Shoulder replacement elderly

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Shoulder replacement

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shite! I didn't even know this was a thing. Rehab seems like it would be a bitch!

They are not as bad as they used to be. She will likely need some constant assistance the first few weeks. Maybe a caregiver service the first week until she gets settled and sees how much help she needs. Considering she lives alone, I assume she gets around pretty well, so she should make it out fine.

If a doctor is recommending surgery on an 80 year old, it must be pretty damn bad. Is she currently in much pain?

Physical Therapist here. I see shoulder replacements often and they vary in outcomes. Mostly dependent on patient effort and attendance to PT. If she is an active and determined person then she should do fine. She won't get full range of motion back in shoulder but she will still be functional. She will be able to clean, feed, bathe, dress, and do all normal activities. Biggest thing is going to PT like she needs to and working it at home. Hardest part is the first 4-6 weeks because she will be in a brace 23 hours a day to protect shoulder and prevent dislocation. If you have any other questions I'd be happy to answer them!

Dominant UE or non-dominant?

If its her dominant arm basic ADLs such as dressing, toileting, bathing and even getting out of bed will be extremely challenging. If she is able to tolerate as is I would avoid replacement.

Her dominant arm. She has been doing PT for two weeks and seems fine with it. Even told my sister she didn’t want to wear the sling anymore. That’s why she was a bit upset today after seeing the Dr. I’m hoping the MRI they are scheduling will show more info than just the X-rays they have been doing

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. I’m hoping the MRI they are scheduling will show more info than just the X-rays they have been doing

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The MRI will definitely show the extent of damage. An x-ray is just a preliminary step to see if there's anything obvious and the follow-up MRI usually tells the tale.

I've had 5 MRI's over the years after x-rays didn't really show much.

I did have rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder in 2013 when I was 61 and it went well but was a fairly long recovery. Like already mentioned, PT is the key and giving it a good effort at the sessions and what they say to do at home is vital.

Any physical therapist will tell you nothing is more frustrating than trying to help people and them doing things half-assed in their sessions and just knowing they are doing nothing at home.