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Shoulder Problem

Posted , 6 users are following.

lauri_land73
lauri_land73

I've been suffering with a painful shoulder for 4 months now and after 2 months went to the GP. They diagnosed a trapped nerve in my neck although my pain is not really in my neck it's in my shoulder. The GP prescribed amitriptyline to take at night to help me sleep as I was constantly waking in pain and not sleeping again. I also took ibuprofen for a couple of months but they never really did much. So GP prescribed naproxen which help a bit. I have been to a physio who diagnosed soft tissue damage and given exercises none of which did much good. I am not able to lift my arm higher than my shoulder. My left arm is affected but I am right handed. I struggle getting dressed, washed, getting out of the bath, tying my hair back, doing my bra up and the list goes on. I am 41 and both my parents have the same problem in their left shoulder too. The pain at times can be so bad I have tears in my eyes. I work with a computer all day and never had a day off sick due to this. I am already on a warning for sick leave due to chest and throat infections. I was diagnosed this problem not long after a lung infection. I am depressed by the fact that I feel useless and unable to do what I want to physically. I find if I sit and do nothing I have no pain but then when I move or do a sudden move it can feel like my arm is being ripped out of the socket. 

I feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel but am happy to know there are others like me. My dad has had this condition for the last 30 yrs. Now I know exactly his pain. Nobody can ever understand unless they have it themselves. People think I am just moaning all the time when I say about it but they have no idea what pain really is. This is the worst pain I have had. 

So I fully understand anyone who has trapped nerve pain or soft tissue damage as my physio diagnosed and then my GP also. 

Heat packs help as do hot water bottles. 

I wish anyone who has the same to get well soon. Hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel will come soon. Take care.

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • robin81176
    robin81176 lauri_land73

    Posted

    Lauri,

    Have you gone to get a 2nd opinion? 

    The symptoms you described are the exact symptons I had for Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis).

    You have 3 of the major risk factors...your age, sex and trauma. (I also had diabetes).

    I suffered for a year prior to seeking help. I really thought I had another condition with similar symptoms so I tried to self treat as I did on my right arm and was able to correct it...this however did not go away so I spoke to my doctor about it. They first tested for nerve damage (I broke my back in a car accident February 2013 so I also thought nerve issues) but the test showed no nerve damage in my left arm. They then diagnosed as frozen shoulder. 

    I just had a Manipulation Under Anesthesia ( MUA ) and the Arthroscopic removal of all scar tissue in my left shoulder 3 weeks ago.

    I started physical therapy the next day and am showing amazing progress.  

    Don't settle living in pain. I really suggest getting a 2nd opinion. 

    Good Luck!!

    • lauri_land73
      lauri_land73 robin81176

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply. Good to hear you are getting better. I will see my GP again in a couple of weeks and will see how I'm doing and what else she thinks/suggests. I think time is a good healer though at the moment can't see it will but having been through plantar fasciitis and achillies tendonitits and come out the other side I know things do improve over time. I never thought I would be rid of those pains. Patience is a good virtue to have.

  • kath17087
    kath17087 lauri_land73

    Posted

    Hello Lauri, my heart goes out to you. I have had a frozen shoulder for 2 months and now getting pain in my left one. This really has a terrible effect on everyday life. I work from home so lucky can rest when i need too. I too have been brought to my knees with tears from the pain....if I move it fast or a certain way it will bite me! Ouch...takes about a miniute to recover. Been to so many experts....but not much help..cost heaps of money too. I'm just hoping and praying for recovery very soon. When you carn't sleep and are tossing and turning know there are others out there too. My prayers are with you.Get well and God Bless.
  • edgar313
    edgar313 lauri_land73

    Posted

    My advice to you is hydrodilitation ( a medical technique perfected here in Melbourne Au) where saline and some cortisone is injected into your shoulder under xray. In my case this procedure did not of itself improve range of movement (ROM) but at least the pain has gone; with patience you will find your ROM improves but it will not happen overnight. In my case the frozen shoulder started about two and half years ago but gradually getting better.

    Just be patient; dont rush it; you will get better 

  • mema_again
    mema_again lauri_land73

    Posted

    Lauri, I took comfort also in others like myself.  I wouldn't wish a frozen shoulder on anyone.  I guess it's amazing how many of us can't sleep because of pain. When I fall asleep that's the only pain free time as soon as I open my eyes pain again.  I had frozen shoulder on right arm 2 1/2 yrs ago.  I now have it on left and just yesterday my right shoulder hurt like heck.  Could it be possible to get it again on the right while trying to fix the left????
    • robin81176
      robin81176 mema_again

      Posted

      Hi Mema!

      I am so sorry to hear about your pain in your right shoulder again. 

      Having this condition once is bad enough but to already have had it in both and the second shoulder  is heartbreaking.

      My doctor did advise me it is possible for the condition to move to the other arm and also return to the original arm.

      I pray this is not the case.

      I definitely suggest speaking to your doctor if the issue persists to get help with recovery.

      I am in the US and I am unsure how your health care works in the UK but noone deserves to be in pain ... especially the pain and effects that this condition causes.

      Good Luck...I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 

    • mema_again
      mema_again robin81176

      Posted

      Hi Robin,

      I had manipulation on the first frozen shoulder.  Had a bad experience with the anesthesia.  So I decided just on physical theraphy this time.  It is taking alot longer, but I also exercise 3 times a day faithfully.  Hoping this other shoulder hurting doesn'nt go frozen.  Thank you for your thoughts & prayers

  • kath17087
    kath17087 lauri_land73

    Posted

    Hello everyone.....just to let you know I have had a break through with the pain control. I bought a magnet underlay for my bed and have been painfree at last at night, so I'm getting much better sleep. My shoulder is still sore during the day and I have to be careful with it....but with good sleep I;m sure it will heal fast. Give magnets a try......let me know how you get on. God Bless
    • lauri_land73
      lauri_land73 kath17087

      Posted

      I tried the stick on magnets but found no relief so I guess it varies in different people. Glad to hear you are pain free at night and sleeping. I woke at 5am (day off work) in agony and couldn't go back to sleep. 
  • kath17087
    kath17087 lauri_land73

    Posted

    Hi Lauri, just wondering how you are doing? Did the pills Amitriptyline help with pain and sleep? I think I might ask for these from my doctor. Having problems with waking up at night from the pain. Oh boy this has been a long road. Take care :-)

     

    • lauri_land73
      lauri_land73 kath17087

      Posted

      Hi Kath,

      I have moments when I feel really down about this condition and am an emotional wreck but thank God I have my partner to help me. Some days I get dressed with slight pain but getting undressed is a nightmare at times. I feel like my clothes are a straight jacket I can't get out of. For example wearing a dress, I can't get them off. My pain varies but hanging into bus rails is a real killer. I can't shave under my bad arm too good either. 

      Amitriptyline do help me sleep. Even if I wake up in the night to use the bathroom I can sleep straight away after. They make you feel more relaxed and lessen the pain a bit. I can only sleep on my good side but still wake in agony in the morning. There are 2 downsides though being that you cannot drink alcohol on these even if you don't take the tablet that night. I tried it and felt terrible next day. I had aches and pains all over and the normal hangover feelings. Not drank since! Also you get a terrible dry mouth and sore throat. My GP said to drink 3 litres a day. Hard to do.

      I take Naproxen instead of Ibuprofen but my GP didn't prescribe me enough for 2 a day so been taking one in the morning. Also take Paracetamol if pain really bad like today.

      Take care and know you are not alone. 

  • mema_again
    mema_again lauri_land73

    Posted

    Lauri, when going through this excrutiating pain, its hard to see tomorrow.  Boy in the last 2 weeks what a difference I've had.  Even though I go for physical theraphy twice a week, what I think has made the big difference is at home I have pushed myself to the limits with exercise, using weights (only 2 lb).  I'm now starting the rubber bands.  The other day the therapist got my arm back to 170 degrees.  It just about lifted me off the table.  Sleeping has been better also.  Prayers for you .
  • lauri_land73
    lauri_land73

    Posted

    Finally I have been diagnosed with frozen shoulder despite one friend telling me it can't be that as she had it and it's very painful. Well, I haven't made it all up! I went for an x-ray and will get my results next Monday. But it was the fact I saw a trainee doctor and a student doctor that my thoughts were understood and diagnosedcorrectly. I still struggle with everything but the pain is more bearable except atnight. I just wonder if my x-ray shows any other problems.
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