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Hydrodilatation - my experience

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maria58274
maria58274

I've decided to start another thread on here to document my experiences with Hyrodilatation (also spelled Hydrodilation or known as Arthrographic Distension) and how well it works for me over the next few weeks or so.

A brief background, in case anyone didn't read my original thread.  I started with odd pains in my shoulder in spring, this year, with no apparant cause and I assumed I'd just pulled a muscle or something like that and hoped it would go away on it's own.  It got worse over the summer and I also started to lose movement. I had the usual excrutiating pain on knocks or jerks and aches right down my arm.  Pain, lack of sleep and loss of movement finally drove me to the GP in September where I was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder.  I managed to seek physiotherapy with Bupa (or I'd still be on the NHS waiting list) and was recommended by a physio to see a consultant with a view to Hydrodilatation.

I had my Hydrodilatation this afternoon - 14th December.  A few hours on and I'm feeling fine.  I was very nervous but the procedure itself went well and took 15-20 minutes in total.  I'd worn a vest top, which meant I didn't need to wear a gown and just dropped my straps off my bad shoulder.  I was asked to lie on my front, with a pillow for support.  I'd thought the procedure was done via x-ray guidance but it was in fact ultrasound guided.  The doctor explained what was about to happen and did an initial scan of my shoulder area before giving me a local anaesthetic.  He then put in the needle for the hydrodilatation, which administered first some cortisone and then saline.  He said I might feel some pushing and to let him know if it became painful.  There was some discomfort but I wouldn't describe it as painful and within a few minutes, he said the saline had started to leak out of the joint and the procedure was over.  He did another scan and checked my movement before and after - there was perhaps a couple of degrees improvement but nothing drastic.  I left the hospital with a plaster on my shoulder and feeling fine.  He said I might experience a bit of aching once the local anaesthetic wears off but the cortisone should kick in within a day or two and should improve things pain-wise.

Physiotherapy is recommended within a few days of the procedure and I have an appointment with the physio on Friday morning and another to see the consultant again in about 6 weeks.  So far, so good but it remains to be seen how sucessful it has been in improving pain and getting my movement back.  I can currently lift my arm about 90 degrees in front, slightly less at the side and very little behind my back.

I will document my progress over the next few days and weeks, for anyone else considering this treatment.  Hope this information is of help to someone and fingers crossed that the procedure works for me!

8 likes, 220 replies

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  • carol50260
    carol50260 maria58274

    Posted

    Thank you for sharing your story.  I went through 7 months on the "clinical pathway" being sent from pillar to post.  Words cannot describe the desperation you feel with this condition with the acute constant pain.  When recently I was told I would finally get to see a Consultant in about 6/8 weeks that was the last straw.  I had the hydrodilation done today and had to pay but already I can move my arm more than I have been able to in months.  I do have aching pain but reading the discussions this is quite normal.  I feel finally there is light at the end of the dark tunnel and hopefully I have avoided a more invasive operation.  Onwards and upwards.  ??

    • elaine93514
      elaine93514 carol50260

      Posted

      Hi Carol,

      That's wonderful news...I am still waiting for my treatment which should be in the next 5 weeks. I had a cortisone injection which has given me slight relief but I still cannot function day to day....the feeling of desperation is beyond words. Frozen shoulder is so debilitating, painful & frustrating & on top of a broken wrist I have been at rock bottom.

      However, there is light at the end of the tunnel....apparently physio will commence straight after the treatment which did not happen when I had the same procedure on my left frozen shoulder 3 yrs ago.

      I am happy to have hydrodilitation rather than invasive surgery so recovery should be quicker.

      I too considered going private but as things have moved on I can wait....& rely on painkillers until then.

      Good luck on your continued recovery....

  • paulfoel
    paulfoel maria58274

    Posted

    OP - If you dont mind - any idea how much it cost privately? To be honest, a few £ would be worth it - Im self employed so if I lose a days billing it'll pay for this!

    Anyone know of anywhere in south wales/south west that does this?

    • elaine93514
      elaine93514 paulfoel

      Posted

      Hi, I guess you would be looking at near a grand for initial consultation then treatment etc.

      I feel its so worth it rather than surgery...this will be my 2nd hydro procedure as I had it in my left shoulder 3 yrs ago.

      There is a private clinic in Swansea namedSancta Maria in Ffynone Drive, Uplands. Mr Pritchard is the consultant I initially saw who examines you & advises.

      I was off for 2 wks after my 1st hydro hut I could have gone back sooner...just did not want to undo any good that had been done.

      Maybe your pain threshold is higher than mine but do take the painkillers they recommend as there will be pain.

      Good luck & I hope my info has helped you. Let us know how you get on if you decide to go down this road.

      Best wishes

    • maria58274
      maria58274 paulfoel

      Posted

      I would guess Elaine is in the right area, pricewise, to include consultations and the procedure. Some people seem to experience more pain than others, mine wasn't really painful, just a little discomfort and then some aching once the local anaesthetic wore off which went after a couple of days and left me pain-free.

      Good luck, whatever you decide to do and let us know how you get on.

    • elaine93514
      elaine93514 paulfoel

      Posted

      No unfortunately😏 but you could phone the clinic to get a more precise idea of the price plus the waiting time...

      All the best...

    • carol50260
      carol50260 paulfoel

      Posted

      My physio recommended a consultant who then referred me a couple of days later to a private hospital for hydro dilation with ultrasound - altogether just under 800 pounds but I was desperate after months of pain and lack of sleep for many weeks, so for me it was worth every penny. Still not recovered yet but so much better than before the treatment. I think you have to weigh up what quality of life you have as well as cost. Good luck
  • phyllis02986
    phyllis02986 maria58274

    Posted

    I just had my Hydrodiatation done today and my experience is very similar to yours. Will document my progress.  
  • Gelsume
    Gelsume maria58274

    Posted

    Hello. 3 weeks ago I had MUA as well as decompression/debridement. Started physio. Early days but frustrated that still having pain in bicep forearm, wrist etc. Still struggling to sleep although a bit better than before. Frozen now for a year. Had cortisone shots four times. Surgeon said I had complete range of motion under sedation...... still have same range as before the procedure even though I am trying hard to push myself through the pain to get more mobility. He says if I don't get better it is my own fault......... compassion.....?

    Left side of my neck is perpetuallying aching....... I know many of you know the pain and frustration. Doctor has suggested Hydrodilatation but I fear more pain......

    Maybe I need to give my MUA more time to HEAL? Anyone else still feeling awful three weeks post?

    • maria0127
      maria0127 Gelsume

      Posted

      Hi there.  I had the same treatments done to me a week ago.  Initially I went in for a subacromial decompression and shoulder debridement.  I was told after surgery thatn I also had FS and they performed MUA on me.  I have very limited range of motion, much less than before the surgery.   Able to lift arm about 30 degrees unassisted and about 90 degrees assisted.  Cannot reach my back at all.  And about 20 degrees sideway.  I started PT yesterday.   I'm just so scared.  The pain is worst than before surgery.  I was able to do normal activities with some limitations prior to surgery.  I am doing exercise 2-3 X a day at home.  Doing everything possible so that it doesn't froze again.

      How are you doing now?  I hope you have recovered or on your way to recovery.

      Would be interested to find out your experiences.

      Thanks, and hope to hear from you.

  • katey2207
    katey2207 maria58274

    Posted

    Hi maria58274, I have been reading your thread and story re Frozen shoulder...I have adhesive capsulitis, its been getting worse since January this year, I have had 1 cortisone jab which has worn off, so am schduled for Hydrodilatation Injection in 2 weeks...... some people post and also on other sites that it is a painful experience, what would your thoughts be on that ? based on your experience. It was not painful having the cortisone jab. Guess I am fearing the unknown and I know that 15 minutes of being uncomfortable is better than another 18 months of the pain and lack of movement that I have now.....
    • maria58274
      maria58274 katey2207

      Posted

      Not sure whether it's just differences in people's shoulders or the skill of the person carrying out the procedure but for me, I'd describe it as a bit uncomfortable and not painful.  Certainly not as painful as the frozen shoulder can be!  Once the local anaesthetic wore off, it ached a bit for a coupld of days - then pain free!  I realise everyone is different but that was my experience.  Another thing to remember is that the entire thing took 15 minutes - from going in, being checked, having the treatment to leaving the treatment room - the actual injection part was only a few minutes of that.  I was extremely nervous before I went for mine - it's normal to fear the unknown - but it wasn't a trauma for me and was well worth it in the end.

      Good luck and let us know how you get on.

    • elaine93514
      elaine93514 maria58274

      Posted

      I agree...I did find it very uncomfortable but nothing compared to FS. There was pain after anaesthetic wore off but after a day or 2 this eased considerably.

      My procedure is on May 15th & I will start physio 30 minutes after. This is the way my hospital now treat patients after hydrodilitation.

      I am more than ready after so much pain.

      Good luck Katey, keep us updated as to how you are.

      I will post my progress after my treatment.

    • katey2207
      katey2207 maria58274

      Posted

      Hi All, I have had my injection, and to be honest I found the whole experience really good, hardly felt a thing, I think I have a pretty good radiologist..... am 4 days from having it, still don't have good motion of my shoulder, put pain has eased alot, feels stiff and weak, with a bit of pain if I try and overdo it. I see my Osteo on Tuesday and hope that helps start the healing process. They did say it can take up to 2 weeks. for me to feel the full benefit of the Hydro jab.... Would definitely have another if it doesn't get any better and it is recommended. How is everyone else doing after their procedures ?

    • elaine93514
      elaine93514 katey2207

      Posted

      Hi Katey,

      Had my hydro procedure done on Monday, was painful for a few seconds..2nd attempt I felt ok. When I had my left shoulder done 3 yes ago I felt a popping sensation when it was released but didnt feel that this time round.

      Like yourself I still have discomfort when trying to do the exercises to raise my arm up etc. Pain otherwise is fine.

      Went straight to physio after hydro, I guess whilst the anaesthetic is still working. Managed the movements ok but struggled when the effects wore off.

      Seeing some, tho little improvement but with time Im sure it will improve.

      Hope recovery will be quick.

      Good luck on your recovery..

    • moira61832
      moira61832 katey2207

      Posted

      Good to hear your experiences am wondering how much rest I will need afterwards, the leaflet says two days. (Just resting my arm I mean ha ha!!)
    • elaine93514
      elaine93514 moira61832

      Posted

      Had mine done on the Monday & went back to work next day. Should have taken time off work....do take a few days off to recover especially from the anaesthetic.

      I felt very tired & my shoulder ached but I am glad I had it done. Now the physio continues to get full use of my arm again...ro on.

      Goid luck for next week..😊

    • katey2207
      katey2207 moira61832

      Posted

      Hi Moira.... I had mine done on a Tuesday and took the rest of the week off... as I am lucky and was able to do some of my work at home, my work is mainly on a computer ... so I could do an hour or so and then rest the shoulder .... I guess for you it will depend on what job you do ... as your shoulder may ache for a few days.
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