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Frozen Shoulder

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Posted 10/28/2013 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone, I am new to the forum and this is my first time posting. I was diagnosed with frozen shoulder in February 2013 but have been having issues with my shoulder since May of 2012. My first Dr. told me that it was just a pinched nerve and I needed to "work it out". I have been living with pain in many of my joints since Dec 2009 but the shoulder is the worst of it. I am unable to do much of anything. I think that I am in phase two of this but am still in constant pain. My rheumy recently diagnosed me with fibromyalgia to go along with everything else that is wrong with me. I am 35 years old and feel like I am 90. To say that I am depressed seems like it would be a huge understatement. I do ok except when I think about every aspect of my life that I have had to give up because of the pain or because it is physically impossible to do it anymore, and unfortunately that list is long and I have a lot of free time on my hands. I am sorry to get on here and lay a sob story on everyone but I don't have anyone else that I can lay it on. Thanks for listening and or reading! shakehead
Posted 10/28/2013 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Dolphingirl & welcome to the chronic pain forum. Both of these conditions can be devastating without the proper treatment & care. What is being done treatment wise for the frozen shoulder? Generally after extensive physical therapy and the shoulder remains the same they can do what is called a manipulation under anesthesia. You have to be put to sleep so they can move the shoulder enough to break up the scar tissue & adhesions that has formed. This is a pretty effective treatment as you have to keep that arm & shoulder moving. I do not now what kind of dr is treating you but unless he specializes in shoulders only, then I would look for one that treats shoulders only.

We also have a Fibro forum here at Healing Well & I encourage you to check them out too. There are some really nice folks over there that can give you all kinds of info about Fibro. Many of visit more than one forum here.

I sure hope you can get something done with that shoulder. I have impingment problems with my right shoulder & know the pain from that. When in a flare up it is awful.

Anyway, I wanted to pop on & say hello & welcome aboard......Susie
Posted 10/28/2013 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Susie,

So far I have had 3 cortisone injections. 2 in the dr. Office and 1 in the hospital with the x-ray. I have done some pt as well all with no results. My ortho says NO surgery but I am considering finding one that will do it. I have had several dr's tell me not to do the manipulation under anasthesia because it increases the chances of FS returning and it is harder to treat the second time around but I am considering the arthroscopic capsular release. Have you heard of it or does anyone have any experience with this operation?
Posted 10/28/2013 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Hello dolphingirl and welcome to HW.I'm sorry that you're having these problems that brought you here.I'm not familiar with your condition but I can definitely relate to not being able to do all the things that I used to.

This is the place where we all kind of unload our problems so don't think twice about it.

Again welcome and I hope your Monday is going well,
Rick
Posted 10/28/2013 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW Dolphingrl. Sorry that you're so young and dealing with not one but two chronic issues. Your however not alone, we have many younger folks here too!

This is most of people here's dumping ground since we all come to realize that only those who live CP understand CP. You're welcome to rant and rave and we're even known to host some of the best pity parties around!! Lol

You will find very compassionate and caring people here as well as invaluable masses of information and experience.

Glad you joined us and looking forward to hearing more about you!
Posted 10/28/2013 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Do the pain meds help??? I have been on multiple pain medications since I was 6 years old for migraines and I find that I have a very high threshold for them. They don't seem to do anything at all. I am currently taking Topomax to help manage the migraines, and I have tramadol, loritab, and ibuprofen but I don't take them because they don't do anything at all. I have an appointment with the pain management dr tomorrow but I don't know what to tell him since nothing seems to work for me and never really has.
Posted 10/28/2013 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome

Sorry that pain has been in your life for so very long!

Also suggest you check the fibro forum - as stated some folks there many not be here also.. (I am on both)

Re: frozen shoulder
I experienced that after an injury due to inadequate medical care while waiting on insurance approval - waiting years!

Started with physical therapy, injection under CT after the artroscopic surgery could not be done, eventually surgery for tears, etc. Apparently fibro folks heal differently as, years later I still have much pain & restricted movement.

Do not go to physical therapy with someone who does not have experience w/fibro !!!
I went thru 5 or 6.. finally found a place with 2 therapist who HAVE fibro - & knew what they were doing. We are special !!!

I would not have done differently though..
Going thru the different treatments
unless someone could have told me a different treatment plan.

Don't give up searching for a doctor to treat your pain & your shoulder.

The right PM doctor made a huge HUGE difference in my quality of life -
every day.
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