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Where should I start?

Posted , 3 users are following.

victoria13635
victoria13635

My upper arm has started to ache and I can't seem to lift it even to shoulder level. It hurts to comb my hair or reach for things above my head. This isn't a constant ache, it comes and goes but is more there instead of not. My friend said she thinks it's my rotator cuff. After doing a bit of research it says that the rotator cuff should be taken care of sooner rather than later. I'm not sure how it started, just woke up one day with the ache. A few years ago, while wringing out a rag, I had the worst, instant pain I can remember. It was like I tore something in my shoulder. I had pain meds left from a surgery, took those with no relief at all. I went to the after-hours clinic. They xrayed my shoulder but didn't find a problem. They gave me a morphine injection even though I told them about the meds I had taken. This did remove some of the pain. It took a couple of days to get back to normal. Do you think this could be the root cause? My insurance allows me to see specialists without a referral. Where do I start? Should I just try home remedies first? Thanks for any and all advice.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • henpen1980
    henpen1980 victoria13635

    Posted

    Find an orthopaedic doctor and make an appt.  Your family doctor will send you to see an orthopaedic doctor for further evaluation anyhow...if you aren't required to have a referral just go to the OD.  The OD will evaluate and probably order an MRI to see what's going on inside.  In the meantime, avoid raising your arm over your shoulder.  You don't know what is wrong at this point.  Raising it over the shoulder could cause more damage.  GOOD LUCK!!  PS I had a crazy accident a year ago which tore three of the four r cuff muscles.  Two ripped completely off the humeral head (ball).  I had arthroscopic repair.  After 15 weeks of PT, my PT ripped one of the repairs off of the anchors drilled into the ball resulting in another surgery to reattach the supraspinatus again!  UGH!! Finally, healed up with a full range of motion restored; still working on strengthening.  Shoulder issues suck plain and simple consensus.  Hope you get good news, but please restrict over shoulder movement and activities until the OD has evaluated you.  

    • victoria13635
      victoria13635 henpen1980

      Posted

      Thank you. I literally feel like I'm falling apart. In Nov I had arthroscopic repair of a knee ligament. It was too tight and causing a ridge so it was snipped. That seems to be healing pretty well. I also have a hip issue that has been going on for 20 some years. But, when I asked the knee Dr about it, he said he doesn't think it's my hip. So, no my arm. Ugh. Not sure if it's from whatever happened a few yrs ago or not. At the time, they said bursitis but really only did an xray and had me move my arm (which I could not do). Right now the pain comes and goes. It aches slightly without using it or it doesn't hurt at all. So confusing.

    • henpen1980
      henpen1980 victoria13635

      Posted

      You know what to do...in fact...try to get in this week before you start another "benefit year!"  I hear you with "falling apart!"  I am nursing a fractured hand (4th metacarpal) four weeks out.  And I had bruised ribs 10/31/17 and a bruised tibia 11/20/17.  My fracture occurred 11/17/17 all three occurred at work.  I am teaching at two inner-city schools which no one else wanted to work....ugh... At 55, I do not feel ready to retire.  Long stories, now back to you... get your shoulder checked out, promptly.  GOOD LUCK and post updates!!  Take Care!! 

    • victoria13635
      victoria13635 henpen1980

      Posted

      Thanks. I won't be able to be seen this year. But, I did push for my knee to be done this year. I had my deductible paid in January. Retina surgery in Jan, cataract in April and my knee in Nov. I'm sorry for all your troubles. My daughter works in a hospital where she gets paid extra because of the location. She's a nurse. I know how you feel about retiring. I'm 60 but stay at home but I'm not ready to give up yet.

  • cbc123
    cbc123 victoria13635

    Posted

    Hi Victoria,

    Your story does sound very similar to the symptoms I had in the diagnosis's stage.  My X-ray result came back fine and even my MRI scan did as well.  It wasn't until about 18 months later, when I had another MRI scan that this finally confirmed I had impingement in my rotator cuff and also a suspected tendon tear and fray, this was confirmed in surgery!  So yes, the sooner you get to the bottom of this, the least damage needs to be fixed and you can start to recover. Good luck.

  • scrapbooker56
    scrapbooker56 victoria13635

    Posted

    Start with a dr visit preferably ortho, you will need an xray before you go, if that doesn't show anything your next step will be a MRI. They can evaluate from there. Sometimes a cortisone shot helps before messing with surgery. Good luck.

    • victoria13635
      victoria13635 scrapbooker56

      Posted

      Thank you. I don't think the original xray will count as it was years ago. I appreciate the advice.

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