Adhesive Capsulitis of the shoulder. What should I honestly expect pain and recovery wise after surg
Posted , 7 users are following.
I have had the condition for over a year and I was just diagnosed. It has been excruciating. No sleep, can't do my hair, put on a bra or fasten pants with buttons.
If I accidentally touch a wall while walking my arm goes 'dead' for about a minute. The pain is unbearable and the numbness and tingling all the way to my hand is unbearable.
My Doctor said one of the worst he has seen.
I am 46 female, a diabetic and was in a severe car accident Feb 2013 in which I burst my T6 Vertebrae, 4 Ribs, my left foot resulted in a lateral fracture which causes numbness, swelling and tingling from knee to toes (I had a black bruise the size of a melon om my knee and lower leg) and a head injury.
So I hit all 4 of the signs that make someone more susceptible to Frozen Shoulder.
Due to this...I was told that it was a result of the accident and that it would heal on its own and not to worry.
My primary physician was the one to finally step up to get correct diagnosis. He ruled out Nerve Damage through an electro cardiogram test and that Dr correctly diagnosed the frozen shoulder.
I am scheduled for a 2 part surgery on June 26 including Manipulation and Anthroposky (? Sp).
I opted to take 4 weeks leave of absence (he suggested up to 8 but I can extend if necessary).
He advised the Physical Therapy afterwards (which starts immediately after surgery the same day) will be extremely painful.
You would think after all else I have been through I would not be nervous but I am.
I am nervous about the true pain level of treatment, the ability to control it (my current pain meds for back and nerves does nothing to help) and from reading other posts and my doctors own warning that even with therapy and me being really good ar doing my treatment even after my formal therapy ends it could return.
Looking for insight from who has already been through this.
0 likes, 9 replies
judyb robin81176
Posted
robin81176 judyb
Posted
It is comforting to know that the outcome can be positive. I am unable to take cortisone shots since I am a diabetic. He advised that the meds they provide are really strong. I should have asked what they are but was so overwhelmed and nervous that I forgot.
I am currently on Hydrocodone (Nightime Only), Tramadol (Daytime Only)and Nuerotin (1200 mgs/day) and still in pain.
I really am hoping and praying that the outcome is good and that it does not refreeze or move to my right arm.
I am so happy that you are doing so well!!
Thank you for your story and insight.
Auroradawn robin81176
Posted
I'm so sorry to hear about your accident and the fact it brought on a frozen shoulder.
I'd like to reassure you, but unfortunately cannot. Different people have had different results.
My left should froze over 12 months ago and despite cortisone injections, manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) and a separate arthroscopic capsular release and I'm still in pain! Its now thawing so there is a light at the end of the tunnel! But I'm not out of the woods, my right shoulder is now freezing!
Cortisone injection - didn't work for me at all, if anything, it made my symptoms worse.
MUA - the procedure seemed to go well. I woke up in very little pain, needed very little medication for about 3 weeks after - I only took 2 days of work, just in case, but I didn't need them. I didn't have a huge amount of movement in my arm despite physio and it gradualy got less and less and then got more and more painful. To the end result that within 2 months I was back to where I was previously, in severe pain and unable to move/sleep/drive.
My consultant advised my only option was an operation. I was so desperate I agreed. So in February this year he carried out a arthroscopic capsular release which did seem to work. My concultant wasn't so happy though, a couple of weeks later I still didn't have the movement he thought I should have! I couldn't even lift my arm to waist height.
Skip forward 4 months.
I now have a left shoulder which is thawing and a right shoulder which is freezing, but my consultant won't do anything with it until it gets much worse as my body has already proven it doesn't respond to the usual treatment!
I'm doing daily physio therapy and I still don't have a massive amount of movement - I can probably lift my left arm it to my chin now and just about touch my bra strap but still cannot manipulate it. My right arm I can still move with a reasonable amount of freedom but its extremely painful lifting and holding anything up. I certainly cannot hoover or do the ironing LOL
I've had to change my hairstyle as I cannot hold a hair dryer any more. I am still in a considerable amount of pain and unable to take a lot pain killers as it turns out I now have an ulcer! I'm now on fentanyl transdermal system patches, topped up with Cocodine which are taking the edge of the pain.
I don't want to put ou off, I know that for many people manipulation under anaesthesia (MUA) and arthroscopic capsular release alongside physio has worked, but be aware you won't be pain free for a good long while.
robin81176 Auroradawn
Posted
I am so sorry to hear you not only had a slow reaction and are showing only a little improvement in your arm after both the manipulation and surgery that it has now moved to your other arm. How awful!
I am worried that I will be the one that the procedures will not help.
I have had a history of being the one that it is rare so you shouldn't worry and then the test and then the result that I am that one in a million rare case.
I also cannot take Cortisone. Since it is a steroid and I am a type 2 diabetic it would cause my sugar levels to skyrocket.
Your story is heartbreaking and I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts that you overcome.
I really appreciate the time you have taken to share your story with me.
Thank you very much!
Tonto52 robin81176
Posted
robin81176 Tonto52
Posted
I appreciate the kind words and encouragement.
My doctor also recommended using the pool as much as possible. I am hoping after surgery I will be able to use the pool at the campground I have a permanent site at.
I was unable to last year due to the original accident and still too weak to get out of the pool.
The pool is not elderly or handicapped friendly...the only way to get out is by using vertical steps which are steep. To be honest I had trouble using them prior to my accident...LOL.
I was able to get in once this year. It was a struggle to get out but my niece (one of the best nieces ever by the way) helped me out. (I jokingly told her she should have filmed it and put it on u tube to give everyone a laugh) ... LOL 😁
It was nice getting in the pool. The cool water really helped with all 3 areas of pain...my foot, back & shoulder.
I may try to find a pool close by that does have the built in steps to allow getting in and out less challenging.
I learned a lot in the last year and a half ... most importantly that life is precious. Do what you have to do to get back up, brush your self off, learn a lesson from what happened and keep moving on.
I am lucky to be alive let alone being able to walk so I will do what I have to do to make things better...but I am still nervous and worried.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me.
I really do appreciate it.
HeatherL robin81176
Posted
robin81176 HeatherL
Posted
Your words of encouragement (and the words of encouragement from all that have replied) really mean a lot to me.
I hope all goes well for you in your recovery and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
mariah8282 robin81176
Posted