Any of you have the pleasure of a frozen shoulder?

[calypso*a*go-go]

I haven't felt good since October...was finally referred to an ortho specialist last Monday and was told I have a frozen shoulder. Let me tell you, I have never experienced any kind of pain like this before. I never realized how important the shoulder joint was until I didn't have the use of my right one (thank goodness I'm left-handed!).

I'm currently doing some physical therapy exercises 3-4 times a day but have been told it will take several months before I have complete mobility again. Has anyone experienced this that can give some encouragement or some pointers on what (or what not) to do?

 

[safetymom]

Yes I had this. I agree it is very painful. The exercises really did help. Hope it helps you also.

 

[BethEJo]

Hi, I'm a medical student and have just finished my rheumatology rotation. I saw lots of patients with frozen shoulders, and I really feel for you. I hope you feel better soon.

Some of the patients I saw were offered an injection into their shoulder of corticosteroid. This doesnt "cure" the problem, but reduces the inflammation and a lot of people have had relief from it. Could this be an option for you?

Also, are you taking anti inflammatory meds? Or just painkillers?

 

[DVCsince02]

My mom had this 2 years ago. Just a minor bump on a file cabinet and she really hurt her shoulder. Finally after months of PT, anit-inflammatory and pain meds, and home exercises she is better. Good luck, I know how you must be hurting.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Yes I had this. I agree it is very painful. The exercises really did help. Hope it helps you also.

Thanks Kathy! I hope I see some improvement soon. My biggest problem is lack of sleep. I have been unable to sleep through the night for several months now and it's really starting to take a toll on me.

Some of the patients I saw were offered an injection into their shoulder of corticosteroid. This doesnt "cure" the problem, but reduces the inflammation and a lot of people have had relief from it. Could this be an option for you?

Also, are you taking anti inflammatory meds? Or just painkillers?

Thank you for suggesting the injection, however I had one in May and it gave little relief. My ortho said to take two Aleve, twice a day and it would be equal to prescription strength. However, it tears up my stomach to take that much. I already started taking Nexium back in December because I went to my regular doctor thinking it was GERD...now I believe it's just referred pain from my shoulder.

I know there are a lot of people that suffer chronic pain everyday, which makes me feel like such a baby for complaining.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

My mom had this 2 years ago. Just a minor bump on a file cabinet and she really hurt her shoulder. Finally after months of PT, anit-inflammatory and pain meds, and home exercises she is better. Good luck, I know how you must be hurting.

Thanks Jen.

 

[misstheworld]

So sorry that you're having this problem!

A friend of mine had the same issue. It had gone on so long, over six months and he, too, wasn't sleeping, that they put him to sleep and "broke" the frozen shoulder. It didn't break the bone, but becuase of the pain they were able to physically unfreeze those muscles. He had to go through a few weeks of PT after the surgery, but he was better even after the surgery.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

So sorry that you're having this problem!

A friend of mine had the same issue. It had gone on so long, over six months and he, too, wasn't sleeping, that they put him to sleep and "broke" the frozen shoulder. It didn't break the bone, but becuase of the pain they were able to physically unfreeze those muscles. He had to go through a few weeks of PT after the surgery, but he was better even after the surgery.

My next appt with the ortho is July 12th...I will ask if this might be an option...thanks!

 

[DVCsince02]

So sorry that you're having this problem!

A friend of mine had the same issue. It had gone on so long, over six months and he, too, wasn't sleeping, that they put him to sleep and "broke" the frozen shoulder. It didn't break the bone, but becuase of the pain they were able to physically unfreeze those muscles. He had to go through a few weeks of PT after the surgery, but he was better even after the surgery.

Yep, my mom went through this too. It really helped.

 

[safetymom]

I had many sleepless nights. I hope you get some answers at the Dr.

 

[mommyceratops]

I have never experienced this, but I currently am lacking of sleep from another medical issue and the lack of sleep from pain is just awful! Sorry you are experiencing this.

 

[Dodie]

We had a good friend who had this in one shoulder one summer and the other shoulder two summers later! I recall that the mantra was "it just takes time" and it was several months of PT before he was back to normal both times.

I also know that he did the thing described above where they put you under and manipulate the shoulder to get it moving - both times I think.

Regardless, I hope you get relief soon and am sorry that you're suffering.

 

[Racey]

My mum has suffered twice with this (her appt is this sunday).

The first time she found that a TENS machine was very helpful with the pain. I dont know if its called a TENS in the US, but its a small electronical machine with electronisc sticky pads which you stick to the affected area (it kind of looks like the kind they hook you up to in a hospital to monitor your heart), but these send small electrical pulses into the painful area. Ive heard so many people have had successful relief (including my other half recently in his ankle).

Perhaps this can help?

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Thank you all for your kind words and suggestions -- it's nice to know that improvement will come with time. And yes, my doctor did mention that in a lot of cases if you get it in one shoulder...you'll get it in the other.