1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Frozen Shoulder

omg, the pain

Posted , 13 users are following.

teri17216
teri17216

Just been diagnosed. It hurts so bad. How doyou deal?

0 likes, 34 replies

34 Replies

Prev Next
  • teri17216
    teri17216

    Posted

    I don't like to take drugs but I took a percocet yesterday.  It took 2 hours but finally I had no pain (as long as I didn't move).  The bliss.  I can now totally see how someone can get hooked on them.
  • bobbysgirl
    bobbysgirl teri17216

    Posted

    I have been using this site for a while, since my right shoulder - already damaged due to dislocation, was diagnosed as 'frozen'. I thought that pain was bad, but today I slipped on some rocks and put my hands out to save me and something went 'scrunch' in my LEFT shoulder.

    I spent all afternoon in A&E only to be told, repeatedly, 'it's not dislocated' - like that made any difference to the pain or explained what I HAD done!

    Now it is 'frozen' in as much as the movement is very restricted. But the pain is bxxxxy awful.

    Some of you have mentioned torn rotator cuffs, does my problem sound familiar? If it is,what can be done? The doctor in A&E said it was 'JUST a pulled muscle'! I have pulled many a muscle but it's NEVER been this bad.

    MUCH sympathy and one-armed hugs to anyone going through this.

    • teri17216
      teri17216 bobbysgirl

      Posted

      My Doc told me that frozen shoulder is more painful than a torn rotator and I believe him.  Keep doing the trifecta of heat, exercise and ice.  Also, I bouught a tens/ems machine for home use and that has helped a lot.

      Keep coming here, I have found it is really nice to talk to people who really understand.

    • bobbysgirl
      bobbysgirl teri17216

      Posted

      I have an appointment with a wonderful Physio this evening. Even if she can't do anything now, I am sure I will get good advice and will find out exactly what I have done!
  • sheila59677
    sheila59677 teri17216

    Posted

    Really feel for all of us,mine started in Dec 15, put up with work for as long as I could [manual job Asda ] compensating with my left arm till I couldn't cope any longer with all the pain,sleepless nights neck ache,been signed off for nearly 3 weeks now & going for a futher 2 weeks just to rest up & try to get in a better frame of mine.Was recommended to get a shoulder pulley which I have just received,will do this along with other exercises,you will learn to deal or rather cope with it & soon realise to do more things with your good arm however awkward.Good Luck.
  • tara75402
    tara75402 teri17216

    Posted

    FS definitely feels like it is here to stay.  Forever.  I got a flu shot in November; had the typical stiffness the day after, but it got progressively worse until I finally was diagnosed with frozen shoulder.  It is now April.  Apparently the shot was placed incorrectly - too high up on the arm.  The pain is unbearable.  I wake every night at 3 a.m. and can't go back to sleep.  I can lie on that shoulder for a little while, but I can't lie on the other side as I need my arm propped up (it can't slump down in front of me or behind me as it doesn't bend at any angle anymore).  Ibuprofen doesn't help.  Heat helps a little bit.  Traction helps for a short while (e.g., bend at the waist, hold onto a table with my good arm and let my bad arm hang straight down - have it swing in small circles with the shoulder relaxed.  This was a great tip from the physio).  I need tips for comfortable sleeping.  I can't go on much longer without restorative sleep.  When I hear this could last upwards of 18 months, I can't even let my brain go there.  Hot tub/hot shower provides minimal relief.  I will order a TENS machine today after reading some of these comments.  Incidentally, the specialist told me that menopause, diabetes and/or thyroid conditions are risk factors; particularly when there is an injury to the area.  I have had a partial thyroidectomy and the flu shot was the injury.    Today my arm just feels realllllly heavy and kind of numb.  Is that a sign I am moving into the next stage?
    • bobbysgirl
      bobbysgirl tara75402

      Posted

      Oooh girl. I feel your pain.... no seriously, I feel exactly the same.

      Last February I developed a frozen right shoulder (dislocated several years before). I have been having physio for it and am now waiting to see a surgeon to see if there is anything he can do (not holding my breath there).

      This February I slipped on some rocks at the seaside and badly jarred my left shoulder, VERY painful. Now this is frozen. I am waddling around like some potty penguin - full use of both arms - just as long as I don't lift them higher than my waist.

      I know just what you mean about trying to sleep. I get no more than two hours sleep at a time and I am so sick of it!

      I'd give you a hug, but I can't reach.lol Good job I can still laugh about it, what else is there?

    • tara75402
      tara75402 bobbysgirl

      Posted

      Gotta keep laughing...I guess.  Lack of sleep = lack of patience for all people and things.  Hard to be breezy when one is in constant pain.  I slipped on ice a couple of months ago and reached out to catch myself with that arm...I don't think I've ever felt pain like that before and I've given birth without medication...twice.  Hopefully relief will come soon - and hopefully you can find some answers without surgery.  I had a Cortizone shot last week and it didn't really do much.  Good luck!
    • Je_n
      Je_n tara75402

      Posted

      Bi Tara,

      Had three Cortizone shots, didn't do anything for me either. Well if we count the allergy to iodine from the contrast dye. Surprise lol!

      I'm going try the evening primrose oil this week. Tumeric, ginger and gallons of tart cherry juice just seem to be keeping me hydrated... Not much antiflamatory action..

    • tara75402
      tara75402 Je_n

      Posted

      let me know how the evening primrose oil works!

       

    • Je_n
      Je_n tara75402

      Posted

      Tara,

      I'm sorry you have this on too. Unfortunately , we all have to wait this out. My doctor that administered my last cortizone shot said, "they really don't know what causes it or really how to treat it." Well said, at least he was honest.

      The good (and bad ) thing is, it seems to change, so at least hopefully you will get some sleep soon. Do try a hot bath and epsom salts. Drape a towel, damp with bath water over the angry shoulder. That's my only relief.. I'll let u know about the primrose. Another gal on here suggested primrose and black coash..

  • terry74787
    terry74787 teri17216

    Posted

    Portable tens unit, Traumeel X, ibuprofen, heating pad.  I didn't but have recently wondered if taping like they do for pulled muscles for sports players would help. My scapula dropped and was pulling on the nerves in my neck for my second shoulder and they taped it in place with regular medical tape which helped with the pain. I went to a Physiatrist. 
    • bobbysgirl
      bobbysgirl terry74787

      Posted

      My Physio strapped my back and shoulder (right scapula sticks out more than the other) OH said I looked like a badly repaired Li-lo. I felt SO much better. If you go down this road, and it helps ask them to show you how it is done. You can get the pack and do it yourself - with a little help!
    • teresa59318
      teresa59318 bobbysgirl

      Posted

      Glad you getting some relief. I've had this done but couldn't manage it myself. Keep well.
  • karen25221
    karen25221 teri17216

    Posted

    im having a subacromial decompression and debridement next week, must say im a bit in the middle over it but feel.like ive been forced into it by work really as they said they move me off my team and to.another which they would me moving me out of something i have done for 14 years and to do something i hate and would make me so.miserable they gave me to.the end if the year well october november this wasnt going to be better by then so had to have surgery.
    • teresa59318
      teresa59318 karen25221

      Posted

      That's tough. People don't understand the immense pressure we're under. With the awful pain and restricted movement this impacts on every area of our lives. We did not choose for this to happen and we still have to cope with everyday life. Mind yourself, mentally and physically. X

    • debbie36227
      debbie36227 teresa59318

      Posted

      Yes! I am in less pain now. My left shoulder still can't lift up overhead while I am sitting or standing. When I lie down, I can lift all the way up overhead. Weird? Anyone had this experience? Any one know what it is this problem?
    • cindy_45475
      cindy_45475 karen25221

      Posted

      That is so harsh

      Karen I hope everything goes ok for you and your company realise what a dedicated member of staff you are when all this is over .

Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.