Having a son who is a doctor gave her the encouragement she needed to seek an orthopaedic opinion from Mr Peter Reilly at The Wellington Hospital.

From the outset, Julie felt reassured. “Mr Reilly was wonderfully calm, professional and incredibly thorough. He explained everything so clearly that I immediately felt I was in safe hands. He gave me real confidence that whatever happened next, I would be properly looked after.”

After arranging an MRI straight away, Julie initially hoped she might be suitable for another arthroscopy, having had one some years earlier to remove damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. However, it soon became clear that the deterioration was significant, and a shoulder replacement would be the best route forward. Julie underwent her shoulder replacement surgery in June 2025.

“I realised that although I’m relatively young for a full shoulder replacement, the pain wasn’t going to improve on its own. I had reached a point where I simply couldn’t continue as I was.

“I was in hospital for three days and the care was incredible. I’d previously struggled with anaesthesia, so the team used nerve blocks, and it was managed brilliantly. A physio visited me in my room the day after my operation to help me start moving early so my shoulder wouldn’t seize up.”

The typical recovery period for a shoulder replacement sees notable improvements around three months.

“And just as I was told, things began to change once I reached that milestone. I’ve reduced the number of painkillers I’m taking, I’m sleeping better – with longer stretches at night than I’ve had in years. The difference is remarkable.”

Managing the replacement

Julie now follows an established physiotherapy programme to strengthen her shoulder and will see Mr Reilly again for her four-month check-up.

“I’ve been told that nine months is a good marker for seeing the full improvement, so I’m not rushing anything. Compared to where I was, every day without constant pain feels incredible. Before the surgery, I couldn’t use my arm well at all, and my quality of life had slipped away. For a previously sporty person, this was especially difficult”

And Julie’s key takeaway:

“It’s a worrying time when you’re weighing up your options, but where I am now – I’m actually looking forward to what I’ll be able to do again. Swimming is high on my list. I’m already imagining next summer and what might be possible. And right now, talking to you with minimal pain or discomfort – well, everything I’ve done has been completely worth it.”

Click here to find out more about shoulder care at HCA UK, or click here to book an appointment with Mr Reilly.