Unusable arm

[Sarah Louise]

You know what:  Typing one handed is a pain.

Getting a bra on is even worse one handed.  Actually everything is a pain.

The doctors finally did an MRI on my left shoulder two weeks ago and two days ago I finally got to see the specialist.  He said I had a completely torn tendon and some other damaged in the shoulder.

He expects to have to do surgery, but wanted to try giving me a shot of Cortisone first to see what would happen.  It has not helped, in fact my shoulder is worse, I can't move it at all now.

The pain has made me do things that are not in my best interest and not safe.  I have been taking sleeping pills and even they are not working anymore.

Sarah L.

[tinkerbell]

You know what:  Typing one handed is a pain.

Getting a bra on is even worse one handed.  Actually everything is a pain.

The doctors finally did an MRI on my left shoulder two weeks ago and two days ago I finally got to see the specialist.  He said I had a completely torn tendon and some other damaged in the shoulder.

He expects to have to do surgery, but wanted to try giving me a shot of Cortisone first to see what would happen.  It has not helped, in fact my shoulder is worse, I can't move it at all now.

The pain has made me do things that are not in my best interest and not safe.  I have been taking sleeping pills and even they are not working anymore.

Sarah L.

Hi Sarah L,

If the tendon is damaged, only surgery will work to repair it.  Cortisone injections are only used to relieve pain temporarily, but as you have stated, sometimes they do not work.  While you wait for surgery, perhaps your doctor could prescribe a stronger pain killer which can help you sleep at the same time.  There are many good ones, but they are only prescribed for short periods of time, for they can be highly addictive.  I wish you the best of luck.  Please let us know how everything goes.

tinkerbell

P.S.  Have you tried those heating pads?  they can do wonders!

[Ricki]

my regards..
I know your pain all too well years and years ago i could not use my left arm for 6 months and even then another 8 until almost full use!
Isn't it amazing how you take every day things for granted when you lose use of an arm or hand or limb???
Sorry, sending a one armed hug your way----- hang in there!
ricki

[Sarah Louise]

I used to have a high tolerance for pain, I don't anymore.

It goes in waves.  When it is bad, I say one thing, when it is reduced, I change what I say to something more reasonable.

Sarah L.

[Ricki]

Well i have moderate / to low severe residual pain from my injury, I have been on a moderate (ya well they say non addictive opiate, but i think after so many years vitamins become addictive) pain medication for it for years "ultram tablets" they are only 50 mg and i take 2-3 a day spaced out!  They are some sort of non narcotic based chemical opiate class that is supposed to help block pain receptors in your head or neurological region before your brain passes them on?  I hope that's a good explanation?  Maybe a doctor in the group will see this and correct my ignorance!
cheers!
R

[HelenW]

My spouse was given Ultram until she started hallucinating.  yeah, really!

(is that how you come up with your recipes?  >)

hugs & giggles,
helen

[Ricki]

that was class!  Helen i love it! 
Nope hehe no needed drugs natural born stupidty and the urge to do crazi things it seems!....
I do not know seriously i have no side affects except the ultram tends to take back on my appetite some (which for most is not a bad thing at all), I wonder as i get older if it has not affected my sex drive a little but age may be doing that as well??
cheers!
R

[Sarah Louise]

Thank you all for the responses.

I am not good at asking doctors questions and not all that forthcoming with them either.

I am anxiously awaiting my next appointment to see when he will suggest surgery.  The cortisone shot he gave me did nothing.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Sarah L.

[ssindysmith]

Yes as others have surgery is going to be only option. I would have refused the shot, only because I know it would not have done dilly squat. The other thing about a cortisone shot is they become less effective the more you get, so if you ever need say a shot in your elbow or knee where they are usally given then you will have a diminished effect.

[Sarah Louise]

I just got back from seeing the specialist, he is now scheduling surgery.

Sarah L.

[Ricki]

i hope the surgery goes well sarah
best wishes..