My health insurance ain’t that good! All considered experimental and insurance won’t cover and I’m not considered a candidate for those….yeah I’ve looked into and a lesson for some of the other guys who say I can handle with PT….I waited too long

D,
Had my right shoulder totally replaced almost exactly two years ago. Doctor described it as a mess post surgery. It is a standard shoulder not reverse, he had both on hand if needed. Surgery was at 0700 and I was home that afternoon. Had me out of the sling the next day saying movement nose to toes with nothing behind the back. Long story short I was shooting trap eight weeks later. He said if it hurts don't do it. Now I don't even think about the shoulder, hasn't hindered anything I do. Heaviest recoil I deal with is a 35 Whelen and is no problem. Good luck. Dale

Thanks for reply. Like to hear good results

After watching my dad go through 5 surgeries with two different surgeons on his right shoulder over a 5 year period I will happily deal with any pain necessary. Between his foot, knee, hip, back and shoulder I’m guessing I’ve spent 20 days in OR waiting rooms.
I’ve watched him and three Uncles have joint replacements at 4 different hospitals and not one of them has came out better than they went in.
Modern medicine is 100% about revenue generation.

I had both my shoulders replaced back in 2018. I hurt my right one when I was in a motorcycle accident in 1986 and fractured and dislocated it. The surgeon back then said I'd need a replacement sooner or later but to wait as long as possible as the technology was improving every year. My left shoulder was broken and dislocated when I was hit by a car on my bicycle. It also tore off half the labrum. That surgeon also told me I'd need a replacement sooner or later. I waited as long as possible but both were really bad by 2018. I asked around and found out the best "shoulder guy" in the Detroit area. He said that I'm lucky that I didn't wait much longer because there wasn't much bone left to attach things to. Both were reverse replacements. Both went great and after PT, I have full range of motion except above my waist to the rear. I'm limited to 35-40lbs total but now that I'm retired, it doesn't really matter. He told me I can occasionally lift more but not to make a habit of it. Because I waited too long, I can't shoot anything much heavier than a .243. Since I don't hunt much anymore, that's not a problem. I have all kinds of fun long range shooting with my Tikka .223 Varmint and other light recoiling calibers. Good luck.
PS--Where are you located?

I’m going down that road this myself. This thread is enlightening

Ask around with doctors you trust. Any orthopedic surgeon can do hips or knees but find the best shoulder specialist that you can. Do exactly what they tell you during PT, but don't overdo it. They know what they're doing. Try to find a PT that works with an orthopedic practice. My brother had his done and they started him with movement right away. My doc had me immobile for 3 weeks. Both of us did exactly what we were told and it worked out for both of us. There isn't just one way of doing things.

Try saying “shoulder surgery” out loud.

It’s tough.




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Thanks for reply very helpful, guess I should add location to my profile, I am in Michigan as well


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I had a reverse replacement 3 years ago. I can shoot a 30-06, but with break.5-6 times. Even a 20 gauge shotgun semi auto,I can only do about 5 rounds. Although I still do PT every other day, strength has never returned. I can lift maybe 25 pounds. The new shoulder will not survive the heavy hitters. Abuse it and you will have troubles. I am 78

I have had both knees done, would do it again in a heartbeat. Football and a life in the concrete business ate them up. Last one was in late July of '18, I was elk hunting in Montana in November. Find the right Dr.

If shoulders were as easy as knees I would have the left one done, I am skert...

FWIW. I've had one knee replacement and one conventional shoulder replacement. The shoulder recovery was much easier than the knee in my experience.

Here is an important caveat. The presurgery condition of the rotator cuff and tendons makes a huge difference in the time to recover. My rotator cuff was in nearly 100% good condition. If your surgery includes rotator cuff repair, or is a reverse shoulder replacement, your post surgery arm use will be more restricted and recovery will take longer.

The other doctors that I talked to said that Michael Wiater at Beaumont-Royal Oak is the best shoulder guy in the area.

Thanks, I’ve consulted with him, was my third opinion doctor. Having surgery done more locally as all three doctors that have reviewed all have same opinion.

Good luck. He's not much of a talker but a really good technical surgeon.

You may want to look at OVOMotion a newer replacement option, some great results though early in the life of this solution.

That is for darn sure. BTDT

Have you had reverse? I’m interested in hearing about that as well. I’m going under not knowing which I’ll wake up with, the docs are 90% certain rotator is ok, due to strength, but due to metal from previous repair due to dislocations, they can’t be sure until open me up.

Yes, mine was the reverse.

If they do that, you will find there are movements that you are not capable of anymore. Besides the shoulder, they had to re-attach my bicep muscle, but could not get it high enough are. Consequently I could never get my strength back in that arm back.

Six weeks in a sling which is strapped to your chest. So no movement.Then very slow progression of physical therapy.Your elbow and shoulder initially feels like it was never suppose to unbend.Take pain medication about 1/2 hour before your PT begins.

Don't believe it when they tell you it will be like new again. It won't. You will find there are things that give you trouble, like putting on a shirt or coat.

I am 3 years out now. Still have to do PT every other day. Probably for the rest of my life.

The good thing is now my arm doesn't hang down at my side like a useless appendage.

Are those doctors still the ones at Taos Orthopedic?
They know what they're doing.