frozen shoulders
Posted , 25 users are following.
I am a 76 year old lady who developed two frozen shoulders after trimming the hedge with an electric trimmer about 5 months ago. Having read all the comments on this Forum, found 'Frosty's' 'helpful hints' full of common sense and by far the most helpful...thank you Frosty! This person obviously fully understands the frozen shoulder syndrome. On seeing my GP, I refused cortisone injections as I read these were not always successful, and could be damaging. After waiting a while for physio, was disappointed to hear him say, 'there was nothing he could do, and he didn't have ultrasound equipment...even if he advocated it...which he didn't'. Pain led me to seek another opinion with a private physiotherapist. She not only advocated ultrasound, but also had the equipment. Every session freed up the joints a little. Some weeks were better than others, but there was progress. Had a set back when an unruly dog nearly knocked me over, causing me to shoot up my 'good' arm. The pain was excruciating. After several physio sessions, this helped, but not as good as it was. I do sympathise with all sufferers...keep persevering and don't lose hope!
1 like, 50 replies
Yervand
Posted
Dressing! Dressing can be a torture. Learn how to avoid those acute pains when dressing, like putting your shirt on, etc. Get someone to help you if you can. But do this ASAP. Don't torture yourself, because you may also tear the tendon if you don't take care getting dressed.
ChristineT52
Posted
chickabee
Posted
Most helpful info. I did try most of what you advocate, except the tens machine. If the pain ever gets as bad as it first did, then I will certainly try this.
Do hope your recovery continues positively.
Chickabee
Yervand
Posted
Hi, I did read about it during 1st FS, but was hesitant, because, it is invasive and I don't think my orthopedic surgeon thought I needed it. I live in Portugal and is probably not too common. From what I read, it does seem to give some help in most cases. But, there is a but, it does seem costly, and not widely available. So, for those whom can't afford, or have access, they have to try other methods.
@chickabee
i forgot to mention, that TENS devices range in price from Amazon from 30£ on up. You should get one with an A/C adaptar to not use only batteries. A average good one will go for about 60-100. Mine cost 90 and it has about 20 diiferent programs. And I just switch in between the programs, and adjust accordingly. One bit of caution - Don't place the electrodes exactly on the location of most pain; nearby is fine.
Oliveria
Posted
Thanks
Oliveria
Posted
Thanks a lot, for your nice response, it really helps me a lot. I just feel like nobody really understand me, everyone trying to tell you what your problem is and how to fix it without even knowing. I understand they are nice just trying to help, but that makes you feel even worst.
Is just so depressing and debilitating I just want to hide from everyone, since everyone ask, how are you doing now? you dont know what to answer anymore.
Well, thanks a lot and hope everyone will be good pretty soon.
Hugs for everyone in this froum, suffering this terrible condition.
Yervand
Posted
I have been a heavy user of multi vitamins and supplements over the years.
And in my research, I read that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements may actually be harming us (our shoulders). I am not a specialist on any of these topics, but just from reading about the Magnesium advocates, I started thinking that just maybe these guys are right.
Remember, we have nothing to lose! So for the last 3 weeks, I have been off my mega doses of multivitamins & supplements and increased my uptake of magnesium (there are many types of magnesium, and the cheaper kinds from the supermarkets are not as well recommended).
And I can say, whether it is coincidental or not, I have been better these last 10 days. I actually think that I am starting to "thaw" after only 4 months of suffering pain.
Again, we are like guinea pigs almost to this plague so it doesn´t hurt to try around.
One final thing, our body make-ups, ages, physical conditions are all different.
Browner64
Posted
Well I have my name in for this procedure. I am nervous. How much does it hurt on scale of 1-10? The Dr wants to put cortisone in while they are there. What do you think? I have only been frozen for about 3 months but had lots of pain since Aug. leading up to it from bad ergonomics with my mouse. My job is typing all day and my workplace did not modify my typing at all when I returned after a month and half off. I don't have much pain unless i use the arm too much or I move it out of my range but do have shooting pains when I don't take nerve meds. Also sleeping is painful without meds. I am very frustrated. The Dr I am seeing has only referred 5 patients for this procedure and had 3 successes. Did you have much discomfort after procedure. How long until you were pain free with movement? Sorry for so many questions but I think you can help me answer them lol
Thanks
Sandy
carol24345
Posted
hoku carol24345
Posted
chickabee
Posted
It sounds like your frozen shoulder came on with excessive repetitive strain on your shoulder from working in the kitchen. A friend who had the same probable cause as you (she was a Chinese cook), told me that she had to eventually give up her work in the kitchen, as it became too painful. She kept returning on and off to see if she could carry on, but it got worse with the same stress she was under shooshing and lifting heavy pans on the hob. Mine came on with using a hedge cutter...in both shoulders. I know I shall never risk using the hedge cutter again...too fearful of that awful pain. Mine has settled to the point of 'no pain with no movement', but there is always pain when pushing beyond the point of pain, so I don't overstretch. Be reassured though, that things do improve with rest and gentle exercises. Small steps! Do read all the messages on this site...they are most helpful. I hope you do better with perseverence.
Chickabee
mymaude
Posted
Mymaude
james80413
Posted
One thing we do know is that you do not have frozen shoulders. You like me are far too old to have this condition.
chickabee
Posted
I don't know what makes you think I am 'too old' to have FS. A little research will show you this is not so. If I do not have FS, then my doctor and two physiotherapists must have mis-diagnosed....in that case I'd be a happy bunny!
Chickabee
Browner64
Posted
How did your hydrdilation go?