Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: panda762 on December 21, 2012, 08:30:38 PM
-
5-6 weeks ago my arms/shoulders started to ache and whenever I reached over or tried to put my arms behind me I got severe pain. I knew I hadn't injured myself so put it down to muscle strain, thinking it'd go away eventually.
2 weeks later, still no improvement and things like un-hooking my bra were almost impossible.
Decided against seeing a GP as we were going on holiday and I figured the heat (Gran Canaria) and the R&R would definitely help - it didn't.
Got back to the UK and saw a GP who diagnosed 'probable' frozen shoulders. Was given blood test forms (rheumatic stuff, full blood count and so forth) and told that I probably need injections. Obviously, I've googled it to death and now know all about the prognosis (probably shouldn't have done that!) I was given a prescription for Naproxen 500mg (one twice a day) and Solpadol 30/500 tablets (two to be taken 4 times a day) but even though I'm now all spaced out ::) the pain is just as bad, and getting worse. I was also told that even though it hurts I have to keep my arms as mobile as possible to avoid needing physio when the inevitable stiffness phase kicks in (oh joy). All I actually want to do is keep both arms glued to my sides!
Needless to say, the jolly old NHS cancelled my blood tests due to the nurse being ill (of course, they couldn't just get an agency nurse to do it) and as I didn't fancy catching norovirus from any of the local hospitals I decided to wait until the next available appointment at the GP surgery.....31st December :(
I have no idea why I have this (GP said it's just "one of those things") or why I have it in both arms.
Does anyone else have any experience of frozen shoulder?
Did the injections work?
How long did the painful stage last?
How long did the stiff phase last?
I feel so pathetic wandering around the house all miserable moaning "My arms ache" but they really REALLY do (24/7).
Any help / advice gratefully received x
-
I will bet my nursing license that you have Polymyalgia Rheumatica. You need a sed rate drawn and you need to be treated. No harm in Googling it I think. Will help you be educated for GP visit. It eventually goes away, but needs treatment and it takes quite a long while. My licenses are expired and I can't diagnose, but this just seems awfully obvious, but I could always be wrong as don't have all the facts, thus only a laymen's opinion.
-
Polymyagia R needs treatment - usually steroids. My Mum had this and was unable to move any joints at all, Dad needed to dress her for several months.
Frozen shoulder will go on it's own .......... but takes a bout 2 years if the patient is able to sit completely still ::). But as we breath, sneeze, talk, move ...........
Frozen shoulder can be diagnosed by: if the sufferer is unable to lift arms high enough to reach something off the top shelf of the kitchen cupboard .......... maybe speak with a physio before C.mas?
-
I had a frozen shoulder a couple of years ago and had it manipulated under GA followed by about 6 months physio , now no problem all.
-
Thank you for all the swift responses!!
I already have osteoarthritis in my neck and undiagnosed (fairly certain trapped nerve) in my lower back, so could well do without the extra aches and pains.
Did google Polymyalgia Rheumatica and while I can see similarities I definitely don't have weight loss or loss of appetite (I wish!!). I'm actually comfort eating due to the pain :(
I was already due to get various blood tests due to other meds inc. statins (renal profile, liver profile & proteins, glucose, thyroid function and lipids), but she's added full blood count, ESR, rheumatoid factor, bone profile, urate, and written what seems to be "CRD please" in the 'other tests/comments section of the form.
I was really frustrated to get the blood tests postponed as it'll be 2nd January before I get my follow-up appointment to discuss results and treatment, and presumably I'll then be put on a waiting list for injections or whatever.
I can lift both arms up (slowly & careful) straight in front of me but if I twist to the left or right I get a really sharp pain under my armpit / right inside the joint. The pain lasts for several minutes.
I want to avoid physio if humanly possible (long waiting list on NHS and you only get 6 x 30 minute sessions) but my priority at the moment is simply to get adequate pain relief and be able to move my arms properly.
xx
-
:-\ ??? why avoid physio? It's the way to find out how much movement is 'allowed' ;)
Frozen shoulder pain can also be felt across the top of the shoulder in the muscle which attaches to the neck - and it's an 'ouch' type pain :o ........... how is it this morning?
-
Hi CLKD,
I've had quite a bit of NHS physio in the past few years and it's never been helpful :(
The sessions are always brief and I have never been given particularly useful information (in fact, some has caused more pain).
I also had massage/acupuncture in the past for other pains but after forking out £200 I could see it wasn't helping so I stopped going. I've been under a pain consultant for many years and have been through all manner of diagnostic tests, treatments, medications.....
Today it's much like it's been the past week - not good....
My arthritis in my neck isn't helping (wet weather) so it's all beginning to 'merge'.
The meds probably aren't really helping, although I don't really want to stop taking them to find out!
It's just wearing me down at the moment :'(
x
-
It would be unusual to have two frozen shoulders at once. I hope you get seen soon as must be miserable. Two shoulders and neck biggest symptom of polymyalgia Rheumatica and the low steroid treatment relieves pain quickly and helps prevent complications. I've known several people with this and they had no weight loss and they all eventually recovered fully. In any case, hope you get relief.
-
Thanks Trey :)
Yes, I'm now questioning the initial diagnosis.
Just frustrated my blood tests got cancelled on Monday (and the follow-up appt I had booked for Wednesday) leaving me waiting around for a further fortnight (over xmas) just having to 'deal with it'.
I know I could go to one of the local hospitals and get the bloods done, but I'd have to hang around for ages and risk being infected with flu / norovirus / etc... and even then there's no guarantee I could get a GP follow-up appointment any sooner than 2nd Jan. (Although if they cancel my blood tests again I'll have no choice but to get them done elsewhere).
Kicking myself for not seeing a GP sooner (but that's not going to do me any good).
xx
-
If you kick yourself you'll have more bruising ;) ........ and the blood tests may not 'prove' very much anyway so don't rush into them. It's often a way for GPs to avoid offering treatment particularly at busy times of the year ::)
Keep taking the pain meds, keep warm and move as much as the pain will allow. Physio given by a good physio should help ........ otherwise it was the wrong suggestion in the first place :-\ - there are specific exercises for a diagnosed frozen shoulder which allow gravity to help.
-
Panda, the only blood test that will point toward poly m is the SED rate. I would think a trial of low dose steroids will sort it out quickly. I'm getting close to diagnosing here and don't want Emma to censor me so will just wish you good luck on appt. I do not blame you for avoiding flu etc.
-
Lol, yes - more bruising would simply add to my woes :)
I agree that the bloods may not come up with the answers but I'm hopeful they'll point me in the right direction.
I'm taking the maximum dose of the pain meds I was given (despite the fact they appear to eat away at my brain-cells) and have put in a repeat prescription to avoid running out before I see the GP again.
I have the central heating on and have tried using hot-packs (although they help with the arthritis in my neck they do nothing to help the armpits/shoulders). I'm trying to move my arms a bit but it's not easy because I know that when I do it'll hurt :(
I agree that steroids may be the answer (although I'm not sure I can have them as I'm on a variety of other meds). I'm just a little worried about weight-gain (already 4 stones overweight.....and xmas won't help!)
Thank you all for the helpful messages and kind support :thankyou:
xx
-
Certainly steroids make people/pets eat but that weight gain can be lost as it's 'false' ;)
-
Panda, I get pain down outside of both arms when a nerve in my neck is compressed. A MRI and EMG studies showed that is was disk problems. But my pain was very specific along a nerve path. Sorry you are going through this. It comes and goes depending on if I'm not careful with my neck, like painting a ceiling.
-
I get that pain in the arms and shoulders too due to a neck problem. When it is really playing up I can't lift my arms up to wash my hair or hang out washing etc. I have cervical spondy-something or other! I can never remember whether it is an osis or an itis :) I found NHS physio is great for this but I may just be lucky with the physios I have seen. Pain, numbness and horrible tingling in the arms were all to do with my neck problem.
Do you feel as if you have a fever at all as friends with PMR have always felt ill as well as incapacitated.
Taz x
-
The pain doesn't go down the arms, it's more localised (under my armpits and inside the joint - and just above the joint). I did originally assume it was linked to the arthritis in my neck (C6/C7) but it really is a 'different' type of pain and doesn't respond to heat (unlike the arthritis).
The severe pain (the sort that stops you in your tracks and then makes you nauseous for a few minutes afterwards) happens when I reach/stretch the arm out/up/behind.
The gnawing ache is present 24/7.
Yes, washing my (long) hair, hanging laundry, unhooking a bra, reaching a high shelf.... all problematic.
Also, oddly enough, the small movement of pushing a xmas card through a letter box last week was excruciating!
Don't actually feel unwell with it (other than utterly miserable and all the general meno symptoms).
I don't believe the pain meds are working, but will continue to take them until my follow-up appointment.
x
-
What doseage of pain meds are you taking? I would speak with a pharmacist for advice tomorrow as it's 'that time of year' !
-
Really good point, Taz, on not feeling well. I completely forgot that and my friends did feel lousy with pmr.
-
The pain meds are:
Solpadol (co-codamol) 30mg/500mg caplets...2 tablets 4 times a day :o
Naproxen 500mg........1 tablet twice a day
Also on statins (high cholesterol), omeprozole (no gall bladder) and calcium channel blockers (high bp)
HRT: Evorel 75 patches
Testo implant (100mg)
Yes, I do have one of those tablet trays with the different compartments ;D
x
-
Ugh - NOT the news I was hoping for :(
Bloods came back within the 'ok' range. Diagnosis "Looks like it might be frozen shoulder"...
Got to go back on the pain meds I stopped taking cos they didn't help (!) and have been put on the waiting list for long-term physio (oh joy).
Got a leaflet on shoulder exercises: "Using your good arm".... WHAT good arm?! (Both affected).
"Hold a roller skate in your hand and run it up the wall".. :o
Was hoping for some steroid pills or injections.
2013 sucks so far :(
xx
-
Hi panda
I had frozen shoulder a couple of years ago I was diagnosed because all of a sudden I couldn't raise my arm up and pull it back I tryed to push it hard but wouldn't go then it hurt but unless i did that I would not get any pain anyway went to docs he sent me to physio for about 4 weeks had to do the exercises at home but didn't make any difference had to have a cortisone. Ejection inthe end and it worked they injected into the shoulder and didn't have any side effects and felt fine afterwords and after 2 weeks could move it again with ease I didn't have any blood tests though I even had a X-ray on my shoulder but showed nothing . Been ok since
Hope you can get some relief soon panda
Js
-
This from our national institute of health
Signs and tests
Lab tests cannot diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica. However, most patients with this condition have an elevated sedimentation rate (ESR), a blood test that can show certain kinds of inflammation.
Other test results for this condition (as well as for giant cell arteritis) include:
Abnormal proteins in the blood
Abnormal white blood cells
Reduced hemoglobin and hematocrit
Signs of anemia
These tests may also be used to monitor patients' progress.
Just in case you don't get relief. Good luck.
-
My Mum was advised to lean forwards from the waist with the affected limb flopping forwards then do a'pudding' mix movement - as far away from the body as pain would allow.
Can you ring the physio dept and ask for some exercises - they may have a cancellation. It might be worth while getting a private appt. or booking in to see the Physio at the Gym or Rugby Club
-
Js - thanks for the reply. I was hoping for a 'quick-fix' (injections) but that's not going to happen :(
Ironic that the GP said I had to 'push through the pain' and yet on the leaflet it says 'if it starts to hurt then stop!' (I'm not a martyr - I'm not pushing through THAT kind of pain).
Trey - had ESR, blood count, liver profile, bone profile and several other tests but the only test that was slightly 'abnormal' was thyroid (!) which will be re-tested early March.
Thanks for the list though, I'll certainly bear it in mind if the physio doesn't help :)
xx
-
CLKD - at the moment I'm not entirely sure where the physio will take place - I have no paperwork as yet (other than a GP surgery leaflet). Unfortunately, finances won't allow for any private treatment so I'm at the mercy of the NHS....
Reading your pudding mix comment has made me realise what one of the descriptions actually means (thank you :) )
Made more sense to me than (quote) "Standing with legs apart and leaning forwards, circle affected arm, gradually winding up and then down..."
xx
-
My NHS physio appointments usually come through within two weeks. I found their service to be excellent and it is good that you are actually being offered it as some GP's don't seem to realise the benefits of physio for frozen shoulder. You are really unlucky to get it in both shoulders at once Panda - although a mate of mine who had it in one shoulder for a year and then within two months of finally getting better developed it in the other one did say that perhaps she would have preferred to get it over with all in one go! She found physio helped together with painkillers but was signed off work for six months each time.
Taz x
-
A new neighbor had surgery for severe shoulder arthritis and now, six months later has arthritis in her other shoulder from using it so much while the other was healing.
Panda, my medical mentor said to always look for the simplest answers first as 99% were, so I'm betting it is frozen shoulder and hoping ypu'll get relief with your physio.
-
Hello Panda
Chiropractic would also be an option to consider. From experience problems with shoulders, necks and tingling fingers, painful arms etc. arise from mis-aligned skeleton. However, that said, I notice that you are not in a financial position to pay for that. I have direct experience of frozen shoulder and horrendous pain in my neck being released by adjustment in lower back. I do appreciate your situaiton may not be mine - I am simply giving an alternative perspective.
With regard to Physiotherapy, some practices and areas have a Self Referral System. I can do that in my area. I don't know if you are aware of that or if you can/cannot self refer. Here is the NHS link that also refers to it, although you would need to contact your local Primary Care Trust. I have no idea if it would speed things up for you or not.
If you are working, there is also a service provided by NHS which is designed to keep you in work. You contact them directly and they allocate you a case manager and speed things up. If you are working and would like a number at least to enquire if it is available in your area, let me know, by PM or otherwise.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Physiotherapy/Pages/Accessing-physiotherapy.aspx (http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Physiotherapy/Pages/Accessing-physiotherapy.aspx)
It sounds so challenging for you; no doubt the pain will be bringing you down. I hope you get some relief soon.
Fx
-
Taz - I've had physio on the NHS before. Once was a few years ago when I had 6 sessions to try to alleviate neck pain (they should've given me the MRI before the physio as the exercises made my osteoarthritis worse). I then had physio last year for severe/chronic lower back pain (possibly a trapped nerve) but after 6 sessions I was in more pain than when I first went there. I'm really not looking forward to more physio but am trying a few exercises at home in the hope that I can ease it myself while I wait for the appointment x
Trey - I agree in this instance. Frozen shoulder was what my boss suggested when I told her my symptoms (she's experienced it before) and was the first thing the GP said x
Firewalker50 - I saw a chiropractor for neck pain many years ago but it cost me all my savings and the relief was only ever temporary. I did, however, ask my GP about an NHS referral and was told (in no uncertain terms) they won't fund 'alternative therapies'. Thank you for the link (I will check it out :) ) x
Thank you lovely ladies for all your replies. Much appreciated :thankyou:
x
Update - Physio was booked for 21st Feb, then the hospital rang to cancel it and the next one they could offer is 7th March :(
Had to come off codeine (too many issues) and have also now had to come off naproxen (temporarily, due to my second stomach bug of 2013!) so the only pain meds I can have right now are paracetamols (great!!)
Been trying to use my left arm (right one was initially painful but seems to have fixed itself thank goodness) but it's just getting more and more painful. It really is getting much worse despite my attempts at home-physio.
Not 100% certain I'm going to last until March 7th without going back to my GP and begging for an injection.....
-
Ah "frozen shoulder", it's what GP's say when they haven't a clue what it is. If you are getting pain in both shoulders then it's 90% certain that it's referred pain from the spine. Are your neck movements full range?
-
If you are diabetic then it is common to have it in both shoulders.
Taz x
-
In my early 40s when I was peri and didn't know it - estro levels were dropping - I had right frozen shoulder then it healed only for the left to start up. Each lasted about a year. Total agony, limited arm movement. Initially I had 6 weeks of NHS physio, she recommended and sold me a Tens machine which I used all the time for relief. Acupuncture helped somewhat.
Hope you find some relief, it's the pits.
Night_Owl
x
-
Cupcake - although initially I had pain/stiffness in both shoulders/armpits, thankfully my right side got better (I'm right-handed and obviously use that arm more), and it's currently just my left one (famous last words). I haven't had a full range of neck movements for about 5 years (osteo-arthritis between C6/C7). x
Taz - Not diabetic thankfully. x
Night Owl - Thank you :) I haven't had oestrogen levels tested (am on Evorel 100 patches). I have a Tens at home (have tried it on various pains in the past without success) but at the moment, as you know, the pain is so bad I can't bear the thought of trying anything on it that might make it even worse. Have done acupuncture for various things but it's never really helped. x
Gone back on naproxen (500mg twice daily) but to be honest it's not making much difference.
I've never known pain like it :(
xxx
-
Deep in the joint
Continuos or background
Difficult with movement
Difficult getting comfortable in bed
Keep up with the Naproxin if you are able to tolerate it, building up a level of pain relieve might help.
-
The pain feels like it comes from somewhere deep in my armpit/joint. It's a sudden pain that takes my breath away and makes me feel instantly sick in the pit of my stomach.
If I don't move my arm it doesn't hurt. I can lift it (carefully) in front of me and upwards/downwards, but the minute I turn/twist it (ie: try to reach for something to the side of me or unhook my bra) it's agony. Laying on my left in bed is an issue, even when propped up with pillows, as it gets too painful and keeps me awake.
I'll continue to take 1 x 500mg Naproxen morning and night. I have a GP appointment 11th Feb (couldn't get one sooner - NHS for you!) when I plan to ask / nag / beg my GP for an injection. Of course, I doubt I'll get one on the day and am likely to be shoved on the pain clinic waiting list, but we shall see....
xxx
-
NHS - I got an appt. within an hour for DH last week. When I was poorly 2 weeks ago the GP dipped my wee sample and rang back within 2 hours.
-
Don't build your mind up that an injection will help.
My BIL has a shoulder problem and has been in terrible pain. He had a cortisone injection last week and it has made no difference.
Sometimes it just takes time which is no help at all. I had a frozen shoulder ten years ago and its still not right. It locks up on occasions and I can't sleep on that side.
Honeyb
X
-
Frozen shoulder will heal itself in about 2-3 years - that is, if the patient sits absolutely still. However ::) we breath which is enough to aggravate the joint :-\
Depomedrone/steroid injections can act as a lubricant like WD40 but sometimes it makes no difference at all.
-
CLKD - I live on a huge housing estate with nowhere near enough GPs, so there's always a wait. You can 'try' for an 'emergency' appointment on the day but you have to ring at 9am.....and keep ringing until you get through (not always practical when you're ill).
Honeybun - Trying not to get my hopes up. I had a successful steroid jab 20 years ago when I broke my tailbone :o but last year when my pain consultant injected my SI joint there was no improvement in my back pain (although I'd already told him it wasn't my SI joint that was the issue but he wouldn't listen).
Over the years I've been through most NHS painkillers, the most recent was codeine (which I stopped after nasty side-effects). The ONLY thing that's ever helped my neck/back pain was when I've had morphine for various operations, but they obviously won't let me have that on a daily basis.
Just have to see what my GP says on 11th....
-
I had a frozen shoulder six months and then had acupuncture with a Chinese DO (samed as medical doctor in US) and got complete relief after about six treatments. Still am amazed.
-
Hi Panda.
Hope your pain is less today.
Thinking about what Trey has said, perhaps if you can get a good physiotherapist who offers acupuncture you would get the best of both worlds (sorry if you have mentioned that and I missed it already).
I cannot imagine what it must be like living with that pain all the time.
Fx
-
I can: I have: it's awful, tiring, never ending, worrying :-\
-
I've tried acupuncture in the past for back pain and it really didn't help (it's obviously a very individual thing). Can't get it on NHS where I live in any case and I've now used up all my savings on alternative therapies :(
Booked to start physio in March (!) so will see how that goes...
Just wish I could put my jumper / t-shirt / coat on without struggling, and to be able to lie on my left side in bed would be nice...
xxx
-
panda762 you have probably exhausted most the alternate methods but have you seen this website http://www.shoulderdoc.co.uk/articletile.asp?article=55§ion=16&tile=1
I really sympathise with your pain and frustration in getting some relief, especially with not being able to get comfortable at night in bed.
Wish I could be of more help, have you searched on youtube for "frozen shoulder" they often can give insight to the problem and solution. I have read the condition goes through three stages and takes about two years to resolve. It does appear to start in neck and lower skull.
As I said I really wish I could be more helpful.
-
https://www.google.com/search?q=myofascial+release+techniques+for+frozen+shoulder&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari
You might check these out
-
Thank you for the links Trey & Rowan,
I think I've googled it to death to be honest, and none of my findings have been particularly positive (clearly no 'quick fix').
My frustration is that I didn't actually DO anything to injure it - it just 'happened'. If I'd lifted something awkwardly then at least I'd have a legit reason as to "Why me?!" which would help with the whole 'mentally dealing with it' issue. I already had chronic neck and lower back pain and this really was the last thing I needed :(
I realise that it's likely that in a couple of years my shoulder will (possibly) get better, which is a positive thing, but that doesn't help me to deal it on a day-to-day basis.
xxx
UPDATE:
Had a cortisone injection 5th Match but it hasn't helped.
Am due a second one on April 2nd....(can only have 3 in total).
Have had 2 physio sessions but my shoulder was too painful to do much (next session 11th April).
-
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm'topic=a00071
This is such a good explanation of frozen shoulder
-
Thanks Trey :)
Currently in agony and can't wait for my 2nd steroid jab next Tuesday! Really hoping it'll work this time (can only have 3 jabs).
Have postponed further physio until after the jab.
Don't want surgery (!) but I'm in so much constant pain (not to mention the sleeplessness) that I'd agree to ANYTHING for some relief right now :(
x
-
Hi Panda, what blew my mind is that surgery is not a usual option but time is. I have a friend who can't raise his arm and he simply assumed torn rotator cuff when it is frozen shoulder. I did not understand this condition but when I had it acupuncture by a Chinese medical doctor did the trick after six months of agony.
-
Hi Trey,
Frozen shoulder is self-limiting. It will (in most cases) get better on it's own, any treatment you have is purely for pain relief. You can be in agony one month and 6 months later you're either in the stiff (non-painful) phase, or even out of the whole frozen shoulder episode completely.
Everyone is different and some people are fortunate (?) enough to have relatively brief episodes, while others end up having it for 3 years.
I know that in time, even if I do nothing about it mine will go away, but as I already have pain from osteoarthritis in my neck and a possible trapped nerve in my lower back (both conditions have been plaguing me for many years) I'm not tolerating my frozen shoulder very well. I haven't been able to sleep since I don't know when and I'm desperate. I'd do absolutely anything :o to get rid of this pain asap, and if someone offered me surgery right now I'd take it!
For the moment, all I have on offer is a 2nd cortisone injection on Tuesday (and then a 3rd one if that also fails).
xx
-
Hi Panda, I so feel for you. Do you have low level light therapy available in UK? Also called 'cold laser'. It is very effective for reducing inflammation of this condition and arthritis. It is used more by vets for expensive race horses and more and more for humans in US and parts of the world. I finally bought my own as have arthritis and spondylitis in neck, shoulder and spine. I use gel ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain, but sure you know all this.
Hope your case ends soon. Such a nasty thing to deal with.
-
Hi Trey,
We don't have cold laser available as far as I'm aware. I've had ultrasound before (my chiropractor used it after a particularly difficult session years ago) but it's not something that's available on the NHS (not where I live anyway).
This cold/wet weather we're having in the UK really isn't helping either :(
I've tried ice-packs but that doesn't seem to help my neck or shoulder (although it did help ease my lower back pain).
Currently using hot-pack on my neck for the arthritis as it seems to help (plus, it's so cold here ANY extra warmth is welcome!)
Really hoping that 2nd cortisone jab on Tuesday will work, although I have to accept it may not....
xx
-
Hi Panda, I would think heat might be more effective as heat increase circulation and may bring more fluid to the area. Because the condition, at some stage involves a lack of lubricant, perhaps heat would help. Ice more effective to reduce swelling and thus reduce liquid or lubricant. Just rambling thoughts.
I just got a miserable nickel allergy to my new Apple computer. It's always something, it seems.
My friend having MRI in a few days and I will be interested if it is frozen shoulder or rotator cuff.
I sure hope you get relief from the next injection.
-
Hi Trey,
Hope you find a way of dealing with the allergy.....other than getting rid of your brand new computer!
Had the 2nd cortisone jab this morning and it hurt like hell :angryfire: (The first one didn't hurt that bad).
12 hours later it's killing me.... near the injection site is excruciating and I've got no idea how I'm meant to get any sleep tonight. :'(
This time it'd better work!!!!
Got to return in 4 weeks, potentially for my 3rd and final injection (not sure I can take the pain a 3rd time).
Ugh........
xx
-
Some doctors put some long acting anesthetic in with the cortisone, probably the ones that have had the injection. Others try to move the needle a bit to break up adhesions. This friend complains of rotator cuff, but no injury, so you can guess what I think. MRI this month. We shall see.
Can you ice it? Heat draws more fluid and actually at some point frozen shoulder is a lack of lubrication. What have you been told as to heat or ice.
Wish I could find a magic carpet and come over and use my cold laser on you. Traditional double blind studies have shown it works on frozen shoulder. And zero side effects.
-
Thank you Trey :) I wish I could try your cold laser too :)
Definitely no anaesthetic in the injection :(
I've tried heat packs (I use those for my arthritic neck) and cold packs, but neither makes a lot of difference. It currently feels like I just had 10 flu jabs all at once (odd because the pain is coming from an area which wasn't injected).
Didn't get much sleep last night so I'm really grumpy today and my pain tolerance is much lower than usual. Just got to see how things go over the next few days........
xx
-
I do sympathise with you :( I had a frozen shoulder a few years ago. I just woke up one morning and couldn't move my arm without a lot of pain. It just went suddenly like that with no warning at all.
The pain was all in my upper arm though but boy was it painful, especially at night.
It took a couple of visits to the Drs to get it diagnosed properly but after that I had an injection, which did get rid of the pain completely.
I think from beginning to end, it lasted just over a year.
They do say that if you've had a frozen shoulder once, you're quite liable to have te other shoulder go as well, but so far so good
Sending hugs xx
-
Thanks Evenstar :)
I had my 2nd cortisone jab Tuesday but it hasn't helped (yet). In fact, my pain is a bit worse (if that's possible). Got a 3rd and final jab 30th April and then I guess it's a matter of waiting for it to eventually go away :(
I really do hope I don't get it in my right arm (I'm right handed). It's debilitating enough with my left!
On amitriptyline (10mg) at nights and have now started taking two codeine/paracetamols (300/500) as well (which is still not touching the pain).
xx
-
i havent read all of the replies in here, so may be repeating what othersmhave already said......but i started to get pain in my right should almost a year ago....my older sister had had it for a couple of,years and was told to have an op to freemher shoulder up.but the specialist said even having the op,would mean a long redovery time, maybe a couple of years and most frozen shoulders take two years to sort themselves out anyway so there was no point in having it done!
my sister had physio instead and was told to stand close to a wall and walk her fingers up the wall several times a day, also to try to grab her right arm at the wrist behind her back with her left hand and in time it would help. and guess what?
it worked!
no operation needed!
ive been trying the same thing and although incrediblly painful it is working!
the bad news for me is that my left shoulder is now freezing up and is more painful than the right one! i guess it was caused by over use when the right side was out of action.
i also have a sneaky suspicion that these huge mobile,phones we stare at all day holding them with two hands are contributing to these problems!
hope the original poster of this thread is now doing better?
by the way i dont take any painkillers for it at all, preferring to grin and bear it when i jar my shoulders, which happens several times a day.
hate painkillers with a vengence!
jem x
-
Thanks for the reply Jemima and pleased to hear some physio helped you :)
I've been having physio (another session this afternoon) but it's not helping at all and is making my shoulder more painful :( I've tried a wide range of exercises from reaching my arm right up (ouch) to shrugging my shoulders. I now have a resistance band to get some of my muscles back (weakened since I haven't been using my left arm).
I'm disappointed 2 cortisone jabs have also failed to help with pain relief but am holding onto a shred of hope for the 3rd and final on on April 30th.
My physio has mentioned the possibility of an MRI - just to rule out anything else (arthritis etc) as well as the frozen shoulder.
Yes, frozen shoulder is 'self limiting' and will go away (usually) within 18 months to 3 years :o
However, the main aim is to get some pain relief so I can sleep at night. (Although some pain-free movement in the day would be nice!)
I was told under NO circumstances do anything which was painful (!) - to be honest, I kinda figured that one out myself, lol.
None of the painkiller have helped so far (tried everything from paracetamols, ibuprofen, naproxen to codeine!)
xxx
-
A fiend had a 'frozen shoulder' and MRI revealed torn rotator cuff.
So sorry nothing is helping you yet.
-
Don't know if this has been mentioned so apologies if it has.
When I had my frozen shoulder the only way I could get any sleep was to lie on my back with my arm at the same level as my body. I put pillows under my arm tucked under my armpit right down to my hand. If the arm did not drop it helped with the pain.
It was the simple things that helped.....oh and time.
Hope you feel a little better soon.
Honeyb
X
-
Trey - my physio mentioned a possible MRI in the future but only after I establish whether or not my 3rd jab will work (30th April). My musculoskeletal consultant may suggest it too, I shall see (won't be due a follow up with him until 4 weeks after the jab). If not then I'll ask. Even if I get one of them to agree to refer me there's likely to be a fairly long waiting list of several months :(
Honeybun - good idea in theory (and I'm glad it worked for you :) ) but I can't lie on my back for long as I have a lower back pain issue :(
All I can do is keep taking 10mg Amitriptyline each night, plus codeine/paracetamols (30mg/500mg x 2) and try to get a whole hour of sleep before waking up to move position. Most nights I get 30 mins / 60 mins / 15 mins / 45 mins / etc etc until morning. Not ideal but better than no sleep at all (which occasionally happens).
After suffering chronic neck pain for several years I'm 'used' to getting poor quality / intermittent sleep - I seem to spend my entire life battling extreme tiredness, ho humm... xxx
-
I cannot imagine how it must be to live with such discomfort and pain and no sleep.
Occasional experiences affect me badly.
I truly do hope that they find a solution for you. One would think that there would be a way to identify the root cause and
My sister had a frozen shoulder and it was an osteopath who sorted it and gave her exercises to do to prevent it recurring. Of course, in saying this, I do understand that your situation and hers are not necessarily the same Panda.
My friend has just spend about a year with NHS trying to resolve her shoulder issue - physio and eventually injections into it too. She moved to a private physiotherapist and within 6 treatments not only was her shoulder cured but her back problem too - seems both were linked.
Is is concerning that there are such contrasting results.
Fx
-
hi panda, so sorry you are still in so much pain..its truly horrible...i jarred my left arm yesterday just walking up the stairs, i tripped and grabbed the handrail and boy! the pain that shot down my left arm was so bad i just sank to the floor and cried my eyes out for ten minutes.....simply excruciating isnt it?
my physio said the opposite to what you have been told! :o
he said to keep moving it even IF it hurts because if you dont it will seize up completely! why do these professionals always contradict eachother!?
my sister was told the same as me. you will feel some pain when you do the stretches, but you have to do them anyway. i have found standing in the shower under a nice hot stream of water pouring on my shoulder for a while, then gently walking my fingers up the wall in front of me has helped enourmously!! you can feel the hest helping, and the first time i did it i was amazed at just how far i could get. there was no way i could do that if i was out of the shower. but now, two months on, i can!
im not a doctor, so please dont do anything you feel would make you worse, but all i know is that im stubborn and want this blasted thing to go away so ill suffer the pain of a few attemted stretches a day if it helps.
my right arm is defo on the mend. my left arm is still in the getting worse stafe unfortunately.
i was also told it was similar to biting the inside of your mouth. you know how painful that is, when you keep biting it again and sgain?
they said its the same thing in your shouder, you keeo catching it on the same spot, hence the terrible pain you get :'(
it hurts soooooooooo much doesnt it?
getting to sleep some nights is hard when both shoulders hurt too. but as has been said, lying on your back helps. i also do relaxation exercises some nights, clenching and releasing all of my muscles starting with my feet up to releive the tension.
hope some of this helps?
Jem x
-
Hi Firewalker,
I got used to getting up/disturbed at night when my children were small (now all grown up) and I rather hoped I'd never have to go through all that again, however, I seem to have gone back into 'mum of small baby' mode and I've just got used to it... I've been under a 'pain consultant' for about 5 years now and seen so many 'specialists' I've lost track! I've tested everything from strong meds to Tens / acupuncture / physio etc etc... and now got to the stage where I feel there's no fight left in me so I may as well just take each day as it comes :-\ The last time I saw him he sent me off to 'relaxation classes' and told me to "Meditate your pain away!!" :(
I went to one of the classes but lost the will after listening to someone banging on about "If it hurts, don't do it" and "Get up 30 minutes earlier each day in order to give yourself enough time to do things more slowly!"
Hi Jemima,
OMG - I hate jarring (dunno whether to vomit or pass out).
Was standing on a bus the other day when it lurched forward and I grabbed a nearby rail :'(
Yes, I had a GP that told me to 'work through the pain' :o but my specialist said under no circumstances do anything that hurts. My current physio told me not to over-do it and make it sore.
I do understand that I need to keep the muscles etc moving (got resistance bands for training my left arm muscle) but most days it simply hurts too much. On 'good' days I can do a few exercises, so I just have to play it by ear.
I have my 3rd cortisone jab on 30th to look forward to (!) but I'm not hopeful. I guess he'll then want to see me in another 4 weeks for a further follow-up to discuss other options....whatever those will be.
I'd like an MRI to rule out anything else (ie: arthritis) but I may need to push hard for that.
I see my physio again in 3 weeks tims and she's given me a few gentle exercises to get on with (shoulder shrugging, 'jazz hands' and a few others) so I'll see how that goes.
It's just frustrating that it's dragging on and on and on......(on top of the other chronic pain I'd been suffering).
On top of that......there's all the meno stuff!! :o
xxx
UPDATE:
Can't have 3rd jab as 1st & 2nd didn't work.
I can wait 2+ years to see if it gets better by itself :o
I can have acupuncture (said "yes" cos it's on NHS, even though it didn't help in the past).
I can be referred to a surgeon (which I agreed to) to discuss an operation, although he's apparently likely to refuse it as I do have SOME movement in my left arm .....
If he DOES agree (and I accept) there's obviously all the issues surrounding operations to think of, plus, a LOT of physio afterwards.....and it may not work / may make it worse....and it won't happen before xmas anyway!
He said an MRI/Xray was pointless.
Ugh.... :(
xxx
-
Hi Jemima,
OMG - I hate jarring (dunno whether to vomit or pass out).
Was standing on a bus the other day when it lurched forward and I grabbed a nearby rail :'(
Yes, I had a GP that told me to 'work through the pain' :o but my specialist said under no circumstances do anything that hurts. My current physio told me not to over-do it and make it sore.
I do understand that I need to keep the muscles etc moving (got resistance bands for training my left arm muscle) but most days it simply hurts too much. On 'good' days I can do a few exercises, so I just have to play it by ear.
I have my 3rd cortisone jab on 30th to look forward to (!) but I'm not hopeful. I guess he'll then want to see me in another 4 weeks for a further follow-up to discuss other options....whatever those will be.
I'd like an MRI to rule out anything else (ie: arthritis) but I may need to push hard for that.
I see my physio again in 3 weeks tims and she's given me a few gentle exercises to get on with (shoulder shrugging, 'jazz hands' and a few others) so I'll see how that goes.
It's just frustrating that it's dragging on and on and on......(on top of the other chronic pain I'd been suffering).
On top of that......there's all the meno stuff!! :o
xxx
UPDATE:
Can't have 3rd jab as 1st & 2nd didn't work.
I can wait 2+ years to see if it gets better by itself :o
I can have acupuncture (said "yes" cos it's on NHS, even though it didn't help in the past).
I can be referred to a surgeon (which I agreed to) to discuss an operation, although he's apparently likely to refuse it as I do have SOME movement in my left arm .....
If he DOES agree (and I accept) there's obviously all the issues surrounding operations to think of, plus, a LOT of physio afterwards.....and it may not work / may make it worse....and it won't happen before xmas anyway!
He said an MRI/Xray was pointless.
Ugh.... :(
xxx
theres a lot of talk about two years and it sorting itself out isnt there?
my right arm is defo getting better after a year........i can reach up high now but still cant get my arm behind my back....
my left arm is still agonising so ive a long way to go yet..... ::) but im trying ti stretch it just to see if it helps...but flippin eck it hurts when i do! :o :o :o
oh and ive got a new problem now to worry about. aching hands.....
shoot me now.
xx
-
Oh Jemima, I do hope the aching hands soon get better!!
My boss has also got frozen shoulder and after just over a year is in the 'frozen but not so painful' faze.
Two to three years from start to finish seems the most popular theory :-\
I'm hoping the physio will do acupuncture but I'm not confident it'll help (just want to give it a go).
Not sure what to do re: surgery until I've had a consultation with a surgeon (seems more negatives than positives at the moment).
xxx
-
Google LLLT - low level light therapy - cool laser. Works absolutely fantastic for me and has been tested for shoulder issues as yours. Worth a try.
-
Hi Trey,
Sounds good.............. but I don't have the money for private treatment and the NHS won't pay for it :(
x
-
It is used frequently by veterinarians here and not too expensive. Wish I could try mine on you. Wish it would show signs of improving for you.
-
Thank you Trey,
I wish I could try it too :-\
At the moment I have a painful and weird sensation, a bit like when somebody punches you and gives you a 'dead arm'....only nobody did punch me and I've had this feeling for 2-3 days :(
Suspect I accidently slept on it and have a trapped nerve. Ho humm.....
xx
-
Evenin' All,
I've always had shoulder problems - I think I store all my stress in there, plus it was compounded after a car accident. In desperation I bought a 'Backnobber' from Amazon, it cost me £28.00 and I love it. For me, it works and I love the fact that I can just hit the spot the minute a twinge starts.
Jaydee
-
Hi jaydee,
I spoke to my physio about a back nobbler ( :o ) but she suggested that laying on a tennis ball would do the trick just as well.....although I guess it's not that practical if you're not at home when you need to use it, lol ;D
x
-
Hi , I have had a very painful shoulder with frozen like symptoms but know it came from a lot of carrying of some heavy items. Its not a problem in the daytime but its been waking me up at night and painkillers dont seem to work, in desperation I rubbed in a lot of magnesium oil and amazingly it helps a lot, did this for 4 days and then missed a night and it was as bad as before so back on the magnesium, try it and see what happens, I was amazed, :D
-
Hi
Just found this post, I had a frozen shoulder about 10 years ago, because I have a clotting disorder I can't have intra muscular injections, or the wave form therapy, so it was down to good old fashioned physio. I was told that there's no such thing as "frozen" what happens is we have some kind of injury, this causes pain, this stops us using it, and this causes muscle atrophy, so the physio is just to build the muscle back up.
I went for about 5/6 months and it worked for me, very slowly at 1st, they used to put my arm in a sling and attach it by some hook type thing, to a metal grid above the bed,then i would be left to just swing my arm side to side, each week the hook thing was made just a little higher.
I know what you mean about the jarring, I was working in a shop at the time, and one day when I was serving someone their 2ltr bottle of pop fell towards me, I instinctively went to catch it, OMG the pain was awful, I couldn't cry, but I felt sick, and the customer asked me if I was ok? when I asked how he knew there was a problem, he said because you've just turned grey in front of my eyes lol.
I have recently started having problems in my right shoulder (last time it was the left) so i'm keeping an eye on it, and if it looks like getting any worse then I'll ask the doctor to refer me before it gets too bad, I don't ever want that again.
hope you get sorted out soon.
xx
-
Hi Joyce21,
I'm finding physio too painful (just makes it worse).
Have got an appointment to speak to a surgeon 17th July (jolly old NHS waiting list) although after speaking to my consultant it's unlikely I'll be offered an operation because I can move my arm a little bit.
My frozen shoulder wasn't via any injury - it just came on from nowhere.
I shall be having some acupuncture on it soon (again - NHS waiting list) although I'm not holding out much hope for any improvement.
Only another 2+ years to go (apparently) until it 'heals itself'....!!!!
x
-
:bounce: - there are others!