February. Recovery started out great. Therapy for 24 sessions. After that I had 6 great weeks, then suddenly a setback. Unsure why. I understand residual soreness but have been having out of nowhere sudden sharp bursts of pain followed by stiffness. It is as if I took a step backward. They said not to baby it, but to use it. Going to see the orthopedist again soon.
Yeah for a reverse TSR initial recovery is easier than anatomical TSR. In an anatomical replacement, they sew the subscapularis muscle back onto the clavicle and humerus. It was one month before I could do much of anything. For a reverse, the subscapularis is detached to do the replacement, and not reattached because it won't be needed.
After getting through the first month, recovery was good but long. First worked on mobility and then strengthening. I also used a continuous passive motion machine for 4 hours/day for at least 6 weeks. Did you do that? I'm guessing yes.
With a reverse, recovery is different. The rotatorcuff is replaced by the deltiods for shoulder stability. Therapy should have focused on regaining mobility first, and then building strength, especially the deltoids.
You're only 5 months out and recovery can take 6 months to a year. Yeah you shouldn't baby it but you shouldn't work through sharp pain either. I'd ask your Dr to prescribe another round of PT.
I'm one year out and work on RC and upper back strength 2 or 3 times/week. But for the first six months, I was doing something everyday as far as rehab/PT. I don't have any pain in the new shoulder, but I don't take it for granted and stay as strong as possible. Reverse of anatomical, it's a long and challenging recovery.
But you should be well past the pain stage.
(One other suggestion. I continued to sleep on my back - well, once I got used to it. I have a bed where the top can be raised. I'd be laying down at what I guess was a 30 degree angle.
It's important to stuff a few folded hand towels under the operated arm so it doesn't fall all the way to the mattress. And it feels good as well.)
Good luck milani!
