Anyone had shoulder replcement?

[legends1]

I have had pain in my bow arm for the last few years. Making it hard to shoot a 3D course without to much pain.Tried injections, they worked for awhile. Last week went to a well known sports doctor. He did xray and MRI and said im bone on bone. He said try therapy and shoulder replacement as last resort. He said no other surgery would help my problem. Not hard to figure out archery has been my life for a long time. Just not sure what my archery future holds for me. Anyone been in my shoes and what was the outcome? Don't like the thought of replacement surgery. Sounds like a lot of bad side affects. Im also 53 years old and he said im a bit younger than he likes to do replacement on. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[Justin Vinci]

We'll first of all, drop your draw weight to about 30 pounds, if you haven't dropped it already. I have bought bows off people who have had them and are back to shooting the normal bows

[59Alaskan]

I am really sorry to hear this Mike.  I hope you find a way to pull through and keep in archery.

I have a neighbor that had his replaced last year. He's young too - guessing around 50.  He rebounded fast and says he had little issues with the recovery.  He's not an archer so I cannot say wether he could take the strain of pulling a bow.  He regretted not having it done sooner.

Keep us posted and good luck

[larry]

I know two guys from church that have had it done, both older than you. neither of them have full motion of their shoulder, but both are better than they were. neither are archers either, so I can't speak to that.

[nashoba]

Mike I hope everything works out for you, I know somewhat of what you are going through as I'm dealing with my own shoulder problems right now though they are post operative.

[Dave Pagel]

I will be 55 in May and I will be in the same spot as you are sometime in the future.  I shoot a bow LH, but I threw RH in the old baseball days and my right shoulder and elbow are trashed.  The ortho has already told me replacements are likely for both joints.  I was taking cortisone shots every 4 months and decided I didn't want to keep that up so I got some weights and started a light lifting routine and then supplemented that with a rowing machine.  My shoulders have not been this strong in ages and I haven't had a shot in over 2 years.  I draw just under 30 inches and typically hunt with bows in the 50 - 56# @ 28 range, but I am pulling my 60# Silvertip limbs again and I love it.

D.P.

[njloco]

These might not be for Mike, anyone else having shoulder problems should google indian clubs !

Mike, there are now materials that they can inject into the joint, so it stops the bone on bone contract, check into that first, as they are coming out with all types of new things now to avoid surgery.

Good luck

[legends1]

Thanks to all the comments so far. Very much want to be able to enjoy my archery again pain free.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Can you switch to lefty/righty(depending on your original dominant side)?

I have been having shots in my left shoulder at 3 month intervals for the past year due to pain from arthritis. The MD (shoulder specialist) says I am headed for a replacement but as long as the shots help, we'll do that. I have made it clear that anything that stops me from shooting a bow is not acceptable and she's confident that the eventual surgery will not impede this after recovery. I am 67 and already have an artificial hip which has been a great thing. Ask about the shots, they last for 2-3 months. The other thing is, they are making advances in this field at lightning speed, and joint replacement just gets simpler and better.

[legends1]

Thanks huntryx, Yes I did the injections and they did work for awhile. But the one I had Dec.20,2013 did nothing. I have heard good and bad on post-surgery results when it comes to archery. One of the cons way at the angel for bow arm is dislocation at draw. I guess I have read more cons than pros on the surgery is what bothers me. Thanks again for your advise.

[nashoba]

Mike prior to having my shoulder surgery in December the surgeon gave me an injection in my shoulder, he used a ultra sound to get it in the right location helped for awhile . Did your doctor also use a ultra sound for location?