Frozen shoulder and M.E. combined

Posted , 3 users are following.

Has anyone out there had frozen shoulder an M.E.. I am finding it so, so difficult to deal with. I have had the frozen shoulder for 8 weeks since  I had a fall through no fault of my own.I have had M.E. 32 years. The extra extreme exhaustion I am suffering due to my shoulder is unbearable and so is the pain.

I am finding it very very difficult to live with.

Alison

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    The best thing to do is to contact your GP and request an X-ray to rule out anything else. I struggled on for a long time and it turned out that I had a large area of calcification. It just got worse! 

    Then you can treat accordingly.

    • Posted

      when I had the fall I  did get a hairline crack but that has healed. I am going to request an ultrasound as they are only going on how I can move my arm as to what is wrong and as it is getting no better at all I am wondering if something else is going on. I was to give it 4 weeks from last seeing the orthopaedic surgeon and then try and make another appointment, just another week to go.
  • Posted

    hi alison. so sorry to hear you're suffering with such a double wammy. i'm wondering if you have had any 'treatment' for the FS so far? i have ME and more recently a left FS. unfortuntaely the right shoulder is now playing up as well. so far, any of the permissable NSAID's haven't touched the pain. diclofenac is the only medication that touched the FM in the past, but apparently it has fallen out of favor with the medics more recently. My GP is referring me to a 'muscle clinic' for evalaution. she's done an x-ray that shows inflammatory changes and a week's supply of codein, which i have yet to get. the only thing that helps the FS pain, is 'positioning' @ night and heat in the form of a hot water bottle. i'm sure a heat pad would do the same. sorry i can't be of any more help.

    besy wishes Caitlin.

  • Posted

    p.s. alison. it might be a good idea to have your thyroxine levels checked when you next see your GP as there's a close correlation between musculoskeletal stuff such as FS etc. and low thyroxine levels. also many ppl with ME have undiagnosed thyroxine problems. my T3 was low just before the FS.

    Caitlin

    • Posted

      Thanks fo the information. I made an appointment with the doctor on Mon Could not get one for 2 weeks. I have been taking paracetamol and codeine for the pain, exercising a lot even though it hurts and having physio every 2-3 weeks. Hot water bottle helps and it is  so difficult to get comfortable at night.
  • Posted

    Try ice packs too hun. Yes Caitlin, my thyroid function is low and  is a link apparently.

    i only found that tramadol slow release helped at night as it kept the pain relief tripped up. I also had liquid morphine when it was I bearable. I've have arthroscopic surgery last October, then manipulation under anaesthetic this February to nudge it on a little. I'm off all meds now and making streaky progress with physio. Good luck, I feel your pain.  

    • Posted

      I was told by my physio it was too late for icepacks, but I will give it a go and ask my doctor about Tramodol. thanks.

      Alison

  • Posted

    My Physio says " heat pack for 20 mins, then stretching exercises, then ice pack for 20 mins" obviously, you can only exercise according to your own ability. Accupuncture is a great pain relief, although temporary, but it can relax the muscles and enable some movement. Swimming is great, or gentle stretches in a jacuzzi. Try you tube- yoga for dummies. Good gentle exercises. Also google 'exercises for frozen shoulder'  a good guide to avoid further damage.

    good luck.

    • Posted

      Thanks, all this advice helps. I don't over exercise i just  do it according o my ability and if it hurts I stop. I shall try the hot water bottle., exercise and icepack regime, see if that helps. As I can't drive at the moment it will be difficult for me to go swimming. We live out in the country a limited bus service..I shall look at yoga for dummies. I have googled exercises for frozen shoulder. I have sent for a booklet, but it hasn't come yet. Thanks again Alisonbiggrin
  • Posted

    As you can see, my auto correct  joined in with previous posts. Sorry about that!! # making no sense! 

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