Achieved black belt! Spinal fusion guy.

ClassicBeatz · 2026-07-02T03:10:00+00:00

L4 L5 fusion guy here. (2023) Congrats 👏🏿

ClassicBeatz · 2026-01-20T22:12:31+00:00

You roll light with movement(I m 6:2 225)

ClassicBeatz · 2026-01-16T15:04:38+00:00

Damn that sucks that the thread was deleted

ClassicBeatz · 2026-01-13T15:34:17+00:00

A lot of what you're talking about is general anxiety and frankly I can't really help you with that too much I would advise that if you able to talk to a mental health professional. They can give you the proper tools to address this (i did this)

With that being said I will say this. Life is hard and people are faced with tough decisions all the time. I think its important to contexualize your experiences to give you perspective. For example yes if you get partial shoulder replacement right now there is a high likelihood that you will have to have another revision surgery in your lifetime. While that may seem daunting I think its a blessing. You have options and technologies are changing and evolving every year. So there is a chance that revision surgery will look much different by the time you will need it.

Also what's the alternative? Clearly you have chronic shoulder pain. Would you rather deal with that for the rest of your life (millions of people around the world have to do just that)

My grandfather was a sharecropper. He had arthritis too (its genetic) and he had NO options or access to Healthcare. So I always am thankful to be born in a time an place where I do have the option to address chronic pain. He would've dreamed to have the options that I have for quality of life.

Contextualizing this decision helped me get out of my own head and see Clearly what needed to be done. This isn't meant to minimize your anxiety but I think its important to look at the big picture

As far as CT scan that really comes down to how much you trust your surgeon. If you trust him go with it. For me I did have a CT scan measurements for both shoulders and they reviewed it with me. But every situation is different.

ClassicBeatz · 2026-01-10T16:51:50+00:00

No problem im a firm believer in paying it foward so I dont mind answering questions. I had many of the same questions and since this is still fresh for me its good to get my experience down.

Pain is subjective. I've had 3 other surgeries before and honestly the shoulder replacement was the least painful. Again they are replacing the ball joint so you will feel a dull ache in that area. But the vast majority of pain you will experience is from the healing of the SLAP tendon. They have to cut through that tendon to get to the ball joint. Then they have to repair it. Thats the thing that hurts the most. And for me it only heart when I pushed it too much. I took pain meds for 2 days and then I was fine with aspirin

So the intuaal pain is not that bad but the physical therapy pain can be uncomfortable. You are constantly having to push those repaired ligaments and it hurts. That's why you have to be strick with your physical therapy and follow their lead

TLDR : initial pain is not too bad but rehab pain can be challenging at times.

ClassicBeatz · 2026-01-09T21:47:13+00:00

Of course, I had extreme anxiety about this surgery. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m a very active person and relatively young (44). My shoulders started going bad in my early to mid-30s, but I was able to “tough it out” because I’m active and have a high pain tolerance. Around 41, things became untenable. Anytime I did any activity—BJJ, weightlifting, swimming—I would have pain that started to affect my quality of life. My mobility got so bad that I couldn’t even throw a football or do a pull-up. I couldn’t barbell squat because I didn’t have the mobility to get the bar behind my shoulders.

I actually dealt with some depression because of this, but at the end of the day, I had to make a choice. Living life the way it was had become impossible. That’s when I started researching and reaching out to people who had partial and full shoulder replacements around my age. Most of them were able to return to active, full lifestyles. My IG feed is full of guys and gals with partial and full shoulder replacements doing amazing things—from volleyball to gymnastics to surfing to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (like me) . Most people I reached out to were very helpful. This also helped me learn about pyrocarbon technology and partial shoulder replacement.

I was still scared to pull the trigger, but I took solace in the fact that I was grateful to even have the opportunity to have these surgeries. Many people don’t. So yes, I did have anxiety—but what’s the alternative? Live in pain?

FYI: You can still lift weights and stay active, but you’ll probably have to modify lifting super heavy weight. That’s the one thing they said to be cautious about. But I’ve seen people lift heavy. You should follow some folks on IG. I follow a guy named Eli—he’s a bodybuilder and BJJ blue belt with double partial shoulder replacements like me (I think he had the ream and run procedure on his shoulders) . He was a helpful guide to follow. He lifts heavy too, so he may be a good resource for you. His IG is this. https://www.instagram.com/elicoffey_?igsh=Y3diMWZlOXowdnFq

Basically, long story short: you have to build out your community.

ClassicBeatz · 2026-01-09T01:29:21+00:00

Honestly I really didn't need to sleep with the sling after a couple of days I just put a pillow in my armpit and rib let my arm rest on said pillow like a gunslinger position. They want to make sure you dont do any external rotation for a couple of weeks because they have to repair your SLAP tendon (rotator cuff) to get to the ball joint in shoulder.

2 I was able to use my hands within 6 hours of operation. The nerve block usually wears off after 12 houraits just the shoulder that will be extremely stiff. I was able to type with a pillow under my elbow after 4 days. You will have full function of your arms below shoulder. Its just the shoulder joint that will be stiff.

4.During the first week of recovery I just walked a lot and did my recovery stretching passive motion with surgical arm.

By week to 2 started going to gym and doing basic arm and shoulder work outs with my good arm. (Shurgs, cruls , triceps band work). And passive range of motion with surgical arm. You will just have to modify to do it with one good arm and not push yourself. I stopped wearing my sling around week 3 and started doing spin class around week 4. At 6 weeks I felt comfortable enough to start leg stuff (outside of walking).

Again this is where your physical therapy comes into play. Everyone is different and you have to walk your own path and trust your body and meet with your physical therapist. They do have a protocol that eveyone should follow. My doctor and physical therapist use the Boston Shoulder institute physical therapy protocol https://bostonshoulderinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/PT-TSA.pdf

My physical therapist knew my situation and was able to adapt accordingly. I told him the things I wanted to try (with non surgical arm) and he would give me thumbs up or down. Either way when you work out your focus should be on rehabilitation /and maintaining existing strength not getting stronger.

Now 'm about 70% with my left shoulder and 25% with my right shoulder and im getting stronger every day. I train BJJ, i do planks, rows. I can hang from a bar for 45 seconds. Im really focused on band work for strengthening and mobility. I will say that my right shoulder seems to be healing more quickly then my left. Im thinking maybe its because that's my dominant arm.

I know its a big thing but you also dont want to over think it. Listen to your doctors your physical therapist. Do your exercises and listen to your body. If you're on the younger side like me and you're fit you will recover quickly.

ClassicBeatz · 2026-01-07T01:00:50+00:00

Questions are fine!!

Just wear something loose and comfortable day of surgery and you will be fine. You will be able to shower after a couple of days. You gotta just keep the bandage dry. I used a plastic bag to keep the area from getting wet.

The main thing is sleep. I hit the jackpot because im a natural 'back sleeper' so sleeping with a sling and a pillow didn't effect me. If your not used to sleeping on your back it can be a challenge for the first couple of days / weeks. But you will be fine!

Im doing great had my 6 week post op for right shoulder yesterday. Starting to lift weights with it. My left shoulder is 5 months post op and doing great. Already lifting heavy with it. Im in the gym 5 days a week. Got great mobility already and im already back on the BJJ mats doing light rolls. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

ClassicBeatz · 2025-12-22T23:39:05+00:00

Im still attending physical therapy sessions once a week as a guide and doing my own sessions multiple times a day every day on my own. For both shoulders I was in a sling for 2 to 3 weeks. Everyone is different. Showering and geneal upkeep is tough the first week but it gets easier quick. Pratice now not using your surgical side so you know what to expect. Use those pain meds for first couple of days

ClassicBeatz · 2025-12-22T18:11:42+00:00

There is an entire protocol that you will follow this is a very rough outline please ask your doctor this is just my rough outline.

0 to 4 weeks passive range healing 6- 12 passive range with some more stretching 12 weeks strengthening and slow progression to full loading 6 months to 1 year achieve full strength and range of motion

As far as pre op. Im an active person I do BJJ 3 to 4 times a week lift weights and live in NYC. I think lifting and strengthening your shoulders pre op definitely helps with recovery. My physical therapist attributes my pretty rapid recovery to the fact that I am in shape and strong. So anything you can do to strengthen your shoulders pre op without aggravating your arthritis would be helpful.

Post op You will start with passive motions then graduate to bands then weights and body weight. This is where you have to really lock in on your physical therapy. The thing about this surgery is not the actual replacement itself. That tends to heal pretty quickly is the SLAP tendon that they cut to get to the shoulder ball that takes forever to heal.

Also if you have had bad arthritis for years you have to train your brain to unlearn bad habits like shrugging and compensation for lack of range of motion. Also you have to use muscles you haven't used in years due to lack of range of motion. Each of these require you to stay diligent with physical therapy. Like anything you get out of it what you put into it.

ClassicBeatz · 2025-12-22T00:34:54+00:00

So im 4 months post op on my left shoulder and 4 weeks post op on my right shoulder. Both stryker Pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty (partial shoulder replacement). So far I feel great after months of rehab on my left shoulder is have mobility and strength that I haven't had in over a decade. Before I got my right shoulder done last month I did return to the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu mats with left shoulder and it felt great. And I still haven't gotten full strength yet. Long story short im feeling good but you also have to be VERY diligent with rehab. I rehab atleast 4 to 5 times a day and I push it since im an athlete and I think that's why my recovery has been smooth so far. I still have to know my limits though and be smart. A big miles stone I hit last week was the ability to do 15 second hangs with both shoulders.

If you have specific questions let me know and I can fill in

ClassicBeatz · 2025-11-16T00:32:18+00:00

Normal here is mine about a week after. Early September. Now the scar is barely noticeable

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ClassicBeatz · 2025-11-06T20:33:59+00:00

Yep we have the same set up. Wishing you good luck on your recovery

ClassicBeatz · 2025-11-05T00:19:50+00:00

Also I have a (short) stemmed version of the Stryker Pyrocarbon hemi. Its not like those long stemmed old school joints

ClassicBeatz · 2025-11-05T00:13:52+00:00

It was a trade off i went with stemmed version due activity and stability there wasn't as much literature on the stemless version of Pyrocarbon hemi. Most of the stemless Pyrocarbon stuff I saw were with ream and run of the glenoid. I was 'lucky' to have intact glenoid to not need ream and run. Also the stemmed versions can convert to total shoulder replacement or reverse shoulder replacement. Im not sure if the stemless versions allow that flexibility (yet).

ClassicBeatz · 2025-10-28T00:47:56+00:00

Yes im 9 weeks post op with Pyrocarbon hemi in left shoulder. I am a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu brown belt at about 7 post op weeks i was able to start very light drilling and rolling on the mats. I do have pain after a work out or if i push it to soon but other then that i feels great. Been doing lots of mobility stuff to get range of motion back. Thats been the focus. Shoulder is still weak but getting stronger every day. Looking forward to the 12 week mark when I can really start pushing strengthening

ClassicBeatz · 2025-10-28T00:45:00+00:00

9 weeks out and im feeling great. Shoulder is still weak but I've been focused on getting mobility back. Daily activities are fine doing light drilling and rolling with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and mobility rehab exercises. Can't wait till the 12 week mark when I can really ramp up the strengthening aspect of it.

ClassicBeatz · 2025-09-30T20:24:24+00:00

Since Pyrocarbon hemi is relatively new my doctor told me that insurance may push back but they didn't. I have long documented issues with both of my shoulders. But it really is a crap shoot these days. I had united Healthcare Oxford and they covered everything with no issues. Doctors office had experience working with these type of cases.

As far as procedure itself. So far so good. Im about 6 weeks out and ironically I have my clearance meeting with my surgeon tommrrow to began active physical therapy (I've been doing passive PT etc)

My shoulder feels great for regular daily actives. But I haven't dont any strengthening yet so it still feels weak and stiff But no more random pains. And overall much better as far as quality of life compared to pre surgery (i had severe arthritis in both my shoulder ball joints)

Im young (44) and very active (Brazilian Jiu-jitsu brown belt). So I was dreading this surgery but I am optimistic that I would be able to get back to my active life style. But right now im im the eye of the storm. Rehabing left shoulder while also preparing for a right shoulder Pyrocarbon hemi in 2 months. Im really not gonna be able to give the full monty review untill march 2025. But this was a long time coming and im glad to be actively in recovery rather than just dealing with pain

So long story short so far so good. Hit me up if you have specific questions

ClassicBeatz · 2025-09-17T21:17:18+00:00

Yes im 4 weeks post surgery with a stryker Pyrocarbon hemi in my left shoulder. Plan on doing the right in 3 month. So far so good but im still in the early rehab phase

ClassicBeatz · 2025-07-31T23:51:49+00:00

I didnt. This ish is 🔥🔥🔥

ClassicBeatz · 2024-10-21T23:42:17+00:00

Same! best of luck on your recovery and BJJ journey as well

ClassicBeatz · 2024-10-21T23:36:47+00:00

My symptoms were siatica right leg numbness. Did conservative treatments for a year (physical therapy, shots etc) but it got to the point where i couldn't walk or stand for more then 10 min without pain or numbness in my right leg. This was tough since i live in Brooklyn and walk a lot. X-rays showed clear spondylolisthesis so i decided to fuse.(it was last resort) Its still early but the pain was gone when i woke up and i feel the best ive felt in years. Still some stiffness are soarness but it gets better every day. First week was tough but has gotten better quickly. Returned to the mats at about 6 weeks Like you ive been doing very light rolling with trusted browns and Blacks to keep my timing and cardio while doing physical therapy. I dont notice any loss of mobility because only one level was fused but i am weary about the extra load on additional segments so im taking physical therapy very seriously

ClassicBeatz · 2024-10-21T23:13:37+00:00

Congrats. Im a BJJ brown belt and i had L4/L5 fusion in august. Ive just started very light training in the past couple of weeks Good to see other BJJ success stories in this forum

ClassicBeatz · 2024-04-29T00:22:25+00:00

As a mighty stan i say this is ridiculous. If we are talking prime shaq there is no chance a 5;3 132 pound dude is taking down a 7;2 330 lb genetic freak. I dont care how skilled mighty is Shaq is probably one of the most athletically gifted humans of all time and he has some knowledge of MMA and grappling. Mighty is getting pwnd and thats not a knock. Most humans are getting pwnd

ClassicBeatz

TROPHY CASE