Rotator Cuff Issues

[Activity2004]

Since yesterday evening in bed, both of my rotator cuff muscles in both shoulders have been bothering me. I'm hoping I won't need to go into a Doctor's office about it since I don't have the time to do this. I have the exercise sheets saying what to do if that is what comes down to it, but I will give it a few more days and see if the pain goes away on its own, first. If it doesn't go away, then I may make an appointment and see what the doctor has to say. This is the worst possible time for this to have happen right now.

More later! Hope your day is going well.

[cherv]

I see this post is nearly a day old. What did you honey,you have not mentioned this you must be in such pain. I would see the doctor so you can get back on track with your business. You are a busy lady and need to be strong. Get well soon.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to cherv]

Thank you! I will try to get some of the exercises done soon.

[LibreLlama Volunteers]

Hi

I get this a lot too. There is something called 'Diabetic Shoulder' that is a lesser known side effect / complication of diabetes. I've asked my doctor about it, as I get it every few months. I can feel it coming on the day before and then it lasts for about 3-4 days. It's incredibly painful and I end up taking co-codamol to alleviate it, especially to get a good nights sleep. My doctor said it's something similar to neuropathy. I need to investigate it further though. I'll let you know what I find out.

Hope you are OK now.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to LibreLlama]

Thank you for the info.. I never knew that this could be related to diabetes. What can be done besides taking more mess.?

[LibreLlama Volunteers in reply to Activity2004]

I'm told not much. It's one of those things you just need to accept and live with, using the best pain management you can. It sucks!

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to LibreLlama]

That's not fair, but I see your point! Thanks for letting me know. How are you doing?

[cherv]

Concerned I know she controls her carb's but building supportive muscles with resistance training would be very beneficial. Excellent idea I hope she looks into this soon.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to cherv]

Will do!

[LibreLlama Volunteers]

Thanks concerned, I also manage my blood-glucose levels incredibly well using carb counting, dose adjustment and MDI. My last HbA1c was 52. I also stay fit and do exercise. It doesn't seem to help with the shoulder issue though. I might try more resistance training as you suggest, although I do find more rigorous exercise effects my blood-glucose levels dramatically. I've done an exercise programme with my DSN and she decided that moderate exercise was better for me, because I am so sensitive to my insulin. It's very difficult finding a balance.

[LibreLlama Volunteers]

Hi Concerned, no that's not critical. It depends on the day, but I don't eat a carb rich diet. I eat a lot of salad, vegetables, wholegrain rice, fish, seafood, lean chicken, and hardly any red meat. My weight and BMI are perfect. I have an ideal cholesterol level with good HDL and LDL levels and my blood-pressure is near perfect. I have been on the NHS run DAFNE course and further intensive dose-adjustment and pre-pump courses at my local hospital too. My diabetes consultant and his team have always maintained that it is very difficult if not impossible for people living with Type 1 Diabetes to achieve a perfect HbA1c level. It can be done with intensive treatment, but can lead to diabetes burn-out. hypoglycaemic unawareness and the risk of more hypos. They said I am achieving fantastic results using MDI and DA, so don't need to consider a pump. I have regular meetings with them to review my diabetes management and make teaks to my doses to tighten up control even further. I use the Accu-Chek Aviva Expert meter too, which is fantastic at helping to compensate for things like carbs, exercise, stress and illness etc. What is your carb regime?

[LibreLlama Volunteers]

That's the challenge with Type 1 Diabetes, balancing carbs with insulin to try and keep your blood-glucose levels between the normal range of 4mmol and 7mmol. There are so many variables that affect this, stress, travelling, illness, exercise, hot and cold weather, work, diet, other medications, sleeping patterns and hormone release etc. It's incredibly hard work and something you have to stay on top of 24/7 365 days a year. It's relentless and you get no break from it, but has to be done to limit long term damage and complications. I don't know anyone with Type 1 Diabetes that has been able to achieve perfect results. Advances in technology are helping us, which is great, but the best defence is understanding your condition and how it affects you. You have to be your own specialist.

[LibreLlama Volunteers]

Thanks Concerned, yes, I do try to keep my carb intake and insulin injections as consistent as possible. However, It’s not easy to stick to a regimented target, as living with Type 1 Diabetes means I have find a balance between self-medicating and lifestyle factors. Because of this I often have to eat carbs, usually at odd times like 3am, to raise my blood-glucose levels when they have gone low. I have to do this even when I am not hungry or don’t want food. I also need to do corrective doses of bolus insulin when my levels are high. I enjoy a varied diet too, but always aim to manage my carb intake tightly so as to keep them consistent, as this is the single most effective way of keeping my blood-glucose levels within the 4mmol – 7mmol range. As I mentioned, it’s a challenge, but one I meet head on because my body cannot do what a person without diabetes does naturally. Tools like the carb / bolus advisor on my Aviva Expert Meter and the diary and carb counter in the Carbs & Cals app are great for helping with this.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to LibreLlama]

Would you want to try and get a DEXCOM CGM of your own?

[LibreLlama Volunteers in reply to Activity2004]

Not sure, I don't know much about it, so need to read up on your posts a bit more. I do really, really well with MDI and so far my consultant has agreed that I won't see any additional benefit of being on a pump. So I am waiting for new technology like DEXCOM and the LIbre to make the switch more attractive :o)

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to LibreLlama]

DEXCOM ISN'T a pump. It's a Continuous blood Glucose monitor. You get bs every 5 minutes using a sensor under your skin every 7 days needing to change once a week. Helps me a lot and I'M TYPE 1 Diabetic.

[LibreLlama Volunteers in reply to Activity2004]

Yes, I like the sound of DEXCOM. I've worn CGM before and love it. The new Abbott Libre will be great too, when supply is sorted out and it becomes more widely available again. I will read the DEXCOM posts.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to LibreLlama]

Sounds good to me!