73-Year-Old Returns to Triathlons After Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

A fluke cycling accident on a recently paved road set the wheels of destiny in motion for Denny M. At the time, he didn’t think much of what happened. His left shoulder was scratched, but the fall wasn’t bad enough to keep him from finishing his ride. Fast forward 30 years. Despite the injury not causing him much discomfort when it initially happened, he had accelerated joint deterioration, requiring a reverse total shoulder replacement.

Although not everyone with post-traumatic arthritis (or wear-and-tear problems) requires surgery for pain relief, this shoulder care option from Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center was what finally helped Denny find pain relief. In fact, the procedure worked so well for him that this champion triathlete is already back in competition (and taking big home awards).

This is his story.

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Denny M.’s patient story

Hometown: Bloomington
Age: 73

From street skid to shoulder pain

It started with a bike accident 30 years ago. I was cycling and landed on my shoulder. Over the years, the pain got worse, and it was keeping me from doing what I love.

I am a triathlete. During training, I noticed my shoulder getting worse and worse. I had important events coming up. I couldn’t even swim because my arm and shoulder pain was that horrible.

My coach and I wanted to get my arm ready for my next big event: the Senior Olympics. So, I did one-arm swim drills for six weeks, but that actually made things worse. By not working it, that arm atrophied.

In the year or two before I finally saw Dr. Reed W. Hoyer, I had been seeing a local sports medicine doctor for cortisone injections. He was the one who said it was clear I would need to have it replaced. It had deteriorated badly. He recommended three different shoulder specialists.

Out of convenience, I interviewed a shoulder surgeon in the same practice as my sports medicine doctor first, but that didn’t go well. He gave me erroneous information about what I could expect after rehab., painting a pretty depressing picture. He declared that I would have to give up triathlons, never swim, and never lift more than five pounds.

I have an exercise physiology degree, so I looked into this prognosis. That wasn’t even the standard described in journals! So, I knew I needed to try another local doctor. I believe it’s important to get second opinions. It was going well with the second specialist. I even got some of my workup done by him, but I decided to travel the 40 miles to Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center and see Dr. Hoyer to hear what he said.

Saved the best for last

When I saw Dr. Hoyer, my choice was clear. He was the shoulder surgeon I wanted to do my procedure. 

I believe that a doctor shouldn’t do everything you want just because they have specialized clinical knowledge that you don’t, but they should work with you to meet your goals or get as close as possible rather than say you can’t do it anymore. You really have to be careful as an older person with subtle ageism. 

My experience with Dr. Hoyer was different. He considered me as a whole person. He told me after having a reverse total shoulder replacement that he believed I could return to triathlons and lift up to 50 pounds.

I appreciated that he was really supportive of helping me continue to live the life I wanted to live, and I think we had an honest dialogue about all that I wanted and what my goals were after reverse total shoulder replacement. 

I liked that Dr. Hoyer was committed to helping me achieve those things. That was exactly what I was looking for besides the technical competence. 

Knock him down, and he’ll get up again

Today, my shoulder is doing great. The only thing I’m dealing with is unrelated hip pain. I would recommend Dr. Hoyer because he helped me achieve what I wanted to achieve after my reverse total shoulder replacement surgery. 

I’ve done seven triathlons since the surgery and 18 total since I turned 70. This is a big part of my life. I would strongly recommend Dr. Hoyer, not just because he helped me reach my goals but because he really listens. He’s fun and supportive, encouraging me to send pictures from my triathlons. 

I remember that the first time back in competition after my surgery, I sent Dr. Hoyer some pictures. He responded right away enthusiastically [to my message]. He even said to keep sending them. He’s been really supportive.

Ultimately, this surgery was a means to an end, helping me live the life I want to live. I recommend Dr. Hoyer to anyone with shoulder pain. 

I had a really good experience at Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center from start to finish. I did some of my post-op work with Angela (his Nurse Practitioner), and she’s been great to work with too. 

Dr.  Hoyer really listened, and he was just generally more responsive. For me, both the clinical and customer experiences were better at Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. This is why I chose him, and I‘m really pleased I chose Dr. Hoyer and Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. 

Need Specialized Care for Shoulder Pain

For some patients with serious shoulder arthritis—like Denny M.—specialized care from experts can help you get better and return to what you love.

Each patient has different needs. If you’re seeking a second opinion about your shoulder pain treatment options (or know that you need joint replacement surgery), request an appointment with one of our specialists to discuss your care options and find the best to help you heal.

Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Specialists

Since 1972, patients across the Midwest and the U.S. have trusted Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center’s best-in-class shoulder surgeons. 

“I am part of the new generation of senior athletes, and we’re not stopping. Ageism in healthcare is real, but Dr. Hoyer didn’t minimize my symptoms or put limitations on what I wanted to achieve. He really listens. I am so glad I chose him for my reverse total shoulder replacement.”—Denny M. Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center shoulder surgery patient

How Do I See a Doctor at IHTSC?

Request an appointment today and take the first step in healing after an accident or other shoulder injury.

Prefer to schedule by phone? Call us at (317) 751-5904.

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