Just got the bad news...shoulder replacement. I just thought the board was getting heavier:)
Who's had one? How long were you out of water?
Did you get full use returned eventually? How long?

I haven't had one, I think Vanders has. I do have a good mate (not on this forum) who's had one done and the other can't be fixed. He's doing cortisone shots once or twice a year and spends three days a week in the gym for a couple of hours.

Mostly shoulders can be repaired with some good posture, gym work and attention to the specific muscles..... I'll play devil's advocate here and ask the question. Is your surgeon offering you any other alternative than an operation? If not, he's perhaps in it for the money.... just sayin'..... and some will disagree. If I'd listened to a doctor, I'd have given up surfing and had an op on my back two years ago, and a shoulder op four years ago, but some specialised exercises have prevented that.

IMO, an op should be your last resort.

That being said, my good mate took about three months to recover enough to be able to paddle well. Make sure your board is a wave catcher and you'll be fine.

Vanders is your man. I think he goes in for next op shortly. Hang in there and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Yeah been there done that with the right shoulder and as Ted suggested now the left is heading down the same path.
For me I won't hesitate to get the next one done, my right one is as good as new. I was out for around 12 weeks, I did try and jump back in at around 9-10 weeks but realised I should have listened to the doc and physio.
The trick is finding a good surgeon that specialises in upper limbs. I was told by 3 other so called specialists that it was inoperable and to basically get used to it and steer away from activities that cause pain.
Mine got to the point that I was essentially constantly on pain killers and sleeping tablets which cause their own issues.
So in summary don't be scared to get second or even third opinions and find a good physio for post surgery recovery, and do the exercises even when you think you no longer need to.

Thank you all.
I've been down the 'build up the surrounding muscles' route with only a short term partial success. Now it's pain relief meds to surf , pain relief to sleep. (Getting old really is ordinary) As I have previous collarbone and rotor cuff injuries I'm told its a replacement job. My GP is an NRL club doctor so he's pretty well on the money in sending me to the right surgeon. At least working on 12 weeks recovery allows me to plan Christmas, work and next year's holidays/long service.
Cheers