Author Topic: Frozen shoulder...  (Read 11727 times)

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #25 on: 21 April, 2020, 07:35:01 am »
I agree that "do nothing" is not an option in some cases, certainly mine.  I was in excruciating pain and couldn't work (or even get decent night's sleep).

At least get it seen by a professional and then discuss the various options.  See upthread what worked for me.  Immediate relief of pain, back to work and not a twinge since.
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BrianI

  • Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Lepidopterist Man!
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #26 on: 21 April, 2020, 05:37:07 pm »
Anyhoo, call back from GP today. X-Ray results clear. The physio I saw online last night via video call contacted my GP as well, so I've now got some stronger pain relief co-codamol 30/500mg, along with some laxatives in case the co-codamol bungs me up (which would be a bad thing, considering my surgery for twisted bowel last year).

I should hopefully get contacted by the orthopaedic consultant in a few weeks time, so we'll see what that brings.

Meanwhile, I've got lots of homework to do from the physio. So hopefully the exercises, combined with the stronger pain relief should hopefully start to help with the trapped  nerve / frozen shoulder.    ::-)

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #27 on: 21 April, 2020, 05:46:23 pm »
All I got from the GP (12 years ago) was prescription strength codeine, no offer of physio or anything else.  I was extremely lucky in that it cleared up in 9 months.  My abiding memory is spasms of pain for no apparent reason which would almost cause me to black out.  I would be lying on the settee with the shoulder supported against the back of it, no problems and pain at a constant low (new version of low) level, when WHAM.  I was still able to ride, I suppose because riding takes your mind off things, but I had to be extremely careful about hand signals.

BrianI

  • Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Lepidopterist Man!
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #28 on: 21 April, 2020, 05:51:41 pm »
All I got from the GP (12 years ago) was prescription strength codeine, no offer of physio or anything else.  I was extremely lucky in that it cleared up in 9 months.  My abiding memory is spasms of pain for no apparent reason which would almost cause me to black out.  I would be lying on the settee with the shoulder supported against the back of it, no problems and pain at a constant low (new version of low) level, when WHAM.  I was still able to ride, I suppose because riding takes your mind off things, but I had to be extremely careful about hand signals.

I went with a local private physio (Benji Physio, Dunfermline), who happened to be doing online consultations during the covid-19 lockdown. First time using them, but I figured it was worth a try as they had good reviews.  Otherwise it'd probably be months till I would be able to see an NHS physio. Totally agree with you about the spasms of pain!  :'(

barakta

  • Bastard lovechild of Yomiko Readman and Johnny 5
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #29 on: 21 April, 2020, 06:18:55 pm »
Shoulders can be astonishingly painful. Mine isn't frozen, but I've got arthritis in one from very dodgy anatomy and the other isn't good but I'm not sure why. I had a nerve block which worked only for 3 weeks and by the time the pain service who had a staffing glitch before Covid, could see me again we were in lockdown... Shoulder pain can screw up your neck and back and also trigger migraines in some people.

Good luck with painkillers and physio, I hope it does the job to unlock you enough soonest!

BrianI

  • Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Lepidopterist Man!
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #30 on: 22 April, 2020, 05:44:08 pm »
Thanks Barakta.  So far the physio exercises are helping me regain some sort of normality in the range of movement of my shoulder.  Not helping much yet with regards to grip strength / wrist weakness... Hopefully that will come  back in time.

barakta

  • Bastard lovechild of Yomiko Readman and Johnny 5
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #31 on: 22 April, 2020, 05:48:25 pm »
That sounds like positive progress. I would expect grip and wrist stuff to take longer as it's further down the arm and it may take a while to build that back up. So hopefully will get there - don't overdo it either!

Keeping fingers crossed!

BrianI

  • Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Lepidopterist Man!
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #32 on: 22 April, 2020, 06:19:03 pm »
That sounds like positive progress. I would expect grip and wrist stuff to take longer as it's further down the arm and it may take a while to build that back up. So hopefully will get there - don't overdo it either!

Keeping fingers crossed!

Annoying that it's in my dominant hand though!  :hand:

BrianI

  • Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Lepidopterist Man!
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #33 on: 03 May, 2020, 04:57:46 pm »
I now have an appointment with the Orthopedic consultant on Wednesday 6th may. I was supposed to have an appointment last week, but I didn't get the hospital appointment letter delivered until after the appointment...

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #34 on: 03 May, 2020, 05:47:41 pm »
I now have an appointment with the Orthopedic consultant on Wednesday 6th may. I was supposed to have an appointment last week, but I didn't get the hospital appointment letter delivered until after the appointment...

Good news that you got an appointment so promptly. Let us know what transpires.  Good luck!
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BrianI

  • Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Lepidopterist Man!
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #35 on: 06 May, 2020, 10:57:34 am »
Well, I saw the consultant today.  He thinks it's a rotator cuff injury, which is causing the issues. The muscle is slightly inflamed, which he thinks is putting pressure on my tendons & nerves. SO meanwhile, keep taking the anti inflammatorys, and an appointment to see the NHS physio will be arranged.

Not long after getting back home, I had a call back from the consultant. He has spoken with his boss, the next stage will be an MRI scan of my neck.   :o

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #36 on: 06 May, 2020, 11:50:41 am »

If it's not a rotor cuff then it may be a C5/6 disc herniation.  The symptoms are  similar.  Perhaps  if  you had seen a neurologist they might have provide a different  diagnosis. An MRI scan will answer the  question.

Mine has  recently flared  up and so I am back on anti inflammatories and pain killers.  It seems to be calming down and should be gone within  the  next  couple of weeks.

When you  do get the diagnosis and treatment plan then  have a look at the Bob & Brad  physio  advice on  You Tube.  There's lots of  good advice there.

https://bobandbrad.com


In terms of  managing my condition  the single most important change I made was  to use a standing desk both at  work and at  home.  Actually at  home I use a standing shelf, but I  can tell  you more about that later.

In terms of cycling, yes  I  continued to cycle. In terms of my position on the  bike  then the best change made there was to ensure that my back was as long as  possible  and to have relaxed  shoulders. A  shorter, higher  stem was not the answer.

Good luck, keen  to hear more  from you.

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #37 on: 06 May, 2020, 11:56:29 am »
Good service - and quick.  Rotator cuff injury is a common diagnosis of FS and until they've done a scan they won't know the extent/location.

You're bloody lucky.  It takes me months to get an MRI scan where I live and only then if you go through many hoops - 2 or 3 GP visits and being insistent (I actually refused to leave the room on the last visit until they promised to refer me), a physio session, at least one consultant. I think it took me 4 months in total, and that was when I was unable to sleep properly and unable to work.

They will probably do the shoulder why they're at it - would be crazy not to!

Keep us posted!
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Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #38 on: 06 May, 2020, 12:54:00 pm »
Hello,
 Was your diagnosis disc herniation or rotor cuff?


I have, both times, been able to get an MRI  scan fairly quickly. They both confirmed and clarified the diagnosis.   

I also had  sleepless night, until I took gabapentin and amitryptiline. They were interesting drugs to take.
I now, very rarely, take Co-Codamol at night but prefer to avoid doing so. 

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #39 on: 06 May, 2020, 12:57:55 pm »
Hello,
 Was your diagnosis disc herniation or rotor cuff?

Mine was rotator cuff, finally "cured" by an injection of various fluids (see upthread).
The sound of one pannier flapping

BrianI

  • Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Lepidopterist Man!
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #40 on: 06 May, 2020, 08:29:33 pm »

If it's not a rotor cuff then it may be a C5/6 disc herniation.  The symptoms are  similar.  Perhaps  if  you had seen a neurologist they might have provide a different  diagnosis. An MRI scan will answer the  question.

Mine has  recently flared  up and so I am back on anti inflammatories and pain killers.  It seems to be calming down and should be gone within  the  next  couple of weeks.

When you  do get the diagnosis and treatment plan then  have a look at the Bob & Brad  physio  advice on  You Tube.  There's lots of  good advice there.

https://bobandbrad.com


In terms of  managing my condition  the single most important change I made was  to use a standing desk both at  work and at  home.  Actually at  home I use a standing shelf, but I  can tell  you more about that later.

In terms of cycling, yes  I  continued to cycle. In terms of my position on the  bike  then the best change made there was to ensure that my back was as long as  possible  and to have relaxed  shoulders. A  shorter, higher  stem was not the answer.

Good luck, keen  to hear more  from you.

Thanks! The physio I saw a couple of weeks ago (via online video call) suspects a trapped nerve in the neck at c6 level.

I did pop my comedy +35 degree 110mm stem back onto the tourer today, and I managed 24km, with a lot less discomfort due to the more upright position. Hopefully it won't be too long till I get the MRI scan. Meanwhile I'm going to keep doing the exercises the (private) physio I saw recommended.

Gattopardo

  • Lord of the sith
  • Overseaing the building of the death star
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #41 on: 02 March, 2021, 05:52:33 pm »
Any frozen shoulder suffers here that are also diabetic?


Additional: Been prescribed a month worth of naproxen and omeprazole via a phone interview.  Have had naproxen before but not omeprazole for naproxen. 

So how long on meds before anything else.


Gattopardo

  • Lord of the sith
  • Overseaing the building of the death star
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #42 on: 07 March, 2021, 05:48:49 pm »
Any exercise or physio stuff to help.

Gattopardo

  • Lord of the sith
  • Overseaing the building of the death star
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #43 on: 11 March, 2021, 03:18:37 pm »
Have been given naproxen (250 twice a day) and the shoulder is getting more painful.  Now having more issues getting dressed and undressed.

How long before things get better?

Gattopardo

  • Lord of the sith
  • Overseaing the building of the death star
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #44 on: 16 March, 2021, 05:30:20 pm »
Have decided to up my dose to 500mg twice a day and add some paracetamol for the pain.


Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #45 on: 16 March, 2021, 06:06:58 pm »
Sounds nasty. 

I currently have a frozen left shoulder - probably lifting concrete blocks before Xmas. Can only just get hand into small of back.  Fortunately not on painkillers, but it sometimes aches during the night. 

I e-contacted the GP surgery & was phoned by the physio who forwarded a link for info & exercises.  I had a look online and it's this, from Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (Oxford), in case useful - here's the link:

https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/shoulderandelbow/information/documents/A4FrozenShoulderAppendix3.pdf
Cycle and recycle.   SS Wilson

Gattopardo

  • Lord of the sith
  • Overseaing the building of the death star
Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #46 on: 17 March, 2021, 08:41:21 pm »
Thank you.

At least my hip and knee don't hurt any more.

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #47 on: 18 March, 2021, 02:15:14 pm »
I agree that "do nothing" is not an option in some cases, certainly mine.  I was in excruciating pain and couldn't work (or even get decent night's sleep).

At least get it seen by a professional and then discuss the various options.  See upthread what worked for me.  Immediate relief of pain, back to work and not a twinge since.
I got it in both shoulders at once, There was no position in which I could sleep properly, & opening doors at work (heavier than at home) was excruciating. With prescription-strength NSAIDs, then steroid injections, I could function almost normally, apart from riding a bike - a great loss. Still hurt, just not as much.

After the pain had more or less gone, I was left with reduced mobility in the worst affected shoulder, with little sign of it reducing, Physiotherapy helped a lot. Maybe it just accelerated the improvement, but if so it was a very welcome acceleration.
"A woman on a bicycle has all the world before her where to choose; she can go where she will, no man hindering." The Type-Writer Girl, 1897

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #48 on: 18 March, 2021, 02:18:31 pm »
Have been given naproxen (250 twice a day) and the shoulder is getting more painful.  Now having more issues getting dressed and undressed.

How long before things get better?
In my case, several months. It was over a year before the pain had gone, & then I needed physiotherapy to recover the movement in my left shoulder. The right was also affected, but not as badly.
"A woman on a bicycle has all the world before her where to choose; she can go where she will, no man hindering." The Type-Writer Girl, 1897

Re: Frozen shoulder...
« Reply #49 on: 18 March, 2021, 03:52:07 pm »
I'm surprised none of you have been offered hydrodilatation (see upthread). It was the magic cure for me - worked within minutes after months of debilitating pain and no recurrence since. Has to be approved by a specialist and it's a relatively new treatment.  No side-effects as far as I'm aware - certainly fewer than drugs.
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