How long has everyone been out of work?

Hi Joan, I have been suffering FS since July 2014 when it started with twinges and arm pain that woke me up in the night - It slowly got worse & I went to my GP early Sept - I'm retired (took early retirement) but think I would have gone off sick towards the end of Sept.............I'm still suffering despite surgery & am unable to drive (not driven since end Oct 14 - did not feel safe & physio have told me I still do not have the movements to drive) I have become a hermit as so many others on here have  Anyway hope this helps. Everyone on FS site will give you support & advise - the site is a godsend & has helped me to see that there is light at the end of this long tunnel - FS is a nightmare to treat! 

Hi Joan, it s a difficult one as everyone is different. I've been off for 6 months and suffered terrible for 18mths before that. I'm returning to work tomorrow on phased return. I couldn't drive for months and it was agony when I moved my arm. I had  arthroscopic decompression, scar tissue removal, repair to rotator cuff and capsular release. It didn't quite work as well as the surgeon hoped, so I was back on the waiting list for manipulation under anaesthetic. This did the trick, but I then had to work hard on my severely wasted muscles. It's taken time, but now I reach up to the cupboard and suddenly think...wow! I did that without thinking. Check out the other threads...as we've all commented on those too. This site has been wonderful. No one knows how painful fs is. I would have happily chewed my own arm off or given birth every day for a month to avoid what I went through.

good luck. Do all your exercises. Ask questions. Xx Ali

I have had FS since January of 2014. Right arm. I did a few weeks of therapy but am on medicare only so had to drop out due to co payments piling up. Also lack of support from my family. Neither my daughter nor my one granddaughter who drives wanted to be bothered with taking me back and forth.I have dealt with it pretty much on my own. I was already on disability due to spinal stenosis so thank goodness working wasn't something else I had to worry about. It would have been impossible as my arm was totally locked up at my side for the first several months. I honestly don't know how anyone dealing with this could even consider working. The pain was indescribable. Now 13 months in I have regained pretty good forward movement of my arm and am able to drive again. I am planning to move back to my home state in August as I no longer have any relationship with my family here. I still have some family back there and feel I need to be closer to people who would be willing to help me if needed.When bad health rears its ugly head you truly see what people are made of. Thank goodness for some good friends who have seen me through this horrible time.

I mention the lack of family support because others on this forum have mentioned the same sadness. I think it's important for them to know that not all families are supportive and that they're not alone in this.The depression that can accompany this illness is tremendous and this forum has been helpful and having a place to vent.

Hi Joan. Its sh1t isn't it? I started in sept '13 but as I am self employed I had no choice but to work. My business is with animals so is very physical but with plenty of adaption and taking my time, not to mention my brilliant staff and husband, I was able to keep going albeit a lot slower. I would have gone mad if I'd just sat indoors! I did have a lot of excruciatingly painful moments but because my procedure was non too successful I just plugged on and after 14 months was starting to improve. Unfortunately I had an accident and suffered AC dislocation in the same shoulder and had to have an op in Jan this year. My surgeon wanted to sign me off for 3 months but as a self employed person I am not entitled to sick pay and I was not considered eligible for incapacity so I just keep going. Personally I feel glad that I had to as I think it stopped my shoulder from completely seizing up. Good luck and hope you find relief soon. xx

I have been out of work since May 2014.  It started in my right shoulder.  now I have it in my left shoulder.  I have heard mixed reviews regarding the manipulation uneer anesthesia.  I did 2 months of physical therapy 3 cortisone shots, no luck at all.  I can't drive get dressed etc.  no sleep so much aching and stiffness on both sides now.  I have been going to a massage therapist who has been trying to help me by stretching those muscles etc. once a week.  Hurts really bad but sometimes feel relief for a few days slightly.  I also have facet syndrome in my lower back.  So I get a lot of pain and aches in my lower back and left hip.  I started feeling symptoms in February 2014.

Hi Joan.

I cant remember when it first happened, but know it was first sore in Nov, i got married in Dec and was okay..ish!, so i had osteopath every week but then in Jan it got worse but i was still working and doing my boxing classes. I finally had steroid injection on 28 feb, had to stop boxing, then had another steroid injection but larger, yesterday. Im still working full time.altho some days the pain is unbearable, but work dont care really. I just plod in. My hubby works nights, my daughter was here to help but has now moved to a new job miles away, so i will have to get on with it. ive started goin back to the gym but not using my right shoulder at all. Im now on waiting list for hydrodilitation...and after that manipulation. Yes its very depressing at times, i just want my life back so i can reach for things without collapsing in the floor im pain.

I think if people could see something, i.e

Cast or sling, they would be more sympathetic but as nothing is visible unless they have first hand knowledge they dont see it as real. I take paeacetemol/ibuprofen alternatively throughout the day but go to codeine for night when i dont have to drive.

Right must get ready for work.

Take care all. We are all here for each other. And we know it doesnt last for more than 3 years...so theres light at the end of the tunnel. x

Hi