Hi,
I am a 73 yrs old male. I was reasonable fit until I started with symptoms 6 months ago and I finally got my diagnosis of Lupus in February 2025.
My treatment started with a steroid injection and twice daily 200mg of Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate. Several symptoms eased on starting the meds, however, I have substantial pain in one shoulder. It prevents me from sleeping and stays with me despite the usual non-prescribed 'off the shelf' painkillers.
I would be grateful for any advice please.
Welcome. I get intermittent shoulder pain. I say intermittent but once it sets in, it can last for weeks. Like yourself, finding a position I can sleep in can be tricky and it will wake me if I have compressed the shoulder during sleep. I now sleep with a pillow compressed into my chest as it seems to relieve shoulder pressure, essentially good pillows help. Heat pads are great for relieving pain too. Having said all that, the shoulder will suddenly switch off and I won't hear from it for ages!
You mention a steroid injection. Was this a general one or one specifically into your shoulder? If it wasn't specific it might be something to consider with your Dr. Have you got a specialist nurse you can speak to? My rhuematology department has a clinic specifically to give steroid injections for painful joints etc- this might be a something they can refer you if appropriate. Sorry I can't be more helpful.
Hi, thank you, that is useful. I haven't used the nurse contact yet although the specialist has mentioned into me. I will contact them next week. In the meantime I will try the pillow tip.
wow, I too have recently been diagnosed with lupus- January 2025- symptoms got real sometime in the spring of 2024. Started with medicines for rheumatoid arthritis-hydroxycloquin- now starting benlysta as well. My biggest complaint was shoulder pain in my left shoulder. It took forever to realize it had nothing to do with lupus and I eventually got an MRI and it is a rotator cuff issue. Who would have thought to separate the complications…. I’ve had so much Motrin it’s insane- I see the orthopedic doctor late May. I super identified with what you said. Thank you
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