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Shoulder surgeries caused nerve damage

Posted , 4 users are following.

jane14899
jane14899

i am looking for a top doc for help. After two shoulder surgeries & a cervical fusion, I am left with pain. My dominant hand has numbness, shoulder is painful, as well as the scapula. I exercise my heart out & squeezing a ball isn't cutting it. If doctors can help patients with spinal injuries, there must be one out there who can give me my life back. The more active I am, the worse the pain. Opiates & Gabapentin are all I think about. And I hate it. PLEASE, if someone knows of a doctor who can help, let me know. I had 3 enjoyable months of retirement & my life turned upside down.

2 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • scrapbooker56
    scrapbooker56 jane14899

    Posted

    I'm so sorry. I too still have some pain, but finally got off the opiates. My doctor thought that since I was used to taking them it was more that than the pain. She was correct. I still have pain I don't think I should have, but stopping the vicoden stopped some of the pain I was having.

    Now on to you. Have you had a second opinion or a second MRI? I would start there. You have the right to feel good and don't stop demanding answers until you do.

  • Smileyface
    Smileyface jane14899

    Posted

    WOW! I'm sorry to hear that! What happened that you had 2 shoulder surgeries, and cervical infusion? What has your doctor said about all your pain? Do you live in Cleveland, or out of town? You can look up Orthopedic doctors, or spine specialist, and their credentials. I just had a SLAP surgery in Aug. of last year, and 2 months later ended up having neck pain which has gotten worse, and now I'm waiting for the results of the MRI of my neck. The shoulder surgery was due because I was assaulted by a student at work. I've been so frustrated and stressed out, because I don't feel as though I'm going in the right direction, but going back for some reason. I pray you can get some answers, and get some relief real soon! Keep us informed. I'll keep you in my prayers too!

  • henpen1980
    henpen1980 jane14899

    Posted

    Are you icing/heating? Have a ought second opinion? A new PT who specializes in gentle, massage base PT with gentle stretches and gradual ROM and strengthening? Have you spoken to pi/malpractice lawyer for guidance in $$ recovery? Gather your wits and start building your game plan to regain use of your shoulder. Have you tried acupuncture? Therapist to help you with pain pill management? Have you tried water pt or water to aim recovery? Good luck.

    • henpen1980
      henpen1980

      Posted

      PS where are you located?
    • henpen1980
      henpen1980

      Posted

      Pss what was the purpose of the original shoulder surgeries?

    • jane14899
      jane14899 henpen1980

      Posted

      Tried acupuncture, probably going back to PT soon. I originally smashed my shoulder against the door. Have osteoporosis so broke the shoulder, rotator cuff & head of the humerus. So the second surgery was a reverse to get me better ROM. Then had cervical fusion since doctor said I was bone on bone & that could be causing shoulder pain.  The only thing that happened was I got more numbness in my hand & both feet. I've been doctor shopping & I'm losing steam. Went to UOf M & they said they would like to try a nerve stimulator. Trial period, no risk, but I don't know how much my insurance will pay & it's very expensive. Legally, well, my son is an attorney & thinks I have no case because I was not hurt. In medicine, there are no guarantees. The second opinions I went to were not up to my expectations & at this point, I am afraid to make things worse. So less invasive procedures are what I must look for. 

    • jane14899
      jane14899 henpen1980

      Posted

      smashed my shoulder closing the front door. First surgery was not getting better with PT, icing, heat. So they did the reverse & no better. My son who lives with me thinks I am much better & need to be patient because nerves regenerate very slowly.

    • henpen1980
      henpen1980 jane14899

      Posted

      It takes 12 or longer months to heal. You've had a lot done. Slow and steady. Have you tried pt in the water/pool?

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