Frozen Shoulder, Gutted!!
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi everyone, my names Shelley, after thinking I had just pulled a muscle really badly during an heavy shift, waiting for it to get better, I saw the Physios today and now realise it's not as simple as that. Frozen Shoulder it is... Brilliant!!
You all know how painful it is and restricting. I'm 46 and work working the NHS on the bank shift system as an Auxiliary Nurse. So I don't have a contract, I'm in dreadful pain, I worked a night shift last night unable to do the majority of the work, it's mainly stroke or dementia patients I work with, so lots of manual handling involved. I can't even do my bloody apron up!
I'm a single parent and have just got my head above water after years of struggling! I feel a fraud because I can't do my job properly Plus I'm now constantly putting extra strain on my Good arm
Do I sign off work? Really don't know what to do because this sounds like it's going to take a considerable amount of time to recover, if at all.
Felling worried!
0 likes, 21 replies
karen25221 shelley46
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shelley46 karen25221
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It's so underated! I how yours improves real quick, 17 months is a long time to be in such discomfort x hugs, well as much as I can lol
alison44235 karen25221
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Tiffany123 shelley46
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shelley46 Tiffany123
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Tiffany123 shelley46
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claire50742 shelley46
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I hate taking meds too often - he prescribed Tramadol - it is an opiate that acts on the nerve receptors - I hate the stuff but it works. I went off it for a while (just one a night) as I am anti drugs, but I paid the price - the pain was terrible.
ANYWAY - I digress, yesterday after discussing this with him, he simply said "Claire, take it when you need it, it will get you through the day - don't overdo it - but you need to work" - It made sense to me finally.
I now take one in the morning and it lasts all day.
Night time is still hard, I find the lack of sleep unbearable - but positioning pillows etc. Warm baths, Volatren cream, TENS machines etc. THese all help you to get by.
Try to keep working, the important thing is not to over extend or reach, no resistance work, but gentle movement will kepp the range of motion going and reduce the risk of it freezing too firmly (if you know what I mean).
Good luck
alison44235 shelley46
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claire50742 alison44235
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Interesting to hear the success you have had....
maria58274 alison44235
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My doctor suggested physio but the NHS waiting list was 12 weeks. I was lucky enough to be able to get this sooner via my hubby's BUPA membership. There does seem to be some disagreement as to the value of physiotherapy too early - some say wait until the thawing stage - but after reading lots of different views, I think keeping things moving but not pushing past the pain barrier is probably best.
My physio suggested I see a consultant and like Alison above, he recommended Hydrodilatation. I had mine done on 14th December and am now pretty much pain free - which is such a relief. There was no instant release of the capsule (which can happen for some people) but with my exercises (gentle stretching done at home) I am gradually getting my movement back. Over Christmas I was, after a long time, able to put up my hair and las week found I could (slightly awkwardly) do up my bra again. These sound trivial but are little victories and steps on the road to recovery.
I understand your reluctance to stop working but you need to be careful you don't make things worse, doing a manual job. I found even carrying heavy shopping made me worse and also strained my good wrist, relying too much on that arm. Ask if you can get to see a consultant - hydrodilatation and other options are available on the NHS - and you could take their advice on work.
Best of luck, whatever you do. Let us know how you get on!
shelley46 maria58274
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I'm off to the gp in an hour to get some pain relief, I will go and see Occupational health next week too and see what their advice on work is. X
alison44235 claire50742
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claire50742 alison44235
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mentalpause shelley46
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You have my sympathy and empathy. It is a horrible thing to have. As I have learned since joining this forum around 12 months ago, the condition is not the same for everyone. Maybe you've seen my earlier comments so I won't bore you with it all over again.
However I will say, I saw my Physio last week and he's happy that I am well on the road to recovery. I now have 85 - 90% ROM back and am swimming freestyle again! This time last year I could not lift my arm to swim without agonizing pain. I really found it hard to believe that it would come good again but it has... no more pain, no more pain killers. But still exercising gently in hopes I'll be 100% again..no promises there but I can put up with it now. Best of luck to you.
claire50742 shelley46
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Claire
maria58274 claire50742
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claire50742 maria58274
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