Well, just met with the surgeon and had an almost relaxed discussion. We looked over the X-rays again, discussed options, went through my list of questions (or at least those he hadn’t already answered), and discussed options. I’m waiting now for the surgery scheduler to contact me.
Short version is that we are going to replace the right shoulder first, and do what is called a reverse replacement. The new ball will be in the shoulder and the new socket will be part of the arm. A major advantage of that is improved recovery time. The downside is that I will not get back full range of motion more than likely. The median is that I will be able to do the things I like to do, such as hiking, camping, shooting, etc. without pain. Oh, and going this route reduces the chances of complications.
He’s done quite a few of these, and he freely and frankly talked about numbers, problems, and other joys. It turns out he knew some people I’ve worked with in the past, and I will say that what he said matched what I had been able to dig up on him. Think I’m in good hands.
We talked procedure, pain management, and more. He’s even willing to work with me on my scapular. Good sense of humor. Given how badly the joints have deteriorated over the last 3-4 years, and cysts, bone spurs, broken pieces, etc., think it’s time and we have made the right decision. Really almost wish we could do it tomorrow. More soon!