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Frozen shoulder...finally some validation

Posted , 3 users are following.

Pollypocketmom
Pollypocketmom

Hello all! I am 43 and finally releived to have some answers regarding my mind bending pain in my left shoulder. I injured it last May and had surgery for a Bicep tendonesis on new years eve. Essentially a full year of pain so far.

I am really unsure if the FS occurred prior to the surgery or after so this i my main question.  I had restricted movement prior to bicep surgery, I am assuming it must have been after. Wouldn't the doc have seen capsule issues while in there??

I am sadly involved in a work comp claim leaving me to fight for explantions and treatment. It's been a very long road. I am unsure of what stage I am in as well. The pain has been very persistent this last year overall leaving me confused of where I am in this.

I believe that it froze after the surgery formally about 3 months ago. I have had d

Docs and PT's stare at me blankly when I tell them I am in crazy pain, Including family and friends. Leaving me to question my sanity and if I did something wrong after surgery to cause this. Quite an emotional roller coaster.

I have had PT, accupuncture, cupping, Motrin, Tramadol,pain meds and the worst mind bending pain with all of the above doing very little to help.

I just got a sterioid shot

I was oddly happpy to get the diagnosis simply for validation!!.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • AntheaS
    AntheaS Pollypocketmom

    Posted

    Hi there..I am so sorry you have this. I'm 42 and I feel like I'm 142. Unfortunately you have something that makes no sense. What came first the chicken or the egg scenario. What I can tell you is what I think is going on with me..depression before, hormonal changes, surgery plus plus plus...has in some strange way put me in this predicament. I must however say, that having lost both parents to cancer I would take this in a heart beat. I have found that trying to cure this by doing stuff like acupuncture and physio just aggravates the shoulder. Doing absolutely nothing (except what I can within the boundaries of my pain) is working for me the best. Every month that goes by I can feel my disease changing. Yes, I still have pain and yes, I can't sleep properly, but there is definitely a minor shift. I use to get pains into my wrist and thumb joint. That has subsided and yesterday I could touch the right side of my buttocks. Last night in my coma type sleep I could feel my shoulder joint aching and this morning things were a bit tighter, but as the day is wearing on and I swing my arms (walking motion) I can feel it loosening some. So I have now accepted this situation. I know it sounds weird, but I just woke up one morning a few weeks ago and said, "Self..you got this $@#% condition and yes, you don't deserve it, but here it is. It hurts like hell and nobody gets it. So no more explaining it. " People ask what's wrong with your shoulder and I say I have a shoulder injury that's taking it's time healing. Some people then totally get it. The whole frozen shoulder thing is beyond their understanding and so I don't even go there. As far as I'm concerned I injured my shoulder..end of. Once I accepted FS and stopped looking for a cure that will fix things like headache pills for a headache, my mood has improved and I now manage my condition and I'm patiently waiting, because this has its own time (3 phases with a time frame that is unknown). I'm even preparing for when it jumps to my right shoulder. So lovely Pollypocketmum, I hope my words encourage you to come to terms with this horrible disease and that you will find the peace that I have. This forum and talking to like-minded people have helped. Some days are better than others, but I'm starting to see the faint glow of the light at the end of this dark dark tunnel. One arm hug coming your way xxx
    • Pollypocketmom
      Pollypocketmom AntheaS

      Posted

      Thanks so much for the reply and the one arm hug 😉

      I do feel like depression sets in with trying to figure it out. Now that I have the actual diagnosis I feel lighter and happier. I now have the validation and answers whereas prior to this that looked at me as if I should be better by now after the surgery.

      Yes the chicken or the egg not sure.

      I agree that just going about daily life modified has been my best bet also. The casual movement on my terms seems to be best.

      This group has provided me so much already knowing I am not in this alone.

      Thanks so much!

  • Louise1923
    Louise1923 Pollypocketmom

    Posted

    Hi to Anthea & PPM! 

    Anthea what a great way to explain the FS journey I like your can-do attitude, and agreed my friends etc also look at me blankly when I mention FS. Definitely stress in a major contributor &/or hormonal..in my case I also had a major family los, which had multiple impacts on my body, one manifested itself as FS, & now 2 years later alongside menapausal symptoms, I have my second FS....Having tried most of the same usual treatments oesteopathy, acupuncture physio etc, I'm going to try menapause supplements, massage, & relaxation techniques.resleep I have resorted to sleeping in a separately, which is awful to have to do, but totally necessary as night is the worst with pain & insomnia .. try to re balance & help my self through this....as it's quite a lonely journe!

    Take a gentle approach to healing & some aqua excercise....give it a few more months...in my case..I'll see my GP this week and discuss hydro dilation options, as this method worked for my FS last time  time...but only as a last resort !

    keep strong & get as much support as possible  you & we will get through this together! 

    best wishes Louise

    ps apologies for typos I'm typing in the middle of the night! Typical FS behaviour! 

  • jlb1
    jlb1 Pollypocketmom

    Posted

    Hi poly,

    Yes I can fully understand the pain and frustrations you and all of us who are/have suffered with this condition.

    I don't know if you have read my thread yesterday but following on from this , I had keyhole surgery and manipulation on my left shoulder 18 m0nths or so ago and this week my right is showing  and bringing back to memory the pain I suffered last time.

    Thats why hopefully tomorrow I wil try and persuade my doctor to fast track me for surgery agains as like yourself and many others I have read about, injection and pill popping does not cure this condition out right.

    After surgery, the next day I was on my cross trainer although in a sling, several months of exercising/stretching had given me full movement and no pain thats why I am going hopefully straight for surgery due to time it takes suffering awaiaiting this after being sent around the houses!!

    I am actually in pain typing this although good to pass on experiences.

    I am 51 and a male who has a strong pain threshold although theres nothing like a frozen shoulder jolt/pain/ache at night is there?

    Hope this helps and you suffer less and keep your options open.

    Ta

    Jon

    • Pollypocketmom
      Pollypocketmom jlb1

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. I hope you were able to get things going with your appointment. I am glad to hear of your success with surgery in the past. I am very active and the thought of another surgery is frightening. I've already lost precious time with the kids, yoga, and kayaking. We didn't get any real snow so not much lost skiing.

      I hope to avoid surgery but relieved to hear some positive feedback on it.

      I too have a strong pain threshold but this has me feeling a bit wimpy. It's the ongoing pain that wears us down.

      Good luck on this arm! I hope you get swift treatment.

      Pollypocketmom

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