Cousin had an incident a couple years ago (I forget details but sounds like an old farmer acting like a young one).  After a week or so his wife insisted he see a doctor.  Doc said surgery tomorrow.  He kind of objected.  Doc said "It's up to you but the only thing holding your arm on is skin and some muscle".  He's got a new shoulder and it is all healed and working great.

I have a torn rotator cuff from tripping over a fire hose back in April as a volunteer firefighter.  After occupational therapy dragged feet for 2 months I got them to ask Workmans Comp to approve MRI and surgical consult.  Took a while to get WC to find a surgeon they approved of and then get an appointment. 

Surgeon looked at it and said it would probably need surgery but before WC would approve it they'd want physical therapy. So after about 5 months they've agreed to surgery that should have been done in April or May.  WC handed me off to a different contact person but never told her about it until the day I called and complained about them taking so long.

After a course of PT the surgeon looked at it and suggested surgery.  Based on experience so far we figured it would take weeks to get approval and discussed planning for late October / early November (hope harvest is over by then).  WC changed me back to first contact person who said "I can probably get it approved next week".  I told her surgeon and I had agreed on a time frame once they OK'd it.  Still waiting on a call back with a date and time.

Anyway, told you all that to tell you this:  Surgeon mentioned repair or possible replacement.  I said something to my Physical Terrorist Therapist and he suggested not having the replacement unless it was absolutely necessary.  Original equipment always beats aftermarket unless it's damaged beyond repair.

Sounds to me like you are a good candidate for it