Hi all, I have had something of a triple whammy and I am feeling rather fragile.
Firstly, I saw my shoulder surgeon who ordered a CT scan of my neck to investigate why I am in so much pain despite surgery last October. He confirmed what I did not want to hear that I have degeneration of cervical discs C4-C7 which is having a huge impact on my shoulder, and the pain in my shoulder is making the neck worse.
Secondly, I was sent immediately to ultrasound to see what else is happening. The doctor who performed it said that he was not looking at a shoulder that has been operated on. The tendon is thickening and has no more room to move, there is degeneration of the rotator cuff and definite sign of debris and (synovitis / tendonitis) - inflammation causing further pain in the joint. He gave me a cortisone injection under local anaesthetic yet again, in the hope that it will bring some respite before I am offered a nerve block in July.
Thirdly, I went to my GP for the results of the liver scan and blood tests. I now have NAFLD, very raised LDH (495 - up from 271 in February) (reference range 20-220) and slightly elevated ALT 59 (reference range 5-40). Also, my WBC count has just pipped the upper end of normal (ref 0-11) mine being 11.2. Thankfully she allowed me to raise my Thyroxine back up to 100mg from 75, so I hope that this helps at least part of me to have some respite.
Further, as you all know, I have had horrendous abdominal pain and acid reflux for 7 months now. The GP is ordering me an endoscopy as in her own words, "I don't like the sound of those symptoms" and at 53, told me I was at much higher risk (of what she was alluding to I am not sure exactly).
My friends, I am in such a mess and over the weekend developed palpitations so bad that I couldn't sleep for 2 nights - probably stress.
I have now gone on the supply teaching register as I could not manage my regular teaching job. I am so thankful though that I have had no calls this week and have been able to rest, though I can't go on like that for too much longer.
Do you think any of this could be linked to UCTD / MCTD? Any comments on the blood results and synovitis?
always glad of your advice.
BB