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My punishment!

Posted , 14 users are following.

AntheaS
AntheaS

Well, what ever I did it must have been bad, because a 'frozen shoulder' is torture. If I sound like I'm full of pity, you are right. It's the depression talking. This disease really gets you down. It's relentless. Thanks for all the posts. It makes me feel less alone. I too will add my story in hope that it will bring some comfort to someone. It all started last year when I had my gallbladder removed (full of gallstones) and a hiatus hernia repair (reflux). After my surgery I had severe shoulder pain, particularly in my left non-dominant side. But I just perservered and two months later I was back in gym getting on with my life. So, October there I was getting things back to normal. Taking care of my body, when I noticed a pain in my shoulder and bicep. I had to try different angles with my weight training to stop the pain. I thought, that it was strain from the gyming and it would go away. But by January this year, I realised that it was getting gradually more and more painful and I also noticed that my movement in my left shoulder was getting gradually less and less. In February this year I had my doc refer me to a radiologist who confirmed that I have frozen shoulder and not a rotator cuff sprain. After months of waiting for an orthapedic specialist, I saw one this week. He stated that I have a severely frozen shoulder and that there is nothing he can do for me and that I'm looking at a three year sentence.He offered me a cortisone and saline injection, but said that it may not work. So here I am suffering nights without adequate sleep and pain that is either knee dropping cry your eyes out or a dull throb that makes you soooooo grumpy. Thanks for listening and to you all who have frozen shoulder. May you find pain relief soon.

1 like, 22 replies

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  • Debbie1212
    Debbie1212 AntheaS

    Posted

    Oh my AntheaS I know exactly how u feel. It IS so depressing. I had the same as u thought it waz strain at the gym/boxing. I had steroid injection in feb and another in march. Saw surgeon 3 weeks ago who suggested who suggested hydrodilatation, its the less invasive option. Then i received a letter yesterday to say they have to wait 3 months after the last injection!!! So now im looking at June. im so so fed up with not being able to do my bra up, wash my hair properly or wear certain clothes. Work colleagues think im putting it on. I wish i had a broken arm as there would be something to see, and watch it heal! But with a fs, nothing to see. Im sat here having breakfast with heat pad on my shoulder. Most people with fs ask when i gave up work, i didnt, i have to work. My worry is that my left shoulder is now starting to ache and im hoping its because of not using my right one anymore. I see physio once a week and its painful but i know i need to keep it moving and mobile as much as poossible. I have a lot more forward movement but still no backward. We are all in the same boat. Look up if they do hydrodilitation near u. And get into physio asap. X let me know how u get on. X
    • themagicpanda
      themagicpanda Debbie1212

      Posted

      Oh Debbie, I truly feel for you having to work. Is it impossible to be off? I HAD to be, but luckily get paid sick leave. That said I was working with it for 4.5 months it gradually intensifying before things reached crisis in January. That being said I work in the NHS and still had to have the surgery privately which was in March ortherwise I'd still be off waiting to see them same blooming surgeon! I couldn't function, wash, dress or eat - obviously not drive.  I know what you mean about others not understanding and now I feel terrible not having appreciated when my mum has had this condition (relieved by injections) on 3 occasions.  Even when I returned to work I have been met with others who seem to 'doubt' my absence with one even saying, a frozen shoulder cures itself!!  It was capsular relase surgery I had which was instant relief from 'the' pain but mobility and physio continue and pain is still there so nothing is a miracle but I think I've had as near to it. Love and hugs to you. Mandy xx
    • linda37283
      linda37283 Debbie1212

      Posted

      Oh Noooooo Debbie sad What awful news sad 

      I can't believe they did that to you sad The medical profession have no idea do they? sad   I feel your frustration & pain sad

      Sending gentle hugs my friend xxx

    • AntheaS
      AntheaS Debbie1212

      Posted

      Hi Debbie..I too worry about my dominant arm. It has started aching and the Specialist said that 1 in 3 will get it in the other arm. So, maybe I need to prepare myself. Clearly something is up with my body. I just wish there was more information on this disease. It's ridiculous that they can send someone to the moon, but my shoulder is a mystery. I've found ways around not being able to reach like I use to and I'm ok with the limited movement. It's the pain that does my head in. I'm not going to go for any treatments. I'm going to wait it out and hope that things get better on their own. I find that the more I move it the more it feels aggrevated. The only movement that seems to help is when I run on the treadmill. And the slow rhythmic motion  of forward and backward without pain seems to gently warm up the shoulder joint and it gives relief for a small period. Just difficult to go and run when I'm tired from not sleeping. So I haven't for a week now. I also noticed that the movement is very similar to physio given to professional swimmers who have injured shoulder joints. They do a rhythmic shoulder role in the water (Youtube). The cortisone injection thing into the joint is frightening. I've been told that it's bad for cartilage. My luck I'll get an infection or something. I know there's very little chance, but lately I feel cursed. So, I'm paranoid. My instinct tells me to not harass my shoulder. That I need to just keeping doing house chores within the limits given and I do push myself. Making a bed is pretty challenging, but I still give it a go every day. All the beds in the house and routine house work. I'm constantly looking at my posture. Research suggested that there may be a corelation between poor posture (rounded shoulders) and suseptability to FS. So I sit and walk with good posture always in my mind and lightly roll my shoulder stetching the joint ever so slightly in its socket. Imaginging the ligaments pulling and healing. I don't know Debbie..I suppose FS makes you very self aware. I'm so use to just getting on with things and not letting things bug me too much, but FS keeps bringing you to place where all you think about is yourself and this pitiful place you find yourself. Also, my poor husband. I've not exactly been hugable or even in the mood to be anything but be miserable.  I've been off work for  a year now, because of my surgeries, but will be going to a job interview on Thursday for a training position. So, hopefully I will manage. Not working has been financially difficult, so I have to get back in the work saddle. I can't wait three years to start working, especially if my right side may act up. That'll then be 6 years. So, I'm just going to keep going. Thanks a heap and please keep me posted on your recovery. Maybe we can give two very different perspectives. Hugs me xxx
    • Rologirl
      Rologirl AntheaS

      Posted

      Hi

      you poor thing.

      My experiences with my two shoulders has been completely different - nothing I knew with the first one has really helped with the second.

      I understand the life you describe. Also the middle of the night timing!

      Wishing everyone well.

      T

  • themagicpanda
    themagicpanda AntheaS

    Posted

    Hi Anthea, totally understand. You've really been through the mill this last year by the sounds of it. Frozen shoulder is HIDEOUS, there's no pain like it and like you, this forum was a saviour for me. I'm through the worst now having had capsular release surgery, luckily through health insurance. Despite this I have only just returned to work a few weeks ago after nearly 12 weeks absence, most of it waiting for surgery. (I was 'too far gone' for injections by the time I was referred). You are not alone in this condition, it is debilitating, isolating, misunderstood and just bl**dy awful painwise. Sleep is like gold dust, you lose your motivation, you lose 'you', the indpendance to wash, dress, even prepare and eat your own food. I truly had no idea until suffering myself and others around me still seem to doubt how bad it was as surgery was an instant relief, pain is still there. I had my check up yesterday and have been reassured that though the surgery gives instant release to the capsule, recovery through physio is ongoing and vital. Pain continues on a far different level but I have got a lot of my life back. If there's one thing I can suggest it's keep on here, keep posting and you will get loads of support, in the dark hours when you feel so alone - this forum truly saved me at times and I know others feel the same. Being able to chat to someone who understands is priceless. Even loved ones don't understand.Keep yourself motivated as much as you can, I set myself tiny targets every day, got up and dressed (that's a laugh in itself - I'm still getting used to wearing underwear and proper clothes after living in pyjamas for months). 'Try' and keep bedtimes/sleeping to a pattern, even if you need a nap later in the morning/afternoon take it, but try and keep a pattern, being up all night is incredibly lonely but very common also. My surgeon yesterday was great and he mentioned his frustration in the lack of understanding from GPs, HE mentioned how the condition is debiliatation, isolating and can lead to depression. His words, I felt 'normal'. Keep your chin up Anthea, there are some great people on here, we're all in it together and are are different stages, there's always someone further on than you and sadly someone coming in behind but what an amazing support. Log in and chat /rant when you can and when the pain allows. Much love and hugs - Mandy x
    • alison44235
      alison44235 themagicpanda

      Posted

      I can't stand my frozen shoulder any longer I have it now for 4

      months. I have got nowhere with the N'H.S. infact the physio made it worse 2 months ago. I am having to go privately to see a shoulder specialist. I go on Monday. otherwise it would be 4 months before I see one. I also have M.E. this F.S. has made this 10 times worse. My husband and nearly all my friends do not understand even though I try to expalin, so no sympathy there.

      The thing is with the f.S. they don't know what is going on in there as i have not had a scan. I had an xray after my fall got no results had to ring up to get them after two weeks of agony and the doctor said i had a hairline fracture and with lack of use of my shoulder afterwards it became frozen which would not have happened if I had had the right treatment in the first place, if they could have been bothered to get the results the day i had the fall I might have been allright now. I am of course very angry about this. When i asked my doctor to refer me to a private shoulder man and an M.E. clinic he did not do it so I have to chase that up as well. Do they think i am making all this up!!!

      This has completely changed my life, I cannot do any of the things I enjoy and I can't drive and can't work. i am in a very bad place at the moment. I am supposed to be in a good mood for my husband otherwise poor him, ye gods.

      Sorry for the rant.

      All the best to you all out there.

    • kerri77889
      kerri77889 alison44235

      Posted

      Oh Alison.....we all understand on here and it's not called a rant it's called unloading to people that really do understand 😊

      it seems constantly that NHS is letting people down....I'm in Australia, but I am in private medical and hospital and I'm sure that makes a huge difference as it would in your country too. I think you need to have at least an ultra sound and just make sure you have no tears in your rotator cuff. I was originally being treated for FS, had an X-ray which showed nothing then I had an ultra sound which showed a tear.

      You need to say to husband etc...do you think I enjoy feeling like this.....do you think I am making it up.....on a scale of 1-10 I'm living with a constant 8 that can turn to a 10+ with a sudden movement or bump. Please Please.....I need your help and understanding I am not making it up and I am certainly in no way enjoying living with this constant pain and being unable to sleep. Do you think I would choose this misery over a healthy happy life?????

      Give it a go Alison......I honestly feel for you hunny. Sending you gentle hugs and lots of kisses across the seas go you 😘❌❌❌❌❌❌

  • kerri77889
    kerri77889 AntheaS

    Posted

    Oh Anthea......yes it is a horrid insidious and awful ailment.....that people that have never had it just don't understand. While mine was a torn rotator cuff and I am now 4 weeks after surgery.....I have been told the symptoms are the same as FS. I am in a sling for 6 weeks and still sleeping in a recliner chair in the lounge every night since the op 4 weeks ago. The surgeon has repaired my tear with 4 anchors and 4 wires and I still have to take a Targin 20mg to get to sleep at night. Surgeon said expect pain for up to 3 months and 12-18 months till full recovery. The pain makes you grumpy and irritable as do the pain meds. I had one steroid injection in December and another in January neither did a god damn thing. An ultra sound then showed I had a tear that would not repair on its own so surgery was my only option. I found the support and friendship on this forum absolutely fantastic, so nice to talk to people that really do understand EXACTLY what sort of pain you are experiencing. I'm in Australia and while I know the majority of you are in the UK it has nevertheless been lovely to have the understanding and constant support of everyone here 😀. Good luck Anthea, your support network is always right here 😘❌❌❌❌
    • themagicpanda
      themagicpanda kerri77889

      Posted

      Hi awesome lady!!! Good to get an update on you. Sorry to hear you are still sleeping in the recliner but I can see how this may be 'easier' than trying the bed.  You are through the worst I am sure, certainly more than half way through the sling phase and count the 'sleeps' now until you get relief from that. Hope healing continues but it would be great if it is now very speedy for you, keep positive lovely lady, hugs Mandy xx
    • kerri77889
      kerri77889 themagicpanda

      Posted

      Hiya Mandy.....how you doing lovely?

      i actually don't mind sleeping in the recliner.....it's very comfortable and once I take my only pain med now which is one only bed time Targin per day, I sleep in comfort all night. Sometimes I slip the sling off and just lay my arm along side my body......feels sooooooo good!!!!!

      yep it's 4 weeks tomoz since op, do only 2 weeks more of the sling.....YAY!!!!

      definately a whole lot better than I was 4 weeks ago. I can now shower and dress in my own, slow and tedious but I can do it. Hubby went back to work after Easter, so had to fend for myself 😀. All good and on the road to recovery.....I HOPE 💜💙💚💛❤️😘😘😘❌❌❌❌❌

  • cheryl95104
    cheryl95104 AntheaS

    Posted

    Hi Anthea,

    You poor love...FS is hell on earth, we know how you feel.  I am 9 weeks post capsular release in right shoulder (very very frozen) and mua on the left (starting to freeze) and so far so good, felt so much better after the op, it really was a life-line.  My advice is to get an appt for surgery with a good shoulder surgeon, no idea how long you have to wait for NHS, but just get a date in the book, you can always cancel if things improve or if you decide to go private.

    My surgeon said the same to me - it was as bad as he has seen and that he wouldnt even be able to get the needle in it was so stuck and would take minimum of 2 years to resolve, so keyhole was the way to go.  You cant wait for years in pain like that, I was sure I was going to have a heart attack or something, I think pain raises your blood pressure or gives you palpatations, you just feel ill!

    Get the surgery if you can.... I feel your pain love xxxxx

  • Rologirl
    Rologirl AntheaS

    Posted

    Poor thing. I hope some of the other stories on herer will help you manage your expectations and pain. You are not alone. Sending you a gentle hug.

     

  • seretta45461
    seretta45461 AntheaS

    Posted

    Oh Anthea, do we all feel your pain!! It is, without doubt, the most painful. Depressing condition. My left shoulder (dominant) pain started in July/August and the stiffness began in September. I've had hydrodilation and am now 3 1/2 weeks post capsular release surgery. If you are still freezing then physio is definitely out, (too painful) but surgical options might be too painful as well right now. But...I suggest you don't take no for an answer. Lots of doctors/surgeons don't know anywhere near enough about fs, but lot do. Go back to your doctor and ask to be referred to someone else. I pushed and pushed (and cried a lot!) there was no way I was just going to put up with this for maybe 3 years! So 3 weeks post op and I'm still in pain, but copable pain. I'm working really hard on the physio now because I want my life back but I am definitely having pains in my right shoulder now. So I've just made an appointment with the doctor. I'm hoping an early injection or two will halt it in its tracks because I don't think I'll survive going through this again! 

    Definitely go back and stamp your feet, (gently,) good luck, we're here! 

  • Rologirl
    Rologirl AntheaS

    Posted

    I have been lucky to have my op on the NHS - but this was supported and expedited by my GP writing how this conditoon was affecting my mental health. i have also been referred for counselling. When you are in pain every day, it makes it harder to cope with everything else in life and you feel like a failure at work and a failure at relationships - as you aren't doing what you usually do for the friends and family around you.

    Also teh pain meds have real and very debilitating side effects.

    Plus there is the sleep deprivation.

    Roll on recovery. One day at a time,

    Being able to type with my other hand is still the only option 3 weeks post surgery, despite the morphine.

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